Simplii Financial UX Researcher Co-op, Winter 2026 (8-months)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Co-op, Winter 2026 (8-months)

Company: CIBC (Simplii Financial)

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term), Intern, Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design, Research & Development

Date Posted: October 3, 2025

Experience Level: Entry-Level / Co-op (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (1-3 days per week on-site)

🚀 Role Summary

• This co-op position focuses on conducting user research to inform the design and development of digital banking platforms for Simplii Financial.

• You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers and product owners, to understand user needs and validate design solutions.

• The role involves planning, executing, and analyzing various user research methodologies to gather actionable insights.

• You will contribute to building a user-centered design process by translating research findings into clear, impactful recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is UX Research, the role's context within Simplii Financial (a digital banking arm of CIBC) implies a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, process optimization within the digital product lifecycle, and a need to align user insights with business objectives. This is a co-op role, so the emphasis will be on learning, contributing under guidance, and demonstrating potential for future growth within the operations and product development sphere.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and analyze generative and evaluative user research studies using a variety of methodologies (e.g., one-on-one interviews, surveys, usability testing, card sorting).

• Collaborate with lead UX researchers, designers, and product owners to define research objectives and scope for digital banking projects.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data from research studies, including coding test videos and survey results.

• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights and clear recommendations for project teams.

• Contribute to building empathy for users by presenting research findings effectively, including creating highlight videos for presentations.

• Assist in maintaining project status dashboards and a repository of research findings to build a knowledge base for user-centered design.

• Support the development of user personas, journey maps, and other UX artifacts based on research data.

• Ensure research methodologies and findings adhere to inclusive design principles and WCAG accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on learning experience in a professional research environment. The co-op will be expected to contribute to the operational aspects of research, from scheduling and data collection to preliminary analysis, under the guidance of senior researchers. This role offers exposure to the entire product development lifecycle from a user-centric perspective.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience or strong knowledge of user-centered design principles and UX research methodologies.

Required Skills:

• User Research: Proficiency in planning, conducting, and analyzing various UX research methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys).

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate research findings and recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Design Tools & Disciplines: Knowledge of design tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. Understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems, analyze situations, and contribute to innovative solutions in a team environment.

• Organization: Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks and manage workload effectively.

• Creativity: Curiosity and a creative mindset for visualizing and assessing new product concepts.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with inclusive design and WCAG accessibility standards.

• Familiarity with interaction design, native mobile, and responsive design principles.

• Experience in coding qualitative data or analyzing survey results.

• Knowledge of market, business, and technical merits of concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a co-op role, the emphasis is on foundational knowledge and demonstrated potential rather than extensive professional experience. The "Who you are" section in the original description strongly implies these required and preferred skills. The expectation is that candidates will have academic exposure and perhaps personal projects demonstrating these capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A demonstrable portfolio showcasing academic projects, personal projects, or previous internship work that highlights UX research skills.

• Case studies that clearly outline the research problem, methodology used, your role, the insights gained, and the impact of those insights on design recommendations.

• Examples of research deliverables such as user interview summaries, usability test reports, survey analysis summaries, or persona development.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly required for a co-op, demonstrating an understanding of how research fits into a broader product development process (e.g., agile, waterfall) will be advantageous.

• Ability to document research plans, findings, and recommendations in a clear and organized manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, the portfolio's purpose is to showcase academic learning, initiative, and foundational understanding of UX research processes. It should demonstrate the candidate's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, even if those problems were academic in nature. The focus is on the thinking process and the ability to communicate research outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Wellbeing Support: Access to CIBC's wellbeing programs.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

• Social Recognition Program (MomentMakers): A points-based recognition program to acknowledge contributions.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities for professional growth through onboarding, ongoing learning, and individual development planning.

• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to a large financial institution with potential for future career connections.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 37.5 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with 1-3 days required on-site and the remainder remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical co-op compensation in major Canadian banks for similar roles. The benefits listed are those explicitly mentioned in the provided text, tailored to what a co-op student might access. The working hours are standard full-time, with some flexibility due to the hybrid arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking)

Company Size: CIBC is a large, established financial institution with tens of thousands of employees globally. Simplii Financial is a digital banking arm, indicating a focus on technology and customer-centric digital solutions within this larger structure.

Founded: CIBC was founded in 1864, signifying a long-standing history and established presence in the Canadian financial landscape.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Digital Experience and Design team at Simplii Financial, which is part of CIBC.

• This team likely comprises UX researchers, UI/UX designers, product owners, and potentially other digital product specialists.

• Collaboration is expected with broader product development teams, engineering, and business stakeholders.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs agile methodologies for product development and design.

• There is a strong emphasis on user-centered design principles, driven by research and data.

• The company values trust, teamwork, and accountability, suggesting a collaborative and responsible work environment.

• A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in digital experiences is evident.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CIBC's culture emphasizes relationship-oriented banking, client focus, and empowering employees. For a co-op in a digital arm like Simplii, this translates to a dynamic environment where user experience is critical for client engagement and business success. The hybrid work model reflects a modern approach to work flexibility within a traditional financial institution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, co-op position designed for students. It provides foundational experience in UX research within a large corporate setting.

Reporting Structure: The co-op student will report to a senior UX Researcher or UX Manager, receiving direct guidance and mentorship. They will work collaboratively within the Digital Experience and Design team.

Operations Impact: UX research directly impacts the usability, accessibility, and client satisfaction of Simplii Financial's digital banking platforms. Insights from this role will inform product roadmaps, design iterations, and ultimately contribute to client retention and business growth by ensuring digital products meet user needs effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience in a wide range of UX research methodologies, data analysis, and reporting.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the financial services industry, digital banking, and corporate product development processes within a major Canadian bank.

• Networking: Build professional connections with experienced UX professionals and other team members at CIBC.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop a strong portfolio of work that can be leveraged for future academic projects and job applications.

• Potential for Future Employment: Successful co-op students may be considered for future opportunities within CIBC or Simplii Financial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This co-op role is primarily about learning and skill acquisition. The growth opportunities are focused on building a foundation in UX research and understanding the professional environment of a large financial institution. Direct advancement will depend on performance, but the experience gained is highly transferable.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, combining remote work with 1-3 days per week on-site at the Toronto office.

Office Location(s): Toronto, specifically at 181 Bay St. 6th Floor, Toronto, ON. This is a central business district location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration during on-site days, fostering team interaction and knowledge sharing.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard UX research and design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe CC) will be provided. The role will likely involve using collaboration platforms and internal CIBC systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a diverse team of UX professionals, designers, product owners, and potentially other co-op students.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 37.5 hours per week. The hybrid nature offers some flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing remote productivity with in-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key aspect. It offers a balance of focused remote work and in-person team engagement, which is typical for modern corporate environments. The office location in Toronto suggests a professional, well-resourced workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and portfolio review to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• First Interview: Likely a behavioral and skills-based interview with a hiring manager or senior UX researcher, focusing on academic background, understanding of UX principles, and problem-solving abilities.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a small take-home exercise or a live case study presentation related to UX research planning, analysis, or insight communication.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a broader team or hiring manager to assess cultural fit and overall potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Research Process: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodologies used, your analysis, and the resulting insights and recommendations.

• Showcase Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to interpret data (qualitative and quantitative) and draw meaningful conclusions.

• Focus on Impact: Explain how your research findings influenced design decisions or could have influenced them.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present your work in a well-organized, easy-to-understand format. Use visuals effectively.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with digital product development and ideally, financial services or customer-facing applications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your academic projects in detail, especially those involving user research.

• Practice articulating your thought process for research design and data analysis.

• Understand key UX research methodologies and when to apply them.

• Research CIBC and Simplii Financial's digital presence to understand their current offerings and potential UX challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, the interview process will focus on potential, foundational knowledge, and enthusiasm. The portfolio review is crucial for demonstrating applied learning. Candidates should be ready to discuss their academic work with the same rigor they would a professional project.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected proficiency or strong familiarity for design collaboration and understanding design artifacts.

• Adobe Creative Suite (CC): Familiarity is preferred for potential use in creating visual assets or presentations.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), survey creation (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), and potentially card sorting tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis and reporting.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint or Google Slides for presenting research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how UX research integrates with CRM data or product management workflows would be beneficial. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) may be useful for understanding team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on research and design tools. While CRM and automation tools are core to Revenue Operations, this role is focused on the front-end of product development. Demonstrating familiarity with tools used in the product lifecycle is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust, Teamwork, Accountability: These are explicitly mentioned values that will likely guide interactions and project execution.

• Client-Centricity: A core tenet of the role, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of design decisions.

• Innovation: The digital banking space requires continuous innovation, so a forward-thinking mindset is valued.

• Data-Driven Approach: Research findings are expected to be data-backed and used to inform strategic decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Expect to work closely with designers, product owners, and potentially developers.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on research plans, findings, and presentations.

• Knowledge Sharing: The role involves contributing to a repository of research, indicating a value for shared learning and building collective knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a professional, client-focused, and collaborative environment. For a co-op, demonstrating an eagerness to learn, contribute as part of a team, and uphold these values will be important for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Insights: A common challenge is effectively translating raw research data into actionable, impactful insights that drive design changes.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Juggling the needs and expectations of various stakeholders (product, design, business) while advocating for the user.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding the processes and culture of a large financial institution like CIBC can be a learning curve.

• Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping pace with new technologies and user expectations in the fintech and digital banking space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodology Mastery: Deepening practical skills in a variety of UX research techniques.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning how UX research is conducted in a real-world, corporate setting.

• Professional Networking: Building a professional network within CIBC.

• Understanding Product Lifecycle: Gaining insight into how research integrates with product strategy, design, and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for UX research roles, especially in corporate settings. The growth opportunities are directly tied to overcoming these challenges and developing the skills required for a successful career in UX.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Design: "How would you approach researching the user needs for a new mobile banking feature, like peer-to-peer payments?" Be ready to outline your methodology, participant recruitment strategy, and key questions.

• Insight Synthesis: "Describe a time you had to analyze complex data. How did you identify key insights and communicate them to others?" Prepare a specific example from an academic project.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a usability test revealed a significant issue with a key feature. What steps would you take to understand the root cause and propose solutions?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UX research at Simplii Financial/CIBC specifically?" Research CIBC's digital initiatives and Simplii's brand.

• "How do you embody CIBC's values of Trust, Teamwork, and Accountability in your academic or project work?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Present 1-2 strong case studies. For each, clearly state the project goal, your specific role, the research methods used, key findings, and the impact/recommendations.

• Visuals: Use screenshots, mockups, or diagrams to illustrate your process and findings. Highlight key quotes or user behaviors.

• Narrative: Tell a story about the user and your journey to uncover their needs and inform solutions.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op interview, interviewers will assess your understanding of UX principles, your analytical thinking, your communication skills, and your potential to learn and contribute. Demonstrating enthusiasm for the field and the company is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the CIBC careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight relevant academic projects, UX research skills, and any experience with design tools or methodologies mentioned in the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description (e.g., UX Research, User-Centered Design, Figma, Usability Testing, Communication, Problem Solving) throughout your resume, particularly in bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, methodologies, and insights. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and answer behavioral questions related to teamwork and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CIBC and Simplii Financial's digital offerings, mission, and values. Understand their approach to customer experience in the financial sector.

⚠️ 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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