AppHatchery Digital Health UX Designer (ETS) | Temporary

Emory University
Full-timeβ€’Atlanta, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: AppHatchery Digital Health UX Designer (ETS) | Temporary

Company: Emory University

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Digital Health UX Design / Product Design

Date Posted: March 02, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role focuses on the end-to-end product design lifecycle for digital health solutions within the AppHatchery initiative.

  • Responsibilities include user research, design synthesis, creating interactive prototypes, and collaborating with development teams to bring digital health products to life.

  • The ideal candidate will advocate for user needs throughout the product creation process, ensuring user-centricity in all design decisions.

  • This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative digital health products that aim to improve clinical research outcomes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX Designer," the description emphasizes a full-cycle product creation process, indicating a broader product design scope that includes strategy, research, and development collaboration, rather than solely focusing on user experience research and wireframing. The "ETS" designation likely refers to Emory’s Temporary Staffing service.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Full-Cycle Product Design: Lead and execute the entire product design process, from initial ideation and concept development through to final developer handoff. This includes creating low, medium, and high-fidelity designs for mobile applications.

  • User Research & Insights: Design and conduct comprehensive user research plans utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Analyze research findings to translate them into actionable design requirements and user stories.

  • Prototyping & Iteration: Develop interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch) to visualize user flows, test design concepts, and gather feedback. Iterate on designs based on user testing and stakeholder input.

  • Developer Collaboration: Work closely with software developers to ensure seamless implementation of designs. Provide clear design specifications, assets, and ongoing support to maintain design integrity and user experience quality.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Manage and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including clinical researchers and faculty. Effectively translate their visions and requirements into functional, user-centered digital solutions.

  • AI-Assisted Design: Leverage AI tools to enhance design workflows, such as accelerating rapid prototyping, generating UX copy, or automating repetitive design tasks, thereby increasing efficiency.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The description highlights "owning the whole process, creating products from start to finish," which implies a Product Designer role rather than a pure UX Designer. The responsibilities have been expanded to reflect this broader scope, including ideation, strategy translation, and direct collaboration with developers and stakeholders to ensure successful product realization.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Master's Degree or PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Design, or a closely related graduate-level program.

Experience:

  • Demonstrated ability to manage and execute the entire design process from ideation through to developer handoff.

  • Proven experience in creating low, medium, and high-fidelity designs for mobile applications.

  • Experience in user research (quantitative and qualitative methods) and translating research findings into design requirements.

  • Familiarity with collaborating with software developers for implementation.

Required Skills:

  • UX/UI Design Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.

  • User Research Methodologies: Expertise in designing and conducting user research, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.

  • Design Synthesis & Requirements Definition: Ability to synthesize research findings into clear design requirements, user personas, and journey maps.

  • Prototyping: Skilled in creating interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Strong ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (developers, project managers) and communicate design rationale to stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

  • Healthcare/Research Domain Expertise: Previous professional experience in healthcare, medicine, public health, or academic research environments.

  • AI-Assisted Design: Experience utilizing AI tools to enhance design workflows, such as rapid prototyping, UX copy generation, or automating design tasks.

  • GitHub Literacy: Familiarity with GitHub or similar version control systems for effective collaboration in a development environment.

  • Production Environment Experience: Proven track record of designs implemented in live production environments (e.g., App Store, Google Play, web applications).

  • Adaptability & Startup Mindset: Thrives in dynamic, start-up-style environments and is willing to contribute to broader business areas as needed (e.g., marketing assets, experiments).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The minimum qualifications in the provided text were slightly contradictory (Bachelor's + 3 years vs. Bachelor's + 2 years). The "ai_experience_level" of "2-5" years was used as a more encompassing range for the "Experience" section. Preferred skills were enriched with AI-assisted design and production environment experience, directly referencing the "ai_key_skills" and "preferred qualifications" from the input.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing your involvement in the complete product design lifecycle, from ideation to developer handoff.

  • Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly articulate the problem statement, the user needs addressed, and how your design solutions effectively solved those challenges.

  • Design Process Documentation: Illustrate your design process, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iteration strategies.

  • Visual Design & Interaction: Present high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes that demonstrate your visual design skills and understanding of user interaction principles.

  • Impact & Metrics: Where possible, include evidence of the impact of your designs, such as user feedback, adoption rates, or other relevant metrics from live production environments.

Process Documentation:

  • User Research Reports: Provide examples of user research plans, methodologies used, key findings, and how these insights informed design decisions.

  • Design Specifications: Include examples of clear and concise design specifications or style guides provided to developers for implementation.

  • Collaboration Artifacts: Showcase examples of how you collaborated with developers and stakeholders, such as annotated wireframes, user flow diagrams, or meeting summaries.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "owning the whole process" and "developer integration," a strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end product design capabilities is crucial. The requirements are tailored to showcase this breadth, focusing on case studies that highlight research, design execution, and collaboration with development teams.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Based on the hybrid work arrangement, the Atlanta, GA location, and the 2-5 years of experience level for a UX Designer with product design responsibilities, the estimated salary range for this temporary position is $70,000 - $95,000 annually.

Benefits:

  • As a temporary employee through Emory’s ETS program, benefits may differ from full-time positions. Typical benefits for temporary roles at academic institutions can include:

  • Health Insurance: Access to temporary health insurance plans, often with various coverage options.

  • Retirement Savings: Potential eligibility for a 403(b) retirement savings plan, subject to specific employment duration and contribution requirements.

  • Paid Time Off: Accrual of paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays, often based on hours worked.

  • Professional Development: Opportunities for training and development through Emory University's resources, potentially including access to workshops or online learning platforms.

  • University Perks: Access to certain university facilities and employee discount programs.

Working Hours:

  • This is a full-time temporary position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

  • The role is designated as Hybrid, with a requirement to be present on the Emory University campus on a flexible, weekly schedule based on business needs. Employees must reside in Georgia.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the "Temporary" employment type and the association with a university, direct salary information is unlikely to be provided. A realistic estimated salary range has been provided based on the role, experience, and location, along with a description of typical benefits for temporary staff at such institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education & Healthcare Technology Research

Company Size: Emory University is a large, complex institution with a vast number of employees and students. The AppHatchery initiative likely operates as a smaller, agile unit within this larger framework.

Founded: Emory University was founded in 1836, bringing a long history of academic excellence and research innovation. AppHatchery is a more recent initiative focused on digital product development.

Team Structure:

  • AppHatchery Unit: This team likely comprises a mix of project managers, user researchers, UX/Product Designers, and software developers.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes close collaboration with project managers, researchers, and developers to ensure a cohesive product development process.

  • Academic & Research Environment: The culture is likely a blend of academic rigor, research-driven innovation, and the fast-paced nature of a start-up-style digital product development unit.

Methodology:

  • User-Centric Design: A core methodology focused on deeply understanding user needs and advocating for them throughout the product creation process.

  • Agile Development Principles: Likely employs agile or agile-like methodologies for iterative development, rapid prototyping, and quick feedback loops.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Research findings and potential product performance metrics are used to inform design and development decisions.

Company Website: https://www.emory.edu/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "AppHatchery" is described as a collaborative effort between Emory, Georgia Tech, Morehouse School of Medicine, and UGA, suggesting a strong inter-institutional and research-focused environment. The culture is a blend of academic research and agile product development.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Junior to Mid-Level Product Designer, requiring demonstrated ownership of the design process from start to finish. It's suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience who are ready to take on significant responsibility for product outcomes.

Reporting Structure:

  • The UX Designer will likely report to a Project Manager or a Lead Designer within the AppHatchery initiative.

Operations Impact:

  • The primary impact of this role is on the successful design and development of digital health products that aim to improve clinical research efficiency and outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in digital health UX, working on complex and impactful problems within healthcare and research.

  • Skill Expansion: Chance to gain experience with AI-assisted design tools, further developing cutting-edge design capabilities.

  • Production Experience: Direct exposure to shipping products to live production environments, building a strong portfolio and resume.

  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop leadership potential by owning the design process and influencing product direction through strong stakeholder management and collaboration.

  • Networking: Engage with researchers and developers from multiple leading academic institutions, fostering a valuable professional network.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "owning the whole process" suggests a growth path from a junior role where one executes tasks to a more senior role where one defines strategy and leads design initiatives. The temporary nature means growth might be focused on skill development and portfolio building rather than long-term advancement within this specific role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a Hybrid role, requiring a blend of remote work and on-site presence at Emory University.

Office Location(s): 1750 Haygood Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. Specific details about the AppHatchery workspace at this location would need to be confirmed.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with project managers, user researchers, and software developers, suggesting an environment that supports teamwork and open communication.

  • Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Sketch) and potentially AI design tools will be available or expected.

  • Agile Setting: The "start-up style environment" mentioned implies a dynamic workspace that values agility, quick decision-making, and flexibility.

Work Schedule:

  • The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week.

  • The hybrid arrangement allows for regular remote work but requires commuting to the Emory University campus on a flexible weekly schedule based on business needs. Employees must reside in Georgia.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and the mention of a "start-up style environment" within a large university context suggest a flexible yet structured work setting where individuals are expected to be self-directed and collaborative.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

  • Portfolio Presentation: A key stage will likely involve presenting 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio, showcasing your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact.

  • Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential practical exercises or discussions focused on design principles, tool proficiency (Figma, Sketch), user research methods, and collaboration scenarios.

  • Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions assessing your fit with the AppHatchery team culture, your adaptability, and how you handle challenges in a research/development environment.

  • Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Discussions with potential team members (developers, project managers) to evaluate collaboration style and technical understanding.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on End-to-End: Clearly present entire projects, from initial problem definition and user research through to final design and developer collaboration.

  • Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to narrate a clear problem, your process of discovery and ideation, the design solutions you created, and the outcomes or impact achieved.

  • Highlight User Advocacy: Emphasize how you incorporated user feedback and advocated for user needs throughout the design process.

  • Showcase Collaboration: Include artifacts or descriptions of how you worked with developers and stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to translate designs into functional products.

  • Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success or impact of your designs.

  • Tool Proficiency: Mention and, where appropriate, demonstrate your proficiency with key design tools like Figma or Sketch.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design exercise that might involve analyzing a user problem, sketching out solutions, or creating a basic prototype.

  • Process Explanation: Practice articulating your design process clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale for key decisions.

  • Stakeholder Scenario: Think about how you would handle common stakeholder requests or feedback, especially in a research or academic context.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "owning the whole process" and the academic research setting, interviewers will likely focus on your ability to manage a project independently, conduct thorough research, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. A strong portfolio is paramount.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (Proficiency expected in at least one, with Figma and Sketch being industry standards).

  • User Research Platforms: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms), user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze), and potentially analytics platforms.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for team communication and virtual meetings.

  • Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for task tracking and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior in production environments.

  • Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced features within design tools for presenting research findings and design impact.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly a CRM role, familiarity with how user data is managed and potentially used to inform design decisions is beneficial.

  • Version Control: GitHub or similar systems for code collaboration, indicating a need for understanding developer workflows.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The prompt specifically mentions "Figma, Sketch," and "AI tools to accelerate design workflows, such as rapid prototyping, generating UX copy, or automating repetitive design tasks," and "GitHub Literacy." These have been prioritized in the "Primary Tools" and "Version Control" sections.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users (clinical researchers, patients, etc.) through thoughtful design.

  • Innovation & Research: A drive to explore new digital health solutions and leverage research to inform product development.

  • Collaboration & Inclusivity: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the diverse perspectives of researchers, developers, and designers from multiple institutions.

  • Efficiency & Impact: Striving to create digital tools that are not only user-friendly but also improve the efficiency and outcomes of clinical research.

  • Adaptability: Embracing the dynamic nature of a project-based initiative, being willing to learn and adapt to new challenges and tools.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close working relationships with project managers, user researchers, and software developers, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate between disciplines.

  • Iterative Feedback: A culture that encourages continuous feedback loops, with designers actively seeking and incorporating input from team members and stakeholders.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing insights, best practices, and learning from each other's expertise, fostering a collective growth environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The description of AppHatchery as a collaborative initiative between multiple universities implies a culture that values interdisciplinary work and academic rigor, combined with the agility needed for product development.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of clinical researchers, faculty, and development teams.

  • Complexity of Digital Health: Designing for specialized clinical workflows and sensitive health data requires a high degree of precision, empathy, and understanding of regulatory considerations.

  • Agile Environment within Academia: Adapting to the fast-paced, iterative nature of product development while operating within the broader framework of a large academic institution.

  • AI Integration Learning Curve: Quickly learning and effectively integrating new AI tools into the design workflow to maximize efficiency and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Digital Health Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge and experience in a rapidly growing and impactful field.

  • AI Design Tools Mastery: Becoming proficient in using AI to augment the design process, a highly sought-after skill.

  • Cross-Institutional Collaboration: Building a network and understanding of how different academic research groups collaborate on technology projects.

  • End-to-End Product Ownership: Developing robust skills in managing the entire product lifecycle, from concept to launch.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the specific context of digital health, AI integration, and academic collaboration.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex digital health product you designed from concept to launch. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and impact.)

  • "How do you approach user research for a new digital health application, especially when dealing with sensitive patient or researcher data?" (Highlight your research methodologies, ethical considerations, and data synthesis skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working on digital health solutions at an academic institution like Emory, specifically within the AppHatchery initiative?" (Show enthusiasm for the mission and research context.)

  • "How do you stay current with the latest trends in UX/UI design and AI-assisted design tools?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of the project, the problem, and your role. Then, dive into the user research, ideation, key design decisions, prototyping, and final implementation.

  • Visuals: Use clear, high-quality mockups and interactive prototypes. Annotate key design elements and user flows to explain your choices.

  • Storytelling: Weave a narrative that highlights your problem-solving process, your user advocacy, and the impact of your work.

  • Metrics & Outcomes: Be prepared to discuss any metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs. If it was a concept project, explain how you would measure success.

  • Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternatives you considered, and how you handled feedback or challenges.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating end-to-end ownership, user advocacy, technical proficiency with design tools, and an understanding of the digital health domain within an academic setting.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Emory University careers portal (staff-emory.icims.com).

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience in full-cycle product design, user research, mobile application design, and any relevant digital health or academic research projects.

  • Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be ready to present these in detail.

  • Research AppHatchery: Familiarize yourself with the AppHatchery's mission, projects (as seen on their Framer site), and the collaborating institutions (Emory, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, UGA) to articulate your interest and understanding.

  • Prepare for Hybrid/Remote Context: Be ready to discuss your experience and comfort level with hybrid work arrangements and collaborating with remote team members.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Minimum qualifications require either a Master's/PhD in a relevant field or a Bachelor's degree with at least two years of professional UX/UI design experience, demonstrating the ability to manage the design process end-to-end. Preferred qualifications include experience in healthcare/research, familiarity with AI design tools, GitHub, and having shipped designs to a live production environment.