Senior Researcher (Short-Term Assignment)

At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance and healthspan. WHOOP empowers members to optimize their performance through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives. WHOOP Labs is the research and hardware validation arm of WHOOP. Our work focuses on conducting human trials to validate next-gen features and technology.

As a Senior Researcher in WHOOP Labs, you will serve as the primary research lead for hardware-related studies in the lab. You’ll collaborate closely with the Hardware team to ensure rigorous validation of new devices, components, and systems. You’ll play a key role in aligning WHOOP Labs’ testing strategy with hardware priorities, participating in roadmap discussions, and advocating for robust, data-driven hardware development. This is currently a 6-month short-term assignment.

*This role is based in the WHOOP office located in Boston, MA. The successful candidate must be prepared to relocate if necessary to work out of the Boston, MA office.*

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the lab’s stakeholder relationship with the Hardware team, serving as the primary research liaison across NPI and CI initiatives
• Work collaboratively with WHOOP Labs Research Operations to collect, scope, and schedule hardware testing and validation requests
• Represent WHOOP Labs in cross-functional planning and roadmap meetings, aligning research capabilities with hardware team priorities
• Independently triage and prioritize incoming hardware testing requests, balancing stakeholder needs and resource availability
• Lead protocol design and refinement for hardware validation studies, including identifying and sourcing third-party devices for benchmarking
• Partner with Engineering teams to develop test methods that bridge from Benchtop to Human Subjects
• Train other WHOOP Labs research coordinators to ensure high quality and consistent study execution across sessions
• Build strong relationships with other stakeholder teams when relevant (e.g., Signal Processing, Product, and Hardware Quality), whose work may intersect with your projects
• Manage the use and upkeep of data collection equipment and support the day-to-day operations of the Lab, including data quality monitoring and device/platform troubleshooting
• Provide a best-in-class experience to study participants, following best practices for human subjects research and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
• Serve as an ambassador for the Lab and the WHOOP brand

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with both hardware systems and applied research
• Experience in a validation, prototyping, or R&D environment strongly preferred
• Ability to navigate technical discussions, understand product development timelines, and advocate for high-quality research practices
• Strong technological background and working knowledge of data management systems
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust with cross-functional partners and participants
• Strong attention to detail
• Professional, timely, and organized

Interested in the role but don’t meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply! At WHOOP, we believe there’s more to a candidate than what’s on paper, and we value character as much as experience. As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive environment, we welcome all applicants.

WHOOP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-verify to determine employment eligibility. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.