Research Scientist/Research Audiologist
Business Unit: Widex Office of Research in Clinical Amplification
Department Title: Office of Research in Clinical Amplification
Position Title: Research Scientist or Research Audiologist
Reports To: VP of Office of Research in Clinical Amplification
FLSA Status: Exempt
Mission Statement
WS Audiology’s mission is to provide the absolute best hearing aids and customer services. We offer the most advanced, natural sound on the market. Our products let people connect and communicate easily. Helping people hear is our business.
Job Summary
The Widex Office of Research in Clinical Amplification (ORCA-USA) in Lisle, IL USA is looking for a Research Scientist with an emphasis in cognitive sciences and knowledge of signal processing. This position is heavily involved in all phases of clinical research in cognition and its relevance in hearing aid feature evaluation and development.
Essential Responsibilities
o Share of office responsibilities
o Recruitment and management of test subjects
o Review assigned Widex publications since 1997 to gain familiarity with its products, design rationale and competitive advantages
o Programming and evaluation of hearing aids using commercial tools (programming software, real-ear system, hearing aid test box, various speech tests)
o Manage database and provide bimonthly update on research literature pertaining
- Trends in cognitive science including consumer applications
- Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of hearing and cognition
- Neurophysiological techniques (auditory evoked responses, imaging etc) in measuring cognition
- Behavioral tools in measuring cognition and attention
- Lead discussion group on cognition and hearing
- Market intelligence on use of cognitive techniques and competitor hearing aids
- Help design study protocol
- Generate research ideas on using neuro- and cognitive science techniques to document hearing aid benefits
- Generate and write research protocols on using cognitive measurements to validate hearing aid benefits
- Selection/development of suitable evaluation tools for evaluation
o Prepare and set-up studies
- Set up cognitive science laboratory
- Write computer programs pertaining to data collection and analysis during studies
- Set up lab equipment for behavioral and relevant electrophysiological measurements
- Use of and calibrate appropriate audio equipment (audiometer, sound level meter, amplifier etc)
o Data collection on all studies
- Run subjects and follow up
- Manage subject schedule
o Data reduction and analysis
- Familiarity and utilization of major statistical packages and principles
- Mentor other staff members on statistical principles
- Analysis for significance, trends etc for ALL studies at ORCA-USA related and unrelated to cognitive studies
o Data dissemination
- Create power-point presentations on relevant studies and topics
- Detailed report on all assigned studies
- Presentation of study findings at major professional meetings and internal meetings (as required and assigned)
- Publications through peer-reviewed and trade journals.
o Coordination with external sites on collaborative studies
Knowledge and Skills Required
o Degree (MS or PhD) in audiology, hearing sciences, cognitive psychology, biomedical or electrical engineering (specializes in signal processing).
o Good working knowledge of all behavioral, electrophysiological and neurophysiological recording methods related to hearing
o Excellent oral and written communication skills
o Must possess computer hardware and software skills
o Strong statistics background
o Experience in audio systems and music is very helpful
o Strong organization and analytical skills
o Attention to details
o Compassionate during interaction with patients / participants
Expectation of Staff
Adheres to Company Policy and Procedures: Acts as a role model within and outside the Company: Performs duties as workload necessitates: Maintains a positive and respectful attitude: Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues: Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload: Consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of position: Meets Department productivity standards.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee can regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
The above statements are meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.
The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, completing task and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.
Incumbents within this position may be required to assist or find appropriate assistance to make accommodations for disabled individuals in order to ensure access to the company’s services (may include: visitors, patients, employees, or others).