Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific

Location: Singapore, Singapore

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-13T00:00:00

Experience Level: 6-9 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX research initiatives for novel scientific products, encompassing both physical and digital interfaces, with a focus on user-centered design principles.

• Drive product strategy and near-term usability improvements by translating complex user behaviors and motivations into actionable insights for product, design, and engineering teams.

• Contribute to Thermo Fisher Scientific's strategic growth in the Asia-Pacific market by conducting research that accounts for cultural nuances and diverse user workflows within scientific and laboratory environments.

• Leverage mixed-method research expertise, integrating qualitative and quantitative data analysis to inform product decisions and demonstrate the value of UX research to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Thermo Fisher Scientific's Experience Design Center (XDC), indicating a strong emphasis on integrating user experience research directly into the product development lifecycle. The "Senior" title suggests a need for independent project leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor junior researchers. The mention of "physical and digital scientific products" highlights a unique challenge of researching complex, often regulated, scientific equipment and software.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently define, plan, and execute UX research projects to inform the design and development of scientific products and user experiences.

• Employ advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including but not limited to usability testing, ethnographic studies, concept testing, user interviews, surveys, and diary studies.

• Develop detailed participant screening criteria, manage recruitment processes, and ensure all necessary confidentiality agreements and legal approvals are obtained for research activities.

• Moderate research sessions effectively to uncover deep user motivations, emotional responses, and unmet needs within scientific workflows.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, compelling, and actionable recommendations, utilizing robust data analysis and storytelling techniques to influence product direction and strategy.

• Facilitate workshops for user discovery, research planning, ideation, and insight sharing with cross-functional product teams.

• Develop and refine user personas, journey maps, and experience maps to represent diverse user segments and their interactions with scientific products.

• Analyze patterns and trends across multiple research projects to identify overarching themes and support broader business objectives and product portfolio strategies.

• Partner closely with product management, design, engineering, and marketing leadership to prioritize research initiatives and align them with business goals.

• Manage and oversee interactions with external research vendors and outsourced resources, ensuring quality and adherence to project timelines and objectives.

• Champion the value and processes of UX research across product teams through presentations, 'research roadshows,' and ongoing collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a high degree of autonomy and strategic influence. The requirement to manage recruitment, legal approvals, and external vendors suggests a need for strong project management and operational rigor. The mention of "scientific products" and "regulated environments" implies that familiarity with complex technical domains and potentially compliance requirements is critical.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Advanced Degree in a behavioral or cognitive science (e.g., Psychology, Human Factors, HCI, Anthropology, Sociology), or a relevant field such as Usability Engineering or Life Sciences is preferred.

Experience:

• 6-9 years of related experience in User Experience Research.

• Experience conducting research in complex domains such as scientific instrumentation, healthcare, laboratory environments, or other regulated industries is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in leading and executing mixed-method UX research, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Proficient in a broad range of research tools and software for data collection, analysis, and synthesis.

• Strong analytical skills to determine key metrics, calculate statistical measures, and accurately report research results.

• Demonstrated ability to translate research insights into clear, actionable recommendations that influence product strategy and design decisions.

• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with a proven ability to influence stakeholders at various levels of the organization.

• Experience in facilitating workshops for discovery, research planning, and ideation sessions.

• Ability to navigate and manage independent research projects from initiation to completion.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in additional Asian languages to enhance research within the APAC region.

• Experience with specific scientific or laboratory workflows and instrumentation.

• Familiarity with lifecycle management for scientific products.

• Experience mentoring junior researchers or guiding research efforts within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "scientific, medical, or laboratory setting" combined with UX research experience suggests that candidates with a background in life sciences, engineering, or healthcare research will have a distinct advantage. The preference for advanced degrees in behavioral sciences underscores the need for a strong theoretical foundation in human cognition and behavior.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive UX research case studies demonstrating end-to-end project ownership, from defining research objectives to delivering actionable insights and measuring impact.

• Highlight experience with complex product domains, ideally scientific instruments, software, or healthcare technology, illustrating the ability to understand and research niche user groups.

• Include examples of how research findings directly influenced product design decisions, strategy, or business outcomes, quantifying the impact where possible (e.g., improved usability metrics, increased adoption rates).

• Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of research methodologies, clearly articulating the rationale for selecting specific methods for different research questions and project phases.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of research plans that clearly outline objectives, scope, methodology, participant criteria, and timelines.

• Showcase how user personas, journey maps, or workflow diagrams were developed based on research and used to inform design and product strategy.

• Include examples of how research insights were translated into concrete design recommendations or product requirements, and how their implementation was tracked.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating strategic thinking and the ability to drive product decisions. The emphasis should be on the impact of the research, not just the execution of methods. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their role in influencing product roadmaps and advocating for user needs within a complex organizational structure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: SGD 90,000 - SGD 140,000 per annum.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researcher roles in Singapore, considering the experience level (6-9 years), the specialized domain (scientific/healthcare), and the company's global standing. Cost of living in Singapore is high, influencing compensation. Benefits packages are typically comprehensive for multinational corporations like Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a national provident fund (e.g., CPF in Singapore) or a company-sponsored retirement plan.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, often exceeding statutory minimums.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, conferences, workshops, and further education to enhance UX research skills and domain knowledge.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard coverage for unforeseen circumstances.

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

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard: Approximately 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility: While the core hours are standard, there may be some flexibility offered, particularly when managing research across different time zones or accommodating specific research needs, subject to team and management approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location in Singapore, a major global hub, and the senior nature of the role within a large multinational, the salary range is estimated to be competitive. Benefits are expected to be robust, reflecting industry standards for such companies. The "Standard (Mon-Fri)" work schedule is typical, but the nature of research may occasionally require adjustments, especially for studies involving international participants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Scientific Instrumentation. Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader providing essential products and services that enable scientific discovery, diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This indicates a well-established organizational structure, extensive resources, and a global footprint.

Founded: 1956. Thermo Fisher Scientific has a long history, suggesting stability, deep expertise, and a commitment to innovation.

Team Structure:

• Experience Design Center (XDC): This specialized center likely houses UX researchers, UX designers, UI designers, and potentially content strategists focused on creating user-centered experiences across Thermo Fisher's diverse product portfolio.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Director within the XDC, with direct collaboration across multiple product lines and business units.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close partnerships are expected with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and potentially R&D teams. The role will require influencing stakeholders across these functions to integrate research insights into product development roadmaps.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using both qualitative and quantitative data derived from user research to inform strategic product decisions.

• User-Centered Design: A commitment to understanding and addressing the needs, motivations, and workflows of scientists, researchers, and laboratory professionals.

• Agile Development Integration: Research activities will likely be integrated into agile development cycles, requiring flexibility and iterative feedback loops.

• Global Collaboration: A culture that fosters collaboration among diverse, geographically dispersed teams to leverage global expertise and insights.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and scale mean that UX research at Thermo Fisher Scientific has a significant impact on critical scientific advancements. The Singapore location is highlighted as a key biotech hub in Asia, suggesting this role is integral to the company's regional and global strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This level implies a high degree of autonomy, responsibility for complex projects, and the expectation to act as a subject matter expert. The role is focused on delivering high-quality research and influencing product direction, rather than managing a team directly.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Lead or Manager within the Experience Design Center (XDC). They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineering Leads on specific product teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of scientific products used by researchers worldwide. By providing critical user insights, this position influences product strategy, reduces development risks, and ultimately contributes to Thermo Fisher Scientific's mission of enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. The insights generated can shape the future of scientific discovery and diagnostics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership within Research: Potential to lead larger, more strategic research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the evolution of UX research practices within the XDC.

• Domain Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific scientific domains (e.g., genomics, cell biology, analytical chemistry) through dedicated research projects.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management, Design Strategy, or other product-focused roles within Thermo Fisher Scientific.

• Global Exposure: Continued opportunities to work with diverse global teams and contribute to products with worldwide impact.

• Professional Development: Access to internal and external training, conferences, and resources to stay at the forefront of UX research methodologies and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation suggests a clear career path for experienced UX researchers looking to make a significant impact within a large, mission-driven organization. The emphasis on complex domains and global reach offers unique development opportunities beyond standard UX roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Office-based with potential for hybrid arrangements. The description explicitly states "Office" for Environmental Conditions, indicating a primary on-site presence.

Office Location(s): Singapore, specifically at Block 33 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3. This location in an industrial estate suggests a focus on product development and R&D activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Thermo Fisher Scientific emphasizes collaboration. The XDC is designed to foster interaction between researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers, facilitating rapid iteration and knowledge sharing.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard UX research tools, software for data analysis, collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack), and potentially specialized scientific software relevant to the products being researched.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to connect with the UX research team, design teams, and broader product development groups through meetings, workshops, and informal discussions.

Work Schedule:

• Based on a standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. The environment is professional and structured, aligning with the demands of product development in a regulated industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is explicit. This suggests that direct collaboration, observation of physical products or lab environments, and team cohesion are highly valued for this role. The Marsiling Industrial Estate location might imply proximity to R&D labs or manufacturing facilities, offering unique research opportunities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve into your experience, research philosophy, and fit with the team and company culture. This often includes behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you will present 1-2 detailed UX research case studies from your portfolio to the hiring team. This is an opportunity to showcase your process, impact, and storytelling abilities.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product Management, Design, and Engineering to assess collaboration skills, domain understanding, and ability to influence.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, research objectives, methodology, key findings, recommendations, and the impact of your work. Use visuals to illustrate your process and findings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., usability improvements, time savings for users, adoption rates) to demonstrate the tangible value of your research.

• Showcase Domain Understanding: Emphasize any experience with scientific, healthcare, or regulated environments. Discuss how you adapted your research methods to these complex domains.

• Highlight Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you worked with cross-functional teams and influenced decision-making based on your research.

• Tailor to Thermo Fisher: Research Thermo Fisher Scientific's mission, products, and recent innovations. Frame your portfolio examples to align with their goals and values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready for hypothetical questions about how you would approach a specific research challenge for a Thermo Fisher product.

• Methodology Justification: Prepare to explain why you chose certain research methods for specific projects and how they addressed the research questions.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex research findings in a concise and persuasive manner for non-research audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely to be a critical component. Candidates should prepare to discuss their methodology rigorously and demonstrate a clear link between their research and business outcomes. The emphasis on influencing stakeholders suggests interviewers will probe how candidates navigate organizational dynamics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for survey creation, user testing, and data analysis (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback).

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) and quantitative analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis, Excel).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Tools such as Jira, Confluence, Miro, Figma, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for planning, documentation, and sharing insights.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) may be beneficial for understanding digital product usage patterns, though direct responsibility may lie with other teams.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX Research, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools impact customer journeys and data collection can provide context for user behavior.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a broad toolkit. While specific UX research platforms are key, the ability to analyze quantitative data and synthesize findings from various sources is paramount. Familiarity with tools used by design and engineering teams (like Figma or Jira) will facilitate seamless collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of scientists and researchers, ensuring products are effective and user-friendly.

• Integrity and Respect: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment.

• Innovation: Driving continuous improvement in research methodologies and product development to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and geographies to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven: Making informed decisions based on rigorous analysis and evidence.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively participating in product team meetings, design sprints, and engineering reviews to embed research insights throughout the development lifecycle.

• Partnership Approach: Building strong working relationships with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineers, acting as a collaborative partner rather than an isolated function.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing research findings, best practices, and methodologies with the broader organization to cultivate a user-centric culture.

• Feedback Culture: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve research quality and team effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thermo Fisher Scientific's culture likely emphasizes scientific rigor, ethical conduct, and a drive to make a global impact. For a UX researcher, this translates to a need for meticulous research, clear communication of findings, and a genuine understanding of the scientific community they serve.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Scientific Domains: Researching highly technical and specialized scientific products requires a steep learning curve and the ability to quickly grasp complex workflows and user needs.

• Diverse User Base: Engaging with a wide range of scientific professionals across different disciplines, geographies, and levels of technical expertise.

• Balancing Research Needs: Managing multiple research projects simultaneously for different product teams, each with its own priorities and timelines.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating the value of UX research and influencing product roadmaps in a large, established organization with potentially ingrained product development processes.

• Navigating Regulated Environments: Understanding and adhering to regulatory requirements that may impact product design and research protocols in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific scientific fields through ongoing research projects.

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to explore and implement cutting-edge UX research techniques and tools.

• Strategic Impact: Contributing to high-stakes product decisions that affect global scientific progress.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced researchers and product leaders within the XDC and broader Thermo Fisher Scientific organization.

• Professional Certifications/Conferences: Support for attending industry events and pursuing relevant certifications in UX research or specific scientific domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant intellectual challenges due to the complexity of the domain. Success will depend on a candidate's ability to quickly learn, adapt research methods, and effectively communicate insights to drive change within a large, scientifically-driven company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to research a highly complex product or domain. How did you approach it, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your learning process, methodology adaptation, and ability to grasp technical details.)

• "How do you prioritize research requests when multiple product teams have urgent needs?" (Highlight your project management skills, ability to negotiate scope, and strategic alignment.)

• "Walk us through a research project where your insights significantly influenced product strategy or design. What was the impact?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on the decision-making process and measurable outcomes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Thermo Fisher Scientific's mission and how does UX research contribute to it?" (Demonstrate an understanding of their commitment to science and enabling customer success.)

• "How do you foster collaboration between UX research and other functions like engineering and product management?" (Provide examples of your collaborative approach and communication strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Choose Impactful Studies: Select 2-3 case studies that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, particularly those involving complex domains or significant product influence.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation as a narrative – the problem, your approach, the journey of discovery, the insights, and the resolution/impact.

• Emphasize Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if it was a collaborative project.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (e.g., user journey maps, personas, key quotes, charts) to support your narrative and make findings memorable. Avoid dense text.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, data analysis, stakeholder management, and the ROI of your research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a strategic thinker who can not only execute research but also drive product decisions and adapt to complex scientific environments. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the user and the ability to translate that into business value will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the official Thermo Fisher Scientific careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research case studies that highlight your experience with complex domains (ideally scientific/healthcare), your end-to-end research process, and the measurable impact of your insights on product development. Ensure these clearly demonstrate your senior-level capabilities.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to emphasize keywords relevant to UX research, scientific domains, mixed-methodologies, stakeholder influence, and any experience in multicultural or regulated environments. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation thoroughly. Focus on clear storytelling, concise articulation of your process and findings, and demonstrating the business value of your research. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your methodologies and impact.

• Research Thermo Fisher Scientific: Gain a deep understanding of the company's mission, its key product areas (especially in life sciences and diagnostics), and its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Familiarize yourself with their values and recent innovations to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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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