Design Researcher II - Health

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher II - Health

Company: HKS, Inc.

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States (with potential for Atlanta, Chicago, Raleigh, Denver)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Research / Health Sector Operations

Date Posted: January 30, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the Health sector's strategic initiatives, focusing on research-driven design and operational insights.

• Key responsibilities involve the end-to-end execution of research studies, from design and data collection to analysis and interpretation, directly impacting health facility design and user experience.

• The position requires a strong understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, applied within the complex healthcare environment.

• Success in this role hinges on the ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for design teams and stakeholders, contributing to optimized operational efficiency and patient outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Researcher," the inclusion of "Health" and the emphasis on "operational efficiency" and "patient outcomes" suggests a strong connection to the operational aspects of healthcare design. This role likely bridges the gap between user experience research and the practical implementation of design solutions that affect how healthcare facilities function and how services are delivered. It's crucial for candidates to highlight experience in research that has led to tangible improvements in operational processes or user journeys within healthcare settings.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Research Study Design & Execution: Design and lead research initiatives to understand user needs, environmental factors, and operational workflows within healthcare settings. This includes defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies (e.g., ethnography, user interviews, surveys, usability testing), and developing study protocols.

• Data Collection & Analysis: Collect and meticulously analyze both quantitative and qualitative data from various sources, including user observations, interviews, surveys, and performance metrics. Apply advanced analytical techniques to derive meaningful insights relevant to healthcare operations and design.

• Insight Synthesis & Reporting: Synthesize complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights. Develop compelling deliverables, presentations, and reports for diverse audiences, including design teams, project managers, and potentially healthcare clients.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with architects, designers, strategists, and other project stakeholders to integrate research findings into the design process. Act as a subject matter expert on user behavior and operational needs within the healthcare context.

• Knowledge Dissemination: Contribute to the development and distribution of research resources, best practices, and case studies firmwide. This may involve creating templates, leading workshops, or contributing to internal knowledge-sharing platforms.

• IRB Protocol Management: Assist in the preparation and submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols as required for research involving human subjects, ensuring ethical compliance and data integrity.

• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively communicate research plans, progress, and findings to internal teams and potentially external clients, building rapport and ensuring alignment on research objectives and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a role that moves beyond pure academic research. The emphasis on "deliverables," "business development," and "communicating findings across peer-reviewed and mainstream platforms" suggests the need for practical application of research skills. For operations-minded candidates, framing these responsibilities in terms of how research directly influences design decisions that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance patient safety, or improve staff workflows will be key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Research Methodology: Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., ethnography, user interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, usability testing, A/B testing).

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing both qualitative data (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis) and quantitative data (e.g., statistical analysis, descriptive statistics). Familiarity with statistical software packages is preferred.

• Prototyping: Basic knowledge of physical and digital prototyping techniques to test design concepts and research hypotheses effectively.

• Writing & Communication: Strong academic and industry writing skills for developing research reports, proposals, and publications. Excellent verbal and written communication for presenting findings to diverse audiences.

• Graphic Visualization & Representation: Strong graphic and visualization skills to effectively communicate complex data and design ideas through compelling visual mediums.

• Organizational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain meticulous records, and meet deadlines consistently.

• Problem Solving: Ability to identify research challenges, develop innovative solutions, and adapt methodologies as needed.

• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team environment, fostering positive relationships and contributing to collective goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Healthcare Sector Knowledge: Specific experience or deep understanding of healthcare environments, patient journeys, clinical workflows, and healthcare regulations.

• Adobe Suite Proficiency: Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating research collateral and visualizations.

• MS Office Suite Proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.

• Statistical Software: Familiarity with statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS) for advanced quantitative analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates transitioning from pure operations roles, emphasize transferable skills such as data analysis, process mapping (as a form of qualitative data collection/analysis), stakeholder management (client relationships), and problem-solving. Highlight any experience where research-backed insights led to process improvements or better user experiences, even if not explicitly labeled as "design research."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your research process from problem definition to solution. Each case study should highlight:

  • The specific research question or operational challenge addressed.
  • The methodologies employed and the rationale behind their selection.
  • Key findings and insights derived from the data.
  • The impact of your research on design decisions or operational improvements.
  • Quantifiable results or evidence of success (e.g., improved efficiency, user satisfaction scores, reduced error rates).

• Methodology Showcase: Include examples of research plans, interview guides, survey instruments, or data analysis frameworks you have developed.

• Deliverable Examples: Provide samples of research reports, presentations, or visual summaries that effectively communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Process Documentation: Evidence of your ability to document research processes, findings, and recommendations clearly and systematically.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting research workflows, including participant recruitment, data collection protocols, and analysis procedures.

• Showcase your ability to translate research findings into actionable design recommendations and operational improvements, effectively bridging the gap between user insights and implementation.

• Provide examples of how you have iterated on designs or processes based on research feedback and performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this section is critical. A strong portfolio should translate research findings into concrete improvements. Instead of just showing a research report, demonstrate how that report led to a change in a process, a redesign of a workflow, or an improvement in a user interface that directly impacted operational outcomes. Quantifying the impact (e.g., "reduced patient wait times by X%," "improved staff task completion efficiency by Y%") will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and continued education, including support for obtaining relevant certifications.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-paid life and disability coverage options.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Potential for Travel: Reimbursement for travel expenses if required for site visits or client meetings.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility for focused work or remote collaboration as needed, though core hours will require office presence. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to accommodate research participant availability or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Researcher II with 4+ years of experience in the specified US locations. HKS, as a large architecture and design firm, likely offers a competitive benefits package. For operations professionals, emphasizing how benefits like professional development and flexible working hours support continuous learning and work-life balance can be appealing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, and Planning (with a specialized focus on the Health sector). HKS is a global firm known for its innovative and sustainable design solutions.

Company Size: HKS is a large organization, with an estimated 1,000-5,000 employees globally, indicating a robust structure with a significant presence in the design and construction industry.

Founded: HKS was founded in 1939, signifying a long history of experience and a deep-rooted understanding of design principles and client needs.

Team Structure:

• The Design Researcher II - Health will likely be part of a dedicated Health sector practice group.

• This group will comprise various specialists, including designers, architects, planners, strategists, and potentially other researchers.

Methodology:

• HKS emphasizes a research-informed design approach, leveraging data and insights to create impactful and human-centered environments.

• The firm likely employs a blend of established architectural design methodologies and innovative research techniques to address complex client challenges.

• Data analysis and evidence-based design are central to their problem-solving strategy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HKS's long history and global presence suggest a stable and professional work environment. The specialized Health practice indicates a deep commitment to innovation and expertise in this critical sector. For operations candidates, understanding how HKS leverages research to drive efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare design will be crucial.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Researcher II will likely report to a Senior Design Researcher, Research Manager, or a Practice Director within the HKS Health sector.

Operations Impact:

• The impact of this role is directly tied to how research insights inform and optimize the design of healthcare facilities.

• This includes influencing decisions that affect patient flow, staff efficiency, patient safety, healing environments, and the overall operational effectiveness of healthcare providers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific areas of health research (e.g., patient experience, clinical workflows, infectious disease control design, mental health environments).

• Advancement: Progress to Senior Design Researcher, Research Lead, or specialized roles within the Health practice.

• Skill Development: Enhance skills in advanced research methodologies, data analysis tools, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

• Leadership: Opportunity to mentor junior researchers and lead research initiatives on significant projects.

• Industry Contribution: Contribute to publications, presentations, and the knowledge base of HKS and the broader design and healthcare industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, framing career growth in terms of increasing responsibility for operational impact, leading process improvements based on research, and influencing strategic decisions will resonate. The progression from contributing to research to leading research-driven operational strategies is a clear path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and studios designed for team interaction and brainstorming sessions.

• Technology Integration: Access to high-speed internet, advanced computing resources, and potentially specialized software for design and analysis.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design teams, project managers, and senior leadership, facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-functional learning.

• Health Sector Focus: The workspace will support a dedicated Health practice, likely featuring resources and project information specific to healthcare design challenges.

Work Schedule:

• The role is on-site, requiring regular attendance at the designated HKS office.

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While core hours will be office-based, there may be some flexibility for deep work or occasional remote collaboration, though this would be at the discretion of management and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates. The distributed office locations offer flexibility for those located in those specific cities. The emphasis on collaborative spaces and technology suggests an environment conducive to structured work and data-driven problem-solving, aligning well with operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and portfolio by HR or a recruiting specialist to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (e.g., Senior Design Researcher or Health Practice Director) to delve deeper into your research experience, methodologies, and understanding of the health sector.

• Team/Peer Interview: Interviews with other members of the research or health design team to assess collaboration skills, cultural fit, and technical expertise. This may include a presentation of your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present selected case studies from their portfolio, detailing their research process, findings, and impact on design or operations. Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach and how you translate insights into action.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within the firm.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your research process, analytical skills, and impact, particularly those related to health or complex operational environments.

• Focus on Process & Impact: Clearly articulate the research problem, your methodology, your analytical approach, your key insights, and, crucially, the tangible impact of your research on design decisions or operational outcomes. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Highlight Health Relevance: If you have health-specific research experience, prioritize those case studies. If not, emphasize how your research in other sectors has addressed complex user needs or operational challenges that are transferable to healthcare.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear graphics and concise text.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure smooth delivery, clear communication, and sufficient time for Q&A. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your process and decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential research-based challenge or case study during the interview process. This could involve analyzing a hypothetical problem, designing a research plan, or interpreting a dataset.

• Focus on demonstrating your structured thinking, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of research principles.

• Articulate your assumptions clearly and explain the rationale behind your proposed solutions or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, the portfolio review is a prime opportunity to showcase your ability to translate data and insights into actionable improvements. Frame your case studies around problem-solving, process optimization, and measurable results, even if the original context wasn't strictly "design research."

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), user testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com), and potentially experience sampling or diary study tools.

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti) and statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS) is preferred.

• Design & Visualization Tools: Basic proficiency in Adobe Suite (Illustrator, InDesign) for creating visual deliverables. Strong skills in presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides) are essential.

• Collaboration & Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Asana, or Jira for team communication and project tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and analysis.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating insightful dashboards and reports is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how research findings can inform customer relationship management or process automation within healthcare operations can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates with a strong operations background, highlight your proficiency in data analysis tools, CRM systems (if applicable to how research informs client management), and project management software. Emphasize your ability to extract actionable insights from data, a core skill in both operations and research.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using empirical evidence and data to inform design choices and operational strategies.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs and experiences of end-users (patients, staff, visitors) in all design and operational considerations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that values cross-disciplinary cooperation, open communication, and shared problem-solving.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new research methods, technologies, and design approaches to achieve better outcomes.

• Impact & Purpose: A focus on creating meaningful environments that positively impact health, well-being, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with architects, designers, and other specialists, acting as the user and operational insights expert within project teams.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive criticism, and iterative design based on research findings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in team meetings, workshops, and internal forums to share insights, best practices, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: HKS likely fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. For operations professionals, aligning with values like data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and impactful problem-solving will be key to demonstrating cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Research to Design: Effectively bridging the gap between complex research findings and actionable design recommendations that are practical and implementable within architectural constraints.

• Healthcare Complexity: Navigating the intricate regulatory landscape, diverse user groups (patients, clinicians, administrators), and fast-evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

• Data Integration: Synthesizing insights from disparate data sources (qualitative, quantitative, observational) into a cohesive and compelling narrative.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Gaining buy-in from diverse stakeholders with potentially competing priorities for research-backed design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge research methodologies relevant to human-centered design and healthcare environments.

• Sector Specialization: Deepen expertise in healthcare design, including areas like evidence-based design, patient safety, operational efficiency in clinical settings, and healthcare technology integration.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in leading conferences related to design research, healthcare architecture, and health innovation.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced researchers and design leaders within HKS for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals can leverage their experience in navigating complex systems and driving process improvements to address these challenges. Highlighting how you've overcome similar hurdles in previous roles will be valuable. The growth opportunities align well with a desire to deepen expertise and influence strategic outcomes.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used research insights to influence a significant design or operational decision. What was the outcome?"

• "How would you approach designing a research study to understand the impact of a new hospital layout on patient flow and staff efficiency?"

• "What are the key ethical considerations when conducting research in healthcare settings, particularly concerning patient privacy?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about HKS and our Health practice?"

• "How do you see your research skills contributing to our firm's mission of creating impactful environments?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on the "So What?": For each case study, clearly articulate the so what – what was the key insight, and what was the direct impact on the design or operational outcome?

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "led to a 15% reduction in task completion time," "improved user satisfaction scores by X points").

• Showcase Your Process: Walk through your methodology, explaining why you chose certain methods and how they helped you answer your research questions.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your data analysis techniques, challenges you encountered, and how you would approach similar problems in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, frame your answers around process optimization, efficiency gains, and data-driven problem-solving. When discussing past projects, emphasize how your work led to measurable improvements in operational performance or user experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher II - Health position:

• Submit your application through the HKS Careers portal linked above.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in research methodology, data analysis (qualitative and quantitative), project management, and any direct or transferable experience within the healthcare sector or complex operational environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 compelling case studies that demonstrate your research process, analytical skills, and the tangible impact of your work. Ensure it's well-organized and visually presentable.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clearly communicating your process, insights, and the operational/design impact of your research. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific methodologies and tools.

• Research HKS: Familiarize yourself with HKS's Health practice, recent projects, and their overall design philosophy. Understand how research informs their approach to healthcare design.

⚠️ 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.