Associate User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate User Researcher

Company: Activision Blizzard

Location: Sherman Oaks, California, United States

Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Game Development Operations

Date Posted: 2025-12-16

Experience Level: Entry-Level to Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support and execute user research initiatives within a dedicated User Research Center, contributing to the development of iconic gaming franchises.

• Collaborate with cross-functional studio stakeholders to gather, analyze, and report on user data, driving actionable design recommendations.

• Gain hands-on experience in planning and conducting both on-site and remote research studies, with a focus on data integrity and participant experience.

• Develop expertise in troubleshooting lab equipment and supporting the onboarding of new team members, fostering a collaborative research environment.

• Contribute to the iterative improvement of game design and user experience through rigorous, data-driven research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Associate User Researcher within Activision Blizzard's User Research Center. While the core responsibilities lean into UX Research, its application within a gaming giant like Activision Blizzard necessitates a strong understanding of game development cycles, player behavior specific to gaming, and the operational aspects of running a research facility. The part-time and temporary nature suggests a need for flexibility and adaptability, common in project-based operational roles within the entertainment industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the end-to-end execution of user research studies, including participant recruitment, scheduling, session setup, and breakdown.

• Conduct user tests for console video games, websites, or applications, meticulously documenting player interactions and feedback.

• Prepare and edit research instruments such as surveys, questionnaires, and interview guides to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

• Support senior researchers in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, identifying key trends, patterns, and insights.

• Translate research findings into clear, concise, and actionable design recommendations for game development teams.

• Perform basic data cleaning and preparation for analysis, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.

• Troubleshoot and maintain lab equipment, including consoles, PCs, cameras, microphones, and streaming software, to ensure seamless research operations.

• Contribute to the creation of research reports and presentations for studio stakeholders, highlighting key findings and implications.

• Assist in the onboarding and knowledge sharing for junior team members or new hires, under the guidance of senior staff.

• Maintain a high level of organization and attention to detail throughout all research activities and documentation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct research execution and operational support. The inclusion of "game review," "participant intake/outtake," and "experience reporting" points to a structured process within the Activision User Research Center (AURC). The emphasis on troubleshooting lab equipment underscores the operational demands of maintaining a functional research environment, crucial for consistent data collection.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated understanding and experience in conducting scientific studies with participants of all ages, ensuring ethical research practices and participant comfort.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, essential for interacting with participants and stakeholders.

• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple research tasks, participant schedules, and documentation efficiently.

• Proficient analytical skills to interpret research data, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions.

• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues with common lab equipment (e.g., consoles, laptops, audio-visual setups).

• Familiarity with various user research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys).

Preferred Skills:

• Extensive experience playing first-person shooter (FPS) games, providing a deeper understanding of player behavior and genre conventions.

• Experience with remote research platforms and tools for conducting studies with distributed participants.

• Familiarity with data analysis software or statistical packages.

• Ability to contribute to design recommendations based on research insights.

• Adaptability and a quick learning ability, essential for tackling diverse research problems in a dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "first person shooters" as a 'plus' indicates a specialization within Activision Blizzard's research focus, likely related to their major franchises. The requirement for experience with participants of all ages suggests the need for sensitivity and methodological rigor applicable across diverse demographics. The distinction between console game research and web/app research experience provides clear pathways for candidates to demonstrate relevant experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of one (1) console video game user research project or two (2) website/app user testing projects.

• Clearly articulate the research objectives, methodologies employed, and participant demographics for each project.

• Present a summary of key findings, including actionable insights and design recommendations derived from the research.

• Demonstrate your role and contributions within the research team, highlighting your specific responsibilities and impact.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research processes, including methodology selection, participant screening criteria, and data collection protocols.

• Understanding of how to structure and present research findings in a clear, organized manner suitable for stakeholder consumption.

• Familiarity with the lifecycle of a research project, from planning and execution to analysis and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal "portfolio requirement," the nature of an Associate User Researcher role, especially in a structured environment like Activision Blizzard, implies that candidates will be expected to demonstrate their past work. The emphasis is on showcasing practical application of research skills, clarity in communication, and the ability to translate findings into actionable outcomes, which is a common expectation for research roles.

💵 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 compensation for new hires across all U.S. locations.

• Note: The specific hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, individual performance, and work location. The Talent Professional will provide detailed range information for the specific geographic area during the hiring process.

Benefits:

• This role is part-time and temporary, with eligibility for benefits potentially varying. However, based on the provided information, eligible employees may receive:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
  • 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.
  • 401(k) with Company match.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Charitable donation matching.
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
  • Floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, and parental leave.
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs and fitness programs.
  • Access to free and discounted games.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position with variable weekly hours, dependent on project needs.

• During peak project periods, hours may increase up to 40 per week.

• Scheduling will be communicated in advance whenever possible, based on operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($27.64 - $51.14/hour) is quite broad for an "Associate" level role. This likely accounts for varying levels of experience within the 0-2 year bracket and potential variations in local cost of living across Activision Blizzard's U.S. locations. The mention of "incentive compensation" being potentially available, though not guaranteed, is unusual for a part-time, temporary role and might indicate opportunities for performance-based bonuses if hours are consistently high or projects are particularly impactful. The comprehensive list of benefits, even for a part-time role, is a strong draw for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Game Development & Publishing. This industry is characterized by rapid innovation, intense competition, a focus on player engagement, and often demanding project timelines.

Company Size: Activision Blizzard is a large, publicly traded company with a global presence, employing thousands of individuals across various studios and departments. This scale offers opportunities for broad impact and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Activision was founded in 1979, and Blizzard Entertainment in 1991. Their merger in 2008 created a powerhouse in the gaming industry, known for its long-standing, successful franchises.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team likely operates within a larger R&D or Product Development division, collaborating closely with game design, production, and QA teams.

• The Associate User Researcher will report to a Senior User Researcher or a User Research Manager, working within the Activision User Research Center (AURC).

Methodology:

• The team employs a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods tailored to game development, including usability testing, playtesting, surveys, interviews, and contextual inquiry.

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a focus on translating player feedback and behavioral data into actionable insights that improve game design and player experience.

• A continuous improvement mindset is likely fostered, with research findings informing iterative design cycles and contributing to the overall quality and appeal of Activision Blizzard's titles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision Blizzard's culture is deeply rooted in the gaming industry, emphasizing creativity, passion for games, and player-centric development. As a large organization, it balances the fast-paced, innovative nature of game development with structured processes and operational excellence, particularly within dedicated research centers like the AURC. The emphasis on "diverse perspectives" and inclusivity suggests a commitment to building a representative team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level to junior position within the User Experience (UX) Research discipline, specifically applied to game development. It serves as a foundational step for individuals looking to build a career in understanding player behavior and influencing game design through research.

Reporting Structure: The Associate User Researcher will report to a Senior User Researcher or a User Research Manager. This structure provides direct mentorship and supervision, crucial for skill development in a specialized field. The team operates within the Activision User Research Center (AURC), indicating a centralized research function supporting multiple game studios.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on enhancing the player experience by identifying usability issues, understanding player preferences, and providing data-backed recommendations that inform game design decisions. This directly contributes to the quality, engagement, and ultimately, the commercial success of Activision Blizzard's game titles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., playtesting for specific genres, survey design for player feedback, qualitative interviewing) and gain experience with a wider range of research tools.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a User Researcher, Senior User Researcher, or specialized roles like Lead UX Researcher or UX Research Manager within Activision Blizzard or other game development studios.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working on world-renowned gaming franchises, building a strong portfolio and network within the highly competitive video game industry.

• Learning & Development: Access to internal training, workshops, and potentially opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., GDC, CHI) to stay current with UX research best practices and emerging trends in game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "part-time temporary" nature of this role might limit immediate long-term career progression within Activision Blizzard itself, but it offers significant value as a stepping stone. The experience gained working on AAA titles and within a dedicated research center is highly transferable and attractive to other companies in the gaming and broader tech industries. The focus on "supporting newer team members" hints at early leadership potential.

🌐 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, likely equipped with specialized hardware, software, and observation facilities.

Office Location(s): Sherman Oaks, California, a suburban area within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region. This location offers access to a large talent pool and a significant hub for the entertainment industry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The AURC is designed to foster collaboration between researchers and game development teams. Expect to work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their research needs and present findings.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard gaming consoles, PCs, recording equipment, specialized research software, and potentially VR/AR testing setups. The role involves troubleshooting this equipment, so a hands-on approach is expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a team of experienced user researchers, providing opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. The environment is likely fast-paced, driven by game development cycles.

Work Schedule: Variable part-time hours, with potential to increase to full-time (40 hours/week) during peak project periods. Flexibility is key, with scheduling based on operational needs and communicated in advance when possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "User Research Center" designation implies a professional, purpose-built environment. The emphasis on troubleshooting equipment suggests a practical, hands-on workspace where researchers are comfortable with technology and its operational aspects. The variable hours underscore the need for candidates who can adapt to project-driven demands, a common characteristic of operational roles in creative industries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, potentially followed by a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest in gaming, and availability.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home assignment or a live case study. This could involve analyzing a short research dataset, critiquing a game mechanic from a user perspective, or outlining a basic research plan for a given scenario. The focus will be on analytical thinking, communication, and understanding of research principles.

• On-site/Video Interview: An interview with the hiring manager and potentially senior researchers. This will delve deeper into your experience, research methodologies, problem-solving approach, and passion for games. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio and specific contributions.

• Team Fit: Assessment of how well you would integrate into the existing research team and collaborate with game development studios.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Prioritize projects that align with the job description, especially console game research or user testing for digital products.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly explain your role, the research questions, the methods used, and how you analyzed the data.

• Showcase Impact: Focus on the actionable insights and design recommendations you provided, and ideally, any impact they had on the product.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and presents information clearly and succinctly. For this role, focus on a few strong examples rather than many weak ones.

• Tailor to Gaming: If possible, include examples that demonstrate an understanding of player motivations and behaviors within gaming contexts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Research Fundamentals: Brush up on core UX research principles, common methodologies (usability testing, interviews, surveys), and data analysis techniques.

• Game Industry Awareness: Familiarize yourself with Activision Blizzard's key franchises and the general landscape of the video game industry. Think about what makes a game engaging from a player's perspective.

• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating how you would approach a research problem, from defining objectives to reporting findings. Consider how you would handle unexpected issues during a study.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "User Research Center" and "game review" suggests that candidates might be tested on their ability to observe and critically analyze gameplay from a user experience standpoint. The "part-time temporary" nature might mean a slightly less rigorous interview process than for a full-time, permanent role, but the core requirements for research proficiency and adaptability will remain.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Gaming Consoles: Proficiency with current-generation consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and their associated peripherals.

• PCs: Standard desktop and laptop configurations for research and analysis.

• Streaming Software: Familiarity with tools like OBS, Streamlabs, or similar for capturing gameplay and participant interactions.

• Audio/Video Recording Equipment: Understanding of cameras, microphones, and capture cards used in research labs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Tools: Experience with platforms like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms, or similar for creating and distributing questionnaires.

• Data Analysis Software: Basic familiarity with spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for data organization and simple analysis. Exposure to qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) is a plus.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating and delivering research reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this core research role, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) could be beneficial for tracking research tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of troubleshooting lab equipment, consoles, laptops, and streaming software indicates that technical proficiency and a hands-on approach to technology are crucial. While advanced analytics tools might be used by senior researchers, this role emphasizes the operational aspects of research execution and basic data handling.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value driven by the understanding that player satisfaction is paramount to the success of any game.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams (developers, artists, producers) to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven Insights: Commitment to using research data to inform decisions and improve the player experience, rather than relying solely on intuition.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative approaches to research and problem-solving to uncover unique player needs and behaviors.

• Inclusivity: Activision Blizzard's stated commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all voices are heard and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are expected to be integrated members of development teams, providing ongoing support and feedback throughout the development lifecycle.

• Proactive Communication: Regular updates and clear articulation of research needs and findings to stakeholders are essential.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve research processes and game design.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, learnings, and methodologies within the research team and across studios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "diverse perspectives" and creating an "inclusive company" suggests that the research team values contributions from individuals with varied backgrounds and viewpoints. This aligns with the goal of understanding a broad player base. The focus on "fun and unforgettable entertainment" permeates the culture, meaning a passion for gaming and player enjoyment is likely a key cultural driver.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Variable Workload: Managing fluctuating hours and adapting to project-driven demands can be challenging, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The game development cycle is often intense, requiring researchers to deliver insights quickly without sacrificing quality.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the expectations and diverse needs of various game development teams requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Ensuring research equipment is always functional in a dynamic lab environment can be demanding.

• Data Interpretation: Translating complex player behaviors and feedback into clear, actionable recommendations for non-researchers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Research Experience: Gaining practical experience across multiple research studies and potentially different game titles.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced senior researchers within a dedicated research center.

• Industry Exposure: Working on AAA gaming titles provides unparalleled experience and portfolio-building opportunities.

• Technical Skill Development: Improving proficiency in troubleshooting research hardware and software.

• Understanding Game Development: Observing and participating in the game development pipeline, offering insights into how research integrates with design and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for operational roles in fast-paced creative industries, especially those with variable hours. The growth opportunities are significant for an entry-level role, particularly the chance to work on high-profile franchises and gain practical experience in a specialized field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Methodology: "Describe a user research study you conducted. What were your objectives, methods, and key findings? How did you ensure participant comfort and data integrity?" (Focus on clarity, process, and impact).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a player is consistently failing at a specific level in one of our games. How would you approach researching this issue to understand the root cause and suggest design improvements?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking and a structured approach).

• Collaboration: "How would you present research findings to a game designer who is resistant to feedback? What strategies would you use to ensure your insights are heard and considered?" (Highlight communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Passion for Games: "What is your favorite video game, and why? What makes its user experience stand out to you?" (Show genuine interest and analytical perspective on games).

• Adaptability: "This role has variable hours. How do you manage your time and stay productive when your schedule changes frequently?" (Address flexibility and organizational skills).

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked as part of a team on a challenging project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Emphasize collaboration and contribution).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation around the narrative of each project: the problem, your approach, the findings, and the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the significance of your findings or recommendations (e.g., "identified a bug affecting X% of players," "recommendations led to a Y% improvement in task completion").

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate what you did within each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology, data analysis, and the rationale behind your design recommendations.

• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals (screenshots, charts, short video clips if appropriate) to support your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "part-time temporary" nature, interview questions might lean more towards assessing immediate usability and adaptability rather than long-term strategic thinking. However, demonstrating a solid understanding of research fundamentals and a passion for gaming will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Activision Blizzard careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in user research, specifically mentioning console game testing or website/app user testing. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "conducted X studies," "analyzed data from Y participants").

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate 1-2 strong examples of your user research work. For each, be ready to clearly articulate the research question, your methodology, key findings, and any design recommendations you made. If you have experience with gaming-related research, prioritize those examples.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience with common research methodologies, your approach to troubleshooting technical issues, and your ability to work in a flexible, project-driven environment. Practice answering behavioral questions related to teamwork and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Activision Blizzard's major franchises (e.g., Call of Duty, World of Warcraft) and understand their target audiences. Research the company's mission and values to align your responses during the interview.

⚠️ 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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