Associate User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate User Researcher Company: Activision Location: Sherman Oaks, California, United States Job Type: Temporary Category: User Research / Product Insights Date Posted: December 16, 2025 Experience Level: Early Career (0-2 Years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the planning, execution, and analysis of user research studies for major video game franchises within Activision's User Research Center (AURC).
• Contribute to the user experience improvement of console video games through data collection, analysis, and actionable design recommendations.
• Collaborate with senior researchers and studio stakeholders to translate research findings into impactful product development insights.
• Gain hands-on experience in a variety of user research methodologies, participant management, and lab equipment troubleshooting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an Associate User Researcher, indicating an entry-level or early-career position focused on supporting experienced researchers. The emphasis on "console video games" and "part-time temporary" nature suggests a project-based support role within a larger research team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the setup, breakdown, and execution of user testing sessions for console video games, ensuring a seamless participant experience.
• Manage participant intake and outtake processes, including consent forms, onboarding, and debriefing.
• Conduct game reviews and provide detailed observational notes on player behavior, challenges, and feedback.
• Draft, edit, and refine research reports, surveys, and other documentation under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Support senior researchers in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, identifying key trends, and formulating insights.
• Contribute to the generation of presentations that clearly communicate research findings and design recommendations to studio stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and maintain lab equipment, including consoles, PCs, cameras, microphones, and streaming software.
• Aid in the onboarding and knowledge sharing process for new team members, acting as a peer resource.
• Provide design recommendations based on direct observations and analysis of user interactions with game features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily focused on the practical execution and support aspects of user research, rather than independent study design or advanced statistical analysis, aligning with an Associate level.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred fields include Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Marketing, Communications, Market Research, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

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

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated understanding and experience conducting scientific studies with participants of all ages.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective stakeholder and participant interaction.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, participant schedules, and lab logistics.
• Solid analytical skills to interpret research data and identify actionable insights.
• Familiarity with common user research methodologies and data collection techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with lab equipment (consoles, PCs, peripherals).
• Adaptability and a quick learning aptitude for tackling a wide variety of research challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Extensive experience playing first-person shooter (FPS) games, providing a deep understanding of the genre's nuances and player expectations.
• Passion for user research and a genuine enthusiasm for video games.
• Experience with survey design tools and data analysis software.
• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis methods (e.g., thematic analysis).

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for FPS experience highlights the specific domain of Activision's products and suggests that candidates with this background will have a more immediate understanding of the player base and game mechanics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of user research studies conducted, detailing the research questions, methodologies employed, and outcomes.
• Present case studies that demonstrate your ability to analyze research data (qualitative and quantitative) and derive actionable insights.
• Include examples of reports or presentations that effectively communicate research findings and design recommendations to stakeholders.
• Demonstrate experience with participant management, including recruitment, scheduling, and conducting sessions.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation of your process for setting up and running user tests, including pre-session preparation and post-session breakdown.
• Illustrate your approach to data cleaning and preliminary analysis of research findings.
• Showcase your method for translating raw data into clear, concise, and impactful reports or presentation decks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of research skills is crucial for an Associate role, showcasing potential and foundational knowledge. The focus should be on execution and basic analysis rather than complex theoretical frameworks.

💵 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 expected base pay for new hires across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, performance, and work location.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for your health needs.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) / Healthcare Spending Accounts: Options for managing healthcare expenses.
• Dependent Care Spending Accounts: Support for childcare or other dependent care costs.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Financial protection for you and your beneficiaries.
• Disability Insurance: Income protection in case of illness or injury.
• 401(k) with Company Match: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education and skill development.
• Charitable Donation Matching: Amplify your impact through philanthropic contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Includes paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Floating Holidays, Compassion and Bereavement Leaves, Parental Leave: Various paid leave options for life events.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Programs: Resources and support for emotional and psychological health.
• Fitness Programs: Initiatives to promote physical health and wellness.
• Free and Discounted Games: Enjoy Activision's portfolio of titles.
• Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental life & disability insurance, legal services, ID protection, rental insurance, and more.
• Relocation Assistance: May be available if required to move geographic locations 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 in USD per hour, and the benefits listed are extensive, covering health, financial, and personal well-being. The temporary nature of the role means some benefits eligibility might vary, as noted in the original description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Games Company Size: Activision Blizzard is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees globally, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and resources. Founded: Activision was founded in 1979, giving it a long history and a legacy in the video game industry.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is part of a larger product development or design organization within Activision.
• The Associate User Researcher will report to a Senior User Researcher or a User Research Manager.
• Collaboration is expected with game designers, producers, QA testers, and other studio stakeholders.
• The team values collaboration, innovation, and diverse perspectives, as stated in the job description.

Methodology:

• The team utilizes a range of user research methods tailored to game development, including usability testing, playtesting, surveys, and interviews.
• Research findings are used to inform design decisions, iterate on gameplay mechanics, and ensure a high-quality player experience.
• A data-driven approach is central to informing product strategy and development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision's culture emphasizes creating iconic brands and delivering unparalleled gaming experiences. The User Research team plays a critical role in achieving this by ensuring player-centric design and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Associate," signifying an entry-level position for individuals with foundational knowledge and some practical experience in user research. It's a stepping stone for aspiring researchers looking to build a career in the gaming industry.

Reporting Structure: The Associate User Researcher will report to a Senior User Researcher or a Research Manager. This structure provides direct mentorship and supervision, essential for skill development and project guidance.

Operations Impact: User research directly impacts the success of Activision's games by identifying player pain points, validating design decisions, and ensuring an engaging and enjoyable player experience. Insights from this role contribute to product quality, player satisfaction, and ultimately, commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods) and game genres.
• Project Leadership: With experience, progress to leading smaller research initiatives or specific aspects of larger studies.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of the game development lifecycle and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to roles such as User Researcher, Senior User Researcher, or specialized roles within UX research or product management.
• Learning & Development: Access to industry conferences, training programs, and internal knowledge sharing sessions, supported by the company's commitment to employee growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a temporary role, the experience gained at a company like Activision can be highly valuable for future career growth in user research, especially within the gaming or entertainment sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Activision User Research Center (AURC) in Sherman Oaks, California, implying a dedicated research facility designed for user testing.

Office Location(s):

• Activision User Research Center (AURC)
• Sherman Oaks, California, 91403, United States
• This location is within the greater Los Angeles area, offering access to a vibrant tech and entertainment hub.

Workspace Context:

• The AURC is equipped with specialized lab equipment such as consoles, laptops, cameras, and streaming software, providing a professional research environment.
• The workspace is likely designed to accommodate participants and researchers comfortably during testing sessions.
• Collaboration with a team of researchers and interaction with studio stakeholders will be integral to the daily work.

Work Schedule:

• This position is part-time and temporary, with variable weekly hours.
• Hours may increase to up to 40 per week during peak project periods.
• Scheduling is based on operational needs and will be communicated in advance when possible, requiring flexibility from the candidate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and dedicated research center environment suggest a hands-on role where technical setup and direct participant interaction are key components of the daily work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications to assess qualifications against the job requirements.
• Technical Interview: This may involve discussing research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and troubleshooting scenarios. Expect questions about your experience with user testing and game research.
• Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present examples of your past research work, showcasing your process, findings, and impact. Be prepared to discuss specific case studies.
• On-site Assessment/Final Interview: This could involve a practical exercise, a deeper dive into your portfolio, and discussions with the user research team and potentially studio stakeholders. Cultural fit and passion for games will also be assessed.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your skills in user research, data analysis, and report generation relevant to gaming.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the research goals, your role and responsibilities, the methodology used, key findings, and the impact of your recommendations.
• Highlight Data Analysis: Show examples of how you analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data. If possible, include visualizations or charts.
• Demonstrate Communication: Showcase your ability to present complex information clearly and concisely, using well-designed reports or presentation slides.
• Address Gaming Context: If you have gaming-specific research, emphasize it. If not, explain how your existing experience is transferable to the gaming industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would troubleshoot common lab equipment issues (e.g., connectivity problems, software glitches).
• Research Scenarios: Prepare to outline how you would approach a hypothetical research study for a new game feature, including participant recruitment and data collection methods.
• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting sample research data and articulating potential design recommendations based on that data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on practical application of research skills and the ability to contribute immediately to ongoing projects, especially given the temporary nature of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Gaming Consoles: Expertise with current-generation consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and their associated software/hardware.
• PC Hardware & Software: Familiarity with PC gaming setups, operating systems (Windows), and common troubleshooting steps.
• Streaming Software: Experience with tools like OBS Studio or similar for capturing gameplay and participant interactions during remote or on-site sessions.
• Video Conferencing Tools: Proficiency with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for conducting remote research sessions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Platforms: Experience with tools like Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms for creating and distributing questionnaires.
• Data Analysis Software: Basic familiarity with spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for data organization and preliminary analysis. Experience with qualitative analysis tools may be a plus.
• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating and delivering research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this role, familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) or internal company systems for task tracking and collaboration may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards the gaming environment, requiring hands-on experience with consoles and related equipment, alongside standard research and communication tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with a team of researchers and cross-functional partners in game development.
• Innovation: Encouragement to bring new ideas and approaches to user research challenges within the gaming context.
• Diverse Perspectives: Valuing varied viewpoints from both team members and study participants to ensure inclusive game design.
• Player-Centricity: A core value of prioritizing the player experience in all research and development efforts.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Commitment to using research insights to guide product improvements and strategic choices.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a high degree of collaboration, with senior researchers providing guidance and mentorship.
• Expect regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback exchanges on research plans, data analysis, and reports.
• Cross-functional collaboration with game designers, producers, and QA is essential for translating research into actionable improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision aims for a culture that fosters creativity and teamwork, with a clear mission to deliver exceptional gaming experiences. The user research team is integral to this mission, requiring individuals who can work well within a dynamic, creative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The gaming industry is dynamic, requiring adaptability to shifting project priorities and tight deadlines.
• Diverse Player Base: Understanding and researching the needs and preferences of a wide range of players, from casual to hardcore gamers.
• Technical Complexity: Mastering the setup and troubleshooting of various gaming platforms and research equipment.
• Translating Feedback: Effectively bridging the gap between raw player feedback and concrete, actionable design recommendations for game developers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced user researchers to hone practical skills.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience with world-renowned gaming franchises.
• Methodological Exposure: Learning and applying various user research techniques in a real-world product development context.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to improve skills in data analysis, report writing, and presentation.
• Networking: Building connections within the gaming and user research communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience in user research within the highly competitive and engaging video game industry, providing a strong foundation for future growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Methodology: "Describe a user research study you've conducted. What were the goals, your role, the methodology, and the key findings?" "How would you approach researching the usability of a new in-game tutorial for a first-person shooter?"
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: "How do you approach cleaning and analyzing qualitative data from user interviews?" "Given this sample data (hypothetical), what design recommendations would you make?"
• Problem Solving: "You encounter unexpected technical issues during a live user test. What are your immediate steps?" "How would you handle a participant who is struggling to articulate their feedback?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in user research at Activision?" "What are your favorite video games, and why?" "How do you stay updated on trends in user research and the gaming industry?" "Describe a time you had to adapt to a rapidly changing project scope."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate how your research contributed to product improvements or design decisions. Use metrics if available.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative arc: problem, solution, results.
• Be Concise: Highlight the most important aspects of your work. Be prepared to go deeper if asked.
• Showcase Your Process: Demonstrate your systematic approach to research, from planning to reporting.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical research skills, problem-solving abilities, a passion for gaming, and a collaborative spirit. Demonstrating an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in game user research will be key.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided on the Activision careers website.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific user research experience, quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, and any relevant gaming experience. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your research process, findings, and recommendations. Ensure it's easy to navigate and clearly demonstrates your capabilities.
• Research Activision: Familiarize yourself with their major franchises, recent game releases, and their stated company values. Understand the importance of user research in game development.
• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common user research, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on your experience with console games and your problem-solving approach.

⚠️ 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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