Research Manager, Foundation Models
RunwaySalary not specified
Full Time
Junior (1 to 2 years)
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Healthcare, Wearable Technology, FitnessIndustries
Requirements
- Demonstrated expertise in AI/ML through an advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) or equivalent professional experience delivering large-scale AI systems
- 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, including 5+ years leading and scaling high-performing technical organizations
- Successful track record building and deploying large foundation models that generalize across diverse downstream tasks and drive measurable business or product impact
- Experience translating cutting-edge AI research into products with meaningful real-world impact for end users
- Deep knowledge of modern deep learning architectures, multimodal data integration, and large language model fine-tuning
- Experience with lifecycle management of large foundational models in a production environment, including versioning, monitoring, and evaluation
- Familiarity with MLOps best practices, distributed systems, and model serving in high-throughput environments
- Proven ability to set AI strategy, manage substantial compute budgets, and align cross-functional teams around ambitious goals
- Exceptional communication and influence skills, with experience engaging executives, external partners, and technical teams
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and deployment of large foundation models across multimodal data sources (wearable sensor data, language, blood biomarkers, clinical datasets, and self-reported inputs), ensuring research translates into member-facing value
- Help define and drive WHOOP’s long-term AI strategy, aligning technical innovation with company goals in health, performance, and longevity
- Build, grow, and mentor a high-performing AI team, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-accountability culture while enabling career development
- Partner with MLOps, data engineering, and software engineering to scale and serve foundation models in high-throughput, production environments
- Partner cross-functionally with product, strategy, and business leaders to translate foundation model capabilities into features that drive tangible member value
- Own and optimize WHOOP’s AI compute and infrastructure budget, balancing cutting-edge research with cost efficiency and scalability
- Ensure the ethical, transparent, and privacy-preserving use of AI across all applications, proactively addressing bias, fairness, and explainability in model development and deployment
- Communicate vision, milestones, and progress to executives and cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring alignment and organizational buy-in
Skills
Key technologies and capabilities for this role
Questions & Answers
Common questions about this position
What qualifications are required for the Director of Foundation AI role?
Candidates need demonstrated expertise in AI/ML through an advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) or equivalent professional experience delivering large-scale AI systems, along with at least 10+ years of relevant experience.
What is the salary for this position?
This information is not specified in the job description.
Is this role remote or does it require office work?
This information is not specified in the job description.
What kind of team culture does WHOOP foster for this role?
The role involves building, growing, and mentoring a high-performing AI team, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-accountability culture while enabling career development.
What makes a strong candidate for the Director of Foundation AI position?
The ideal candidate has deep expertise in large-scale AI/ML, proven success in deploying foundation models, strong leadership experience building high-performing teams, and combines technical excellence with organizational leadership.
Whoop
Wearable fitness tracker with personalized insights
About Whoop
WHOOP offers a fitness membership that focuses on improving personal health and performance through a wearable device called the WHOOP Strap 3.0. This device continuously collects physiological data, including heart rate, sleep patterns, and recovery levels, to provide users with personalized recommendations on their daily activity, sleep needs, and readiness for performance. Unlike many competitors, WHOOP operates on a subscription model, where users pay a fee to access the membership, which includes the device and continuous insights through the WHOOP app. This model not only provides a steady revenue stream but also fosters a strong community among users, encouraging engagement through teams, challenges, and social features. The goal of WHOOP is to help users optimize their health and performance while minimizing injury risk.
Boston, MassachusettsHeadquarters
2012Year Founded
$393.7MTotal Funding
SERIES_FCompany Stage
Data & Analytics, HealthcareIndustries
501-1,000Employees
Benefits
Take Time Off: Time outside of the office is important for sleep, strain and recovery! Our PTO plan encourages members to take time off in order to come back refreshed.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle: Our competitive benefits package includes premium medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents. Life and disability insurance are also available.
Feel Invested: In addition to a competitive base salary and 401k, you're eligible to receive stock options to share in the future of WHOOP. Work means more when you have personal stake. You have ownership in what we are building.
Eat Well: Keep hunger at bay with endless snacks in our fully stocked kitchen. Enjoy catered team lunches on Friday, and even a cold brew keg.
Know The Product: We want you to understand and experience the product firsthand. We offer you a WHOOP strap and membership at no cost.
Be Active: Take advantage of our office gym and on-site showers! WHOOP also offers a $500 yearly wellness perk for fitness classes and memberships.
Be Present: It’s important to be present when bringing home a new family member. Take care of your loved ones with 12 weeks paid parental leave, plus an additional 2 weeks to gradually return to work.
Love Where You Work: Sitting in the heart of Fenway, our beautiful office overlooks Fenway Park. A prime location for great food, not to mention catching a Sox game, too!
Work Hard, Play Harder: If we don't already have a club here that fits your lifestyle and interests, you're encouraged to start one. Share your passions with others at work, or discover new ones!
Risks
Increased competition from brands like Oura and Fitbit threatens market share.
Privacy concerns over data collection could lead to regulatory challenges.
Economic downturns may affect consumer willingness to pay subscription fees.
Differentiation
WHOOP offers 24/7 physiological data tracking with its WHOOP Strap 3.0.
The company provides personalized health insights for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
WHOOP's subscription model includes a community aspect for user engagement.
Upsides
WHOOP's partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo boosts brand visibility and credibility.
Expansion into 56 markets enhances WHOOP's global presence and growth potential.
Collaborations with brands like Assos strengthen WHOOP's position in sports technology.
Related Jobs
RemoteRemoteHead of Research & Development (AI / Computer Vision)
Panopto$300,000 - $400,000/year
- Full Time
- Senior (5 to 8 years)
RemoteResearch Scientist - Voice AI Foundations
Deepgram$150,000 - $220,000/year
- Full Time
- Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)
RemoteSenior Director, AI Research
DataminrSalary not specified
- Full Time
- Expert & Leadership (9+ years)
RemoteSenior 3D AI Generalist
Global WorldwideSalary not specified
- Full Time
- Mid-level (3 to 4 years)
RemoteDirector of Strategic Consulting
AbleSalary not specified
- Full Time
- Expert & Leadership (9+ years)
RemoteDirector of Machine Learning, Dataset Engineering
RunwaySalary not specified
- Full Time
- Senior (5 to 8 years)
RemoteAI Researcher (Large Language Models)
TavusSalary not specified
- Full Time
- Mid-level (3 to 4 years)
RemoteDirector of AI Development
BloomerangSalary not specified
RemoteResearch Scientist - Trustworthy AI
NVIDIASalary not specified
- Full Time
- Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)
RemoteAI Innovation & Solutions Director
Global Strategy GroupSalary not specified
- Full Time
- Senior (5 to 8 years)
RemoteDirector of AI
CerenceSalary not specified
RemoteChief of Staff
DeepgramSalary not specified
- Full Time
- Expert & Leadership (9+ years)
RemoteAI / ML Platform Engineer
WhatNotSalary not specified