Mixed-Methods Researcher

Overview

Project Overview: 

Conduct research for the Search Apps team to improve the experience for users on Android devices, with a focus on search entry points. 

Overall Responsibilities: 

Independently design, conduct and complete a mix of strategic and tactical end-to-end research studies that are integrated into an overarching project or program. This will include method selection, development of study protocol, data collection, and analysis of user behavior / perspectives via qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as creating / communicating research findings, insights, and recommendations to groups of cross-functional stakeholders. 

Work with designers, product managers, engineers and research managers to prioritize research opportunities in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, and balance / manage / execute prioritized work, making progress independently to achieve well-defined research objectives. 

Top 3 Daily Responsibilities:

• Meet with cross-functional stakeholders (designers, product managers, engineers) and research partners to learn about project goals, identify and articulate research questions, and share any progress on research.
• Design and conduct studies to answer research questions.
• Analyze research data and create / communicate research findings. 

Mandatory Skills/Qualifications: 

Education: 

• BA/BS Degree in Anthropology, Human Factors, Psychology, HCI/Computer Science or other related fields or equivalent practical experience. 

UX Research methods: 

• Excellent working knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods and the principles of experiment design.
• Strong understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods, including when and how to apply them during each product phase.
• Hands-on experience with semi-structured or in-depth interviews, concept/design feedback studies, usability studies/click tests/tree tests/card sorts, large scale surveys.

UX Research Expertise: 

• At least 3-4 years of practical UX research experiences. 
• Knowledge of the full research lifecycle from planning, to execution, to communicating insights, to impacting product and business direction or strategy.
• Experience operating independently to lead all aspects of the research process, from planning to execution to communication of the results.

Non-Essential Skills/Qualifications: 

• A focus on planning and conducting research that prioritizes ethics from a user’s perspective.
• Knowledge of human capabilities, including principles of human cognition and information processing, emotion and sentiment, decision-making and behavior, and how these translate into use, user, and usage fundamentals, usability principles and design best practices.
• Knowledge of how people use and interact with technology in order to influence the design, evaluation, and iterative improvement of interactive hardware and software systems.
• Knowledge of the overall process for developing products. This includes knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of engineering and other functions, major phases, checkpoints, and deliverables. 
• Ability to influence and inspire an audience by crafting stories using data that elicit user or stakeholder empathy or create buy-in.
• Ability to effectively communicate and illustrate research insights and recommendations by constructing narratives based on appropriately represented data.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $55.63 to $61.81 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.