Student UX Researcher (f/m/d) | 20-30% | Hybrid working model | Zurich Switzerland

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Student UX Researcher (f/m/d)

Company: SMG Swiss Marketplace Group

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Job Type: Part-time

Category: UX Research Operations / Product Research Support

Date Posted: 2026-02-20

Experience Level: Entry-Level / Student

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a part-time Student UX Researcher position focused on supporting the UX Research team within SMG Automotive (AutoScout24 and MotoScout24).

• The core function involves operationalizing and streamlining the UX research process, with a strong emphasis on participant recruitment, scheduling, and administrative tasks.

• The position offers hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, contributing directly to product and design decisions for major vehicle marketplaces.

• It requires meticulous organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex workstreams to ensure high-quality research is conducted efficiently at scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Student UX Researcher," the described responsibilities heavily lean into "Research Operations" (Research Ops) or "UX Research Coordination." This role is less about conducting independent research and more about enabling the research team to function effectively. The emphasis on participant recruitment, repository management, and toolkit maintenance are key indicators of an operations-focused function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Participant Recruitment & Scheduling: Design, implement, and continuously improve the process for recruiting and scheduling research participants, including creating screeners, managing coordination, sending reminders, and processing incentives.

• Qualitative Study Support: Assist in preparing study scripts, taking detailed notes during interviews and user testing sessions, and potentially moderating sessions under supervision.

• Research Repository Management: Maintain a clean, organized, and accessible research repository by documenting insights, creating concise project summaries, and effectively sharing critical findings with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders.

• Research Toolkit Enhancement: Support the development and maintenance of the UX research toolkit, including templates, checklists, guidelines, and documentation on research best practices.

• Research Intake Coordination: Manage the research intake process by triaging requests, clarifying participant needs, and keeping the research calendar updated to ensure efficient resource allocation.

• External Partner Coordination: Liaise with external recruitment providers and other vendors as needed to facilitate research activities.

• Quantitative Research Assistance: Provide support for quantitative research initiatives as required by the team.

• Insight Communication: Assist in communicating research findings through reports, summaries, and direct stakeholder communication, ensuring insights are actionable.

• Workshop Facilitation Support: Help organize and support workshops and insight-sharing sessions, such as ideation sessions and journey mapping exercises.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a support and operational function. The emphasis on "running and continuously improving," "keeping clean and useful," and "maintain and improve" points to a role focused on process optimization and operational efficiency within the UX Research team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Prior experience in a supportive or coordination role, demonstrating strong organizational and administrative capabilities.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex workstreams, prioritize tasks, and ensure smooth execution of processes.

• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to tasks, recognizing the critical importance of accuracy in research operations.

• Process Improvement Mindset: Proactive in identifying areas for improvement and contributing to the refinement of existing workflows.

• Communication Proficiency (English): Clear and effective written and verbal communication in English, the company's corporate language.

• Digital Tool Proficiency: Comfortable using digital collaboration and documentation tools such as Notion and Miro.

• Reliability & Dependability: Consistent ability to meet commitments and deliver on responsibilities.

Preferred Skills:

• German Language Fluency: Proficiency in German, in addition to English, is highly advantageous for stakeholder and participant interaction.

• Familiarity with Research Tools: Experience with specific UX research tools like Lookback, Caplena, Qualtrics, or automation tools like Zapier.

• Statistical Analysis Skills: Basic understanding or experience with statistical analysis using R or SPSS.

• Previous UX Research Exposure: Any prior exposure to UX research methodologies or principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Who you are" section strongly emphasizes soft skills like organization, reliability, and attention to detail, which are paramount for Research Operations roles. The "Big plus" for statistical analysis suggests a potential for more analytical tasks if the candidate has the aptitude.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Documentation Examples: Showcase examples of how you have documented processes, workflows, or project steps in previous academic or work settings. This could include flowcharts, process maps, or detailed written procedures.

• Organizational System Examples: Provide evidence of your organizational capabilities. This might include examples of how you've managed complex schedules, coordinated multiple stakeholders, or maintained organized digital or physical files.

• Tool Proficiency Demonstrations: If possible, briefly highlight projects where you effectively utilized digital tools like Notion, Miro, or similar platforms for collaboration, documentation, or project management.

• Quality & Detail Focus: While not a direct portfolio item, be prepared to articulate how your attention to detail contributes to the quality and reliability of research operations.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of how to document processes clearly and concisely. This includes:
  • Workflow Design: Ability to outline sequential steps in a process, identifying key stages and decision points.
  • Implementation Support: Understanding how to support the execution of documented processes.
  • Measurement & Analysis: Awareness of how processes can be tracked and their effectiveness measured, even if not directly performing the analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role focused on operations, a traditional "portfolio" might not be expected. However, the emphasis on documentation and organization suggests that candidates should be prepared to showcase examples of their organizational skills and ability to follow and document processes, perhaps through academic projects or previous part-time work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Learning & Development: Significant opportunity to gain practical experience in UX Research Operations within a leading digital company.

• Flexible Working Hours: Flexible schedule to accommodate academic commitments, including finals and study periods.

• Hybrid Work Model: Option to work from modern offices in Zurich or Fribourg, or remotely from home.

• Team Collaboration: Be part of a dynamic, international, and supportive team environment.

• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to product decisions that affect millions of users.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals in the UX Research, Product, and Design fields.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time role, typically 20-30% of a full-time position (approximately 8-12 hours per week).

• Working hours are flexible and open for discussion, with a specific note that Thursday afternoons should ideally be kept free for user testing sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical student part-time rates in Zurich, Switzerland, considering the cost of living and entry-level nature of the role. The benefits highlight the developmental and flexibility aspects crucial for student positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketplaces & Technology. SMG operates leading online marketplaces across real estate, automotive, general classifieds, and finance & insurance sectors.

Company Size: SMG Swiss Marketplace Group is a significant player in the European digital landscape. While exact employee numbers in the specific automotive division aren't detailed, the overall group operates multiple leading marketplaces, suggesting a robust organizational structure.

Founded: The company's history is rooted in establishing and growing leading online marketplaces, indicating a culture of innovation, digital transformation, and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• UX Research Team: This role supports a dedicated UX Research Team within SMG Automotive.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The UX Researcher will work closely with designers, product managers, and other researchers.

• Reporting: The role reports into the Head of Research & Innovation, Mathias Jenny, indicating a focus on strategic research and continuous improvement.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: The company emphasizes using research and data to inform product development and design choices.

• User-Centricity: A core value is simplifying people's lives through forward-looking products, underscoring a commitment to understanding and serving user needs.

• Agile & Iterative: Implicit in operating leading digital marketplaces is an agile approach to product development and a focus on continuous iteration based on user feedback.

Company Website: https://www.swissmarketplace.group/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a "pioneering network of online marketplaces" and a commitment to simplifying lives through "forward-looking products," suggesting a culture that values innovation, user impact, and a strong digital presence. The values "Better Together, Aim High, and Act Responsibly" are likely to permeate team interactions and operational approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, part-time student position designed as an introduction to UX Research Operations. It focuses on foundational tasks and process support.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to Mathias Jenny, Head of Research & Innovation, providing exposure to leadership and strategic research initiatives. Collaboration extends to designers and product managers.

Operations Impact: The work directly influences the efficiency and quality of UX research, which in turn shapes product and design decisions for critical automotive marketplaces. This role enables the research team to deliver timely insights, indirectly impacting user experience and business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in participant recruitment, qualitative study support, research repository management, and UX research toolkit development.

• Industry Exposure: Learn how professional UX Research operates within a real product environment at a leading digital company.

• Networking: Build connections with UX researchers, designers, and product managers.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful performance and demonstrated aptitude may open doors for further opportunities within SMG or the broader UX/Product field.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, "growth" is primarily defined by learning and development. The position offers a structured environment to build core operational skills within a specialized field, setting a strong foundation for future career paths in UX, Research Ops, or Product Management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: SMG offers modern and spacious offices in Zurich and Fribourg. The environment is likely collaborative and equipped with the necessary tools for digital work.

Office Location(s): Zurich, Switzerland (Thurgauerstrasse 36, 8050 Zürich). Fribourg is also mentioned as an available location.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Flexibility: The "hybrid working model" allows for a mix of remote work and office presence, offering flexibility. There are no fixed office days, empowering employees to choose their work location.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to utilize digital collaboration tools like Notion and Miro, indicating a modern, digitally-enabled workspace.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities exist for in-person collaboration during office days and virtual collaboration through digital tools.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time (20-30%): Approximately 8-12 hours per week.

• Flexible Hours: The schedule is flexible and open for discussion, accommodating academic needs.

• Specific Availability: A key requirement is to try and keep Thursday afternoons free for user testing sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and flexible nature of the work environment, combined with modern office spaces and digital tools, suggests a contemporary and employee-centric workplace culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: CV and a brief statement of interest.

• Screening Call: Likely with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, motivation, and fit for a student role.

• Interview(s): May involve a conversation with the Head of Research & Innovation and/or team members. This would focus on:

  • Understanding of UX Research principles and operations.
  • Organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Communication abilities (English and German).
  • Familiarity with digital tools.
  • Availability and flexibility.

• Potential Practical Exercise: While not explicitly stated, a small organizational or documentation task might be assigned to assess practical skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Organization: If you have any examples of how you've organized projects, managed schedules, or documented workflows (e.g., from university projects, previous part-time jobs, volunteer work), be prepared to discuss them.

• Highlight Tool Usage: Be ready to talk about your experience with tools like Notion, Miro, or any other digital platforms you've used for collaboration or task management.

• Demonstrate Detail Orientation: Prepare to share examples of how you ensure accuracy and quality in your work.

• Articulate Motivation: Clearly explain why you are interested in UX Research Operations specifically, and how this role aligns with your academic studies and career aspirations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach participant recruitment and scheduling.

• Think about how you would keep a research repository organized and useful.

• Consider how you might improve a template or checklist for research tasks.

• Practice articulating your communication style and how you ensure clarity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, the "portfolio" will likely be less about polished case studies and more about demonstrating organizational capacity, attention to detail, and an understanding of process through academic or previous work examples. The interview will focus heavily on motivation, organizational skills, and a willingness to learn.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Collaboration & Documentation: Notion, Miro

• Research Execution (Potential/Preferred): Lookback, Caplena, Qualtrics

• Automation (Preferred): Zapier

Analytics & Reporting:

• Quantitative Support (Preferred): R, SPSS (for statistical analysis)

• Reporting: Standard office tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite) for creating summaries and reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Process Automation (Preferred): Zapier (for streamlining workflows)

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Notion and Miro for collaboration and documentation, and the "bonus" for specific research and statistical tools, indicates the core technical competencies expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Together: Emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support within the UX Research team and with cross-functional partners.

• Aim High: Encourages striving for excellence, continuous improvement in processes, and contributing to impactful product decisions.

• Act Responsibly: Highlights the importance of ethical research practices, data privacy, and reliable execution of operational tasks.

• Detail-Oriented: A strong undercurrent of valuing accuracy, quality, and thoroughness in all operational aspects of research.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Focus on making research processes run smoothly and efficiently, enabling the team to conduct research at scale.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with designers and product managers, fostering an integrated approach to product development.

• Supportive Environment: The team culture appears supportive, particularly towards students, with flexibility for academic needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights and best practices, likely through documented repositories and informal team interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values provide a framework for how the team operates. For this role, "Better Together" and "Act Responsibly" are key for team dynamics and ethical considerations, while "Aim High" speaks to the drive for process improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Work Commitments: Effectively managing time between studies and part-time work, especially during peak academic periods.

• Learning New Tools and Processes Quickly: Rapidly becoming proficient with SMG's specific research tools and operational workflows.

• Ensuring Data Accuracy and Consistency: Maintaining high standards for participant data, research notes, and repository entries.

• Adapting to a Professional Environment: Transitioning from academic projects to the demands and pace of a professional product development team.

• Supporting Diverse Research Needs: Catering to varied requests from different designers and product managers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Foundational UX Research Ops Skills: Deepen understanding and practical application of participant recruitment, scheduling, and data management.

• Process Optimization: Learn to identify bottlenecks and suggest improvements in research workflows.

• UX Research Methodologies: Gain exposure to various qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Industry Best Practices: Observe and learn from experienced researchers and product professionals.

• Tool Proficiency: Develop expertise in widely-used collaboration and research tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to highlight opportunities for skill development and learning, which is crucial for a student role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple tasks or projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Assesses organizational skills and time management).

• "How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work?" (Probes for quality focus).

• "Imagine you need to recruit participants for a user test. What are the key steps you would take?" (Evaluates understanding of recruitment processes).

• "How would you keep a collection of research notes organized and easily searchable for your team?" (Tests repository management thinking).

• "Tell us about a time you used digital tools like Notion or Miro for a project. What was your role?" (Assesses tool proficiency and collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about SMG Swiss Marketplace Group and its brands like AutoScout24?" (Tests company research).

• "How do you think your role as a Student UX Researcher contributes to the success of the product teams?" (Assesses understanding of impact).

• "How do you stay organized and manage your time between your studies and this role?" (Evaluates flexibility and commitment).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process & Organization: If you have any academic projects, previous work experiences, or personal initiatives where you demonstrated strong organizational skills, task management, or process documentation, be prepared to walk through them.

• Highlight Tool Usage: Be ready to explain how you used tools like Notion, Miro, or even spreadsheets to manage information, track progress, or facilitate collaboration.

• Emphasize Detail and Quality: Explain how you ensured accuracy and quality in your work, perhaps by describing your review process.

• Articulate Your Contribution: Clearly state your role in any project you present and what your specific contributions were, focusing on the operational aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will focus on practical application of organizational skills, understanding of basic research operations, and motivation for a support role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your motivation for this role and how it aligns with your studies and career interests.

• Prepare to discuss your organizational skills: Have specific examples ready from your academic or any previous work experience that demonstrate your ability to manage tasks, schedules, and details effectively.

• Familiarize yourself with key tools: Review the mentioned tools like Notion and Miro. If you have experience, be prepared to discuss it. If not, understand their general purpose for collaboration and documentation.

• Research SMG: Understand the company's mission, its key marketplaces (especially AutoScout24 and MotoScout24), and its stated values.

• Articulate your availability and flexibility: Be clear about your capacity for the 20-30% working hours and your ability to keep Thursday afternoons open.

⚠️ 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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