Sr. UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher

Company: Element Solutions

Location: Washington, DC

Job Type: Direct Hire/Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research

Date Posted: May 1, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with a Master's degree, 10+ years is implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive user research initiatives to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, motivations, and pain points within digital product ecosystems.

• Apply a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, contextual inquiries, and usability testing, to uncover actionable insights.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, strategic recommendations that directly inform product design, user experience improvements, and overall product strategy.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and developers, to embed user-centered design principles throughout the entire product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. UX Researcher," the "8+ years of experience" requirement, combined with preferred Master's degree experience, suggests a senior-level individual contributor role with significant autonomy and influence. The focus on leading research efforts and advocating for user-centered design points to a strategic, hands-on position rather than purely an oversight role. The government contract context implies a need for rigorous documentation, adherence to process, and strong stakeholder communication.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute user research studies using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods such as user interviews, focus groups, surveys, contextual inquiries, usability testing, and heuristic evaluations.

• Analyze and synthesize research data from multiple sources to identify key user needs, pain points, behaviors, and motivations, and translate these into compelling user personas, journey maps, and experience blueprints.

• Develop and present comprehensive research findings and actionable design recommendations to product teams, stakeholders, and leadership, effectively communicating the "why" behind design decisions.

• Collaborate with UX/UI designers to create intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly interfaces and workflows, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.

• Conduct iterative usability testing on prototypes and live products to identify usability issues and areas for improvement, and work with design and development teams to implement solutions.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles and research best practices across the organization, fostering a culture of user empathy and data-driven decision-making.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UX research methodologies, tools, and industry trends, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance research practices and team capabilities.

• Contribute to the development of research documentation standards and best practices within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed in the original description are comprehensive. This enhancement focuses on elaborating on the "how" and "why" for each, adding depth relevant to a senior role. For instance, "Translate research findings into actionable insights" is expanded to include how this is done (personas, journey maps) and for whom (product teams, stakeholders). The emphasis on advocacy and continuous improvement is crucial for a senior-level UX Researcher.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX) Design, Psychology, Information Science, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience conducting UX research and directly supporting product design and development initiatives.

• Proven track record of successfully applying a wide range of user research methods and usability testing techniques to inform product strategy and design.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in planning, designing, and executing qualitative research methods (e.g., in-depth interviews, contextual inquiries, ethnographic studies, diary studies).

• Proficiency in designing and conducting quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, A/B testing, card sorting, tree testing).

• Strong command of usability testing principles and methodologies, including moderated and unmoderated testing.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate research findings, insights, and recommendations to diverse audiences, including technical teams, product managers, and senior leadership.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strong capacity to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights.

• Robust stakeholder management and engagement skills, fostering collaborative relationships to drive user-centered outcomes.

• Deep understanding and passion for user-centered design principles and evidence-based design practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with prototyping and design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure, or similar platforms.

• Experience conducting user research within economic, financial, data-intensive, or complex analytical business domains.

• Experience conducting research for government systems, enterprise software, or complex digital platforms.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design principles.

• Experience working within Agile/Scrum development environments, collaborating closely with product teams in iterative cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8+ years" requirement, coupled with the preferred Master's, positions this as a senior role. The skills section is structured to differentiate between essential and advantageous proficiencies. Keywords like "Human-Computer Interaction," "Usability Testing," "Qualitative/Quantitative Research," "User Personas," "Journey Maps," and "Agile" are integrated to enhance ATS visibility and candidate clarity. The specific mention of government systems and data-intensive domains adds crucial context for specialized experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 significant UX research projects, clearly articulating your role, methodology, and impact.

• Each project should detail the research objectives, the methods employed, participant recruitment strategies, data analysis approach, and key findings.

• Highlight how your research directly influenced product design decisions, led to measurable improvements, and contributed to business or user goals.

• Include examples of research documentation such as user personas, journey maps, usability reports, and key insight summaries.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your systematic approach to research planning, from defining research questions to selecting appropriate methodologies and recruiting participants.

• Illustrate your process for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into clear, concise, and impactful insights.

• Demonstrate your methods for communicating research findings and recommendations effectively to diverse stakeholders, including written reports, presentations, and workshops.

• Showcase experience in creating and maintaining research documentation that serves as a valuable resource for design and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, a portfolio is critical. This section emphasizes what Element Solutions will likely look for: not just the what (projects) but the how (methodology, collaboration) and the impact (influence on design, measurable results). The focus is on demonstrating a structured, repeatable, and impactful research process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $145,000 - $185,000 per year

Explanation of Range:

• This salary range is based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researchers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, considering the specific requirements of a government contract role.

• Factors influencing the final offer include the candidate's depth of experience, specific domain expertise (e.g., government contracting, data-intensive domains), educational background, and demonstrated impact in previous roles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Care coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Life Insurance policy.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.

• Paid Holidays.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time engagement, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility, requiring on-site presence in Washington, DC as dictated by client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is directly from the input. The explanation adds context, justifying the range based on location, experience, and industry specifics, which is crucial for operations-related roles that often have well-defined compensation bands. The benefits are listed as provided, with a note on flexibility for the hybrid work model.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Digital Transformation Services, Government Contracting.

Company Size: Element Solutions likely falls within the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category, based on typical government contracting firms and the need for specialized talent. This size often fosters a more collaborative and agile environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: Not specified, but the company's focus on "innovation and client needs" and "digital solutions for government and commercial customers" suggests a modern, forward-thinking organization established to address contemporary challenges.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research function is likely integrated within larger project teams or a dedicated UX/Product Design department. As a Senior Researcher, you would likely lead research efforts for specific projects or product lines.

• Reporting structure would typically be to a UX Lead, Director of Product Design, or a Program Manager on a government contract.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on rigorous analysis of qualitative and quantitative user data to derive actionable insights that drive product strategy and design.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Designing and refining research processes to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with project timelines and client requirements.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, a modern tech consultancy would likely explore tools and processes to streamline research operations where possible.

Company Website: elementsolutionsinc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description is expanded to infer likely characteristics of a technology consulting firm serving government clients. This includes typical team structures, methodologies, and the importance of collaboration, which are key considerations for operations-minded professionals. The website is included as provided.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Individual Contributor. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to lead research initiatives independently. The focus is on deep subject matter expertise in UX research and its application, rather than people management.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Director of UX/Product Design or a senior program lead, depending on the specific government contract structure. You will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Designers, and Developers.

Operations Impact:

• Significantly influence product strategy and roadmap by providing data-driven insights into user needs and behaviors.

• Drive the creation of user-centered digital solutions that enhance user experience, improve efficiency, and meet critical government or commercial objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, user populations, or industry domains (e.g., economic, financial, data-intensive government systems).

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX Researcher role, mentoring junior researchers, and shaping research strategy for larger initiatives or multiple projects.

• Strategic Influence: Become a key advisor on user experience strategy for clients and internal product teams, influencing long-term product vision.

• Skill Expansion: Develop proficiency in related areas such as service design, ethical design, or advanced analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the career trajectory and impact for a Senior UX Researcher. It frames the role within the broader context of operations and strategic influence, highlighting how UX research contributes to business outcomes and provides avenues for professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring a mix of remote work and on-site presence in Washington, DC. This suggests a need for strong self-discipline and remote collaboration skills, alongside the ability to engage effectively in in-person meetings and client interactions.

Office Location(s): Washington, DC. This location is strategic for government contracting, offering proximity to federal agencies and key stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities for in-person brainstorming, design sprints, and client meetings.

• Access to necessary UX research tools, software, and technologies will be provided, supporting both remote and in-office work.

• Opportunities for close interaction with design, product, and development teams will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility inherent in a hybrid model. However, deadlines and client demands may necessitate occasional extended hours, particularly for critical research phases or project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is detailed, emphasizing the balance between independent work and in-person collaboration. The Washington, DC location is highlighted for its relevance to government contracting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your resume and potentially conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your best work from your portfolio. This is a critical step where you'll walk through 1-3 projects, detailing your research process, findings, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your methodology, challenges, and how you translated insights into action.

• Technical/Behavioral Interviews: Expect interviews with UX designers, product managers, and potentially senior leadership. These will focus on your research skills, problem-solving abilities, stakeholder management, and how you approach complex user challenges. Behavioral questions will assess your experience with collaboration, handling difficult situations, and advocating for users.

• Client/Stakeholder Interview (Potentially): For government contracts, there might be an interview with a client representative to ensure alignment with project needs and expectations.

• Final Offer: Based on the collective feedback from all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX research capabilities, particularly those with demonstrable impact and relevance to government or complex digital systems.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (methodology, tools), the insights you uncovered, the recommendations you made, and the resulting outcomes or impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process, how you adapted methods, and how you collaborated with teams. Your ability to articulate your "why" is as important as the findings themselves.

• Preparation for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, how you handled conflicting feedback, how you measured success, and how you would approach specific research scenarios.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be given a take-home assignment or a live case study to assess your research planning and analysis skills. This could involve evaluating an existing product, proposing a research plan for a new feature, or analyzing a dataset.

• Focus on demonstrating a structured approach, clear reasoning, and actionable insights.

• Practice articulating your thought process concisely and effectively, as you will likely need to present your findings and recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tactical advice for navigating the application process, with a strong emphasis on portfolio preparation and presentation, which is crucial for UX roles. It anticipates typical interview stages and provides actionable tips for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (Experience with at least one is preferred, proficiency increases versatility).

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

• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams (essential for cross-functional project work).

Analytics & Reporting:

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

• Reporting & Visualization: Ability to create clear and compelling reports and presentations using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or potentially BI tools for data visualization.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how user data flows from CRM or other systems into research is beneficial. Familiarity with data integration concepts and how user feedback loops are established is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the likely technology stack relevant to a Senior UX Researcher, focusing on design, research platforms, collaboration, and data analysis tools. This helps candidates assess their current tool proficiency and identify areas for development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product development decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on evidence from research to inform strategy, design, and product direction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals and deliver exceptional outcomes.

• Innovation & Impact: Striving to create meaningful solutions that drive positive change and deliver tangible value for clients and end-users.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and client interactions, especially within the government contracting space.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively participating in product team meetings, design sprints, and development cycles to embed user insights throughout the process.

• Process Review & Feedback: Openly sharing research findings and methodologies, and being receptive to feedback from design, product, and engineering peers.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing best practices, research insights, and lessons learned with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the core values and collaboration style likely prevalent at Element Solutions, tailored to a UX Research role within a consulting/government contracting context. This helps candidates assess cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Rigor with Project Timelines: Government contracts often have tight deadlines. A key challenge will be to conduct thorough research without compromising project schedules, requiring efficient planning and prioritization.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Working with government agencies can involve multiple stakeholders with diverse perspectives and priorities. Effectively managing these relationships and advocating for user needs amidst competing demands will be crucial.

• Translating Abstract Insights into Concrete Actions: Bridging the gap between research findings and implementable design solutions requires strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Methodologies: The UX field is constantly changing. Staying abreast of new research tools, techniques, and best practices is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced training in specific UX research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative analysis, behavioral economics in UX, mixed-methods research).

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending key UX conferences (e.g., CHI, UXPA) and obtaining relevant certifications to enhance expertise.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior UX leaders within the company or through client organizations, offering guidance on career progression and strategic thinking.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on various government contracts and commercial projects provides broad exposure to different domains, user types, and challenges, fostering continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates common challenges for a Senior UX Researcher, especially in a government contracting environment, and outlines potential growth and learning opportunities. This provides a realistic view of the role's demands and rewards.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time your research uncovered a significant user need that was not initially obvious. How did you validate it, and how did it influence the product strategy?" (Focus on your process, insight generation, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing a research plan for [a specific government service or complex digital platform]? What methods would you prioritize and why?" (Demonstrate your strategic thinking and methodological expertise.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on government contracts and specifically with Element Solutions?" (Research Element's mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your passion for impactful solutions.)

• "How do you foster a user-centered culture within a team that may not prioritize research?" (Showcase your ability to evangelize UX and influence team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Objectives -> Methodology -> Process & Execution -> Key Findings & Insights -> Recommendations -> Impact & Outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals from your projects (wireframes, personas, key research artifacts, data visualizations) to illustrate your points.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodological choices, participant recruitment, data analysis, and how you handled challenges or unexpected findings.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, highlight metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the value of your research (e.g., increased task completion rates, reduced errors, improved user satisfaction scores).

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice on preparing for interviews, including example questions tailored to a Senior UX Researcher role, with guidance on how to answer them effectively, focusing on strategy, collaboration, and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 8+ years of UX research experience, specifically mentioning your work with qualitative/quantitative methods, usability testing, and translating insights into actionable product recommendations. If you have experience in economic, financial, or data-intensive domains, emphasize this.

• Resume Optimization for Operations Roles: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency with key UX research tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, survey platforms, data analysis software) and methodologies. Use keywords from the job description like "user journey analysis," "contextual inquiries," "stakeholder engagement," and "user-centered design."

• Portfolio Preparation: Have your portfolio ready for presentation. Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research process, problem-solving skills, and measurable impact. Practice articulating each project's story clearly and concisely, focusing on your methodology, insights, and how your work influenced design and business outcomes.

• Company Research: Research Element Solutions, their mission, values, and the types of clients they serve, particularly within the government sector. Understand their emphasis on innovation and solving complex problems. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their goals.

⚠️ 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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