Part-Time Student - UX Researcher - Remote

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Student - UX Researcher

Company: John Deere

Location: Remote (with potential travel to Urbandale, IA, and Midwest customer locations)

Job Type: Part-Time Student

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

Date Posted: August 14, 2025

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Student)

Remote Status: Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a critical part-time student role within John Deere's Intelligent Solutions Group, focusing on enhancing user experience for guidance and autonomy products.

• The position offers hands-on experience in UX research methodologies, data analysis, and product improvement recommendations within a large-scale industrial and agricultural technology environment.

• Successful candidates will contribute to a data-driven team, developing skills in research question identification, data collection strategy, and presenting findings to leadership.

• The role provides significant mentoring and coaching opportunities to foster growth in UX talents and practical problem-solving skills through direct customer interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original listing is for a UX Researcher, the focus on "Intelligent Solutions Group," "Guidance and Autonomy," and "data-driven team" strongly suggests an operational context. This role is ideal for students aiming to build a career in operations by understanding and improving the user experience of complex technological systems that drive business efficiency and customer satisfaction within the agricultural and heavy machinery sectors. The "remote" aspect with potential travel also aligns with modern operational work arrangements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group's Guidance and Autonomy UX Team by meticulously documenting customer needs and pain points related to product operation and user interaction.

• Develop and refine research protocols for various UX studies, ensuring alignment with project objectives and user-centric design principles.

• Execute customer events and conduct contextual inquiry and usability studies, managing participant interactions and data collection processes effectively.

• Analyze collected data from user research, identifying key trends, insights, and actionable recommendations for product improvements in guidance and autonomy systems.

• Present research analyses and findings clearly and concisely to program leadership, translating complex user data into strategic product decisions.

• Operate as an integral part of a data-driven team, contributing to the continuous improvement cycle of product development through user feedback and insights.

• Actively engage in mentoring and coaching sessions to expand UX talents and hone skills in a professional, real-world product development setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities highlight a strong operational component, involving process development (research protocols), data gathering (customer events, studies), analysis, and reporting, all aimed at improving product efficiency and user adoption – key metrics in any operations-focused role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Ideally pursuing a PhD in Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology (Cognitive, Applied, Experimental), or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Must be a full-time registered student at an accredited university.

• Expected graduation date of May 2026 or later.

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above.

• Ability to commit to working 10-20 hours per week during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 academic semesters.

• Proven ability to work independently and complete assignments remotely.

• Willingness to travel to Urbandale, Iowa, onsite, or to customer locations in the Midwest as required for specific research activities.

• Core understanding of human factors principles, experimental design methodologies, and ethical practices for collecting data with human subjects.

• Proficiency in reviewing relevant academic literature (human factors, user experience, human behavior) to inform research studies and product improvement recommendations.

• Demonstrated comfort and skill in defining, planning, and executing contextual inquiry and usability studies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret data to draw meaningful conclusions and provide effective UX enhancement recommendations.

Required Skills:

• Human Factors Principles: Foundational knowledge of how humans interact with systems.

• Experimental Design: Ability to structure studies to yield reliable and valid data.

• Data Collection (Human Subjects): Understanding of ethical and methodological best practices for gathering user data.

• Usability Studies: Experience in planning and conducting tests to evaluate product ease of use.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Skill in making sense of qualitative and quantitative user feedback.

• Communication & Presentation: Ability to articulate findings clearly to diverse audiences.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues and proposing solutions.

• Academic Research: Familiarity with literature review and research proposal development.

Preferred Skills:

• Human-Technology Teaming: Understanding of complex interactions between people and advanced systems.

• Automation & Autonomy UX: Knowledge of specific challenges in these domains (e.g., trust, reliance, compliance).

• Agriculture/Heavy Machinery/Transportation UX: Experience applying UX principles within these specific industries.

• Statistical Analysis & Tools: Proficiency with quantitative analysis methods and software.

• Remote Data Collection Facilitation: Experience managing user studies conducted virtually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on PhD-level studies in Human Factors, HCI, or Psychology, along with specific skills like experimental design and data analysis, points towards a role that values rigorous, data-driven approaches, which are cornerstones of effective operations. The "preferred" skills in specific industries and automation further align this with the operational needs of a company like John Deere.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to UX research projects, from initial problem definition to final recommendations, showcasing a clear process flow.

• Include examples of research protocols or study plans, highlighting how objectives were translated into methodological steps.

• Showcase data analysis artifacts, such as interpreted findings, user journey maps, or affinity diagrams, emphasizing the derivation of actionable insights.

Process Documentation:

• Show evidence of documenting research processes, including methodology choices, participant recruitment strategies, and data management plans.

• Highlight any experience in creating templates or frameworks for recurring UX research activities to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how UX research findings are integrated into broader product development workflows and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, a formal "portfolio" might not be as extensive as for a full-time professional. However, demonstrating a systematic approach to research projects through academic work, class projects, or personal initiatives is crucial. This shows an understanding of process-oriented thinking, essential for operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $15 - $40 per hour.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Ability to balance work schedule with academic commitments.

• Highly Competitive Base Pay: Competitive hourly wage for a student position.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for bonuses based on performance and contributions.

• Savings & Retirement Benefits: Access to 401K and Defined Benefit Pension plans, offering long-term financial security.

• Healthcare Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance options with a significant company contribution to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

• Adoption Assistance: Support for employees pursuing adoption.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continued education and professional development.

• Fitness Subsidies: Financial assistance for maintaining physical health.

• Charitable Contribution Match: Company matching for employee donations to charitable organizations.

• Employee Purchase Plan & Discounts: Opportunities to purchase John Deere products and other goods at discounted rates.

Working Hours:

• Part-time, with a commitment of 10-20 hours per week during the academic semesters (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026). The exact schedule will be discussed and agreed upon to accommodate academic requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $15-$40/hour is quite broad for a student role, suggesting that candidates with more advanced standing (e.g., PhD candidates with prior research experience) will be compensated at the higher end. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a large corporation like John Deere and reflects a strong commitment to employee well-being and development, even for part-time student positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Machinery, Agriculture, Technology. John Deere is a global leader in providing advanced equipment and services for agriculture, construction, and forestry. The Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG) specifically focuses on technology integration, software, and data analytics for precision agriculture.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (John Deere is a Fortune 100 company with tens of thousands of employees globally). This provides a stable environment with extensive resources and opportunities.

Founded: 1837. With a long history, John Deere has a strong legacy of innovation and commitment to its stakeholders, including employees and customers.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG), specifically supporting the Guidance and Autonomy UX Team. This suggests a specialized, forward-thinking unit focused on cutting-edge technology.

• Students will likely report to a UX Researcher or a UX Design Lead, working collaboratively within a team of UX professionals, engineers, and product managers.

Methodology:

• The team operates with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing user research and analytics to inform product strategy and development.

• Agile or Lean UX methodologies are likely employed, facilitating iterative design and research cycles to quickly respond to user feedback and market needs.

• Focus on process efficiency and optimization is inherent in a technology-focused group like ISG, aiming to improve product performance and user adoption.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: John Deere's culture is generally characterized by a strong work ethic, innovation, and a commitment to quality. For the ISG and UX teams, this likely translates to a dynamic, technology-forward environment where user-centricity is paramount. The student program indicates a commitment to talent development and fostering future leaders in operations and technology.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level student position, serving as an excellent foundational experience for a career in User Experience, Product Operations, or related GTM (Go-To-Market) operations.

Reporting Structure: The student will report to a designated mentor or supervisor within the UX Team, likely a Senior UX Researcher or UX Lead, gaining direct exposure to team processes and project management.

Operations Impact: By improving the usability and effectiveness of guidance and autonomy products, this role directly impacts customer adoption, operational efficiency for farmers and other users, and ultimately, John Deere's market competitiveness and revenue. Understanding user needs helps streamline operations and reduce support costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience in a wide range of UX research methods, data analysis, and product development processes, directly applicable to operations roles.

• Industry Exposure: Deepen understanding of the agricultural technology sector and the operational challenges within it, providing a competitive edge for future careers.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced UX researchers, designers, and product managers, opening doors for future internships or full-time opportunities.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns often receive consideration for future co-op or full-time positions within John Deere, particularly in areas like UX, product management, or operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded students, this role offers a pathway to understand the critical link between product design, user experience, and business outcomes. Demonstrating strong analytical and process-oriented skills here can lead to opportunities in product operations, customer success operations, or even GTM strategy support roles within a large, complex organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily remote. The role is designed for students to work from their own location.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, there is a mention of potential travel to Urbandale, Iowa, and other customer locations in the Midwest. This indicates that while daily work is remote, occasional in-person collaboration or field research might be necessary.

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility: The remote nature provides significant flexibility to manage academic responsibilities alongside work tasks.

• Collaboration Tools: Expect to utilize various digital collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, shared documents, project management software) to connect with the team and conduct research.

• Team Interaction: While remote, students will be integrated into team meetings, research reviews, and discussions, fostering a sense of belonging and contribution.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, 10-20 hours per week, flexible to accommodate student schedules. This allows for dedicated focus on academic pursuits while contributing meaningfully to the team's operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of remote work with occasional travel prepares students for the evolving landscape of professional work environments, which often blend flexibility with the need for in-person interaction for critical tasks or team building. Understanding how to manage distributed workflows is a key operational skill.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter screening to assess basic qualifications, availability, and general fit.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A more in-depth interview, potentially with the hiring manager and a member of the UX team. This will focus on your understanding of UX research principles, your academic background, and your motivation for the role.

• Portfolio Review/Case Study: You may be asked to present examples of your work (academic projects, previous internships) that demonstrate your research skills, analytical abilities, and communication style. Be prepared to walk through your process and the outcomes.

• Behavioral Questions: Expect questions designed to assess your problem-solving skills, ability to work in a team, adaptability, and how you handle challenges.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: For academic projects, clearly outline the research question, methodology, data collection, analysis, and your recommendations.

• Highlight Impact: Even for student projects, articulate the intended or actual impact of your research on design decisions or user experience.

• Demonstrate Analytical Skills: Showcase how you interpret data and translate it into actionable insights. Use visuals where appropriate (e.g., charts, graphs, user journey maps).

• Quantify Results: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work or the insights gained.

• Tailor to JD: Emphasize projects that align with the skills and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, particularly those involving experimental design or user studies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical UX research problem related to agricultural technology or autonomous systems.

• Consider how you would gather data with limited resources or within a specific timeframe.

• Think about how you would analyze qualitative data (e.g., interview transcripts) and present findings to a non-UX audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused candidates, framing your portfolio and interview responses around process, efficiency, data analysis, and impact will be key. Demonstrate how your UX research skills contribute to better product outcomes, which in turn supports operational goals like user adoption and customer satisfaction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools (Likely Used/Familiarity Expected):

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for participant recruitment, survey creation, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

• Data Analysis Software: Statistical packages or qualitative analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python libraries like Pandas/SciPy, NVivo, Dovetail).

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for documentation and presentation.

• Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for team communication and virtual meetings.

• Project Management Tools: Potentially Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) would be beneficial for presenting findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data might feed into CRM systems or influence customer success operations is a plus. Familiarity with automation concepts in research or data processing is also beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a UX role, proficiency or familiarity with data analysis tools and collaboration platforms is crucial. For operations professionals, understanding the technology stack used to gather, analyze, and act upon user feedback is key to bridging the gap between user experience and business operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (Inferred for a UX Team at John Deere ISG):

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of John Deere's customers (farmers, operators) to ensure their success.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on empirical evidence and rigorous analysis to guide product development and improvements.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new technologies and methodologies to create cutting-edge solutions for complex challenges.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams (engineering, product management, marketing) to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing effort to refine processes, enhance product performance, and elevate the user experience.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and business dealings.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where ideas are shared openly, and feedback is constructive.

• Emphasis on teamwork to tackle complex problems, leveraging diverse perspectives from researchers, designers, engineers, and product managers.

• Proactive communication and knowledge sharing are likely encouraged to ensure alignment and efficient progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with these values, particularly data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, will resonate strongly with hiring managers looking for candidates with an operational mindset, even in a UX-focused role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing time and workload to meet both academic and professional commitments.

• Remote Collaboration: Navigating team dynamics and communication effectively in a remote setting.

• Industry Specificity: Quickly gaining an understanding of the nuances of UX in the agricultural technology and autonomy domains.

• Data Interpretation: Synthesizing complex data from diverse user groups into clear, actionable insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX professionals provides invaluable learning opportunities.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific UX research methodologies or areas like human-technology teaming.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining firsthand experience in the dynamic field of precision agriculture and autonomous systems.

• Professional Network: Building connections within a leading global corporation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded students, viewing these challenges as opportunities to develop core operational skills like time management, remote collaboration, process adaptation, and data synthesis will be beneficial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations/Process Focus: "Describe a time you had to define a process for a project with unclear requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Relate this to developing research protocols.)

• Data Analysis: "Walk me through a project where you analyzed qualitative or quantitative data. What tools did you use, and how did you translate the data into recommendations?" (Focus on the rigor of your analysis and the clarity of your insights.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you're researching the user experience of an autonomous tractor. What are the key user needs you'd investigate, and what research methods would you prioritize to understand them?" (Showcase your understanding of user-centric design and research planning.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in John Deere, and specifically in the Intelligent Solutions Group?" (Research ISG's mission and connect it to your interests.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who have different technical backgrounds or perspectives?" (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each project presented.

• Clarity: Clearly state the problem, your role, the methodology used, your specific actions, and the results or learnings.

• Visuals: Use concise visuals (screenshots, charts, diagrams) to illustrate your points, but avoid overwhelming the presentation with too much text.

• Focus on Process & Insights: Emphasize the "how" and "why" behind your decisions and the insights you derived, rather than just the final output.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a specified timeframe, usually 10-15 minutes, leaving ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Frame your answers and portfolio around how your UX research skills directly contribute to operational efficiency, product adoption, and customer success – the core drivers of many operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-supportive UX research position:

• Submit your application through the John Deere careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare to showcase academic projects or prior work that demonstrates your understanding of research methodologies, data analysis, and problem-solving. Focus on projects that highlight a structured, process-oriented approach.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Human Factors," "UX Research," "Data Analysis," "Experimental Design," and any relevant industry experience. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your skills and experiences using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your understanding of UX research principles and how they apply to improving operational efficiency and product user experience.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with John Deere, its Intelligent Solutions Group, and the agricultural technology industry. Understand their mission and how UX research contributes to their operational success and market leadership.

⚠️ 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.