UX Research Assistant – BYU-Pathway Worldwide Student Employee

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Assistant – BYU-Pathway Worldwide Student Employee Company: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Job Type: Part-time Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Operations Support Date Posted: 2026-02-05 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (Mostly Remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is designed for a student to establish and manage a user research program, focusing on gathering weekly insights from students and staff.
• The primary objective is to ensure product development decisions are informed by real user experiences, needs, and challenges, particularly within a diverse, global student body.
• Responsibilities include conducting user interviews and synthesizing findings to provide actionable user insights that drive strategic product improvements.
• This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to educational technology initiatives within a values-driven organization, supporting the mission of BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "UX Research Assistant," its core function of establishing and managing a research program, gathering user insights, and informing product decisions aligns with foundational operations support functions. The focus on process creation (research program), data collection (interviews), and data utilization (informing product decisions) positions it as a valuable entry-level operations-adjacent role. The "Student Employee" designation clearly indicates an entry-level focus, and the requirement to reside in Utah or Idaho for hybrid work is a critical logistical detail.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage a recurring user research program involving weekly interviews with students and staff.
• Conduct qualitative user interviews, ensuring a consistent and effective data collection process.
• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable user insights, identifying key needs, pain points, and success factors.
• Present research findings and recommendations to product teams and stakeholders to inform product strategy and development.
• Collaborate with product managers and designers to define research objectives and scope.
• Maintain a database of user feedback and research findings for ongoing reference and analysis.
• Adapt research methodologies to accommodate diverse student populations with varying technology access and experience levels across 180+ countries.
• Support the development of user personas and journey maps based on research data.
• Ensure research protocols align with ethical guidelines and data privacy standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to establishing research processes, which is a key operational function. The emphasis on synthesizing findings and informing product decisions underscores the role's impact on strategic operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Current student status at a university or college is implied by the "Student Employee" title. Specific degree programs are not listed but fields related to User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Communications, or Business Operations would be beneficial.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in conducting user interviews or qualitative research is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in program or process development is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Qualitative Research: Proficiency in designing and conducting user interviews.
• User Insight Generation: Ability to translate raw feedback into actionable insights.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interviewing and presenting findings.
• Empathy & Active Listening: Ability to understand and connect with diverse user perspectives.
• Organization & Planning: Skills to manage a recurring research program and schedule interviews.
• Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify user pain points and suggest solutions.
• Adaptability: Willingness to work with diverse populations and adapt to varying technological environments.
• Residency: Must reside in Utah or Idaho to be eligible for this hybrid role.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with UX research tools and methodologies.
• Experience with data synthesis and reporting.
• Basic understanding of product development lifecycles.
• Familiarity with educational technology or online learning platforms.
• Experience working in a remote or hybrid team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize foundational research and communication skills, aligning with an entry-level role. The mandatory residency requirement for the hybrid position is critical for applicants.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for an entry-level student role, candidates are encouraged to showcase any relevant projects demonstrating research, analysis, or process development skills.
• Examples could include academic projects, volunteer work, or personal initiatives where user feedback was gathered and utilized.
• Focus on demonstrating the ability to identify a problem, design a method to gather information, collect that information, and derive conclusions or recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement, the role involves creating and managing a research program, which inherently requires process documentation.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would document interview protocols, data collection procedures, and reporting templates.
• The ability to create clear, repeatable processes for user engagement and feedback collection is a key operational aspect of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level student role, the "portfolio" is likely more about demonstrating potential and foundational skills through project examples rather than a polished professional portfolio. The emphasis on process creation is a key operational differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $14 per hour. Based on typical student employee wages for similar roles in the Salt Lake City, UT area, this is competitive for an entry-level position requiring 20 hours per week.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in User Experience (UX) Research and Operations Support.
• Opportunity to contribute to a global educational mission.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement with a mostly remote setup.
• Occasional in-person meetings at the Triad Center in Salt Lake City.
• Develop skills in qualitative research, data synthesis, and stakeholder communication.
• Networking opportunities within BYU-Pathway Worldwide and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Working Hours: Up to 20 hours per week, scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Mountain Time), Monday through Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated. Benefits are framed around professional development and mission alignment, typical for student roles within non-profit or religious organizations. The working hours indicate a part-time commitment suitable for a student.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology, Non-profit/Religious Organization. BYU-Pathway Worldwide operates as an educational initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on providing accessible higher education globally. Company Size: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a very large global organization. BYU-Pathway Worldwide itself serves students in over 180 countries, indicating a significant operational scale. Founded: BYU-Pathway Worldwide was established in 2017, bringing together BYU-Idaho's online programs and the Church's online learning efforts. The Church itself was founded in 1830.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research Assistant will likely be part of a product or digital innovation team within BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
• The role reports to Brent Schumann, indicating a direct reporting line to a manager overseeing user research or product initiatives.
• Collaboration will be cross-functional, involving product managers, designers, and potentially developers who utilize the research insights.

Methodology:

• The core methodology for this role is qualitative user research, specifically structured interviews.
• The approach emphasizes data-driven decision-making, ensuring product development is grounded in user needs and experiences.
• A key aspect is adapting methodologies to suit a diverse, international user base with varying technological access.

Company Website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ (for the parent organization), https://www.byupathway.org/ (for the specific program)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the mission-driven nature of the organization is crucial. The "Student Employee" context suggests a supportive learning environment focused on practical application of skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Position. This role is designed to provide foundational experience in user research and its application to product development, which is a crucial component of GTM (Go-To-Market) operations and product operations. Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to Brent Schumann, likely a UX Lead, Product Manager, or Research Manager. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight. Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to informing product decisions. By providing user insights, the assistant helps ensure that products meet user needs, leading to better user adoption, satisfaction, and ultimately, program success—key operational metrics for an educational platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in qualitative research methodologies, interview techniques, and data synthesis.
• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in UX research within the education technology sector.
• Operational Acumen: Understand how user research informs product strategy and operational efficiency.
• Networking: Build connections within BYU-Pathway Worldwide and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Potential for Future Roles: Successful performance could lead to further opportunities within the organization, potentially in research, product, or other operational support roles, depending on availability and the candidate's academic progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is framed as a developmental role, offering significant learning opportunities for students interested in research and operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is primarily remote, with occasional required in-person meetings at the Triad Center in Salt Lake City, UT. This offers flexibility while maintaining team connection. Office Location(s): Triad Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. This is a central business location in Salt Lake City. Workspace Context:

• Remote: Candidates will need a suitable home office setup with reliable internet access.
• Collaborative: While mostly remote, occasional in-person meetings foster team cohesion and direct collaboration.
• Technology: Access to necessary research tools and communication platforms will be provided or expected.

Work Schedule: Flexible part-time hours (up to 20/week) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT, Monday-Friday. This allows students to balance work with academic commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and specific location requirements are key practical details for applicants.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Email Brent Schumann with resume, a short description of fit, and weekly availability.
• Potential Interview(s): Selected candidates will likely undergo interviews with Brent Schumann and potentially other team members. These interviews will assess research skills, communication abilities, problem-solving aptitude, and cultural fit.
• References: Selected candidates may be asked for references later in the process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Even without a formal portfolio, be ready to discuss past projects (academic or otherwise) that involved gathering information, analyzing it, and presenting findings.
• Highlight Research Skills: Emphasize any experience with interviews, surveys, or user feedback collection.
• Showcase Analytical Thinking: Be prepared to explain how you drew conclusions from data and what impact those conclusions had.
• Demonstrate Communication: Prepare to articulate your thought process clearly and concisely, simulating how you would present research findings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for behavioral questions about how you approach research, handle challenges, and work with others.
• Prepare to discuss your understanding of user-centered design principles and why user research is important for product development.
• Think about how you would approach setting up a new research program from scratch, given limited resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is direct and emphasizes clear communication and relevant experience demonstration, even for student-level roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Communication: Email, potentially Slack or Microsoft Teams for internal communication.
• Video Conferencing: Zoom, Google Meet, or similar for remote interviews and meetings.
• Productivity Suite: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for documentation, analysis, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While advanced analytics tools may not be required, familiarity with basic data organization in spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) is essential.
• The ability to create clear reports and presentations is key.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as the focus is on research program setup and execution rather than CRM management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on standard productivity and communication tools, with a focus on how they are used for research data management and reporting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service: Contributing to the mission of BYU-Pathway Worldwide and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Integrity: Conducting research ethically and reporting findings accurately.
• Excellence: Striving for high-quality research and actionable insights.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with product teams and stakeholders.
• Innovation: Finding new ways to understand and serve students.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with product managers and designers to ensure research aligns with product goals.
• Communication will be key, both for conducting interviews and for sharing findings effectively.
• A hybrid work environment necessitates clear communication protocols and proactive engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The organizational values are deeply intertwined with the mission, which is a significant aspect of the work culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New Program: Setting up a research program from the ground up requires initiative, planning, and adaptability.
• Global Diversity: Catering to students in over 180 countries with varying technological access and cultural backgrounds presents a complex research landscape.
• Balancing Academics & Work: Managing up to 20 hours of work alongside student coursework requires strong time management skills.
• Data Synthesis: Translating qualitative feedback into clear, impactful insights can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical UX Research Skills: Hands-on experience in designing, conducting, and reporting on user research.
• Operational Process Development: Gaining experience in creating and managing repeatable processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Learning to work effectively with product and design teams.
• Understanding User Needs: Developing a deep appreciation for diverse user perspectives in an educational context.
• Professional Communication: Enhancing abilities in presenting research findings to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth and skill development, typical for student roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you gathered information from people to understand a problem or need. What was your process, and what did you learn?"
• "How would you approach setting up a system for conducting weekly interviews with students from different countries?"
• "Imagine you've just completed a series of student interviews. How would you synthesize the feedback into actionable insights for a product team?"
• "What are the key considerations when researching with users who have limited technology access?"
• "How do you ensure you are actively listening and showing empathy during an interview?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about BYU-Pathway Worldwide's mission?"
• "How do you see this role contributing to the success of students using BYU-Pathway's platform?"
• "How do you manage your time between academic responsibilities and work commitments?"
• "Describe your experience with remote or hybrid work environments."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• While a formal portfolio isn't expected, be ready to discuss relevant projects from your academic or personal life.
• For any project, clearly articulate:
  • The problem or question you were addressing.
  • Your methodology for gathering information.
  • The key findings or insights you uncovered.
  • Any recommendations or actions taken based on your findings.
• Focus on demonstrating your process and analytical thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing research aptitude, problem-solving skills, and alignment with the organization's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Email Brent Schumann at bschumann@byupathway.org with the subject line: “UX Research Assistant — Application”.
• Submit your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights any relevant research, analytical, or organizational experience, even if from academic projects or volunteer work. Tailor it to emphasize skills in communication, problem-solving, and process development.
• Write a Short Description of Fit: Clearly articulate why you are a good candidate for this specific role. Mention your interest in user research, your ability to connect with diverse individuals, and your understanding of the importance of user insights in product development. Highlight your residency in Utah or Idaho.
• Provide Weekly Availability: Clearly state your availability for up to 20 hours per week, specifying days and times within the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT window.
• Research BYU-Pathway Worldwide: Understand the organization's mission, its target audience, and the educational services it provides. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions.

⚠️ 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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