UX Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer II

Company: Elsevier

Location: Aalborg, Denmark / London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (implied by "II" and responsibilities)

Remote Status: On-site (with flexible working options)

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on defining and executing customer interactions for Elsevier's Research Data Platform (RDP) products like Scopus and SciVal, ensuring user-centered solutions.

• Collaborate closely with UX Research, Product, and Engineering teams to translate user needs and research insights into intuitive and effective digital experiences.

• Develop key UX deliverables, including wireframes, prototypes, and user flows, adhering to established design systems and User-Centered Design (UCD) practices.

• Contribute to a data-driven design approach, supporting the identification of metrics for design effectiveness and iterating based on usability testing and available data.

• Leverage proficiency in design tools such as Figma, and communicate design specifications effectively to engineering teams for seamless implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is designated as "UX Designer II," indicating a mid-level position requiring a solid foundation in UX principles and practical experience, but not necessarily senior-level strategic leadership. The "II" designation, combined with the responsibilities, suggests around 2-5 years of relevant experience. The explicit mention of "AI" and "Emerging Technologies" in the role's appeal points to a forward-thinking team environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Research & Insight Application: Collaborate with UX Researchers to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points, and translate these insights into actionable design decisions and informed design context.

• Concept Development & Ideation: Work alongside Product, Engineering, and Design stakeholders to explore potential solutions, leveraging data and research to generate and refine design ideas.

• UX Deliverable Creation: Produce comprehensive UX artifacts, including wireframes, interactive prototypes, user flows, and journey maps, ensuring clarity and alignment with product strategy.

• Design System & UCD Adherence: Consistently apply established design systems and User-Centered Design (UCD) methodologies to ensure a cohesive and intuitive user experience across all product touchpoints.

• Usability Testing & Iteration: Actively participate in planning and conducting usability testing sessions, analyzing findings, and iterating on designs to optimize user satisfaction and task completion.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships with engineering teams to ensure design specifications are technically feasible and implemented accurately, and collaborate with product managers to align design with business objectives.

• Data-Informed Design: Support the definition of key metrics to measure design effectiveness and actively use available data and research to inform iterative improvements.

• Technical Design Communication: Prepare and clearly communicate detailed design specifications, rationale, and decisions to development teams to facilitate efficient and accurate implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role that bridges user research with technical implementation. The emphasis on "applying user insights," "proposing design solutions," and "creating deliverables" indicates a focus on execution within a defined strategic framework. The inclusion of "data-driven analysis & testing" and "technical skills" suggests the need for a designer who is comfortable with quantitative feedback and technology constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX Designer roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) design, interaction design, or product design, with a demonstrated ability to work within established UCD practices and design systems.

Required Skills:

• User Research Collaboration: Ability to effectively collaborate with UX Researchers to gather and interpret user insights.

• UX Deliverable Creation: Proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes using standard design tools.

• Design Systems & UCD: Strong understanding and practical application of established design systems and User-Centered Design (UCD) principles.

• Usability Testing: Experience in supporting or conducting usability testing and iterating designs based on feedback.

• Interaction Design: Solid interaction design skills with a keen eye for detail and intuitive user flows.

• Proficiency in Design Tools: Expertise in industry-standard design software, with a specific mention of Figma.

• Cross-functional Communication: Ability to effectively communicate design rationale and specifications to Product, Engineering, and other stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for analyzing issues and contributing to practical, user-focused design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Accessibility Design: Understanding and application of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to ensure inclusive design solutions.

• Experience with AI/Emerging Technologies: Familiarity with designing for AI-powered features or emerging technology platforms.

• Data Analysis for Design: Ability to use data and research to inform design decisions and support metric identification.

• Platform Design: Experience designing for multiple platforms and devices (web, mobile).

• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Experience working within agile development environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in the job title suggests a need for practical, applied experience rather than purely conceptual design. The required skills are standard for a mid-level UX Designer, with a specific emphasis on collaboration, deliverable creation, and tool proficiency (Figma). The preferred skills, particularly AI and accessibility, indicate areas where the company is looking to grow and innovate.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated UX Process: Showcase a clear understanding of the end-to-end UX design process, from research and ideation through to prototyping, testing, and implementation.

• User-Centered Case Studies: Present 2-3 detailed case studies highlighting your role in solving specific user problems. Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the solutions you designed, and the impact of your work.

• Deliverable Examples: Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs that demonstrate your interaction design skills and attention to detail.

• Collaboration & Iteration Evidence: Illustrate how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research) and how you have incorporated feedback and testing results into your design iterations.

• Tool Proficiency Showcase: Highlight your proficiency with design tools, particularly Figma, through examples of complex components, interactive prototypes, or design system elements you have created.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples demonstrating how you map out user journeys, create task flows, and structure information architecture.

• Prototyping & Testing: Showcase your ability to create functional prototypes for testing and how you have used testing feedback to refine designs.

• Design System Contribution: If applicable, demonstrate experience working with or contributing to design systems, showing an understanding of consistency and scalability.

• Specification Hand-off: Evidence of how you prepare and communicate design specifications to development teams, ensuring clarity for implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer II role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase visual design but the entire problem-solving process. The emphasis should be on demonstrating how you've applied UX principles to solve real user problems and contributed to product success, with clear evidence of collaboration and iteration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For Aalborg, Denmark: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level UX Designer (2-5 years experience) in Denmark, the estimated annual salary range is DKK 400,000 - DKK 550,000. This range accounts for the cost of living and typical compensation structures in the region.

For London, United Kingdom: For a mid-level UX Designer in London, a typical annual salary range is GBP £45,000 - £65,000. This estimate reflects the competitive market and cost of living in London.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working: Options to adjust working hours to suit personal productivity and life balance.

• Pension & Insurance: Coverage by the company’s pension and insurance scheme after an initial period (3 months).

• Discounted Health Insurance: Access to discounted health insurance membership.

• Employer-Paid Internet: Option for employer-paid internet services for eligible roles/locations.

• Generous Leave Types: Comprehensive leave policies, likely including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Opportunity to join ERGs with dedicated time for volunteering.

• Learning & Development: Access to extensive learning and development resources for skill enhancement.

• Well-Being & EAP: Access to Well-Being programs and Employee Assistance Programs.

• RECARES Days: Two paid days per annum dedicated to supporting charitable causes.

• Employee Offers & Discounts: Access to various employee discounts and offers.

• Additional Office Location Benefits: Specific perks may be available based on the chosen office location.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are not explicitly defined but are implied to be around a full-time capacity (e.g., 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered in terms of start and end times.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimates based on typical mid-level UX Designer compensation in Denmark and the UK. Actual salaries will depend on experience, specific location, and negotiation. The benefits package is extensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which are attractive to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Scientific, Technical, and Medical (STM) Publishing and Information Services. Elsevier is a major player in providing information and tools for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students globally.

Company Size: Elsevier is part of RELX, a large, global information and analytics company. This suggests a large corporate structure with significant resources and established processes, but also potential for specialized teams and product focus.

Founded: Elsevier has a long history, dating back to 1880, indicating a stable, established organization with deep roots in its industry.

Team Structure:

• Research Data Platform (RDP) Team: This team is responsible for the core data infrastructure that powers key Elsevier products.

• Cross-functional Product Teams: The UX Designer will likely be embedded within or closely collaborate with product-focused teams, comprising Product Managers, UX Researchers, UX Designers, Engineers, and Data Scientists.

• Reporting: The UX Designer II will report to a Design Lead or Manager, with a matrixed reporting structure to product teams for project-specific work.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design (UCD): The team emphasizes understanding and prioritizing user needs in the design process.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Insights from data and research are integral to informing design choices and measuring impact.

• Agile Development: Likely operates within agile frameworks, promoting iterative development and close collaboration.

• Collaborative Design: Encourages open communication, feedback, and teamwork among design and development professionals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Elsevier's position as a large, established player in STM information suggests a professional environment with a focus on research, data integrity, and long-term product development. The RDP team's role is foundational, meaning the UX Designer will be working on critical infrastructure that impacts a wide range of Elsevier's offerings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Designer II role is positioned at a mid-level within the design organization. It requires independent execution of design tasks and contributions to product development, but without the primary strategic oversight of a Senior or Lead Designer. The focus is on applying established processes and contributing to team goals.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer II will report to a Design Manager or Lead, and will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within specific product teams. This structure allows for both specialized design guidance and integration into product development cycles.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of Elsevier's core data platforms, which are critical for researchers and institutions. By improving user experience, the designer contributes to data accessibility, research efficiency, and ultimately, the success of Elsevier's flagship products. This role has a tangible impact on how users interact with and derive value from vast amounts of scientific data.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as interaction design, accessibility, or user research methodologies.

• Technical Acumen: Potential to gain deeper knowledge of data platforms, AI technologies, and their UX implications.

• Cross-functional Leadership: As experience grows, potential to lead design aspects of larger projects or mentor junior designers.

• Senior UX Designer Role: A clear path to advancement to a Senior UX Designer position, involving more complex projects, strategic input, and potentially team leadership.

• Industry Exposure: Continued exposure to the evolving landscape of scientific research and publishing technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" level indicates a growth trajectory. Candidates are expected to develop their skills and take on more responsibility. The company's focus on technology and data provides ample opportunity for specialization within the UX field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, with a mention of flexible working hours. This suggests a traditional office environment that encourages in-person collaboration, complemented by flexibility to manage personal schedules.

Office Location(s): Aalborg, Denmark and London, United Kingdom. These locations offer distinct cultural and professional environments within Europe.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is expected to support collaboration, with meeting rooms, common areas, and desk setups conducive to team interaction.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to necessary design tools (like Figma), hardware, and software required for their roles.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with immediate design colleagues, UX researchers, product managers, and engineering teams through stand-ups, design reviews, and project meetings.

Work Schedule: While the standard work week is likely full-time, the emphasis on "Working flexible hours" and "flexing the times when you work in the day" indicates a modern approach to work scheduling, allowing employees to optimize their productivity and work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "flexible hours" and "work when you are the most productive" suggests a culture that values results and employee autonomy, even within an on-site framework. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for UX professionals who may benefit from focused, uninterrupted work periods.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, potentially followed by a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant case studies and demonstrating their UX process, problem-solving skills, and design thinking. This is a critical step.

• Technical/Skills Interview: This may involve a design exercise (e.g., a small design challenge), a discussion of technical skills (Figma, UCD principles), and an assessment of how candidates approach specific design problems.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, including Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other Designers or UX Researchers, to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of product development.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm suitability for the role and team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the decisions you made, and the outcomes achieved. Quantify impact where possible.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visuals of wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and final designs. Explain the rationale behind key design choices.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with others, handled feedback, and integrated different perspectives.

• Focus on Process: Explain your UX methodology and how you adapted it to the specific project constraints.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you would approach hypothetical scenarios.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, take time to understand the problem space, target users, and business objectives. Ask clarifying questions.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your process for tackling the challenge, including research, ideation, sketching, wireframing, and potential testing strategies.

• Communicate Your Thinking: Clearly articulate your thought process and rationale for your design decisions. Explain trade-offs.

• Be Realistic: Focus on delivering a well-reasoned solution within the given time constraints, rather than trying to create a fully polished final product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to walk through their work comprehensively, explaining their decision-making process and the impact of their designs. The emphasis on collaboration and problem-solving suggests interviewers will be looking for how candidates integrate into a team and tackle complex issues.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required design tool. Proficiency in creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, design systems, and detailed specifications within Figma is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, familiarity with other dedicated prototyping tools may be beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, or Microsoft Teams for project management, communication, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Tools used by UX Researchers for surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Qualtrics).

• Analytics Tools: While not a primary responsibility, an understanding of how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics or internal product analytics platforms is valuable for informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Product Data Systems: Understanding the structure and flow of data within Elsevier's Research Data Platform is crucial for designing effective user experiences.

• Product Lifecycle Management Tools: Familiarity with tools used in the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. The role also implies a need to work with various collaboration and project management tools common in tech environments. Understanding how data is collected and used within Elsevier's products will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of researchers and data consumers.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Leveraging data and research to drive informed, impactful design solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of learning, iteration, and ongoing refinement of both products and processes.

• Integrity & Quality: Upholding high standards in data management, research support, and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Design is not a silo; designers work closely within product teams, embedding themselves into the development cycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and constructive feedback exchange between designers, product managers, engineers, and researchers.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, learnings, and design patterns across the UX team and wider organization.

• Respectful Dialogue: Valuing diverse perspectives and engaging in professional discussions to arrive at the best solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Elsevier's culture appears to align with modern tech organizations, emphasizing collaboration, data, and user focus. The values suggest a professional and results-oriented environment where designers are expected to be proactive and communicative.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Data: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex datasets and sophisticated research tools can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of user needs and information architecture.

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively translating user requirements into designs that also meet business objectives and technical constraints.

• Integration with Existing Systems: Ensuring new designs integrate seamlessly with Elsevier's established data platforms and product ecosystem.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting design strategies to incorporate advancements in AI, data science, and emerging technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Access to courses, workshops, and conferences focused on advanced UX techniques, accessibility, and emerging design trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership skills.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about different aspects of the STM industry, data science, and product management through collaboration.

• Exposure to AI in Design: Gaining hands-on experience designing for AI-driven features and understanding their UX implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles in complex data-driven product environments. The growth opportunities are robust, reflecting a commitment to employee development within a large organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements for a design project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on stakeholder management, negotiation, and compromise.)

• "Walk me through your process for designing a new feature from initial concept to handoff. What tools do you use, and how do you ensure user needs are met?" (Demonstrate your end-to-end UX process and tool proficiency.)

• "How do you incorporate user feedback and data into your design iterations? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your data-driven approach and iterative design thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Elsevier and our mission in supporting scientific research and healthcare?" (Research Elsevier's mission, products, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineering and product management teams?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Strongest Cases: Choose 2-3 case studies that best represent your skills, process, and impact, ideally covering different types of problems or projects.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case, clearly define the problem, your role, your process, the solutions you created, and the results/impact.

• Be Ready to Dive Deep: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, trade-offs, and what you would do differently.

• Highlight Figma Skills: Be ready to showcase specific examples of your Figma work, including complex layouts, interactive prototypes, or design system components.

• Showcase Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with UX Researchers, Product Managers, and Engineers throughout your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can articulate their design process clearly, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and show how they collaborate within a team. The portfolio presentation is key to demonstrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Elsevier Jobs portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in UX research collaboration, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and proficiency with Figma. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach. Be ready to present it effectively.

• Research Elsevier: Understand Elsevier's mission, its key products (Scopus, SciVal), and its role in the scientific and healthcare information landscape.

• Practice Your Storytelling: Prepare to articulate your design journey, decisions, and the impact of your work clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about your process and collaboration style.

⚠️ 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.