Head of research – ai for cardiac ultrasound

Head of Research – AI for Cardiac Ultrasound


Job go live date: Now

Position: Permanent / Full-time

Visa /Workpermit:Must be authorized to work in France or eligible for relocation

Location: Bordeaux, France / Full Remote

Salary: Competitive package depending on seniority, likely between €75k – €85k

Language: Applicants are required to master English, orally and in writing


About DESKi

DESKi has built HeartFocus, a revolutionary, AI-driven heart exam software, and FDA cleared that empowers any healthcare professional to perform world-class echos from any device, anywhere.

Driven by the belief No heart can wait ™, HeartFocus provides a life-saving solution for heart patients, facilitating early detection and disease prevention. After 4 years of research and having secured its financing, DESKi will start commercialization in 2025 in the USA.

With our HQ based in Bordeaux, France, we have strong international aspirations, offering a career built on a purpose-led company, day-to-day work in partnership with a passionate team, with amazing tech, that brings true innovation to healthcare

Check our website: https://www.heartfocus.ai/


Our comprehensive total rewards support you

* Salary: likely €75,000 – €85,000 annually, depending on experience. May be eligible for equity.
* Time Off: 25 days of paid leave; full salary continuation during sick leave.
* Remote Work: 2 days/week remote or full remote possible.
* Health Insurance: Alan – 60% of premiums covered for employees and dependents
* Transportation : Public transit reimbursement or sustainable mobility allowance
* Meals: Meal vouchers provided

Your Position

As Head of Research – AI for Cardiac Ultrasound, you will lead DESKi’s AI and clinical research efforts to deliver next-generation medical imaging algorithms. You will manage our Doppler and pediatric features, oversee AI regulatory validation, and align research with clinical and product strategy.

This role reports directly to the CEO.


Your Mission

* Deliver clinically validated AI models for HeartFocus Doppler and pediatric use cases
* Lead AI performance testing and validation sections for FDA (including PCCP) and CE submissions
* Design and implement strategies for data collection and model performance evaluation
* Apply for and secure at least one R&D grant (e.g., Horizon Europe, Bpifrance)
* Support clinical operations in building and maintaining data pipelines
* Manage and grow the AI/ML R&D team

Your Requirements

* 7+ years in AI/ML or clinical research, with proven experience in applied computer vision
* Track record of leading AI projects from research to validation, with structured methodology
* Understanding of regulatory expectations for AI-based SaMD (e.g., 510(k), CE)
* Strong ability to translate clinical workflows into technical priorities
* Experience in designing and executing performance testing and evidence generation
* Ability to collaborate with clinical ops on data acquisition and annotation
* Experience in public grant applications and aligning proposals with company strategy
* Excellent communication skills, including scientific publication and presentations
* Comfortable in a dynamic startup environment, with a bias to action and pragmatism
* Can-do attitude and personal integrity aligned with DESKi’s mission
* Willingness to travel occasionally (Bordeaux, conferences, partners, etc.)


Experience & Qualifications

* Required:
* Master’s or PhD in AI/ML, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline
* 7+ years of experience in AI/ML, ideally in medical imaging or computer vision
* Team leadership experience in research or applied AI
* Fluent in English
* Preferred:
* Experience with FDA/CE submissions for AI/ML SaMD
* Prior success in public grant applications (EU, NIH, Bpifrance, etc.)
* Experience in cardiology, ultrasound, or POCUS
* French language proficiency


Recruitment Process

* Introductory call
* Technical assessment and/or research discussion with CPO (current Head of Research)
* Meeting with AI team members
* Final interview with executive team (CEO)