User Experience (UX) Research Analyst

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Experience (UX) Research Analyst

Company: Black Canyon Consulting (BCC)

Location: Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Data Analytics / Government Sector

Date Posted: March 04, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (5-10 years estimated)

Remote Status: On-site (DMV area candidates preferred)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered design and continuous improvement for high-impact biomedical data resources, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Sequence Read Archive (SRA).

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a comprehensive user research program, encompassing interviews, usability testing, and feedback sessions with diverse scientific, clinical, and public user groups.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative research findings into actionable insights and clear, evidence-based recommendations to inform product roadmaps and strategic decisions.

• Design, build, and maintain a sophisticated Power BI user feedback dashboard to track key UX metrics, user pain points, and satisfaction trends, providing a unified view of user insights for stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including UX designers, developers, product owners, and subject-matter experts within the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a government contracting environment, supporting critical federal health platforms. The emphasis on NIH policies, public trust clearance, and data security suggests a need for candidates with experience in regulated environments or a strong understanding of compliance. The estimated experience level is derived from the breadth of responsibilities, including independent research planning, complex data synthesis, and dashboard development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Research Operations:

  • Plan and schedule user research activities, including interviews, usability testing, and feedback sessions for ClinicalTrials.gov and SRA.
  • Recruit participants from diverse backgrounds (researchers, clinicians, data submitters, public users) and manage communication and logistics for research sessions.
  • Oversee and manage participant consent, scheduling, session documentation, and research records in strict adherence to federal and NIH policies.

• Data Collection and Synthesis:

  • Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from various sources, including user sessions, surveys, support inquiries, and other feedback channels.
  • Synthesize complex research findings into clear, actionable insights, identifying key usability issues, workflow challenges, and opportunities for enhancement.
  • Translate user feedback into compelling themes, summaries, and evidence-based recommendations to support product roadmaps and data-driven decision-making.

• User Feedback Dashboard (Power BI):

  • Design, develop, and maintain a Power BI dashboard to visualize user feedback trends, key insights, and UX-related indicators for ClinicalTrials.gov and SRA.
  • Integrate multiple data sources, such as survey results, usability testing outcomes, usage metrics, and support ticket trends, into a cohesive reporting structure.
  • Define, track, and report on critical UX metrics, including common user pain points, task success rates, satisfaction levels, and recurring submission or search issues.
  • Ensure dashboard accuracy, accessibility, and clarity for a wide range of stakeholders, including scientific, technical, and program leadership.

• Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication:

  • Present research findings and dashboard insights effectively to cross-functional teams within NCBI and NIH.

  • Facilitate transparent, evidence-based decision-making by clearly articulating user needs, system constraints, and the impact of proposed enhancements.

  • Respond promptly to ad hoc research and reporting requests pertaining to the user experience and usability of ClinicalTrials.gov and SRA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct user research execution and strategic data analysis/visualization. The emphasis on "User Research Operations" suggests the need for strong organizational skills and process management, particularly in a federal context where compliance and record-keeping are paramount. The "Data Collection and Synthesis" section underscores the analytical rigor required, moving beyond merely collecting data to deriving actionable insights and communicating them effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Information Science, Data Analytics, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience conducting or supporting UX research activities within complex, data-rich systems.

• Demonstrated experience in designing, building, and maintaining dashboards and reports using Power BI or similar business intelligence tools.

Required Skills:

• User Research Fundamentals: Experience with core UX research methodologies including usability testing, user interviews, surveys, and mixed-methods analysis.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Strong analytical and synthesis skills with the ability to translate complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights and compelling narratives.

• Data Visualization: Proficiency in Power BI or comparable business intelligence tools for dashboard design, development, and reporting.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational, documentation, and project management capabilities to manage research operations and data integrity.

• User-Centered Mindset: Deep understanding and application of user-centered and evidence-based thinking in design and development processes.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including designers, developers, product owners, and domain experts.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with user-centered approaches such as human-centered design, Design Thinking, or Experience Design.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards, plain language principles, and usability considerations for public-facing federal websites (e.g., Section 508 compliance).

• Experience within a government contracting environment or supporting federal agencies (e.g., NIH, HHS).

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section has been expanded to explicitly call out core competencies expected for a UX Research Analyst role, integrating keywords relevant to data analysis, visualization, and user research methodologies. The "Preferred Skills" section adds context specific to the government sector and user experience best practices, which are crucial for this role's success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in UX Research: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your involvement in the end-to-end UX research process, from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting.

• Data Synthesis & Insight Storytelling: Examples of how you synthesized complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights. Highlight your ability to tell a compelling story with data that drove product or system improvements.

• Power BI Dashboard Examples: Include screenshots or interactive prototypes of dashboards you have designed and built using Power BI. Emphasize how these dashboards provided valuable insights and supported decision-making.

• Process Documentation & Recommendations: Demonstrate your ability to document research processes and translate findings into concrete recommendations for system enhancements, workflow optimization, or user experience improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your understanding of documenting research plans, methodologies, participant recruitment strategies, and data analysis procedures.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or developed process documentation for user feedback collection and integration into product development cycles.

• Illustrate your approach to defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to user experience and system usability, and how these are reflected in reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles, a portfolio is critical. This section details the specific types of projects and artifacts that would be most impactful for a UX Research Analyst, emphasizing the practical application of research skills, data synthesis, and visualization tools like Power BI. The focus is on demonstrating impact and process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• 401(k) plan with an employer contribution.

• Paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.

• Tuition reimbursement program for professional development.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, likely 40 hours per week.

• On-site work is required, with candidates in the DMV area preferred.

• Occasional flexibility may be needed to accommodate participant schedules or project deadlines, but core hours are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the input data is directly integrated. The benefits are listed as provided, with a note added about the impact of working on federal platforms. The working hours are standardized, with a specific mention of the on-site requirement and preference for local candidates as stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Information Technology / Biomedical Data Services

Company Size: Black Canyon Consulting (BCC) is likely a mid-sized to large government contractor, often requiring specialized technical and analytical expertise to support federal agencies. This size typically means structured processes, a focus on contract deliverables, and opportunities for professional development within specific domains.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, BCC's engagement with critical federal platforms like ClinicalTrials.gov and SRA suggests a history of successful contract performance and a commitment to supporting government initiatives.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research Analyst will likely be part of a larger project team supporting NCBI/NCBI, which includes UX designers, developers, product managers, data scientists, and subject-matter experts.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a Project Manager or Lead UX Designer, with direct collaboration with NCBI program staff.

Methodology:

• The team operates within an Agile framework, emphasizing iterative development, continuous improvement, and strong engineering culture (code quality, test automation).

• Data analysis and insights generation are central, with a focus on user-centered design principles.

• Workflow planning and optimization are driven by user feedback and empirical data.

• Automation and efficiency are valued, particularly in the context of reporting and system enhancements.

Company Website: https://www.bccdc.net/

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the job description's focus on supporting ClinicalTrials.gov and SRA via NCBI, and the requirement for a Public Trust clearance, BCC is positioned as a government contractor. This context informs the expected team structure, methodology (Agile, federal compliance), and the overall company culture, which likely prioritizes mission-driven work and technical excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior Analyst, requiring a blend of hands-on research execution, analytical depth, and system implementation (Power BI dashboard). It's a key contributor role focused on providing critical user insights that directly influence product strategy and development for major biomedical data platforms.

Reporting Structure: The UX Research Analyst will report to a Project Manager or a Lead UX/Product Manager within the BCC team supporting NCBI. They will work closely with a cross-functional product development team, including UX Designers, Developers, and Product Owners.

Operations Impact: The UX Research Analyst's work will have a direct and significant impact on the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of ClinicalTrials.gov and SRA. By translating user needs into actionable insights, they will drive improvements in how scientific, clinical, and public users interact with these vital data resources, ultimately enhancing scientific research and public health information dissemination.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Biomedical UX: Deepen expertise in UX research within the scientific and biomedical data domain, becoming a go-to expert for these complex platforms.

• Advanced Data Visualization & Analytics: Develop advanced skills in Power BI and other analytics tools, potentially leading to roles focused on broader data strategy or advanced analytics.

• Leadership in UX Research: Progress to a Senior UX Researcher or UX Research Lead position, mentoring junior analysts and taking ownership of larger research initiatives.

• Product Management Transition: Leverage deep user understanding and product insight to transition into a Product Owner or Product Manager role within government contracting or related tech fields.

• Federal Project Management: Gain experience in managing project deliverables within federal contracts, opening doors to project management roles within government IT.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on how the role fits within the broader operations and GTM ecosystem, emphasizing the impact of user research on product success and the potential for career advancement within government contracting or specialized tech fields. The growth opportunities are tailored to the specific domain and tools mentioned.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment. Given the government contracting nature and the focus on sensitive data, the office is likely secure and professional, designed to support collaborative work and compliance with federal regulations.

Office Location(s): Bethesda, Maryland. This location is in the heart of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (DMV), a hub for federal agencies, government contractors, and technology companies. Proximity to NIH and other federal entities is a significant advantage.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with UX designers, developers, and product teams, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout designed to facilitate frequent communication and brainstorming.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary hardware, software (including Power BI licenses), and secure network infrastructure to perform research, data analysis, and dashboard development.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, stand-ups, and cross-functional project discussions, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

• Federal Compliance: The work environment will adhere to federal guidelines regarding data security, privacy, and accessibility.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely with standard business hours. While Agile methodologies promote flexibility, the on-site requirement and the need to coordinate with federal stakeholders may lead to a more structured schedule. The "must reside in and be authorized to work in the United States" and "candidates in the DMV area preferred" points to a need for local presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes the on-site nature of the role and its location in Bethesda, MD. It also highlights the collaborative and technology-rich aspects of the workspace, tailored to a government contracting environment that supports sensitive data and federal projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against the job requirements. Be prepared to discuss your experience with UX research, data synthesis, and Power BI.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a discussion of your UX research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and experience with Power BI. Expect questions about how you've handled complex data sets and translated them into insights.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, process, challenges, and the impact of your work. Focus on how you applied research to drive improvements.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions assessing your problem-solving skills, collaboration style, adaptability, and how you align with BCC's values and the project team's culture. Expect questions related to working in a federal environment and handling sensitive information.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss your overall fit and strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX research capabilities, data synthesis skills, and Power BI dashboard development expertise. Prioritize projects with measurable impact.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the methodologies used, the challenges faced, your process (including data collection and analysis), key insights derived, and the resulting outcomes or recommendations.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research and recommendations (e.g., "identified X usability issues leading to a Y% improvement in task completion," or "dashboard provided Z insights that informed A product decision").

• Highlight Power BI Skills: For dashboard examples, explain the data sources, the key metrics tracked, the design choices made, and how the dashboard facilitated understanding and decision-making for stakeholders.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize any experience with scientific/biomedical data, federal platforms, or compliance requirements if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Research Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might need to outline a research plan for a specific problem related to ClinicalTrials.gov or SRA.

• Data Interpretation: You might be presented with sample data or user feedback and asked to interpret it and suggest next steps.

• Power BI Dashboard Design: A hypothetical exercise could involve sketching out a dashboard to track specific user behavior or feedback trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to prepare for interviews and present their portfolios effectively. It's tailored to the specific requirements of a UX Research Analyst role, emphasizing data interpretation, Power BI skills, and the unique context of government contracting.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Power BI: Essential for designing, building, and maintaining user feedback dashboards. Proficiency in data modeling, DAX, and visualization best practices is expected.

• UX Research Tools: Experience with various qualitative and quantitative research tools such as survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and interview recording tools.

• Data Analysis Software: While Power BI is primary for reporting, familiarity with statistical analysis tools or libraries (e.g., R, Python with pandas/numpy) for deeper quantitative analysis may be beneficial.

• Collaboration Tools: Standard office productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office 365) and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power BI: The central tool for creating and disseminating user feedback dashboards, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting on UX trends.

• Usage Analytics: Experience with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior on ClinicalTrials.gov and SRA, if accessible.

• Data Warehousing Concepts: Understanding how data is stored and accessed for reporting purposes, especially in large-scale federal systems.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding how user feedback might be logged or tracked within broader systems could be relevant.

• Experience with workflow automation tools might be indirectly useful for research operations efficiency, though not a primary focus.

• Integration tools knowledge could be beneficial for understanding how data flows into Power BI from various sources.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations roles. It details the specific technology stack, emphasizing Power BI as a core requirement and listing other relevant tools for UX research, data analysis, and collaboration, contextualized for a government IT project.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing empirical evidence and user feedback as the foundation for strategic choices and system improvements.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to federal policies, data privacy regulations, and ethical research practices, especially given the sensitive nature of biomedical data.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where information is shared openly, and cross-functional teams work together towards common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying areas for enhancement in both the products and the processes used to develop them.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with UX designers to translate research findings into design solutions, and with developers to ensure accurate implementation.

• Evidence-Based Communication: Presenting findings and recommendations with clear data to support arguments and influence stakeholders effectively.

• Feedback Loops: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback within the team to refine research methods, analysis, and product direction.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a shared understanding of user needs and research insights across the project team and potentially within the broader NCBI organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the cultural values and collaboration styles that are likely important for success at BCC and within the context of supporting a federal project. It emphasizes the blend of user advocacy, data discipline, and collaborative teamwork required.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of User Base: Balancing the diverse needs and technical proficiencies of scientific researchers, clinicians, data submitters, and the general public.

• Data Integration: Consolidating and making sense of data from disparate sources (surveys, sessions, support tickets, usage logs) into a cohesive dashboard.

• Federal Compliance: Navigating and adhering to strict federal regulations, NIH policies, and security protocols in all research and reporting activities.

• Impact Measurement: Quantifying the direct impact of UX research insights on product improvements and user satisfaction in a large, complex system.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and effective use of research insights across various stakeholder groups with potentially different priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX in Science: Gaining deep expertise in UX research for scientific and biomedical data platforms, a niche but growing field.

• Advanced Power BI & Analytics: Mastering advanced features of Power BI and potentially exploring other data analytics and visualization tools.

• Federal Project Lifecycle: Understanding the intricacies of working within federal contracting environments, including procurement, compliance, and reporting.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced UX professionals, product managers, and engineers within the NCBI project team.

• Professional Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and potential for attending industry conferences related to UX, data science, or government IT.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential hurdles and pathways for growth, specific to the challenges of working with complex federal data platforms and the opportunities for skill development in specialized areas like biomedical UX and advanced analytics.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Planning: "Imagine we want to understand why users struggle to submit data to SRA. How would you plan a research study to investigate this, and what metrics would you track?" (Focus on methodology, participant selection, and key questions.)

• Data Synthesis & Insights: "Describe a time you synthesized complex user feedback into actionable insights. What was the process, and how did you communicate these insights to drive change?" (Prepare a specific example showcasing your analytical and storytelling skills.)

• Power BI Application: "How would you design a Power BI dashboard to monitor user satisfaction and identify common pain points for ClinicalTrials.gov users? What data sources would you prioritize?" (Demonstrate your understanding of dashboard design principles and data integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for Federal Work: "Why are you interested in working on federal platforms like ClinicalTrials.gov and SRA, and what do you understand about the importance of user experience in this context?" (Highlight your understanding of public service and data integrity.)

• Collaboration Experience: "Tell me about a time you collaborated with developers and designers to implement UX recommendations. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Showcase your teamwork and problem-solving skills.)

• Handling Sensitive Data: "What is your approach to managing sensitive user data and maintaining confidentiality in a research context?" (Address your awareness of privacy and compliance.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the methodologies used, the key insights derived, and the tangible outcomes or recommendations.

• Showcase Power BI: If presenting a dashboard, walk through its key features, explain the data sources, and demonstrate how it provides actionable intelligence.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methods, your reasoning behind certain choices, and how you handled unexpected findings or challenges.

• Connect to the Role: Explicitly link your experience and portfolio examples to the requirements of this specific UX Research Analyst role at BCC, emphasizing your fit for the project's goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions and preparation strategies, tailored to the specific demands of a UX Research Analyst role in a government contracting environment, with a strong emphasis on Power BI and user data.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in UX research operations, data synthesis, Power BI dashboard development, and any relevant work within scientific, biomedical, or public-sector domains. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that highlight your end-to-end UX research process, your ability to derive actionable insights from complex data, and your proficiency in Power BI. Ensure clear documentation of your role, methodology, and impact.

• Research BCC and NCBI: Familiarize yourself with Black Canyon Consulting's mission and work, and understand the importance and scope of ClinicalTrials.gov and the Sequence Read Archive within the NCBI and NIH framework.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your qualifications, present your portfolio effectively, and answer behavioral and technical questions concisely, demonstrating your fit for this critical role.

⚠️ 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.