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Senior Specialist - Sports Science

Location: Zurich

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Innovation

In short

Sports Science is the engine of innovation at On. You will design and carry out high impact research, in the field and in the lab, to define the next frontier of performance footwear. Bridging the gap between science and performance, you’ll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of developers, designers, PMs, and engineers to translate biomechanical insights into groundbreaking product advancements. Your mission is to elevate athlete performance and craft unique consumer experiences by pushing the boundaries of sports science. As a Sr Specialist, you will report to the Senior Lead of Sports Science on the Sports Science team.

Your Mission

Pioneer the Scientific Frontier: Architect and spearhead high-impact, proprietary research to engineer the next breakthroughs in footwear technology. You are responsible for deconstructing complex physiological and biomechanical phenomena into advanced experimental frameworks that redefine the absolute limits of human performance.
Command Evidence-Based Innovation: Serve as the authoritative scientific bridge, distilling high-level biomechanical data into disruptive product features. You will direct design and development teams with elite-level technical insights, providing the scientific mandate required to execute bold, industry-leading performance innovations.
Validate Global Product Standards: Orchestrate a rigorous scientific audit of the innovation lifecycle, benchmarking interdisciplinary outputs against elite performance metrics. You will hold the final authority at key development milestones, delivering the data-backed "green light" that ensures every product creates a revolutionary, evidence-verified athlete experience.

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Your story

PhD in Sports Science, Kinesiology or Mechanical Engineering focused on Biomechanics
3+ years of progressive working experience in sports science and/or engineering environment, preferably related to footwear
Experience developing and executing rigorous testing methodologies within agile environments
Expertise in biomechanical research tools including motion capture, force plates, IMU’s, and metabolic analyzers with a strong understanding of applications to athlete performance
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB and Visual3D and other relevant software
Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Excellent time management, prioritization skills and ability to balance short-term tasks with long-term goals
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Action orientated through execution with a continued growth mindset
Fluent in English (written and spoken).

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About the Team

The Sports Science Lab (SSL) is an innovative team working to convert cutting-edge theories into exceptional performance products. Our team consists of a great mix of different backgrounds and experiences which blend into a lively, high-energy environment. We’re quick to support each other on research projects as we strive to execute high-impact research. By bridging the gap between controlled laboratory data and real-world athletic performance, we ensure that every insight we uncover leads to a measurable advantage on the field.

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Dina

Footwear Testing Lead

We touch every product that's being made because we bring the connection to the human being. So while everyone's excited about products, materials and colors, we go and say, “okay, so what does this actually do for the human?”

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What we offer

On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose.

On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.

Build the better you

What to expect

We want to set everyone up for success, so here’s the lowdown on how we hire. Our process is a two-way street – bringing you into our culture, while helping us learn how you think.

Our full process can last about eight weeks from application to offer, because we care about getting it right. These steps explain how we usually do things.

Before you get started, feel free to consider if you want to work with us. Strange question? Well, we give people a lot of space to navigate their day-to-day and that style isn't for everyone. We want you to be passionate about what you do and be sure this is the right fit. Because when skills and passion combine – it creates that 'Wow' moment.