ALTERNANCE - USER RESEARCHER (UX/UR) (F/H)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ALTERNANCE - USER RESEARCHER (UX/UR) (F/H)

Company: Air Liquide

Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Job Type: Full-time (Internship)

Category: User Experience Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is an exciting alternance opportunity within the UX/UR Chapter at Air Liquide, focusing on user research and design for digital and AI-powered products and services globally.

• The role involves contributing to the design and development of solutions that enhance the experience of employees, customers, and patients, leveraging data to drive better decision-making.

• You will be instrumental in understanding user needs and behaviors to inform the creation of competitive, efficient, and sustainable digital solutions.

• This position offers a unique chance to work on diverse projects across Air Liquide's various markets, including healthcare, industrial gases, and more, acting as an ambassador for user-centered design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "ALTERNANCE" indicates this is an internship or apprenticeship role, typically for students pursuing higher education in France. The "F/H" signifies "Femme/Homme" (Female/Male), a common designation in French job postings. The role is firmly within the User Experience (UX) and User Research (UR) domain, with a strong emphasis on applied research within a corporate GTM (Go-To-Market) context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Methodology Selection: Participate in choosing appropriate research methodologies to address specific project objectives, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs.

• Data Collection Preparation: Assist in preparing for field data collection, including drafting interview guides, developing user surveys, and designing questionnaires.

• Needs Assessment: Contribute to gathering the needs and expectations of diverse user groups, such as patients, clients, employees, and partners, through methods like interviews and observational studies.

• Workshop Facilitation: Support the facilitation of workshops to engage stakeholders, gather insights, and align on project direction and user requirements.

• Interaction Modeling: Participate in modeling observed interactions and user journeys using accessible and engaging representations like journey maps and process maps.

• Concept & Journey Design: Contribute to modeling user concepts and journeys, translating research findings into actionable design directions.

• Recommendation Generation: Provide data-driven recommendations to improve and enrich existing services and products, prioritizing user needs and usage patterns.

• Diverse Project Exposure: Work on a wide array of digital and AI-related topics that reflect the breadth of Air Liquide's global markets.

• User-Centric Advocacy: Act as a champion for user-centered approaches within project teams and across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities highlight a hands-on role in the user research lifecycle, from planning and data collection to analysis and recommendation. The emphasis on "modeling concepts and journeys" and "providing recommendations" indicates a contribution to the design and strategy phases, not just pure data gathering.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• User Research Methodologies: Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• Data Collection & Analysis: Ability to prepare for and assist in collecting and analyzing user data.

• Interviewing & Facilitation: Skills in conducting interviews and participating in workshop facilitation.

• User Journey Mapping: Understanding of how to map user experiences and identify pain points.

• Process Mapping: Ability to visualize and understand operational processes from a user perspective.

• Empathy & Active Listening: Crucial for understanding user needs and perspectives.

• Curiosity & Learning Agility: Eagerness to learn about new domains and user groups.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Autonomy & Proactivity: Capacity to manage tasks independently and take initiative.

• Creativity: Ability to think innovatively and propose novel solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• English Proficiency: Fluent written and spoken English is essential.

• Additional Language: Proficiency in another language is a plus.

• Digital & AI Interest: A keen interest in digital products and Artificial Intelligence applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bac +4 or +5" requirement aligns with a Master's level internship in France. The "alternance" nature means practical, on-the-job learning is paramount, making a proven interest and foundational experience (even academic) in user research critical. The soft skills listed are vital for a researcher interacting with diverse user groups.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 1-2 detailed case studies from internships or academic projects demonstrating your approach to user research.

• Methodology Application: Clearly articulate the research methodologies used in each case study and the rationale behind their selection.

• Data Visualization: Include examples of how you visualized research findings, such as journey maps, personas, or affinity diagrams.

• Impact & Recommendations: Detail the insights derived from your research and the specific, actionable recommendations you provided to improve user experience or product design.

• Problem-Solving Approach: Illustrate your systematic approach to identifying and solving user-related problems.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plan Outline: Demonstrate understanding of how to structure a research plan, including objectives, target participants, and timelines.

• Data Collection Tools: Familiarity with tools used for surveys, interviews, and qualitative data analysis (e.g., survey platforms, note-taking tools, basic thematic analysis).

• Synthesis & Reporting: Ability to synthesize qualitative data into meaningful themes and present findings clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the portfolio will likely focus on academic projects and any prior internships. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a structured thinking process and a foundational understanding of user research principles, rather than extensive professional experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is an "Alternance" (internship/apprenticeship) role, compensation will be in line with French legal requirements for apprenticeships and internships, typically a fixed monthly allowance based on age and educational level. This is generally a subsidized role.

• Estimated Monthly Allowance: €600 - €1,200 (subject to legal regulations and company policy).

Benefits:

• Partial Reimbursement of Transportation Costs: Contribution towards commuting expenses.

• Meal Vouchers (Tickets Restaurant): Subsidized meal vouchers for daily use.

• Access to Company Canteen: On-site dining facilities.

• Company Events & Activities: Opportunities to participate in team-building and social events.

• Professional Development: Access to internal training and learning resources relevant to UX/UR.

• Healthcare Coverage: Statutory French social security coverage and potentially supplementary health insurance (mutuelle).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 35-40 hours per week, as per French labor law for apprenticeships/internships. Flexibility may be available depending on the team's operational needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Compensation for "Alternance" roles in France is legally regulated and generally lower than full-time salaries, often structured as a monthly allowance. The benefits are standard for French corporate internships. The salary estimate is based on general French regulations for apprentice/intern allowances for Bac+4/5 levels.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Gases, Healthcare Technology, Digital Solutions, AI. Air Liquide is a world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This means a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: 1902. A long-standing company with a rich history, indicating stability and established market presence, now heavily investing in digital transformation and AI.

Team Structure:

• UX/UR Chapter: A dedicated team of approximately 10 individuals comprising User Researchers and Designers.

• Reporting: Likely reports into a Head of UX/Design or a Digital Transformation lead.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with Product Managers, Data Scientists, Business Teams, IT, and AI specialists to develop and deploy digital and AI solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and user insights to inform product development and business strategy.

• Agile/Lean Principles: Likely adoption of agile methodologies for product development and iterative design processes.

• User-Centricity: Core philosophy of designing products and services around the needs and behaviors of users.

• Innovation Focus: Commitment to developing cutting-edge digital and AI solutions to address market challenges and create competitive advantages.

Company Website: https://www.airliquide.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Air Liquide's global scale and diverse industry focus mean the UX/UR team will encounter a wide range of user types and business challenges. The company's investment in digital and AI suggests a forward-thinking culture where user experience plays a strategic role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, alternance position, designed for foundational learning and practical experience in User Research and UX Design. It's a stepping stone for individuals aiming for a career in UX/UR.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to experienced User Researchers or UX Designers within the UX/UR Chapter, receiving direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: While an intern, the impact will be through contributing to specific research projects that inform design decisions for digital and AI products, ultimately influencing user satisfaction, process efficiency, and adoption rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Deepening: Opportunity to deepen practical skills in various user research methodologies and UX design principles under expert supervision.

• Industry Exposure: Gain exposure to diverse business domains (Health, Industry) and user types within a global corporation.

• Portfolio Building: Develop a robust portfolio with real-world project contributions, essential for future job applications.

• Networking: Build professional connections within the UX/UR field and across Air Liquide's digital and AI teams.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful completion and strong performance could lead to future internship opportunities or even entry-level positions within Air Liquide's digital and innovation functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "alternance" nature means the primary growth is educational and skill-based, with a focus on building a solid foundation and a professional portfolio. The opportunity to impact real projects, even as an intern, is a significant differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Air Liquide's Paris Headquarters (AL Paris HO), which is likely a modern corporate office environment.

Office Location(s): Paris, France. Specific details about the office layout and amenities would be available upon joining.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect access to open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design and research spaces designed for collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment, computers, and potentially specialized UX/UR software and research tools provided by the company.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the UX/UR Chapter members, as well as cross-functional teams, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Work Schedule:

• Adheres to standard French working hours for apprenticeships/internships, typically around 35-40 hours per week. While structured, there may be some flexibility for project-specific needs, subject to team and manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at a corporate headquarters often implies a professional and well-equipped environment. The emphasis on collaboration suggests a team-oriented approach, crucial for UX/UR work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess academic background, foundational UX/UR knowledge, and suitability for an "alternance" role.

• First Interview (HR/Recruiter): Discussion on motivation, academic interests, soft skills (empathy, curiosity, teamwork), and understanding of the "alternance" concept.

• Technical Interview (UX/UR Team): In-depth discussion about your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 1-2 case studies, explaining your research process, challenges encountered, insights generated, and recommendations made. Questions may also cover your understanding of user research methodologies and your interest in digital/AI.

• Final Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): Focus on cultural fit, long-term aspirations, and how you align with Air Liquide's values and the team's working style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Present 1-2 of your strongest academic or internship projects that best showcase your user research skills.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your research process, the key insights, and the impact of your recommendations. Use visuals effectively.

• Explain Your "Why": Be ready to justify your choice of methodologies and how they helped you answer your research questions.

• Showcase Collaboration: If applicable, highlight how you collaborated with others (e.g., designers, developers, clients) and managed stakeholder expectations.

• Focus on Learning: Emphasize what you learned from the project, especially any challenges you overcame.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal "challenge" might not be given for an internship, be prepared for hypothetical scenarios during the technical interview. For example, "How would you approach understanding the needs of X user group for Y product?"

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

• Research Air Liquide's digital initiatives and AI applications to demonstrate your understanding of their business context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an "alternance" role will likely focus more on potential, learning ability, and foundational understanding than on extensive professional experience. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates your thought process is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research & Interviewing: While specific tools aren't listed, expect to use standard office software for note-taking (e.g., Word, OneNote) and potentially qualitative data analysis tools.

• Survey Platforms: Familiarity with tools like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Typeform for questionnaire design and data collection.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Tools like Miro or Mural are commonly used for remote or in-person workshops and brainstorming sessions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in PowerPoint or Google Slides is essential for presenting research findings.

• Data Visualization: Basic understanding of how to present qualitative data visually (e.g., creating journey maps, affinity diagrams).

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding that these systems are part of the broader digital ecosystem Air Liquide operates within is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern, advanced tool proficiency is not expected. The focus will be on a willingness to learn and adapt to the tools used by the team. Familiarity with common UX/UR tools and general office productivity suites is sufficient.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep-seated belief in understanding and prioritizing the user in all design and development decisions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches, particularly in the realm of digital transformation and AI.

• Curiosity & Continuous Learning: Fostering an environment where team members are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow their skills.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering solutions that create tangible value for users and the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active collaboration with product, engineering, marketing, and business stakeholders to ensure research insights are well-integrated into product strategy and development.

• Open Feedback: A culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Regular sharing of learnings, best practices, and project outcomes within the UX/UR team and with wider project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Air Liquide's emphasis on diversity and inclusion, as mentioned in their company description, likely extends to their team culture, promoting an environment where different perspectives are valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse User Groups: Adapting research approaches to understand the needs of varied user profiles (patients, industrial workers, clients, employees) across different markets.

• Complexity of AI/Digital Projects: Grasping the technical nuances of AI and digital solutions to effectively research user interactions.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Learning to translate user needs into actionable recommendations that are feasible within business and technical limitations.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding how to effectively collaborate and influence within a large, global corporate structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX researchers and designers.

• Methodology Mastery: Hands-on experience with a range of qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• Industry Insight: Exposure to the industrial gases and healthcare sectors, understanding their unique user challenges.

• Portfolio Development: Building a strong foundation for a career in UX/UR through practical project experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in large, innovative companies, offering significant learning potential for an intern.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a user research project you've worked on (academic or internship). What was the problem, your approach, your key findings, and the impact of your recommendations?"

  • Preparation: Have 1-2 detailed case studies ready, focusing on your specific contributions, the rationale behind your methods, and quantifiable or qualitative outcomes.

• "How would you approach understanding the needs of a specific user group (e.g., a truck driver, a hospital nurse) for a new digital tool?"

  • Preparation: Outline a potential research plan, including who you would talk to, what methods you might use (interviews, observation), and what key questions you'd aim to answer.

• "What does 'user-centered design' mean to you, and why is it important?"

  • Preparation: Articulate a clear definition and provide examples of its benefits in product development.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Air Liquide and this specific 'alternance' role?"

  • Preparation: Research Air Liquide's mission, values, and recent digital/AI initiatives. Connect your interests to their work.

• "How do you approach working in a team, especially with people from different backgrounds or disciplines?"

  • Preparation: Provide examples of successful teamwork and highlight your collaborative skills (empathy, communication, listening).

• "How do you handle feedback on your work?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your openness to constructive criticism and your process for incorporating feedback to improve.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, with a clear introduction for each project (problem, goals), a detailed explanation of your process, key insights, and actionable recommendations.

• Visuals: Use mockups, journey maps, personas, or other relevant visuals to illustrate your work.

• Conciseness: Focus on quality over quantity; a few well-explained projects are better than many superficial ones.

• Be Prepared to Dive Deep: Anticipate questions about any aspect of your projects, from methodology choices to stakeholder interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess your foundational understanding of UX/UR, your learning potential, your communication skills, and your cultural fit within Air Liquide.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Air Liquide careers portal.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight any relevant coursework, academic projects, or prior internship experiences related to user research, design, psychology, or human-computer interaction. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easy to navigate, and clearly showcases 1-2 strong case studies that demonstrate your user research process, insights, and recommendations. PDF format is generally preferred.

• Craft a Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in Air Liquide, the specific "alternance" role, and how your skills and aspirations align with the company's mission and the UX/UR team's work.

• Research Air Liquide: Familiarize yourself with their business sectors (Health, Industry), their commitment to digital transformation, and any recent AI-related projects or announcements.

⚠️ 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.