AI Research Lab UI/UX & Brand Designer (100 % remote) (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI/UX & Brand Designer (AI Research Lab)

Company: EWOR GmbH

Location: 100% Remote (Europe or Americas preferred)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations (Strategic Initiatives)

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead UI/UX and Brand Design initiatives for a new, cutting-edge AI Research Lab, driving foundational 0-to-1 development.

• Translate high-level strategic vision into tangible execution roadmaps for rapid product implementation from prototype to production.

• Architect and implement scalable design solutions that support rapid growth and future spin-off potential for institutional backing.

• Collaborate directly with department founders and an elite team of engineers, researchers, and commercial leaders in a high-growth, execution-focused environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a unique "AI Research Lab" context, suggesting a focus on innovation and early-stage product development. The "0-to-1" emphasis and direct reporting to founders indicate a high-impact, entrepreneurial opportunity. While the title is "UI/UX & Brand Designer," the responsibilities lean heavily into strategic product development and operational execution, making it relevant for those with a strong GTM or product operations mindset focused on design and user experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design strategy and execution for the AI Research Lab's initiatives, encompassing UI/UX design, brand identity, and user experience flows.

• Develop and implement concrete execution roadmaps derived from high-level strategic visions, ensuring alignment with the department's growth objectives.

• Drive rapid implementation cycles, moving concepts from initial prototype stages through to production-ready solutions.

• Architect scalable and user-centric design systems and frameworks that can accommodate future expansion and potential spin-offs.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and research teams to ensure seamless integration of design principles with technical development and AI research advancements.

• Contribute to defining and refining the overall product strategy and market positioning for new initiatives.

• Champion a builder mindset, taking extreme end-to-end ownership of design-related tasks and projects.

• Develop and maintain brand guidelines and visual assets that establish a strong and consistent identity for the AI Research Lab.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design leadership and strategic operational execution. The "0-to-1" and "prototype to production" aspects require a strong understanding of product development lifecycles and the ability to build systems from scratch, aligning with GTM operations principles for launching new ventures.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in UI/UX Design and Brand Design, with a significant portion focused on early-stage product development, startups, or innovation labs. Proven experience in leading design initiatives from concept to launch is essential.

Required Skills:

• UI/UX Design: Expertise in user interface design, user experience research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing for complex digital products.

• Brand Design: Strong capabilities in developing brand identities, visual language, style guides, and marketing collateral that resonate with target audiences.

• Strategic Vision Translation: Ability to interpret high-level business goals and strategic visions into actionable design and product roadmaps.

• Product Prototyping & Development: Proven track record of rapidly developing functional prototypes and guiding products through development lifecycles.

• Scalable Architecture Design: Experience in designing systems and frameworks that are built for scalability, adaptability, and future growth.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent ability to work effectively with engineering, research, and commercial teams, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to articulate design concepts and strategic rationale clearly.

• Builder Mindset & Ownership: Demonstrated high-agency, proactive approach with a proven ability to take extreme end-to-end ownership of projects.

• AI Research Context: Familiarity or keen interest in AI research domains and their potential user interface and branding implications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Experience with design systems and component libraries.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineers.

• Experience in designing for B2B or enterprise-level software products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "builder mindset" and "extreme end-to-end ownership" are critical keywords for this role, indicating a need for self-starters who can operate with significant autonomy. The emphasis on translating "strategic vision" into "execution roadmaps" points towards a need for individuals who can bridge conceptual thinking with practical implementation, a core aspect of GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• 0-to-1 Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your involvement in building products or brands from inception to launch. Highlight your role in defining the initial strategy, design, and early execution.

• User-Centric Design: Include examples that clearly articulate your user research process, how user needs were identified, and how design decisions were made to meet those needs.

• Brand Development: Present examples of brand identity creation, including logo design, style guides, and application across various touchpoints, illustrating your ability to build a cohesive brand narrative.

• Scalability & Systems Thinking: Provide examples where you designed or contributed to scalable design systems, component libraries, or architectural patterns that facilitated efficient iteration and growth.

• Problem-Solving & Impact: Clearly define the problems addressed by your designs and quantify the impact or outcomes achieved (e.g., user engagement improvements, conversion rate increases, brand recognition).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your process for translating requirements into design workflows, from ideation and wireframing to high-fidelity mockups and user testing.

• Rapid Iteration & Prototyping: Demonstrate your methodologies for quickly iterating on designs and creating functional prototypes to validate concepts and gather feedback.

• Cross-Functional Handoff: Explain your process for collaborating with and handing off designs to engineering teams, ensuring clarity and efficient implementation.

• Performance Measurement: Be ready to discuss how you measure the success of your designs, including key UX metrics and how they inform future design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on "0-to-1" initiatives and "architecting scalable solutions," the portfolio must strongly emphasize the ability to build from scratch, demonstrate strategic thinking, and showcase a systematic approach to design execution. Case studies should clearly outline the problem, your solution, the process, and the measurable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the 5-10 years of experience, the remote nature (preferred in Europe/Americas), and the high-impact, entrepreneurial context within a well-backed venture, the estimated salary range for a UI/UX & Brand Designer in this role would typically fall between €65,000 - €95,000 per year (or equivalent in USD). This estimate is based on market data for experienced designers in similar remote roles across Europe and the Americas, considering the company's backing by successful serial entrepreneurs.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: A strong base salary reflective of experience and responsibilities.

• Equity Upside: Significant potential for equity or stock options, aligning with the entrepreneurial nature of the role and the company's goal of potential spin-offs.

• Maximum Ownership: Autonomy to architect systems and drive strategy without corporate bureaucracy.

• High-Growth Environment: Focus on rapid market validation and scalable traction.

• Elite Team Collaboration: Direct collaboration with founders and world-class talent.

• Remote Work Flexibility: 100% remote work arrangement, allowing for flexibility in location within Europe or the Americas.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, likely requiring approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the startup-like environment and the emphasis on rapid execution, there may be periods of intense work followed by more flexible scheduling, common in "0-to-1" initiatives. The remote nature allows for flexibility in structuring the workday, provided objectives are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on a blend of standard designer compensation in Western Europe and North America for mid-senior roles, adjusted upwards due to the startup environment, founder prestige, equity potential, and the critical nature of the "0-to-1" responsibilities. The benefits highlight the entrepreneurial and high-ownership aspects of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates at the intersection of Technology, AI Research, and Entrepreneurship. EWOR GmbH is focused on launching and scaling new ventures, leveraging the expertise of seasoned entrepreneurs. This suggests a culture that values innovation, rapid execution, and building category-defining products.

Company Size: EWOR GmbH appears to be structured to launch and support multiple high-impact initiatives. While the overall company size might be moderate, the new department for AI Research Lab will likely start lean and grow rapidly, fostering an environment akin to a startup within a larger, well-resourced entity. This means agility, direct impact, and less bureaucracy.

Founded: EWOR GmbH is backed and led by serial entrepreneurs Paul Müller (founder of Adjust) and Petter Made (founder of SumUp). This leadership implies a culture built on proven entrepreneurial success, a focus on execution, and a drive for significant market impact. The company was founded to build high-impact technology and category-defining ventures.

Team Structure:

• Department Founder: You will report directly to the founder of the new department, a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of successful exits.

• Elite Cross-Functional Team: You will collaborate with a world-class team comprising engineers, researchers, and commercial leaders, all focused on rapid development and market validation.

• Lean & Agile: The team structure is expected to be lean and agile, prioritizing speed of execution and direct contribution over hierarchical layers.

Methodology:

• 0-to-1 Focus: The primary methodology revolves around building new initiatives from the ground up, emphasizing rapid experimentation, validation, and iteration.

• Execution-Driven: Emphasis is placed on "good ideas and fast execution" rather than lengthy presentations or approval processes.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, the involvement of experienced entrepreneurs suggests a data-driven approach to market validation and product development.

Company Website: https://eworgmbh.teamtailor.com (Note: This is a careers page, the actual company website might be different, but this is the provided link)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is heavily influenced by its founders' backgrounds, suggesting an intense, results-oriented, and entrepreneurial environment. For a designer, this means being comfortable with ambiguity, rapid change, and having a direct impact on the product and brand's initial trajectory.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant opportunity for a mid-to-senior level UI/UX and Brand Designer to step into a lead, foundational position within a new strategic initiative. It's an "architect" role, not just an executor, offering the chance to shape the design direction and processes for an AI Research Lab from its inception. This is a high-impact, high-autonomy position.

Reporting Structure: You will report directly to the department founder, providing a direct line of communication and influence. This structure bypasses multiple layers of management, allowing for faster decision-making and direct feedback.

Operations Impact: As the lead UI/UX and Brand Designer, your impact will be instrumental in defining the user experience and brand identity of potentially category-defining AI products. Your work will directly influence user adoption, market perception, and the overall success of the AI Research Lab's initiatives, including their potential to attract significant investment or spin off as independent entities. This role is critical for translating innovative AI research into user-friendly and marketable products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Foundational Leadership: Opportunity to build and lead the design function for a new, high-potential department, potentially growing into a Head of Design or Design Director role if the initiative spins off.

• Skill Specialization & Expansion: Deepen expertise in AI product design, user research for emerging technologies, and brand strategy for innovative ventures.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Gain invaluable experience in a "0-to-1" environment, working alongside serial entrepreneurs, which can be a springboard for future entrepreneurial endeavors.

• Strategic Influence: Directly contribute to and influence the strategic direction of new technology initiatives.

• Equity & Upside: Potential for significant financial reward through equity, tied to the success of the ventures built.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an opportunity for a designer to operate with the scope of a product leader, particularly in defining the user-facing aspects of new AI technologies. The growth potential is tied to the success of the ventures and the individual's ability to drive foundational design and branding efforts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a 100% remote position. There is no requirement to be in a physical office.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company prefers candidates based in Europe or the Americas. This preference likely relates to time zone alignment for collaboration and potentially future considerations if a spin-off occurs or physical presence becomes beneficial. Remote arrangements are explicitly mentioned as acceptable.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomous & Flexible: The remote nature provides significant autonomy over your workspace and work schedule, allowing you to optimize your environment for productivity.

• Digital Collaboration Hub: Expect to work primarily through digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Figma, project management software) for communication, design reviews, and project tracking.

• Direct Team Interaction: Despite being remote, the role emphasizes direct collaboration with a small, elite team, fostering close working relationships and effective communication channels.

• Technology Stack: You will likely utilize industry-standard design and collaboration software, with potential for specific tools tailored to AI research and rapid development environments.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week). While remote, maintaining consistent availability during core European or Americas working hours will be important for effective collaboration with the department founder and team members. Flexibility in structuring the workday is expected, prioritizing output and collaboration over strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature, combined with the preference for specific regions, suggests a focus on asynchronous communication and efficient virtual collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable managing their own work environment and proactively engaging with team members.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements, particularly the "0-to-1" experience and builder mindset.

• Portfolio Deep Dive: An interview focused on your portfolio. Expect to walk through your case studies, discussing your process, decision-making, challenges, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to elaborate on how you translate strategy into design.

• Founder/Department Lead Interview: A more strategic conversation with the department founder, exploring your vision for the AI Research Lab's design and brand, your approach to ownership, and your fit with the entrepreneurial culture.

• Team Collaboration Exercise (Potential): You might be asked to participate in a brief exercise or discussion with other team members (engineers, researchers) to assess collaboration style and problem-solving approach.

• Final Round: Potentially a discussion on high-level strategy, compensation, and equity.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase 0-to-1 Expertise: Prioritize case studies that demonstrate building from scratch, showing initiative, strategy development, and execution in early-stage projects.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., user engagement, conversion rates, brand recall).

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your design thinking, research methodologies, and how you adapted to challenges. Emphasize your problem-solving approach.

• Highlight Ownership: Use language that conveys your end-to-end ownership and proactive approach to projects.

• Brand Strategy Integration: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your ability to develop cohesive brand identities and apply them effectively.

• Tailor to AI Context: If you have any experience or understanding related to AI, technology, or complex systems, highlight it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy Prompt: Be ready for a hypothetical scenario where you need to define the UI/UX and brand strategy for a new AI product. Focus on your approach to research, ideation, and initial roadmap creation.

• Brand Identity Exercise: You might be asked to brainstorm brand concepts or name ideas for an AI research initiative.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a specific design challenge related to user adoption of complex technology or establishing a unique brand in a competitive AI landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "builder mindset" and "0-to-1" initiatives means interviewers will be looking for evidence of proactivity, strategic thinking, and the ability to execute independently. Your portfolio and interview responses should consistently demonstrate these qualities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI/UX Design Software: Figma (highly probable, industry standard for collaboration), Sketch, Adobe XD.

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Principle, Axure RP, or advanced prototyping features within Figma/XD.

• Brand Design & Graphics: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), Affinity Designer.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel (for understanding user behavior on launched products).

• User Feedback Tools: Hotjar, UserTesting.com, survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's core tool, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for understanding sales and marketing integration.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Asana, Trello, Notion, Slack, Confluence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in collaborative design tools like Figma is almost a prerequisite for remote design roles. Demonstrating experience with tools that facilitate rapid prototyping and cross-functional collaboration will be key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Accountability: A core value is taking extreme end-to-end ownership of initiatives and being accountable for outcomes.

• Execution & Speed: The culture prioritizes rapid execution and fast iteration over perfection or lengthy deliberation. "Good ideas and fast execution are what matter."

• Innovation & Building: A strong drive to build cutting-edge technology and category-defining ventures from the ground up.

• Impact & Results: Focus on achieving strong market validation and scalable traction, with a clear emphasis on tangible results.

• Collaboration & Elite Teamwork: Working effectively within a high-caliber team, sharing knowledge, and supporting collective goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Agile: Collaboration will likely be direct, with minimal bureaucracy, facilitated by digital communication tools.

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration between design, engineering, and research is essential for translating complex AI concepts into user-friendly products.

• Feedback-Oriented: Expect a culture where constructive feedback is given and received openly to drive rapid improvement.

• Empowerment: Team members are empowered to make decisions and drive their areas of responsibility forward.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is entrepreneurial and fast-paced, mirroring a startup environment. Designers should be comfortable with ambiguity, proactive in seeking information, and adept at working within a highly motivated and results-driven team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining the Unknown: Designing for cutting-edge AI research involves working with technologies and user needs that may not yet be fully defined or understood. This requires strong research skills and the ability to adapt.

• Rapid Iteration Under Pressure: The "0-to-1" and "fast execution" ethos means working under tight deadlines and a constant need to iterate and pivot based on feedback and market validation.

• Balancing Innovation and Usability: Ensuring that complex AI functionalities are made accessible and intuitive for users, bridging the gap between advanced research and practical application.

• Building a Brand from Scratch: Establishing a strong, compelling brand identity for a new AI research lab in a competitive and rapidly evolving technological landscape.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI: Gain in-depth understanding of AI research areas and their practical applications, informing your design decisions.

• Foundational Product Strategy: Develop skills in defining product strategy and market positioning for entirely new ventures.

• Entrepreneurial Skillset: Acquire direct experience in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of startup creation, working alongside serial entrepreneurs.

• Design Leadership: Opportunity to build and lead the design function for a new department, shaping its processes and impact.

• Networking: Build valuable connections with founders and elite professionals in the tech and AI space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but directly tied to the growth opportunities. Success in this role will require adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and a continuous learning mindset, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the UI/UX and brand strategy for a new AI Research Lab initiative, given limited initial information?" (Focus on your research, ideation, and strategic roadmap process.)

• "Describe a time you took extreme ownership of a project from inception to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your builder mindset and end-to-end responsibility.)

• "How do you translate a high-level strategic vision into concrete design execution roadmaps?" (Prepare examples of your process for bridging strategy and implementation.)

• "Imagine we are developing a new AI tool for [specific application, e.g., scientific research, creative content generation]. What would be your first steps in designing its user experience and brand identity?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving and initial approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about EWOR GmbH and the opportunity to build something from 0-to-1?" (Show genuine interest in the company's mission and entrepreneurial spirit.)

• "How do you thrive in a fast-paced, execution-focused environment with minimal bureaucracy?" (Align your work style with the company's culture.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and researchers, especially when dealing with complex technical concepts?" (Illustrate your cross-functional communication skills.)

• "What are your thoughts on equity and upside in early-stage ventures?" (Be prepared to discuss your expectations and understanding.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and approach, the solution, and the measurable outcomes.

• Emphasize 0-to-1: Highlight your contributions to building from scratch, showcasing your ability to define and execute foundational elements.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain the 'why' behind your design decisions, linking them to business objectives and user needs.

• Showcase Brand Integration: Clearly articulate how your UI/UX work aligns with and supports the overall brand strategy.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, tools, and decision-making at every stage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who embody the "builder mindset," demonstrate strategic thinking, and can articulate their process for turning vision into reality. Your portfolio should serve as tangible proof of these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI/UX & Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the EWOR GmbH teamtailor page.

• Customize Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights experience in "0-to-1" product development, startup environments, brand building, and UI/UX design for innovative technologies. Use keywords like "strategic vision," "execution roadmap," "scalable solutions," and "end-to-end ownership."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best exemplify your ability to build from scratch, translate strategy into design, and deliver measurable impact. Ensure they are easily accessible and clearly articulate your process and results.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on the "why" behind your design choices and how you’ve demonstrated ownership and strategic execution in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to brand identity and user experience for new ventures.

• Research EWOR GmbH: Understand the founders' backgrounds (Adjust, SumUp) and EWOR's mission to build high-impact technology ventures. This will help you tailor your responses to their entrepreneurial culture and focus on execution.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.