Associate User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate User Researcher Company: Activision Location: Sherman Oaks, California, United States Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary Category: User Research / Game Development Operations Date Posted: December 16, 2025 Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Associate User Researcher role is pivotal in supporting the execution and analysis of user research studies for Activision's renowned gaming franchises.
• The position requires hands-on involvement in setting up and conducting user tests, meticulously collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and contributing to comprehensive reports for studio stakeholders.
• Candidates will collaborate closely with senior researchers and cross-functional teams to translate research findings into actionable design recommendations that enhance player experiences.
• This role is ideal for individuals passionate about user research, possess a strong analytical mindset, and have a keen interest in the video game industry, particularly first-person shooters.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Associate User Researcher," the description outlines responsibilities that align with an entry-level to junior researcher role, with a clear emphasis on supporting senior staff. The "0-2 years" experience level derived from AI data supports this. The role is explicitly on-site at the Activision User Research Center (AURC) in Sherman Oaks, California.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Test Execution:
  • Assist in the setup and breakdown of user testing environments, including consoles, PCs, and associated peripherals.
  • Manage participant intake and outtake, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for all individuals involved in research studies.
  • Actively observe and document player interactions, behaviors, and feedback during testing sessions.
  • Contribute to game reviews and provide initial observations from a user experience perspective.
• Data Collection & Analysis:
  • Support senior researchers in planning and executing both on-site and remote data collection efforts.
  • Perform basic data cleaning and organization to ensure accuracy and readiness for analysis.
  • Assist in analyzing qualitative data (e.g., interview transcripts, observation notes) and quantitative data (e.g., survey responses, performance metrics).
  • Identify trends, patterns, and key insights from research data under guidance.
• Reporting & Recommendations:
  • Draft and edit research reports, surveys, and questionnaires, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and accuracy.
  • Contribute to the creation of compelling presentations that communicate research findings and design recommendations to studio stakeholders.
  • Provide design recommendations based on research observations and analysis to influence game development.
• Lab Operations & Support:
  • Troubleshoot and maintain lab equipment, including consoles, laptops, streaming software, and audio-visual setups.
  • Support onboarding and knowledge sharing with newer team members, acting as a resource for basic operational procedures.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and functional user research lab environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are detailed to reflect the hands-on nature of supporting user research operations, from logistical setup to preliminary analysis and reporting, emphasizing the collaborative and supportive aspect of the Associate role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a preference for fields such as Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Marketing, Communications, Market Research, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience conducting user research specifically for console video games.
• Alternatively, a minimum of two (2) years of experience conducting user testing research for websites or mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• User Research Fundamentals: Demonstrated understanding and experience in conducting scientific studies with participants of all ages.
• Data Handling: Proficiency in basic data cleaning and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative research data.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective interaction with participants and team members.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong organizational and analytical skills to process information, identify trends, and contribute to insights.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to troubleshoot lab equipment such as consoles, laptops, and streaming software.
• Adaptability: A quick learner who is adaptable and enjoys tackling a variety of problems in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Gaming Passion: A genuine passion for user research and video games.
• Specific Game Genre Experience: Extensive experience playing first-person shooter (FPS) games is considered a significant plus.
• Survey Design: Experience in drafting and editing surveys and questionnaires.
• Presentation Development: Familiarity with contributing to presentations and summarizing findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are structured to highlight the essential academic background, specific industry experience (gaming), and core competencies required for supporting user research activities, with a nod to the preferred gaming genre experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 1-2 detailed case studies that illustrate your involvement in user research projects, from planning to reporting. For console game research, highlight specific challenges, methodologies used, and the impact of your findings.
• Methodology Application: Demonstrate your understanding of various user research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, surveys, interviews) and how you applied them in past projects.
• Data Visualization: Include examples of how you have presented data, whether through charts, graphs, or concise summaries, to communicate research findings effectively.
• Design Recommendations: Provide instances where your research insights led to specific, actionable design recommendations, and if possible, the outcome of those recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the user research workflow, from defining research questions to delivering final reports and recommendations.
• Data Management: Familiarity with processes for organizing, cleaning, and anonymizing participant data to maintain privacy and integrity.
• Collaboration Protocols: Understanding of how user research integrates with game development cycles, including communication with designers, producers, and engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the practical application of research skills through a portfolio, focusing on demonstrating a structured approach to research processes and their impact on game development, which is crucial for operations-focused roles in creative industries.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The standard base pay range for this role in the U.S. is $27.64 - $51.14 per hour.
• This range reflects the expected base pay for new hires across all U.S. locations. The final offer will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, individual performance, and work location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
  • Healthcare Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Accounts.
  • Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
  • Disability insurance (short-term and long-term).
  • Mental health and wellbeing programs.
  • Fitness programs.
• Financial & Retirement:
  • 401(k) plan with a company match.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Charitable donation matching.
• Time Off & Leave:
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
  • Floating holidays.
  • Compassion and bereavement leaves.
  • Parental leave.
• Additional Perks:
  • Free and discounted Activision games.
  • A variety of other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life & disability insurance, legal services, ID protection, and rental insurance.
  • Relocation assistance may be provided if the company requires a geographic move for the job.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time temporary position with variable weekly hours, dependent on project needs.
• During peak periods, hours may increase up to 40 per week.
• Scheduling will be based on operational requirements and communicated in advance whenever possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as per the input data. Benefits are detailed to showcase the comprehensive package offered by Activision, with a note that eligibility may vary for part-time and temporary employees. The working hours are specifically noted as variable and part-time/temporary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Game Development & Publishing Company Size: Activision Blizzard is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global presence, employing thousands worldwide. This scale offers opportunities for diverse projects and potential career pathways within a major industry player. Founded: Activision was founded in 1979, with Activision Blizzard being formed through mergers and acquisitions, notably the merger with Blizzard Entertainment. This long history signifies stability and a deep understanding of the gaming market.

Team Structure:

• User Research Team: The Associate User Researcher will join the Activision User Research Center (AURC), working within a team of researchers. This team likely collaborates closely with various game development studios under the Activision umbrella.
• Reporting Hierarchy: The role reports to more experienced researchers, indicating a structured learning environment with direct mentorship.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with studio stakeholders, including game designers, producers, engineers, and other development team members, to integrate user feedback into the game development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The team emphasizes data collection and analysis to inform design decisions, aiming to create the most engaging and enjoyable player experiences.
• Iterative Design: User research is integral to an iterative development process, providing continuous feedback loops to refine gameplay.
• Player-Centric Approach: A core value is understanding and catering to player needs, preferences, and behaviors through rigorous research.

Company Website: https://careers.activision.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes Activision within the gaming industry, highlighting its scale and history. It also details the likely structure of the user research team and its collaborative nature, crucial for understanding the operational environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level position within the User Research discipline, often considered a stepping stone for aspiring UX researchers or game designers. It's focused on foundational skills and supporting senior team members. Reporting Structure: The Associate User Researcher will report to senior researchers, providing a clear line of mentorship and guidance. This structure is designed for skill development and learning industry best practices. Operations Impact: While direct strategic impact may be limited at this level, the role significantly influences game design by providing critical player feedback. Insights gathered contribute directly to improving player engagement, retention, and overall satisfaction with Activision's major game franchises.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., qualitative analysis, quantitative survey design, usability testing techniques) and gain hands-on experience with console game testing.
• Industry Exposure: Exposure to AAA game development processes and the opportunity to work on world-renowned franchises, building a valuable portfolio and network within the gaming industry.
• Advancement Potential: Successful performance and skill development can lead to opportunities for more senior User Researcher roles, or specialization in related fields such as Game Design, Product Management, or Quality Assurance within Activision or the broader gaming industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the developmental trajectory for an Associate User Researcher, emphasizing how this role serves as a foundational experience for a career in game development operations and user experience research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Activision User Research Center (AURC) in Sherman Oaks, California. This is a dedicated facility designed for conducting user research studies, equipped with specialized hardware and software. Office Location(s):

• Activision User Research Center (AURC)
• Sherman Oaks, California, United States
• This location is in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, offering access to a vibrant tech and entertainment hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Lab Setting: The AURC is a specialized environment designed for observation and interaction with research participants. It fosters a collaborative atmosphere among researchers and studio personnel observing studies.
• Technology-Rich: Access to and responsibility for operating various gaming consoles, PCs, recording equipment, and potentially specialized UX research software.
• Team Interaction: Direct daily interaction with senior researchers and potential observation by game developers provides ample opportunities for learning and knowledge exchange.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a part-time, temporary basis with variable weekly hours.
• Scheduling is based on project demands and operational requirements, with potential to increase hours up to 40 per week during peak periods. This flexibility is common in research support roles for project-based industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes the specialized nature of the AURC as a research facility and the dynamic, project-driven work schedule typical for temporary roles in the entertainment industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience.
• Skills Assessment: Potentially a brief practical exercise or a discussion focused on research methodologies, data analysis approaches, and troubleshooting skills.
• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions designed to gauge your passion for games, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle collaborative environments. Expect questions about your experience playing video games, particularly FPS titles.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your submitted portfolio, discussing your contributions to past projects, research methodologies, and how you translated findings into actionable insights.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with key stakeholders or hiring managers to assess overall fit and discuss the role's specifics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Console Gaming: If you have console gaming research experience, highlight it prominently. If your experience is primarily web/app-based, clearly articulate how your skills are transferable to the gaming context.
• Showcase Process & Impact: For each project, clearly outline the research problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the methodologies used, the key findings, and any design recommendations or impacts on the product.
• Demonstrate Adaptability: Include examples of how you handled unexpected challenges during research or adapted your approach based on participant feedback or technical issues.
• Quantify Where Possible: If you can, include metrics or quantifiable outcomes related to your research, even if it's an estimate of time saved or a percentage improvement in usability.
• Tailor to Activision: Research Activision's games and their player communities. Be prepared to discuss how user research contributes to the success of their franchises.

Challenge Preparation:

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would troubleshoot common lab equipment issues or participant technical difficulties.
• Data Interpretation: Prepare to discuss how you would approach analyzing a small dataset (e.g., survey results, interview snippets) and identify key themes.
• Communication Clarity: Practice articulating complex research concepts in a clear, concise manner suitable for non-researchers (e.g., game designers).

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a user research role in gaming, emphasizing the importance of a relevant portfolio and preparing for specific types of interview questions and potential challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Gaming Consoles: Proficiency with current and previous generation consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) for testing purposes.
• PC Hardware & Software: Familiarity with PC gaming setups and troubleshooting.
• Operating Systems: Experience with Windows and macOS.
• Collaboration Software: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord for team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Platforms: Experience with tools such as SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Qualtrics, or similar for creating and distributing surveys.
• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency with spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data organization and analysis. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) is a plus.
• Presentation Software: Expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for report generation and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically core to this specific User Researcher role, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) for tracking research tasks and timelines would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on the tools and systems directly relevant to user research in a gaming context, including hardware, survey tools, and data analysis software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the player experience, ensuring games are enjoyable and accessible.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional communication to integrate research insights seamlessly into the development process.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research data to inform hypotheses and guide design choices, rather than relying solely on intuition.
• Adaptability & Agility: Embracing change and adapting research plans and methodologies to meet the dynamic needs of game development.
• Passion for Gaming: A genuine enthusiasm for video games and the entertainment industry, which fuels motivation and understanding of the player base.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrative: Researchers work closely with development teams, acting as a bridge between player feedback and design implementation.
• Iterative Feedback: A culture of continuous feedback and refinement, where research findings are shared regularly and inform ongoing development adjustments.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of research methods, findings, and best practices across the user research team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the core values and collaboration styles expected within a user research team at a major gaming company, emphasizing player advocacy and data-informed, collaborative development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Variable Workload: Managing fluctuating project demands and variable hours as a part-time temporary employee can be challenging.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder feedback and research findings into actionable, prioritized recommendations.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Quickly diagnosing and resolving technical issues with lab equipment or participant setups under time pressure.
• Adapting to Diverse Player Bases: Understanding and researching the needs of a wide range of players across different demographics and skill levels.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience with a variety of research techniques and refining analytical skills under the guidance of experienced researchers.
• Industry Insight: Deepening understanding of AAA game development pipelines, player psychology in gaming, and industry best practices in user research.
• Portfolio Building: Developing a strong portfolio of research projects that can serve as a foundation for future career opportunities in UX research, game design, or related fields.
• Networking: Building connections within Activision and the broader gaming industry through collaboration and participation in team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential challenges specific to the role and its temporary nature, alongside concrete learning and development opportunities that contribute to career growth within the gaming industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to troubleshoot a technical issue during a research study. What was the problem, and how did you resolve it?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and communication.)
• "How would you approach analyzing qualitative feedback from 10 players about a new game mechanic?" (Discuss your methods for identifying themes and insights.)
• "Imagine a game designer disagrees with a research finding. How would you present your data and recommendations to them?" (Showcase your communication, data advocacy, and collaborative approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your favorite Activision game, and why? How do you think user research could have influenced its development or a specific feature?" (Demonstrate your passion and understanding of their products.)
• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment when working on a research project." (Align your answer with Activision's emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional interaction.)
• "How do you stay updated on trends in user research and the video game industry?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your portfolio walkthrough by highlighting the most impactful projects and your key contributions.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, narrate the research journey: the problem, your approach, the findings, and the actionable outcomes.
• Be Specific: Clearly define your role and specific tasks performed. Avoid vague statements.
• Focus on Recommendations: Emphasize how your research translated into concrete design recommendations and, if known, their impact.
• Handle Questions Gracefully: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your methodology, data interpretation, and decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable interview questions and preparation strategies tailored to the Associate User Researcher role at Activision, emphasizing game passion, technical aptitude, and research methodology.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Activision Careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in user research, data analysis, and any relevant technical skills. Quantify achievements where possible, and ensure keywords from the job description are incorporated naturally.
• Portfolio Curation: Select 1-2 of your strongest research projects to showcase. Prioritize those that demonstrate your ability to conduct research, analyze data, and provide actionable recommendations, ideally with a connection to gaming or interactive media.
• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Questions: Review common user research interview questions, focusing on your experience with troubleshooting, data interpretation, and collaboration. Practice articulating your passion for video games.
• Research Activision: Familiarize yourself with Activision's key franchises, their target audiences, and their commitment to player experience. Understand the company's mission and values.

⚠️ 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.

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