Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher

Company: Roche

Location: Sant Cugat del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain (Also open to Vienna, Austria)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user research strategy, planning, and execution within product development lifecycles for healthcare ecosystems.

• Inform product strategy and identify new opportunities by deeply understanding user needs and customer insights.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate user research expertise and findings into product decisions and business goals.

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research across diverse methodologies to generate actionable insights for iterative concept evaluation and continuous improvement.

• Advocate for user needs and communicate research findings effectively to diverse audiences, from product teams to executive leadership, to inspire action and drive product innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Researcher," the responsibilities and required skills strongly align with roles in Product Operations, specifically focusing on the user research aspect that informs product strategy and development. The emphasis on quantitative and qualitative data analysis, driving data strategy, and creating summary dashboards suggests a need for operational rigor in research output. This role bridges the gap between pure design research and the operational delivery of user-centric products in the healthcare technology space.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently define, plan, and execute comprehensive user research strategies for specific product areas, ensuring alignment with overarching product goals.

• Provide expert user research execution and insights across multiple product lines, functioning as a key partner to product management and design teams.

• Proactively identify and evaluate new product opportunities, solutions, and concepts by deeply understanding unmet user needs and market dynamics.

• Collaborate closely with product stakeholders to define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives, ensuring research is tightly coupled with business objectives.

• Conduct a wide spectrum of qualitative and quantitative research studies throughout the product development lifecycle, including generative research, concept validation, usability testing (in-lab and remote), surveys, and ethnographic studies.

• Ensure all research activities involving healthcare providers and patients adhere strictly to ethical standards and data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA equivalents).

• Facilitate internal cross-functional workshops utilizing design thinking methodologies to foster collaborative problem-solving and innovation.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including product teams, engineering leads, and executive leadership.

• Drive and recommend proactive, broad-based research programs that anticipate future user needs and market trends, rather than solely reacting to immediate product requirements.

• Work in close partnership with product designers to translate research results into concrete design recommendations and support their implementation.

• Continuously stay abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and innovative methodologies in UX, user research, and behavioral analytics.

• Develop and maintain holistic summary dashboards at a regular cadence to effectively communicate key insights and research impact to management teams.

• Exhibit a high level of expertise in driving the data strategy across multiple listening channels, integrating insights from usage metrics, surveys, usability testing, and other feedback mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a senior-level researcher who is expected to operate with significant autonomy and strategic influence. The emphasis on "informing product strategy," "identifying new opportunities," and "driving data strategy" suggests a role that goes beyond executing pre-defined research plans, requiring a proactive and analytical approach akin to a product operations strategist.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant field is strongly preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in user research, with a demonstrated ability to operate with a high degree of independence in ambiguous and complex situations.

• Proven experience working with digital products targeting Healthcare Providers and/or Patients. Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including but not limited to: focus groups, ethnography/field research, in-depth interviews, concept validation, in-lab usability testing, remote usability testing, card sorting, mobile device testing, surveys, and workshop facilitation.

• Strong analytical and data analysis capabilities, with a solid understanding of statistical analysis principles.

• Proven experience in creating and interpreting metrics dashboards to track user behavior and product performance.

• High degree of creativity and sophisticated problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate between big-picture strategy and detailed execution.

• Excellent time-management and prioritization skills, with the capacity to work autonomously and manage multiple projects effectively.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings and negotiate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of management.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative member of a cross-functional team.

• A positive, open-minded attitude with a strong desire to collaborate and continuously learn.

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, iterating quickly and incorporating feedback adeptly.

• Proficiency in adhering to ethical standards and data privacy regulations relevant to healthcare research. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within an Agile development methodology environment.

• Familiarity with advanced statistical modeling and predictive analytics.

• Experience with A/B testing design and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of deep research expertise and operational acumen. The emphasis on "data analysis," "statistical analysis," "metrics dashboards," and "driving data strategy" points towards a need for a researcher who can not only gather insights but also translate them into quantifiable outcomes and operational improvements within the product development process. The preference for Agile methodology further underscores the need for efficient, iterative research practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable case studies showcasing the end-to-end process of user research projects, from initial strategy and planning to execution, analysis, and impact reporting.

• Evidence of research informing significant product decisions, feature development, or strategic pivots, supported by clear rationale and outcomes.

• Examples of how qualitative and quantitative data were synthesized to create a holistic understanding of user needs and behaviors.

• Documentation illustrating the application of various research methodologies tailored to specific project objectives and constraints. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of research strategy documents outlining objectives, target users, methodologies, and timelines.

• Include examples of research plans detailing specific study designs, recruitment criteria, and data collection protocols.

• Present examples of how research findings were translated into actionable insights and recommendations for product teams, including mockups or prototypes influenced by research.

• Demonstrate experience in creating comprehensive research reports and presentations that clearly communicate insights, implications, and strategic recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Researcher role with strong operational undertones, a portfolio should not just present finished research reports but also the underlying processes. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their methodology for selecting appropriate research methods, managing research projects efficiently, synthesizing diverse data streams, and effectively communicating actionable insights that drive product improvements and business outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain, based on 5-10 years of experience in a specialized role within the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry, the estimated annual salary range for a Design Researcher is typically between €45,000 and €65,000. This estimate is derived from analyzing similar roles in Spain, considering the cost of living, and benchmarking against industry standards for experienced UX researchers in multinational corporations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), encompassing vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave, with potential for flexible arrangements.

• Retirement savings plan contributions or pension scheme.

• Professional development opportunities, including access to training, conferences, and workshops in UX research, design thinking, and analytics.

• Opportunities for international collaboration and potential for relocation assistance if applicable to other Roche global sites.

• Employee assistance programs offering confidential support for personal and professional well-being.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses, reflecting contributions to product success and company goals. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Potential for flexible working arrangements, subject to team and project needs, allowing for some autonomy in managing work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain, is based on data from reputable salary aggregators for UX Researchers and Design Researchers in Spain with 5-10 years of experience, adjusted for the specific industry (healthcare/pharmaceuticals) and the multinational context of Roche. The range reflects the expected expertise and responsibilities of the role. Benefits are standard for large multinational corporations in this sector and region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. Roche is a global leader in pioneering scientific advancements to improve patient outcomes and healthcare access worldwide.

Company Size: Over 100,000 employees globally. This large scale indicates a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and diverse career pathways.

Founded: 1896. With a long history, Roche demonstrates stability, a deep understanding of the healthcare market, and a commitment to long-term innovation.

Team Structure:

• The user research team is part of a larger global group of 60+ Designers, Researchers, and Human Factors Engineers, distributed across key Roche Diagnostics sites, including Vienna and Sant Cugat del Vallès.

• This indicates a matrixed structure where researchers may report locally but also connect with global initiatives and communities of practice.

• Collaboration is highlighted as a core element, with close partnerships between the research team, Business units, and Engineering departments, bridging the gap between end-users and product development. Methodology:

• The team's mission is to transform complex healthcare challenges into human-centered realities through digital solutions, emphasizing empathy for users and customers.

• They are involved across the entire product lifecycle, from early discovery to development and continuous improvement, indicating a commitment to data-driven product evolution.

• A proactive approach to solving complex problems and a focus on revealing pivotal, unmet human needs are key drivers.

• Research findings are intended to de-risk product decisions and instill deep user empathy across the organization.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Roche emphasizes diversity, personal expression, and open dialogue, aiming for an environment where individuals can thrive. The user research team operates within a global, cross-functional framework, highlighting the importance of collaboration and a user-centric approach to drive innovation in the complex healthcare sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level Design Researcher, requiring 5+ years of experience and the ability to operate with high independence. It's a key contributor role focused on shaping product strategy and user experience through rigorous research.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly defined, researchers typically report into a UX/Design leadership role, with strong functional reporting lines for research strategy and project execution. They will work closely with product teams, implying a collaborative, matrixed reporting relationship for project-specific work.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on product success by ensuring user needs are understood and addressed, thereby de-risking product development, improving adoption rates, and enhancing the overall user experience within the healthcare ecosystem. This influence extends to strategic decision-making regarding new opportunities and product direction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or therapeutic areas within healthcare. Opportunities to become a subject matter expert for particular product lines or user segments.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Design Researcher role, managing research projects, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to the broader research strategy for Roche Diagnostics.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Develop deeper insights into product management or design strategy, potentially leading to roles in these adjacent fields, or contributing to broader GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy through user insights.

• Global Exposure: Participate in global research initiatives, collaborate with international teams, and contribute to building a unified user experience across Roche's diverse product portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Researcher" title, combined with the responsibilities, suggests a role that requires significant strategic thinking and operational execution. The growth path within Roche likely involves deepening research expertise, taking on leadership responsibilities, and contributing to the strategic direction of digital health products.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role. The description emphasizes in-person collaboration and the value of physical presence for fostering team dynamics and innovation.

Office Location(s): Sant Cugat del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain, and Vienna, Austria. These are major Roche Diagnostics hubs, suggesting well-equipped facilities.

Workspace Context:

• The researcher will be part of a global team of designers and researchers, implying a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

• Access to modern research facilities, collaboration spaces, and the necessary technology for conducting both in-lab and remote studies.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, business) to integrate research insights into the product development pipeline.

• The environment is described as dynamic and fast-paced, requiring adaptability and quick iteration.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with potential for flexibility. This allows for effective planning of research activities and collaboration with global teams across different time zones, while maintaining a structured approach to data collection and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is primarily on-site in either Spain or Austria, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration. This environment is designed to foster innovation through close proximity to product teams and other research professionals, supporting the dynamic and iterative nature of design research within a large organization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your research philosophy, experience with specific methodologies, and approach to complex healthcare challenges. Expect questions about your ability to operate independently and inform product strategy.

• Research Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to present a past research project in detail, focusing on your process, insights, and impact. Alternatively, you might receive a hypothetical research problem to solve, requiring you to outline your approach, methods, and expected outcomes.

• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Interviews with product managers, designers, and engineers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate research into product development workflows.

• Executive/Senior Leadership Interview: A final discussion to evaluate your strategic thinking, ability to influence at higher levels, and overall fit with Roche's culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Clearly articulate the business and user impact of your research. Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in feature adoption," "reduced task completion time by 20%").

• Detail Your Process: For each case study, walk through your strategic thinking: how you defined the research problem, selected methodologies, recruited participants, conducted the research, analyzed data, and presented findings.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with cross-functional teams, how you advocated for user needs, and how you influenced product decisions.

• Address Healthcare Specifics: If possible, include examples of research conducted within the healthcare domain, highlighting your understanding of ethical considerations and specific user groups (patients, providers).

• Be Concise and Visual: Use clear, concise language and strong visuals (charts, graphs, key quotes, redacted UI examples) to convey information effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, thoroughly understand the problem statement, target users, and business goals.

• Outline Your Strategy: Prepare to articulate a clear research strategy, including your choice of methodologies and why they are appropriate.

• Focus on Actionable Insights: Emphasize how your research would lead to actionable recommendations that can be implemented by product teams.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a clear, confident delivery within the allotted time. Be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a senior research role like this will likely involve rigorous evaluation of both research execution and strategic impact. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their technical research skills but also their ability to translate insights into tangible product improvements and business value, especially within the complex healthcare sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for remote usability testing, survey creation, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Lookback).

• Qualitative Analysis Software: Tools for coding qualitative data, thematic analysis, and affinity diagramming (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, Miro, Mural).

• Quantitative Analysis Tools: Statistical software packages or libraries for data analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python with libraries like Pandas, SciPy, NumPy).

• Data Visualization Tools: Platforms for creating dashboards and reports (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Usage Analytics: Tools to track user behavior within digital products (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude).

• Survey & Feedback Tools: Platforms for collecting user feedback at scale.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting dashboards that synthesize data from multiple listening channels.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary research tools, familiarity with CRMs (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context for how user data is managed and utilized across the organization.

• Understanding of how research insights can feed into customer journey mapping and CRM data enrichment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role emphasizes tools for data collection (qualitative and quantitative), rigorous analysis, and effective reporting. Proficiency with a range of research platforms and analytical tools is expected, alongside an ability to integrate insights from product usage analytics to provide a comprehensive view of user behavior.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the needs of patients and healthcare professionals to drive meaningful product design.

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards and data privacy regulations when interacting with sensitive healthcare information and participants.

• Curiosity and Proactiveness: A drive to explore complex problems, uncover unmet needs, and proactively seek solutions rather than waiting for direction.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication, actively partnering with product, engineering, and business teams to ensure research insights are integrated effectively.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy, de-risk decisions, and measure the impact of product improvements.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying current with evolving research methodologies, technologies, and trends in UX and healthcare.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with product managers, designers, engineers, and business stakeholders to share insights and co-create solutions.

• Empathetic Communication: Presenting research findings in a compelling way that fosters empathy for users across the organization.

• Feedback Culture: Open to receiving and giving constructive feedback to continuously improve research processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing learnings and best practices within the research team and across the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Roche for this role is built on a foundation of deep user empathy, ethical conduct, and a proactive, data-driven approach to innovation within the healthcare sector. Collaboration is paramount, requiring researchers to effectively integrate with diverse functional teams to ensure user needs are at the forefront of product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working in complex, often ambiguous healthcare domains requires the ability to define clear research questions and strategies independently.

• Ethical and Data Privacy Constraints: Adhering to strict regulations when researching with healthcare providers and patients demands careful planning and execution.

• Translating Insights to Action: Effectively communicating complex findings to diverse stakeholders and driving adoption of recommendations can be challenging.

• Balancing Methodologies: Choosing the right mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a holistic understanding within project constraints and timelines.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in research methodologies, tools, and the evolving healthcare technology landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to train in cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative methodologies, advanced statistical analysis, and emerging research tools.

• Healthcare Domain Expertise: Deepen understanding of specific therapeutic areas, patient journeys, and the healthcare ecosystem through project work and internal resources.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to product strategy, design thinking, and business objectives, enhancing your ability to contribute strategically.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives, and contribute to the strategic direction of the UX research function.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in relevant conferences, workshops, and professional development programs to network and stay ahead of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges in the healthcare industry while fostering significant professional growth through specialized learning, cross-functional exposure, and leadership development within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a research strategy for a highly ambiguous product area. How did you approach it, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on strategic planning, problem definition, and adaptability.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings lead to tangible product improvements and influence stakeholders at different levels?" (Highlight your communication, advocacy, and impact-measurement skills.)

• "Walk us through a complex research problem you solved using both qualitative and quantitative methods. What was your process for synthesizing the data?" (Demonstrate your analytical rigor and ability to integrate diverse data sources.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Roche and its mission in healthcare? How does your user research approach align with our values?" (Research Roche's mission, values, and recent innovations. Connect your user-centric approach to their goals.)

• "Describe your experience working in a cross-functional team. How do you build consensus and manage differing opinions among product, engineering, and business stakeholders?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you measure the success and impact of your research initiatives within a product development lifecycle?" (Prepare examples of KPIs and metrics you've used to demonstrate research value.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, tell a compelling story: the problem, your approach (methodologies, process), the insights you uncovered, the recommendations you made, and the ultimate impact.

• Quantify Whenever Possible: Use data and metrics to support your claims about impact and the effectiveness of your research.

• Showcase Your Process: Be ready to detail your thought process behind methodology selection, participant recruitment, and data analysis.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific decisions made during your projects, challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

• Tailor to Roche: If possible, subtly tailor your examples to highlight experience or interest in healthcare or complex digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep research expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to drive impact within a complex, regulated industry. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, present compelling case studies, and show how their work aligns with Roche's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Roche Workday careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful user research projects, ideally showcasing experience with healthcare products or complex digital systems. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your strategic approach, methodologies used, key insights, actionable recommendations, and measurable outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of user research experience, specific methodologies you've mastered, experience with healthcare providers/patients, and analytical/data analysis skills. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Be ready to articulate your research strategy and decision-making process.

• Research Roche: Familiarize yourself with Roche's mission, values, recent product developments, and their approach to digital health. Understand how user research contributes to their goals.

⚠️ 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.