Intern UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern UX Designer Company: Danaher (IDBS) Location: Woking, Surrey, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time, Internship Category: User Experience (UX) Design, Product Development Date Posted: 2026-01-20 Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers hands-on experience in user-centered design within an agile software development environment, focusing on user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.
• The role involves close collaboration with agile product and engineering teams to design and contribute to user experiences that are shipped to production.
• Successful candidates will synthesize insights from user research and usability testing into actionable design recommendations for cloud-native, web-based SaaS applications.
• This position provides an opportunity to build proficiency in creating and iterating on wireframes, prototypes, and UI specifications within the life sciences, diagnostics, and biotechnology sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input is for an "Intern UX Designer," this output is tailored to the operations and GTM context wherever possible, highlighting how UX design directly impacts product adoption and user satisfaction within a B2B SaaS environment. The focus is on the operational aspects of design contribution and its tangible impact on the product lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with agile product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand user needs and translate them into intuitive and effective user interface designs.
• Conduct user research activities, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to gather insights into user behaviors, needs, and pain points.
• Design and execute usability testing sessions to evaluate the effectiveness and user-friendliness of product designs, documenting findings and proposing improvements.
• Develop wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to visualize and communicate design concepts effectively.
• Create and maintain UI specifications, style guides, and design system components to ensure consistency and scalability across the product suite.
• Contribute to the iterative design process by incorporating feedback from user testing, stakeholder reviews, and product analytics.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in UX design, human-computer interaction, and SaaS product development.
• Assist in the documentation and organization of design assets and research findings for knowledge sharing and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to reflect a typical intern UX role within a product development team, emphasizing practical design tasks and collaboration within an agile framework. This interpretation assumes the intern will be actively involved in the design lifecycle, contributing to tangible product features.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a university honours or master’s degree program with a designated "placement year in industry" (or equivalent internship program).
• Pursuing a degree in User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Digital Design, Interaction Design, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

• Demonstrated interest and foundational understanding in UX research, wireframing, prototyping, or usability testing, supported by academic projects, personal portfolio, or previous limited experience.
• Must be eligible to commence an industrial placement in August 2026 for a duration of approximately one year.

Required Skills:

• Foundational understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Basic proficiency in creating wireframes and user flows to map out application architecture and user journeys.
• Familiarity with prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) for creating interactive mockups.
• Ability to conduct basic user research and synthesize findings into actionable insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration within a team environment.
• Eagerness to learn and develop skills in UX design, product development, and agile methodologies.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving aptitude.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous internship or project experience specifically in UX design, UI design, or product design.
• Experience with specific UX design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
• Working knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles (e.g., WCAG guidelines).
• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.
• Exposure to agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Understanding of cloud-native, web-based SaaS applications and their unique design considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills and qualifications have been detailed to reflect the typical requirements for an industrial placement student. Emphasis is placed on foundational knowledge and practical application through academic work or personal projects, alongside the crucial eligibility for a year-long placement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing academic projects, personal work, or any relevant internship contributions that demonstrate UX design skills.
• Examples should clearly illustrate the design process, from problem definition and user research to ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and final design.
• Visuals of wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes are essential.
• Documentation of the design rationale behind key decisions, explaining the problem being solved and the user needs addressed.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of participation in at least one end-to-end design project, detailing the steps taken and methodologies employed.
• Case studies that highlight problem-solving approaches and how user insights informed design outcomes.
• Examples of iterative design, showing how feedback was incorporated to refine designs.
• Any experience creating or contributing to design system components or style guides is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the portfolio expectations are focused on demonstrating potential and understanding of the design process rather than extensive professional experience. The emphasis is on academic and personal projects that showcase a candidate's ability to apply UX principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As an internship position, compensation will be competitive and aligned with industry standards for industrial placements in the UK.
• Based on typical industrial placement salaries for UX Design roles in the Woking/Surrey area, a range of £18,000 - £25,000 per annum is anticipated, paid monthly. This estimate accounts for the one-year duration and the specialized nature of the role within a leading technology company.

Benefits:

• Access to Danaher's comprehensive benefits programs, which may include:
  • Health Care Program: Potential access to medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
  • Paid Time Off: Accrual of paid holiday leave.
  • Employee Assistance Programs: Support services for personal and professional well-being.
  • Opportunities for professional development and networking within Danaher.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovative projects within the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 37.5 - 40 hours per week.
• Specific daily start and end times will be confirmed upon commencement, but generally align with standard business hours in the UK.
• The role is based on-site, requiring full-time commitment during the placement period.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits are estimated based on typical industrial placement structures in the UK tech sector and Danaher's stated benefits. The on-site nature of the role implies standard full-time hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Biotechnology, Software Solutions (SaaS). IDBS operates within the intersection of technology and scientific research, providing critical software tools for drug discovery and development. Company Size: Danaher is a large, global conglomerate with over 65,000 employees worldwide. IDBS, as an operating company within Danaher, contributes to this significant scale, offering a robust corporate environment with specialized operational units. Founded: Danaher was founded in 1984. IDBS has a history of innovation in scientific informatics, contributing to Danaher's mission to help its customers solve complex challenges and improve quality of life.

Team Structure:

• The intern will report to Product Department leadership, likely a Product Manager or UX Lead.
• The role is part of the Product Department, which collaborates closely with agile software engineering teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with product managers, software engineers, QA testers, and potentially customer-facing roles (e.g., support, sales engineers) to understand user needs and product performance.

Methodology:

• The team operates within an agile software development environment, utilizing methodologies that emphasize iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid iteration.
• Design work is user-centered, with a strong emphasis on research and testing to ensure products meet user needs and deliver value.
• Data analysis and insights from user behavior are leveraged to inform design decisions and product strategy.
• Workflow optimization is a key aspect, with a focus on creating efficient and intuitive user experiences for complex scientific processes.

Company Website: https://www.danaher.com/, https://idbs.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the internship within the broader Danaher organization and the specific mission of IDBS, highlighting the scientific and technological focus of the company and its operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position designed for students seeking practical experience in UX Design within a professional setting. It represents the initial step in a potential career path in UX/Product Design. Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager or lead within the Product Department, receiving direct supervision and mentorship. This structure ensures guidance and learning opportunities. Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact on revenue is indirect, their contributions to user experience design can significantly influence product adoption, user satisfaction, and retention rates for IDBS's SaaS solutions. Positive UX can lead to increased customer engagement and reduced support costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning and practical application of UX research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining firsthand experience in the life sciences and biotechnology software industry, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within this domain.
• Networking: Building professional connections within IDBS and the wider Danaher organization, potentially leading to future career opportunities.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Creating tangible portfolio pieces that showcase real-world design contributions and problem-solving abilities.
• Agile Methodologies: Understanding and practicing agile development processes from a design perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the learning and development aspects inherent in an internship, framing it as a crucial stepping stone for a career in UX design, particularly within a specialized industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as an "on-site" position, indicating a traditional office environment within IDBS's Woking, Surrey location. This setting is likely to foster collaboration and direct interaction. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Woking, Surrey, GU21 5FJ, United Kingdom. This location is easily accessible within the Surrey region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is expected to facilitate spontaneous collaboration with team members, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard UX design software and hardware, as well as internal company systems and communication platforms.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, and informal discussions with product managers, engineers, and other designers.

Work Schedule:

• The internship will follow a standard full-time work schedule, typically Monday to Friday.
• While the role is on-site, the company may offer some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team needs and manager approval. The focus is on completing tasks and contributing effectively during core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes the on-site nature and the collaborative aspects of a typical office environment for a UX intern, detailing how the workspace supports their learning and contribution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and cover letters to assess academic background, eligibility for the placement, and initial interest.
• Portfolio Submission & Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their UX design work. This will be reviewed for design thinking, process, and execution.
• Screening Interview: A preliminary interview, potentially with HR or a UX lead, to discuss background, motivation, and basic qualifications.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study evaluation to assess problem-solving skills, design approach, and ability to articulate design decisions. This may be a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual exercise.
• Final Interview: An in-depth interview with the hiring manager and potentially key team members to assess cultural fit, technical skills, and potential for growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly document your design process for each project. Explain the problem, your research methods, ideation, iterations, and the final solution.
• Highlight User Focus: Emphasize how user needs and research informed your design decisions. Include user personas, journey maps, or research findings if applicable.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups created using relevant UX tools.
• Keep it Concise: Select your strongest projects and present them clearly and concisely. For an internship, 2-3 well-documented projects are often sufficient.
• Tailor to the Role: If possible, highlight projects that show an understanding of complex software or B2B applications, as this aligns with IDBS's product offerings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research IDBS and Danaher, focusing on their products, target users (scientists, researchers), and the industries they serve (life sciences, biotech).
• Practice Design Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss core UX principles, usability heuristics, and common design patterns.
• Articulate Your Thinking: For any design challenge, focus on explaining your thought process, the trade-offs you considered, and how you would arrive at a solution, rather than just presenting a final design.
• Be Curious and Ask Questions: Show enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to seek clarification.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific guidance on preparing for the interview and portfolio review, tailored to a UX internship role, emphasizing process, user-centricity, and company research.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (familiarity with at least one is crucial).
• Wireframing Tools: Balsamiq, Sketch, Figma, or similar.
• User Research Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, UserTesting.com (or similar platforms for conducting research and testing).
• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence (for agile project management and documentation).
• Communication Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams (for team communication and collaboration).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for an intern UX designer, familiarity with how user analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, product analytics platforms) inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design tasks but understanding how CRM systems and business automation impact user workflows can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section lists common UX design software and collaboration platforms relevant to an agile software development environment, focusing on those typically used by UX designers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to find new and better ways to solve complex problems through design and technology.
• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of scientists and researchers, ensuring products are intuitive and valuable.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and deliver high-quality products.
• Continuous Improvement: Embracing feedback, learning from mistakes, and constantly seeking ways to enhance designs and processes.
• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in design and research practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with product managers and engineers throughout the development lifecycle, fostering a shared understanding of product goals and user needs.
• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and a willingness to provide thoughtful feedback on designs and ideas.
• Agile Iteration: A dynamic approach to design, where collaboration and feedback are integrated into rapid cycles of development and refinement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines typical values and collaboration styles found in technology companies focused on product development, emphasizing how a UX intern would integrate into such a culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Theory and Practice: Translating academic knowledge of UX design into practical solutions for complex, real-world scientific software.
• Agile Environment Pace: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of agile development and delivering design contributions within tight timelines.
• Understanding Domain Complexity: Grasping the intricacies of life sciences, drug discovery, and biotechnology workflows to design effective solutions.
• Incorporating Feedback: Effectively navigating and integrating feedback from diverse stakeholders, including technical experts and product managers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance and support from experienced UX designers and product leaders.
• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific UX tools, research methodologies, and design techniques.
• Industry Insight: Gaining invaluable exposure to the operational realities of software product development in a highly regulated and scientific industry.
• Networking: Building professional relationships that can support future career growth.
• Portfolio Building: Creating impactful projects that will be a strong foundation for future job applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges an intern might face and frames them as opportunities for growth and learning, aligning with the developmental nature of an internship.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a UX project you've worked on. What was the problem, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on your role, research, design decisions, and any user feedback.)
• "How do you approach user research? What methods would you consider for understanding a scientist's workflow?" (Highlight your understanding of different research techniques and their application.)
• "Imagine you need to design a feature for [specific IDBS product area, e.g., lab data management]. What would be your first steps?" (Discuss initial research, user definition, and ideation.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Emphasize your openness to feedback and iterative process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UX design at IDBS/Danaher, specifically within the life sciences sector?" (Show genuine interest and research into the company and industry.)
• "What do you know about the Danaher Business System?" (Demonstrate awareness of the company's operational philosophy.)
• "How do you envision contributing to an agile product team as an intern?" (Highlight your collaborative spirit and eagerness to learn.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, present it as a narrative – the challenge, your journey, and the resolution.
• Walk Through Your Process: Clearly explain the steps you took, the rationale behind your decisions, and the tools you used.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, mockups) to illustrate your ideas and solutions.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you might have considered.
• Focus on Impact: If possible, discuss how your design aimed to solve a specific user problem or achieve a business objective.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, including common questions and strategies for presenting a portfolio and discussing design thinking, tailored to a UX internship role in a scientific software company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX internship position:

• Submit your application: Complete the online application through the provided link on the Danaher careers portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX design projects that best showcase your process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of user-centered design. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF).
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any prior experiences that demonstrate your interest and foundational skills in UX design, research, or prototyping. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your "Why": Be ready to articulate why you are passionate about UX design, why you are interested in IDBS and the life sciences industry, and what you hope to gain from this specific internship.
• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with IDBS's products, the Danaher Business System, and the company’s mission to understand their context and demonstrate informed interest.

⚠️ 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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