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Sports Performance Research Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Director of Product

Springfield, OR · On-site

$241K - $252K/yr

Richardson Sports is looking for a highly skilled and well-rounded Director of Product to lead ... Use sales data, margin analysis, inventory performance, customer insights, and market feedback to ...

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Sports Performance Research information

See Oregon salary details

$8

$27

$53

How much do sports performance research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports performance research in Oregon is $27.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $31.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Sports Performance Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Sports Performance Research, you need a solid background in exercise science, physiology, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, biomechanical measurement systems, and relevant certifications such as CSCS or ACSM are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with athletes and coaches. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, practical application of findings, and ongoing improvement in athletic performance.

What are the main challenges faced when collaborating with coaches and athletes in a Sports Performance Research role?

One of the main challenges in Sports Performance Research is effectively communicating complex data and findings to coaches and athletes, who may not have a scientific background. Building trust and ensuring your research is practical and actionable is essential, as stakeholders often look for immediate, tangible benefits. Additionally, balancing rigorous scientific methodology with the fast-paced, results-driven environment of sports can be demanding. Collaborators may have tight schedules or varying priorities, so being adaptable and proactive in your communication is key to driving impactful results.

What is sports performance research?

Sports performance research is the scientific study of factors that influence athletic performance, including physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and technology. Researchers in this field aim to understand how athletes can train more effectively, prevent injuries, and optimize their abilities. This research often involves testing new training methods, analyzing movement patterns, and developing strategies to improve both individual and team performance. The findings contribute to advancements in coaching, sports medicine, and athlete development.

What is the highest paying job in sports?

In sports performance research, high-paying roles include senior sports scientists, sports medicine physicians, and performance directors, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and extensive experience in sports science, biomechanics, or related fields.

What is the highest paying job in sports science?

In sports science, high-paying roles include sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers with advanced certifications, and performance directors in professional sports organizations. These positions often require advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and extensive experience, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the level of responsibility and organization size.

What does a sports researcher do?

A sports researcher studies athletic performance, training methods, and sports science to improve athlete outcomes. They analyze data, conduct experiments, and use tools like motion analysis and physiological testing to develop evidence-based training strategies. This role often requires knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, and research methods, and may involve working in labs or sports environments.

What is the difference between Sports Performance Research vs Sports Scientist?

AspectSports Performance ResearchSports Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in sports science, research certificationsDegree in sports science, exercise physiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, sports organizationsClinics, sports teams, fitness centers
Employer & IndustryAcademic institutions, research firms, sports organizationsSports teams, health clinics, fitness industry
Primary FocusConducting research to improve athletic performanceApplying scientific principles to optimize athlete performance

Sports Performance Research primarily focuses on conducting scientific studies to understand and improve athletic performance, often working in research settings. In contrast, Sports Scientists apply scientific knowledge directly to athletes and teams to enhance performance through practical interventions. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in their work environment and primary objectives.

What jobs can you get with a sports performance degree?

A sports performance degree can lead to careers such as sports performance coach, strength and conditioning specialist, athletic trainer, or sports scientist. These roles often require knowledge of exercise science, training techniques, and sometimes certifications like CSCS or NSCA. Job environments include gyms, sports teams, fitness centers, and research facilities.
What are popular job titles related to Sports Performance Research jobs in Oregon? For Sports Performance Research jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sports Performance Research jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Performance Research jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Sports Performance Research jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Sports Performance Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Sports Performance Research job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,679 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Principal Neuroscience Researcher, Sensory Explore

Principal Neuroscience Researcher, Sensory Explore

Nike

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Nike rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 274 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

Innovation is oxygen for NIKE, Inc., and the company depends on its talented, global workforce to breathe originality and curiosity into everything they do. The Nike Advanced Innovation team strives for lighter, faster, bigger, smarter, smaller, more efficient, more sustainable and more personal. They imagine, research, analyze and invent the next industry-changing technology to advance athletic performance. In roles that span research, design, materials and manufacturing, the Advanced Innovation team looks to the future and focuses on making the seemingly impossible, possible.
The Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) is a multidisciplinary team of researchers, innovators, and scientists who lead with science to make athletes* measurably better. We deliver validated insights and state-of-the-art capabilities to drive the future of Nike products and services. As diverse as our athletes* are, our evidence-based solutions meet the constantly evolving demands of sport and life. We apply scientific methods and research results to drive new concepts and platforms across multiple innovation teams.
WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH
As our Principal Neuroscience Researcher, Sensory Explore , you will work as an applied expert and influence creative product teams across NXT and Nike. You will engage with teams at different points in the spectrum of concept development, from those looking to understand athlete sensory science opportunities, to teams that have ideas and solutions in mind.You will be "hands-on" with product "solutioning" in collaboration with a variety of teams including but not limited to innovation, product development, and tech. You will report on and share storytelling of program progress and impactful insights with a variety of Nike leaders.You will mentor, guide and lead researchers on the team in a portfolio of work.You will also work with researcher experts in the field and around the world to help inform and execute your portfolio of work.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We're looking for a Principal Researcher, Sensory Explore. This role leads the implementation of a Sensory Explore research program at Nike - defining strategy, aligning stakeholders, and being a creative catalyst for new innovation - through a portfolio of evidence-based research programs in the Nike Sport Research Lab. Whether for performance, experience, modifying behavior, or stimulating the senses, your research will aim at understanding the product and service levers that can provide measurable and palpable benefits for athletes across gender, sport and geographies.
The candidate needs to be an applied, creative expert in the areas of neuroscience, sensory science or related field and have the ability to lead a team of researchers and influence creative product teams across Nike.
WHAT YOU BRING
  • Master's degree in Sensory Science, Neuroscience, Psychology or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.

  • 10+ years expertise in neuroscience and sensory science, with the skills and ability to conduct research and apply scientific insights.

  • Technologist: understands and has experience in applying and developing the state of the art in technical tools and techniques in the area of neuroscience and sensory science

  • Experience in creation of a vision and strategy with respect to implementation of sensory science capabilities and knowledge to product or service.

  • Experience in executing research agendas, with specific expertise in the scientific method, including but not limited to: observation, formulation of testable hypotheses, experimental design, statistical methods, data analysis and interpretation of results.

  • Experience driving a portfolio of research aimed at understanding the product and service levers through an enhanced sensory engagement lens.

  • Experience leading and mentoring researchers.

  • Applied: Looking for someone who has a proven track record of applying scientific knowledge and insights to products or services. Willing to jump in and get "hands-on" with product and prototyping.

  • Creative scientist, with experience or aptitude for acting as a catalyst for new product innovation. Open and able to work effectively with creative and technical product teams across NXT and Nike.

  • Skilled and experienced in communicating scientific research, and insights and story telling to both scientist and non-scientists.

  • Bonus: knowledge and experience in Behavior Science

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON
As the Principal Researcher, Sensory Explore, you will create a vision and strategy for implementation of a Sensory Explore and neuroscience research capability at Nike. You will also create the opportunity landscape, with recommendations for where Nike should focus.
  • You will be a driver of a robust portfolio of research aimed at stimulating and influencing the body's sensory system to provide enhanced experiences and performance with products and services, with a focus across gender, sport, geographies and abilities.

  • As a creative catalyst for new product innovation, you will apply scientific knowledge and insights to new products and services across different innovation teams..You will be the knowledge-based expert at Nike in the area of neuroscience and sensory science as it applies to the opportunities for Nike.

  • As the Principal Sensory Researcher, you will represent Nike at external conferences and with media.

  • As a technologist, you will drive the use of and development of new and creative measurement / technical tools and work cross-funcitonally with Nike tech teams.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

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