Associate User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate User Researcher

Company: HoYoverse

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives across various stages of the game product lifecycle, from conceptualization to post-launch analysis.

• Drive global market research to identify emerging industry trends and competitive landscapes.

• Collaborate closely with international teams, particularly the Shanghai office, to ensure seamless execution of research projects.

• Translate complex data and user feedback into actionable insights that inform product development and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Associate User Researcher," the responsibilities suggest a significant degree of ownership over research projects, including end-to-end management. This implies that candidates with strong foundational knowledge and demonstrated project ownership capabilities, even with limited years of formal experience, will be highly valued. The role bridges user research and market intelligence within the competitive gaming industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute end-to-end user research studies, encompassing project scoping, stakeholder communication, methodology selection, data collection, analysis, and comprehensive report generation.

• Conduct in-depth industry and competitor analysis to identify market trends, understand product feature gaps, and define user needs.

• Develop and refine research methodologies appropriate for diverse game genres and product development phases, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and developers, to integrate user insights into product roadmaps.

• Analyze player psychology and behavior patterns to inform game design, user experience enhancements, and marketing strategies.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of product development by delivering clear, data-driven recommendations based on user research findings.

• Assist in the design and application of AI/LLM-based workflows to enhance research efficiency and insight generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "collaborate with Shanghai office" indicates a need for cross-cultural communication skills and potentially working across different time zones. The emphasis on "actionable insights" means candidates must not only collect data but also synthesize it into strategic recommendations that drive product decisions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, Game Design, or a related field. Master's degree preferred for more advanced roles, but not explicitly required here.

• A strong academic foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and user behavior is essential. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in user research, market research, UX research, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in managing research projects, from planning to delivery, even in academic or internship settings.

• Experience with complete game projects or extensive involvement in game development cycles is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• Passion for games and the gaming industry, with a broad understanding of various game genres and player psychology.

• Proficiency in applying a range of user research methodologies (e.g., surveys, interviews, usability testing, focus groups, ethnographic studies).

• Strong analytical skills for interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, identifying patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for report writing, presentation delivery, and stakeholder management.

• Meticulous attention to detail, observational skills, and a reflective approach to research.

• Strong sense of responsibility, self-driven work ethic, and exceptional execution ability.

• Logical thinking, objectivity, and a rigorous approach to research design and analysis.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment. Preferred Skills:

• In-depth understanding of anime games and/or at least one core game genre.

• Experience with designing or applying AI/LLM-based workflows to research processes.

• Proficiency in Mandarin.

• Familiarity with game development tools and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level combined with the "end-to-end" project ownership suggests that candidates with strong internships, co-op experiences, or significant academic research projects demonstrating project management capabilities will be competitive. The preference for specific game genre knowledge highlights the importance of domain expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of end-to-end research projects, showcasing the full research lifecycle from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Case studies detailing specific research methodologies employed, the rationale behind their selection, and the challenges encountered.

• Examples of research reports, presentations, and deliverables that clearly communicate findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.

• Evidence of how research insights have directly influenced product decisions, design iterations, or feature development.

• Documentation of any experience with system implementation or workflow optimization related to research processes. Process Documentation:

• Clear articulation of how research needs are identified and translated into research plans.

• Examples of process mapping or workflow design for research execution and data analysis.

• Documentation of how research findings are integrated into broader product development workflows and decision-making processes.

• Evidence of experience in automating or streamlining research processes, potentially involving AI/LLM tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate role, the portfolio should emphasize the candidate's potential and foundational understanding of research processes. Case studies should highlight structured thinking, methodological rigor, and the ability to derive insights, even if the scale of impact is from academic or smaller-scale projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $30 - $38 USD per hour.

• This hourly rate is based on the provided information for the Los Angeles location.

• The actual pay may vary based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as specific market conditions. Benefits:

• The job description does not explicitly list benefits beyond the hourly wage. However, typical full-time employee benefits at companies like HoYoverse often include:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)

  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k))

  • Professional Development Opportunities

  • Employee Assistance Programs

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses or stock options (less common for hourly roles but possible). Working Hours:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position.

• The role is on-site, implying adherence to standard office hours, though flexibility may be available depending on team needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly pay structure is typical for entry-level or associate positions, especially in regions with strong hourly wage regulations. Candidates should inquire about the full benefits package during the interview process, as it can significantly impact the total compensation. The range provided is a competitive hourly rate for Los Angeles, reflecting the city's cost of living and the specialized nature of user research in the gaming industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Games / Digital Entertainment. HoYoverse operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving global gaming market, known for its visually stunning and immersive open-world games.

Company Size: HoYoverse is a large, global company with multiple offices worldwide, indicating a structured corporate environment with significant resources. The exact number of employees in the Los Angeles office is not specified but is part of a broader international team.

Founded: HoYoverse was founded in 2012. Its rapid growth and success with titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail point to a culture of innovation, ambitious project development, and a strong focus on player engagement and community building.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will likely be part of a growing UX or Product team within the Los Angeles office, working closely with product managers, game designers, and QA teams.

• There will be a direct reporting line to a User Research Lead or a Head of UX/Product within the LA office.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration is expected with the Shanghai office, requiring effective communication and coordination with international counterparts. Methodology:

• HoYoverse's approach to game development is characterized by a commitment to high-quality production values, immersive storytelling, and continuous content updates.

• User research is integrated into the product lifecycle to ensure games meet player expectations and market demands.

• Data-driven decision-making, informed by both quantitative analytics and qualitative user feedback, is likely a core tenet of their operations.

• Exploration of cutting-edge technologies, including AI/LLM, suggests a forward-thinking and innovative operational mindset.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HoYoverse's emphasis on "immersive virtual world experiences" and "community" suggests a culture that values player satisfaction, creative expression, and collaborative innovation. As an Associate User Researcher, understanding and contributing to this player-centric ethos will be key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate User Researcher. This level is typically for individuals with foundational knowledge and some practical experience, aiming to develop expertise under guidance. It signifies an entry point into specialized user research roles within the gaming industry.

Reporting Structure: The role will report to a senior member of the UX or Product team in the Los Angeles office, who will provide mentorship and guidance. Collaboration with international teams, particularly in Shanghai, will also be a significant aspect of the day-to-day work.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's insights will directly influence game design, feature prioritization, user experience improvements, and overall product strategy. By understanding player needs and market trends, this role plays a crucial part in ensuring the success and commercial viability of HoYoverse's game titles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, game genres (e.g., anime games), or areas like player psychology and community engagement.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress to User Researcher, Senior User Researcher, or even lead research initiatives within specific game titles or product lines.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience by working with diverse teams across different global offices, fostering a broad understanding of game development and operations.

• Technology Adoption: Opportunity to work with and contribute to the integration of new technologies like AI/LLM in research workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate role, the emphasis will be on learning and development. Candidates should look for opportunities to expand their methodological toolkit, gain deeper domain knowledge in gaming, and demonstrate leadership potential through proactive contribution and effective communication.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is "On-site" in Los Angeles, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration, team building, and direct mentorship.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California, United States. This location offers a vibrant tech and entertainment hub, providing access to a large talent pool and a dynamic industry landscape.

Workspace Context:

• The Los Angeles office is likely equipped with modern amenities to support a creative and collaborative work environment, conducive to gaming and technology development.

• Access to necessary research tools, software, and potentially dedicated usability testing spaces or equipment.

• Opportunities for regular face-to-face interactions with colleagues, fostering a strong team dynamic and facilitating spontaneous problem-solving.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, reflecting the demands of the gaming industry, but also supportive of learning and professional growth.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with potential for occasional overtime during critical project phases or launch periods. Adherence to an on-site schedule is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Los Angeles suggests a company that values in-person collaboration and team cohesion, which can be particularly beneficial for junior roles requiring mentorship and direct feedback.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application materials to assess foundational qualifications and passion for games.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, motivations, understanding of user research principles, and alignment with company culture.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study: Presentation of selected research projects from the portfolio, demonstrating methodological approach, analytical skills, and ability to derive actionable insights. This may include a specific case study or a hypothetical problem to solve.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Interaction with potential colleagues and stakeholders (e.g., designers, product managers) to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and strategic fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase end-to-end research capabilities, methodological diversity, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with gaming or complex product development.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodology chosen and why, the process of execution, the key findings, and most importantly, the resulting insights and their impact on the product or decision-making.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effect of your research (e.g., "improved conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y seconds"). For an Associate role, demonstrating the potential for impact through logical reasoning is also valuable.

• Showcase Process: Detail your thought process, problem-solving approach, and how you navigated challenges. Highlight your ability to adapt methodologies to specific project needs.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your methodology choices, how you handle conflicting data, and how you communicate complex findings to non-researchers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Application: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a user research problem for a new game feature or a specific player segment.

• Industry Insight: Demonstrate an understanding of current trends in the gaming industry and player expectations.

• Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down complex problems into researchable questions and outlining a plan.

• Communication: Focus on clear, concise communication, both verbally and visually, during any presentation or discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate User Researcher, the portfolio review is crucial. It's an opportunity to demonstrate potential and a strong grasp of research fundamentals, even if the project scope was limited. Highlighting adaptability and a proactive learning attitude will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and basic quantitative analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets). Experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) is a plus.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for managing research tasks and collaborating with development teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel charting for presenting research findings effectively.

• General Analytics: Understanding of how to interpret in-game analytics or player telemetry data to complement qualitative findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user feedback integrates into product management systems or knowledge bases is beneficial.

• AI/LLM Workflow Tools: As a plus, familiarity with AI tools that can assist in tasks like transcription, sentiment analysis, or theme extraction from qualitative data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasis on tools for qualitative data analysis and presentation is paramount. The mention of AI/LLM workflows indicates a forward-thinking approach, and candidates with any exposure to such tools should highlight it.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player base, ensuring experiences are engaging and enjoyable.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging exploration of new ideas, technologies, and game concepts to push the boundaries of virtual worlds.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively across global locations.

• Quality & Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in game development, user experience, and operational efficiency.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research and analytics to inform strategic choices and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnership with design, product management, engineering, and marketing teams to ensure research insights are integrated throughout the product lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent feedback loops and open dialogue to facilitate problem-solving and continuous improvement.

• Global Synergy: Building strong working relationships with international teams, respecting cultural differences and coordinating efforts across time zones.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking opportunities to contribute insights and collaborate on initiatives that enhance the player experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: HoYoverse's emphasis on community and immersive experiences suggests a culture that is both player-focused and creatively driven. Candidates who can demonstrate passion for games and a collaborative spirit will likely thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Research Needs: Effectively managing research projects that cater to diverse player bases across different regions while collaborating with international teams.

• Translating Player Insights: Converting complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable recommendations that resonate with diverse stakeholders (designers, engineers, marketing).

• Rapidly Evolving Game Industry: Staying abreast of new game mechanics, player trends, and emerging technologies in a fast-paced industry.

• Methodological Rigor with Speed: Applying sound research principles while meeting tight development timelines common in game production.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Deep Dive: Opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a wide array of user research techniques and refine expertise in specific areas.

• Domain Expertise: Developing a deep understanding of player psychology, game design principles, and the nuances of different game genres, particularly anime games.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Enhancing communication and project management skills by working with global teams.

• Industry Exposure: Learning from experienced professionals in a leading game development company and contributing to globally successful titles.

• Emerging Technologies: Gaining exposure to and potentially contributing to the application of AI/LLM in research processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an Associate role in a dynamic industry. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for significant professional development in both research skills and industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct user research for a product you were not familiar with. How did you approach it?" (Assesses learning agility and methodological application.)

• "How would you design a research study to understand why players churn from a specific game mode?" (Tests ability to define research questions and design appropriate methodologies.)

• "Imagine you found conflicting data between qualitative interviews and quantitative analytics. How would you reconcile these findings and present them to the team?" (Evaluates analytical thinking and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What games do you play, and what do you enjoy about them? How does this passion inform your approach to user research?" (Assesses passion and domain knowledge.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in the gaming industry and user research?" (Gauges proactivity and industry awareness.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Evaluates teamwork and cultural fit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context is Key: Begin each case study by clearly defining the project's goals and your specific role.

• Methodology Justification: Explain why you chose certain methods over others, demonstrating critical thinking.

• Insight-Driven Narratives: Focus on the "so what?" of your findings. What were the key insights, and what recommendations did you make?

• Impact Demonstration: If possible, show the tangible results of your research. If not, articulate the potential impact and how it would benefit the product or players.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Practice presenting your work within the allocated time, ensuring your message is clear and impactful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of research aptitude, passion for gaming, and strong communication skills. For an Associate role, demonstrating potential and a structured approach to problem-solving is as important as prior experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any relevant research experience, game industry passion, analytical skills, and projects that demonstrate end-to-end research capabilities, even if from academic or personal projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your research process, methodology, analysis, and derived insights. Ensure you can clearly articulate the impact of your work.

• Research HoYoverse: Familiarize yourself with their games (Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, etc.), company mission, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their market.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to discuss your portfolio, your passion for gaming, and your approach to user research challenges during interviews. Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions.

⚠️ 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.