Research Operations Associate

About the Role

We're looking for a highly organized and proactive Research Operations Associate to help manage and scale our research operations in San Francisco. You'll own the day-to-day execution of research activities, coordinate participants and resources, manage operational workflows, and ensure our research processes run efficiently and consistently. This is a highly hands-on role that requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, technical curiosity, and the ability to manage multiple moving parts independently. You'll work closely with our engineering and research teams to improve operational efficiency, maintain high quality standards, and help scale our research infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and coordinate day-to-day research operations and activities.
• Manage participant recruitment, scheduling, communication, and coordination.
• Organize research sessions, resources, equipment, and logistical requirements.
• Oversee the execution of structured research workflows and ensure adherence to established protocols.
• Operate and maintain specialized research equipment and internal software tools.
• Monitor operational quality, identify issues, and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and operational tracking systems.
• Coordinate with engineering and research teams to support evolving project requirements.
• Develop and improve processes to increase efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Take ownership of operational challenges and independently drive solutions.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured procedures consistently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple schedules, people, and operational priorities.
• Comfortable learning and working with technical equipment and software.
• Resourceful, proactive, and capable of solving problems independently.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving startup environment.
• Willingness to work hands-on in an on-site research environment.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Experience in research operations, lab management, study coordination, or technical operations.
• Preferred: Experience managing research participants, scheduling, or logistics.
• Preferred: Familiarity with technical research environments, hardware, or specialized equipment.
• Preferred: Background in engineering, psychology, kinesiology, human-computer interaction, or related fields.
• Preferred: Experience building and improving operational processes.
• Prior experience in robotics or AI is not required.