PhD UX Research Intern - Summer 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PhD UX Research Intern - Summer 2026

Company: Ipsos

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Internship

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Experience Level: PhD Student / Early Career Researcher

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This 10-12 week fellowship offers a PhD student the opportunity to explore AI-powered user research tools and their impact on the future of work, focusing on evaluating cutting-edge technologies and developing novel research methodologies.

• The role involves analyzing how AI is transforming traditional research practices, from data collection and analysis to the communication of findings, and examining the evolving skills required for user researchers.

• Candidates will gain practical experience by evaluating the capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI-driven user research platforms.

• The intern will collaborate with experienced researchers, contribute to the development of new research methods, and synthesize findings for both academic and industry audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an internship position specifically targeting PhD students. The role is focused on research and development within the UX domain, with a strong emphasis on AI integration and its impact on research workflows and the future of work for researchers. The "Hybrid" designation suggests a mix of on-site and remote work, which is typical for internships requiring collaboration and access to specific company resources.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis of AI-powered user research tools and platforms to identify emerging trends and key players.

• Design and execute rigorous research studies to evaluate the usability, effectiveness, and impact of selected AI tools on real-world research projects.

• Collaborate closely with experienced UX researchers and data scientists to develop and refine novel research methodologies that effectively leverage AI capabilities.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, concise reports, presentations, and potentially academic publications suitable for both industry stakeholders and academic communities.

• Conduct in-depth interviews with technical audiences, including developers and AI specialists, to gather insights on complex computing topics and translate them into actionable findings.

• Analyze the implications of AI integration on traditional research workflows, identifying efficiencies, challenges, and best practices.

• Explore and articulate the future of work for user researchers in an AI-augmented environment, highlighting required skills and potential career path evolutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a research-driven approach, requiring the intern to not only evaluate existing tools but also contribute to the creation of new methods. The mention of "academic and industry audiences" indicates a dual focus on scholarly contribution and practical business application. The requirement for "in-depth interviews with developers and technical audiences" suggests a need for strong technical comprehension and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Actively enrolled in a PhD program in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Cognitive Science, Information Sciences, Digital Media, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in user experience research or design is highly preferred, providing a solid foundation in user-centered methodologies.

Required Skills:

• UX Research Methodologies: Deep understanding and practical application of various UX research techniques, including usability testing, user interviews, surveys, and qualitative/quantitative data analysis.

• Academic Publication & Presentation: Demonstrated ability to conduct research, synthesize findings, and present them effectively in written reports and oral presentations, with a portfolio of first-author publications in reputable venues.

• AI & Technology Acumen: Ability to grasp and evaluate emerging AI-powered research tools, understanding their capabilities, limitations, and potential impact on research workflows.

• Independent Research & Project Management: Proven ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and drive research projects to completion with minimal supervision.

• Technical Communication: Skill in conducting in-depth interviews with technical experts and translating complex technical concepts into understandable insights.

Preferred Skills:

• Programming & Computational Tools: Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and developing computational tools, which can enhance research analysis and custom tool evaluation.

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with advanced statistical analysis software and data visualization tools.

• Ethical AI Considerations: Understanding of ethical implications related to AI in research and data privacy.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively within a team environment and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on first-author publications in top-tier conferences (CHI, CSCW, DIS) is a critical differentiator for this role, signaling a need for candidates with a strong academic research background and a demonstrable ability to contribute to the scholarly discourse in HCI. The preference for 3+ years of UX research experience suggests that while it's a PhD internship, practical application of research skills is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: A curated selection of research projects demonstrating a strong understanding of the UX research lifecycle, from problem definition to actionable insights. Each case study should clearly articulate the research question, methodology, findings, and impact.

• Publication Samples: Copies of first-author publications in top-tier conferences (CHI, CSCW, DIS) or equivalent academic venues, showcasing research rigor and contribution to the field.

• AI Tool Evaluation Examples: Any prior work evaluating software tools, particularly AI-driven platforms, demonstrating analytical skills and the ability to assess technical capabilities and user impact.

• Methodology Design: Examples of research designs, illustrating the ability to create robust study plans tailored to specific research objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Research Project Lifecycle: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to managing a research project from initiation to completion, including planning, execution, analysis, and reporting phases.

• Methodology Selection & Justification: Ability to articulate the rationale behind choosing specific research methodologies for different project goals.

• Data Synthesis & Reporting: Demonstrated skill in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into coherent, actionable insights and presenting them effectively to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a PhD-level research internship, the portfolio is less about traditional "operations" process optimization and more about showcasing research excellence, academic contribution, and the ability to critically evaluate complex systems (like AI tools). The emphasis is on demonstrating research process mastery and the capacity for academic-level analysis and reporting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated hourly rate for this role is $45.00 USD.

• Estimated Annualized Salary: $45.00/hour * 40 hours/week * 52 weeks/year = $93,600 USD per year.

• New York City Cost of Living Adjustment: Given the location in New York City, which has a high cost of living, this salary is competitive for an internship role, though it may be at the lower end for experienced PhD researchers in specialized fields.

Benefits:

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and exposure to real-world research challenges.

• Flexible Workplace Policy: The "Hybrid" designation indicates flexibility in work location, allowing for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.

• Collaborative Culture: Access to a supportive and collaborative work environment with experienced researchers and industry professionals.

• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to Ipsos's global network of experts and clients, fostering valuable professional connections.

• Potential for Publication: Opportunity to contribute to academic publications, enhancing the intern's research profile.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time internship position, typically expected to be 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement allows for some flexibility in scheduling, but core collaboration hours will likely be established.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate of $45.00 translates to an annualized figure that is competitive for a PhD-level internship in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City. The benefits listed are aligned with internship expectations, focusing on learning, flexibility, and professional exposure. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a structured schedule with some degree of flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Market Research & Consulting (specifically focused on User Experience Research and AI applications within this domain). Ipsos is a global leader in providing insights and analytics to help clients understand people, markets, and society.

Company Size: Ipsos is a large, global organization with approximately 16,000 employees. This provides a vast network of resources, expertise, and potential for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Ipsos was founded in 1975, bringing decades of experience and a well-established reputation in the market research industry.

Team Structure:

• The UX research team at Ipsos likely consists of experienced researchers, analysts, and potentially data scientists who specialize in understanding user behavior and improving product/service experiences.

• The intern's direct reporting line will likely be to a senior UX researcher or a research manager overseeing AI initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Ipsos emphasizes a rigorous, data-driven approach to research, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover actionable insights.

• User-Centric Design: The company’s UX practice is built on the principle of user-centered design, ensuring that research directly informs product and service development.

• Innovation in Research: With a focus on AI, Ipsos is actively exploring and integrating new technologies to enhance research efficiency, depth, and predictive capabilities.

Company Website: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established market research firm, Ipsos offers a structured yet innovative environment. The UX team's focus on AI indicates a forward-thinking approach to research methodologies, aligning well with the internship's objectives. The company's global reach suggests opportunities for diverse project exposure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a highly specialized PhD-level internship focused on advanced research within UX and AI. It is positioned as an intensive learning and contribution opportunity rather than a typical entry-level operational role.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a senior member of the UX research team, likely a Principal UX Researcher or a Research Director, who will provide guidance and oversight. This structure allows for direct mentorship and feedback on research projects.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role focused on efficiency or process automation, the research conducted will have a significant impact on Ipsos's ability to innovate in its service offerings, particularly in the realm of AI-driven research tools. The findings could influence future product development, client solutions, and the company's competitive positioning in advanced research methodologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Skills: Deepen expertise in UX research, particularly in the emerging field of AI integration, and develop sophisticated analytical and evaluative capabilities.

• Academic & Industry Exposure: Gain experience in synthesizing research for both academic publication and industry application, building a strong dual-track career foundation.

• Networking: Build connections with leading researchers and industry professionals at a globally recognized research firm, opening doors for future opportunities.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for full-time research positions within Ipsos or be well-positioned for roles in other leading tech or research organizations.

• Mentorship: Receive direct mentorship from experienced professionals in UX research and AI, guiding career development and research trajectory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is academic and research-focused. Success in this internship can significantly bolster a PhD candidate's resume, opening doors to academic post-docs, research scientist roles in tech companies, or specialized research positions within large consultancies like Ipsos. The "operations" impact is indirect, influencing service innovation rather than internal process efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Ipsos offers a hybrid work environment, meaning the intern will split their time between working remotely and in the New York City office. This setup is designed to foster collaboration while offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is New York, NY. Specific office addresses are typically provided upon offer, but it is a major metropolitan hub conducive to research and client engagements.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, project spaces, and common areas designed to facilitate teamwork and brainstorming sessions with fellow researchers and team members.

• Technology & Resources: Access to Ipsos's internal systems, research platforms, analytical software, and potentially specialized AI tools relevant to the internship project.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to engage with senior researchers, learn from their experience, and participate in team discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the hybrid model allowing for some flexibility in how the hours are distributed between remote and in-office days. Core collaboration hours will be defined to ensure effective teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" aspect is key here. It implies that the intern will need to be comfortable working independently from a remote location and also participating in in-person meetings and collaborative sessions at the New York office. This requires strong self-discipline and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV, academic publications, and any provided portfolio materials to assess alignment with PhD program and research experience.

• Technical/Research Interview: In-depth discussion about the candidate's PhD research, past UX research projects, publication record, and understanding of AI in research. This may involve a presentation of their work.

• Case Study/Problem-Solving: A potential assignment or discussion involving evaluating a hypothetical AI research tool or designing a research approach for an AI-related problem.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with team members or hiring managers to assess collaboration style, initiative, and fit with Ipsos's research culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Publications: Ensure first-author publications in CHI, CSCW, DIS, or equivalent are prominently featured and easily accessible. Be prepared to discuss the research process, findings, and contributions in detail.

• Showcase Research Process: For each case study, clearly outline the research problem, methodology (including AI tool evaluation if applicable), key findings, and the impact or actionable insights derived. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Demonstrate AI Familiarity: If you have any projects involving AI, machine learning, or advanced computational tools, highlight them. Explain your understanding of their application in research contexts.

• Articulate Technical Communication: Be ready to discuss how you approach interviewing and gathering information from technical experts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research AI Trends: Familiarize yourself with current trends in AI, especially as they apply to user research, data analysis, and workflow automation.

• Understand Ipsos's UX Offerings: Research Ipsos's approach to UX research and their initiatives in AI to tailor your responses.

• Practice Presenting Research: Rehearse presenting your PhD research and any portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly, anticipating questions about methodology, findings, and implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize academic credentials and research output. Candidates should be prepared to defend their publications and articulate their research journey and future aspirations within the intersection of UX and AI. Demonstrating an understanding of Ipsos's business and research approach will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Familiarity with common UX research tools for study design, participant recruitment, data collection (e.g., UserTesting, Lookback, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS, Python libraries like Pandas, NumPy, SciPy) and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail).

• AI-Powered Research Tools: Exposure to and ability to evaluate emerging AI tools for tasks like sentiment analysis, automated transcription, bias detection, predictive modeling in user behavior, or generative AI for research synthesis.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with standard collaboration suites (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace) for communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Python libraries (Matplotlib, Seaborn) to create compelling data visualizations.

• Reporting Software: Ability to use tools for generating professional research reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct focus for this research role, understanding how research insights feed into CRM strategies or client engagement processes can be beneficial. Familiarity with how research impacts sales and marketing operations is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis here is on the evaluation of AI tools, so while direct experience with specific AI platforms might be limited, the ability to critically assess their functionality, usability, and impact is paramount. A strong foundation in traditional UX research tools and data analysis software is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Intellectual Curiosity: A drive to explore new frontiers in research, particularly around AI and its implications.

• Rigor & Precision: Commitment to sound research methodologies, accurate data analysis, and reliable insights.

• Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: A team-oriented approach, valuing open communication and the sharing of expertise among researchers.

• Impact-Oriented: A focus on generating insights that lead to tangible improvements for clients and advance the field of user experience research.

• Ethical Conduct: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices, data handling, and reporting, especially concerning AI and user privacy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The team likely works closely with other Ipsos departments (e.g., data science, analytics, client strategy) to deliver comprehensive solutions.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and used to refine research approaches and findings.

• Mentorship: A culture that supports the development of junior researchers and interns through guidance and shared learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ipsos, as a large research organization, likely fosters a culture that values both scientific rigor and practical application. The focus on AI suggests an openness to innovation and experimentation within established research frameworks.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Staying abreast of the fast-paced advancements in AI and their application to user research can be challenging.

• Evaluating Novel Technologies: Assessing the true value, limitations, and ethical implications of cutting-edge AI tools requires critical thinking and robust methodologies.

• Bridging Academic and Industry Needs: Synthesizing research findings to meet the distinct requirements of both academic publication and industry application.

• Data Complexity: Working with potentially large datasets generated by AI tools and complex research studies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization in AI for UX: Develop deep expertise at the intersection of AI and user experience research, a highly sought-after skill set.

• Methodological Innovation: Contribute to the development and refinement of advanced research methods.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience with how leading research organizations leverage technology to solve complex business problems.

• Publication & Presentation Skills: Enhance abilities to communicate research effectively to diverse audiences.

• Networking: Build professional relationships within Ipsos and the broader research community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is designed to expose the candidate to cutting-edge challenges and provide significant growth opportunities in a highly relevant and evolving field. The primary challenge will be navigating the complexity and speed of AI development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Philosophy: "Describe your research philosophy and how it informs your approach to evaluating new technologies like AI-powered user research tools." (Prepare to discuss your core beliefs about research and how they align with user-centered design and AI integration.)

• AI Impact: "How do you foresee AI fundamentally changing the role and methodologies of UX researchers in the next 5-10 years, and what are the most critical ethical considerations?" (Focus on specific impacts on workflows, skills, and potential biases or privacy issues.)

• Methodology Design: "Imagine you need to evaluate a new AI tool that claims to automate user persona generation. Design a research study to assess its validity and usability. What metrics would you track?" (Be prepared to outline a research plan, including participant recruitment, tasks, data collection, and key success criteria.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Ipsos's Role: "What interests you about conducting UX research at a large market research organization like Ipsos, particularly concerning AI?" (Connect your research interests to Ipsos's mission and its position in the industry.)

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you collaborated with individuals from different academic disciplines or technical backgrounds on a research project. How did you manage communication and ensure a shared understanding?" (Highlight your ability to work effectively in a diverse team, crucial for a hybrid and cross-functional environment.)

• Publication Strategy: "How do you balance the demands of academic publication with the need to deliver timely insights for industry clients?" (Showcase your understanding of different audience needs and your ability to tailor research outputs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each publication or case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your contribution, the methodology, key findings, and the resulting impact or implications.

• Showcase AI Relevance: If applicable, highlight any work that touches on AI, computational methods, or the evaluation of technology tools. Explain your specific role and the insights gained.

• Demonstrate Research Rigor: Be prepared to discuss the methodological choices, potential limitations, and how you addressed them.

• Concise Storytelling: Present your work as compelling narratives that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and research expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong grasp of both academic research principles and the practical applications of UX research, especially in the context of emerging AI technologies. The ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, supported by concrete examples from publications and projects, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Resume & Publication Curation: Tailor your resume to highlight your PhD program, relevant research experience, and any publications in top-tier HCI conferences.

Ensure your CV clearly lists your first-author publications.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a digital portfolio that includes:

  • Links to your key publications (CHI, CSCW, DIS).
  • Detailed case studies of 2-3 significant UX research projects, emphasizing your research process, findings, and any impact.
  • If applicable, examples of evaluating software tools or working with computational/AI-related projects.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your PhD research in detail, your experience with UX research methodologies, and your thoughts on AI's role in research. Practice articulating your research process and findings concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Ipsos's UX research offerings, their stance on AI in research, and their company culture. Understand their position as a global market research leader.

⚠️ 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.