Research Scientist

Research Scientist

Our client, a leader in the technology sector, is seeking a Research Scientist IV to join their team. As a Research Scientist IV, you will be part of the Machine Learning Foundations supporting the Input ML Systems team. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities which will align successfully in the organization.

Location: Remote

Pay Range: 60-70/hr

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to advance the future of human-computer interaction within Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality. This role bridges machine learning systems for hand pose and gesture recognition with human biomechanics and ergonomics research, ensuring that cutting-edge models are not only accurate but also comfortable and intuitive for end users. The ideal candidate combines expertise in ML operations, data quality, and statistical analysis with strong foundations in human participant research, biomechanics, and motion data processing. You will work closely with engineers, prototypers, and fellow researchers to design and evaluate next-generation interaction systems that feel seamless, natural, and magical.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and conduct human-subject studies exploring natural motion, biomechanics, and user comfort in AR/VR input systems.
• Lead data acquisition, annotation, and quality assurance for machine learning hand pose and gesture recognition models.
• Develop and execute ML training, evaluation, and experimentation pipelines, including performance analysis and failure investigations.
• Collect and analyze biomechanical and physiological time-series data (kinematics, EMG, force), applying statistical and computational methods to extract insights.
• Build and maintain data processing and visualization pipelines using Python (pandas, matplotlib, etc.), Matlab, or R.
• Integrate and synchronize sensors and research equipment (motion capture, EMG, force plates, accelerometers, etc.) with ML workflows.
• Translate technical findings into clear documentation, reports, and presentations for cross-disciplinary teams.
• Partner with engineers and prototypers to ensure ML models and device designs are aligned with human factors principles.
• Stay current with advances in machine learning, biomechanics, and interaction research, applying new methods to ongoing projects.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Human Factors, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in machine learning operations, data analysis, and visualization.
• Proficiency in Python (pandas, numpy, matplotlib, seaborn, etc.) and experience with statistical analysis and data quality pipelines.
• Demonstrated expertise with biomechanical research methods (motion capture, EMG, force sensors, kinematics).
• Proven track record of designing and executing human participant studies.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with a record of publishing or presenting scientific research.
• Familiarity with Linux environments, experimental design, and research lab equipment setup/maintenance.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) for gesture or pose recognition.
• Knowledge of ergonomics, human anatomy, and motor control in applied computing contexts.
• Hands-on experience integrating ML models with physical prototypes.
• Ability to translate research requirements into clear instructions for moderators, participants, and engineering teams.
• Self-driven and adaptable, with strong problem-solving and experimental analysis skills.