Stryker ’s Research & Technology Development (R&TD) T eam are looking for a curious and visionary Principal R esearcher and Concept Designe r to explore and push the boundaries of technology and clinical innovation at Stryker ’s Innovation Centre in Cork, Ireland . This role blends human-centered analytical research with creative ideation to conceptualize groundbreaking solutions that address unmet clinical needs and improve patient outcomes .
R&T D focus es on early-stage, high-risk research and technology initiatives that are 5–10 years away from commercialization. You will work with our cross-functional team on early-stage projects across various business unit s . Your role is to carry out empathic user research, converting insights into ideation concepts with consideration for Desirability, Feasibility and Viability (DFV) , ensur ing a robust transfer in to our New Product Development ( NPD ) teams .
We are looking for someone who thrives in the front-end of innovation , blending clinical needs and technology applications in compelling , human centered concepts . This role is ideal for designers who are curious and self-driven, love solving complex challenges, and want to make foundational contributions that will shape the medical devices of tomorrow.
Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals perform their jobs more efficiently while enhancing patient care. The company offers a diverse array of innovative medical technologies, including reconstructive, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine products to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives.
Join us to help shape what’s next—before the market even knows it needs it.
T his role is hybrid with the expectation to be on-site in Cork, Ireland.
WHO WE WANT
We want-
User-focused creators. Passionate c reative leaders who design with the user in mind, developing medical devices that help change patients’ lives and create the next generation of user experience in the OR .
Curious learners. Designers driven by deep empathy for users, and passionate about transforming ambiguity into clarity . People who seek out cutting-edge research and information to expand and enhance their ability to design medical devices .
Collaborative partners. People who build and leverage cross-functional relationships to bring together ideas, information, use case s, and industry analyses and lead the develop ment of best practices.
Analytical problem solvers. People who go beyond just identify ing root causes but evaluate optimal solutions and recommend comprehensive upgrades to prevent future issues.
This role is a key contributor to our cross-functional research team, collaborating with engineering & marketing to research and design digital and physical solutions for cutting-edge medical devices .
WHAT YOU WILL DO
As a member of the Research and Technology Development team, you will be at the front end of research — diving deep into user insights, emerging technologies, and clinical procedures to create concepts that enhance existing portfolios and inspire future product and system solutions.
Conduct Exploratory Research
Investigate emerging medical trends, technologies, and patient needs
Analyze data from clinical sources, academic research, and market signals
Ideate & Conceptualize
Translate insights into novel device concepts, services, and experiences
Create design mockups, storyboards, or prototypes to communicate ideas
Collaborate Cross-Functionally
Partner with clinicians, engineers, and product teams to step through the research process (DFV)
Facilitate ideation workshops and innovation sprints
Develop & Iterate
Conduct user interviews and feedback loops with healthcare professionals
Refine concepts based on technical constraints and user input
Prototype development aligned to the requirements of the DFV stage gates for successful transfer into NPD
Document & Present
Deliver concept decks, design documentation, and pitch materials
Advocate for the vision in stakeholder meetings and innovation reviews
WHAT YOU NEED
Core skills-
Experience with ethnographic research and design thinking methodologies
Knowledge of UX design for medical devices including digital health solutions
Strong visual and verbal communication
Proven skills in prototyping and manufacturing technologies
Qualifications-
Bachelor’s degree in User Experience (UX) Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Interaction Design, Industrial Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field. BFA or BS required .
10+ years of professional experience in UX or Interaction Design
Proven experience with a portfolio that showcases your design process and outcomes.
Proficiency in leading design and research tools including Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino 3D, Keyshot , Figma, Miro , and others.
Experience in the medical device field is a strong plus .
