UX Research Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Intern

Company: Epic Kids Inc.

Location: US Remote

Job Type: Intern

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-09T21:36:42

Experience Level: Entry Level (Intern)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the UX research team in understanding user needs and enhancing product experiences within a leading digital reading platform.

• Conduct foundational user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather actionable insights.

• Assist in the comprehensive analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to identify user patterns and product improvement opportunities.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and researchers to translate research findings into product enhancements.

• Gain practical experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven ed-tech environment focused on literacy and child development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is an "Intern" position, the responsibilities and required skills suggest an opportunity for significant contribution and learning, particularly in the foundational stages of product development and user understanding. The remote nature for "US Remote" indicates a need for self-direction and strong communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute user research studies, including the design and moderation of user interviews, the development and deployment of surveys, and the facilitation of usability testing sessions.

• Support the end-to-end process of data collection, ensuring accuracy and completeness for both qualitative and quantitative research initiatives.

• Actively participate in participant recruitment, scheduling, and logistical coordination for research activities, ensuring a smooth participant experience.

• Organize, synthesize, and document research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights and comprehensive reports for stakeholders.

• Analyze qualitative data (e.g., interview transcripts, open-ended survey responses) and quantitative data (e.g., survey results, usage metrics) to identify key user behaviors, pain points, and opportunities for product improvement.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, to communicate research findings and recommendations.

• Contribute to the development of user personas, journey maps, and other research artifacts that inform product strategy and design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to research, requiring the intern to not just assist but actively participate in core research activities. The mention of analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data points towards a need for analytical aptitude beyond basic data entry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Education, Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Previous internship experience or academic projects demonstrating foundational knowledge and practical application of research methodologies is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundational interest in user research and human-centered design principles.

• Familiarity with basic research methods such as user interviews, surveys, or usability testing.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate research findings clearly and concisely.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, essential for managing research logistics and data.

• Comfort and aptitude for working with data and synthesizing insights from various sources.

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience conducting user interviews or designing and deploying surveys.

• Demonstrated experience analyzing research data or writing research reports.

• Familiarity with UX research tools (e.g., user testing platforms, qualitative analysis software) or analytics platforms.

• Experience with survey platforms such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or Google Forms.

• Proficiency in data analysis tools like Google Sheets or Excel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to Have" section directly translates to preferred skills, indicating that while not mandatory, these attributes will significantly strengthen a candidate's application and readiness for the role's demands. The emphasis on communication and data synthesis is critical for an intern role that aims to produce actionable insights.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Examples of research projects, academic or personal, that showcase understanding of user research methodologies.

• Demonstrations of ability to collect and analyze qualitative and/or quantitative data.

• Clear articulation of research objectives, methodologies employed, and key findings.

• Evidence of ability to synthesize data into actionable insights or recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings in a structured format.

• Examples of creating clear and concise research reports or presentations.

• Understanding of the iterative nature of research and design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for an internship, candidates are strongly advised to prepare examples of their work that align with the research responsibilities. This could include academic projects, personal research initiatives, or even well-documented case studies from coursework that demonstrate analytical and communication skills applicable to UX research.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20 per hour.

Benefits:

• Practical experience in UX research within the ed-tech industry.

• Opportunity to contribute to a product used by millions of children globally.

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced UX researchers and product professionals.

• Exposure to cross-functional team collaboration in a dynamic startup environment.

• Potential for networking and future career development within the UX research field.

Working Hours: Up to 20 hours per week, offering flexibility for students or individuals balancing other commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $20 is competitive for an intern position in the US, especially for a remote role. The "Benefits" section has been expanded to highlight the intrinsic value and learning opportunities inherent in an internship role, which are crucial for attracting talent. The limited hours per week suggest a focus on learning and development rather than full-time operational output.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Reading Platform, Ed-Tech, Publishing. Epic Kids operates at the intersection of technology and education, aiming to make reading accessible and engaging for children. This context implies a mission-driven culture focused on child development and literacy.

Company Size: (Information not directly provided, but inferring from growth focus and digital platform nature, likely a growing mid-sized tech company.) This size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for broad exposure, but potentially less rigid structures than a large enterprise.

Founded: (Information not directly provided.) The company's focus on innovation and global expansion suggests a relatively modern and forward-thinking organization.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is likely part of a larger Product or Design department, working closely with Product Managers and Designers.

• Interns will report to a senior UX Researcher or Research Lead who will provide guidance and oversight.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with research insights directly informing product strategy and iterative improvements.

• A user-centric approach is core, emphasizing understanding the needs and behaviors of children, parents, and educators.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed, fostering rapid iteration and continuous feedback loops.

Company Website: [Company URL not provided, but inferred to be related to getepic.com based on domain_derived]

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's focus on children's digital reading, the culture is likely innovative, collaborative, and mission-oriented. The "Intern" role suggests an environment that values learning and mentorship. The remote aspect for "US Remote" indicates a need for strong digital communication and asynchronous collaboration skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level internship, providing foundational experience in UX research. It's an excellent starting point for individuals interested in pursuing a career in UX Research, Product Management, or related fields within the tech and education sectors.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a senior member of the UX Research team, receiving direct guidance, training, and feedback. This structure is designed to facilitate learning and professional development.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact may be limited by scope and duration, their contributions to research projects can directly influence product decisions, leading to improved user experiences and greater engagement on the Epic Kids platform. The insights generated can help identify critical user pain points or highlight successful features, guiding future product iterations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepen understanding of UX research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative techniques.

• Develop practical skills in research planning, execution, analysis, and reporting.

• Gain exposure to the product development lifecycle and cross-functional collaboration within a tech company.

• Receive mentorship from experienced professionals, fostering career advice and skill development.

• Build a professional network within the UX and Ed-Tech industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a significant learning opportunity. The growth analysis focuses on the skills and knowledge gained, which are crucial for interns looking to build their resumes and explore career paths. The "Operations Impact" section highlights how even an intern's work can contribute meaningfully to the company's goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This allows for flexibility and access to a wider talent pool across the United States.

Office Location(s): Not applicable, as the role is fully remote. Candidates can work from anywhere within the United States.

Workspace Context:

• A virtual collaborative environment where communication and teamwork are facilitated through digital tools.

• Access to digital tools and platforms necessary for UX research, data analysis, and team communication.

• Opportunities to engage with a distributed team, fostering skills in asynchronous communication and remote collaboration.

• A focus on productivity and user-centric design principles regardless of physical location.

Work Schedule: Flexible, with a maximum of 20 hours per week. This allows interns to balance their academic commitments or other responsibilities. The remote nature necessitates strong self-discipline and time management to ensure timely completion of tasks and participation in scheduled meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role requires candidates to be self-motivated and proficient with digital collaboration tools. The "Workspace Context" is tailored to reflect the virtual nature of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the UX Research Lead or Hiring Manager to evaluate technical skills, understanding of research methodologies, and problem-solving abilities. This may include behavioral questions.

• Skills Assessment/Project Discussion: Potentially a small take-home assignment or a discussion of past projects/portfolio items to gauge practical application of research skills. Candidates may be asked to walk through a research project they've completed.

• Cross-functional Interview (Optional): A brief chat with a Product Manager or Designer to assess collaboration style and understanding of product development.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion and offer extension.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your understanding of UX research methods (interviews, surveys, usability testing) and your ability to synthesize data.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the methods used, key findings, and the impact or recommendations.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific examples to illustrate the outcomes of your research.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize skills and experiences most relevant to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to elaborate on your process, challenges faced, and what you learned from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Company: Research Epic Kids, its mission, target audience, and existing product. Think about potential user research questions for their platform.

• Review Core Methods: Refresh your knowledge of foundational UX research techniques, including best practices for conducting interviews, designing surveys, and performing usability tests.

• Practice Data Synthesis: Be ready to discuss how you would approach analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to derive actionable insights.

• Prepare Behavioral Questions: Think about examples that demonstrate your communication, organizational, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process section is tailored for an internship. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating foundational knowledge and potential, rather than extensive experience. Portfolio tips are geared towards showcasing academic or smaller-scale projects effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Survey Platforms: Proficiency or familiarity with tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms, or Typeform for designing and distributing surveys.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Experience with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for organizing and analyzing quantitative data. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis methods and tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail, or even structured note-taking) is a plus.

• Collaboration & Communication: Proficiency with standard office suites (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office) and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams) for remote collaboration and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with basic analytics concepts. Experience with web analytics tools like Google Analytics is a plus but not required for this internship.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX Research Intern role. Focus is on research tools and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are based on the "Qualifications" and "Nice to Have" sections, focusing on survey platforms, data analysis tools, and general collaboration software relevant to a remote research intern.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user (children, parents, educators) in all product decisions.

• Data-Driven Insights: Valuing rigorous research and data analysis to inform strategy and product development.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering open communication and teamwork across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging exploration of new ideas, technologies, and research methods to drive product improvement.

• Impact & Mission: A shared passion for making a difference in children's literacy and education.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, especially in a remote setting.

• Cross-functional, working closely with Product, Design, and Engineering to ensure research findings are integrated into the product lifecycle.

• Feedback-oriented, with a culture of constructive critique and continuous improvement in research practices.

• Knowledge-sharing focused, encouraging team members to share learnings and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" section is inferred from the company's mission (digital reading for children) and the nature of a UX research role within a tech company. These values are crucial for candidates to understand how to align their work and communication style.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Effectively integrating findings from various research methods (interviews, surveys, usability tests) into a cohesive narrative.

• Translating Insights into Action: Clearly communicating research findings in a way that product teams can readily act upon them.

• Remote Collaboration: Navigating communication and teamwork effectively in a fully remote environment.

• Balancing Academic and Internship Commitments: Managing time efficiently to meet both academic deadlines and internship responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience and deepening understanding of core UX research techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding how UX research contributes to product strategy and business goals in the Ed-Tech sector.

• Tool Proficiency: Becoming more comfortable with research and data analysis tools.

• Professional Communication: Enhancing skills in presenting findings and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential hurdles an intern might face and frames them as opportunities for growth and skill development, aligning with the internship's purpose.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a research project you've worked on (academic or personal). What was the objective, what methods did you use, what were your key findings, and what recommendations did you make?" (Focus on clarity, methodology, and actionable insights.)

• "How would you approach understanding why children might be struggling with a specific feature on a reading app?" (Assess problem-solving, user-centric thinking, and research planning.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UX research, and specifically about working at Epic Kids?" (Assess motivation, alignment with the company's mission, and understanding of the role.)

• "How do you approach working collaboratively with others, especially in a remote setting?" (Evaluate teamwork and communication skills relevant to a remote environment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Keep it Concise: Focus on 1-3 key projects that best showcase your skills.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation around the problem, your process, your findings, and the impact or recommendations.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to the project.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your methodology, decisions, and learnings.

• Showcase Data Synthesis: If possible, visually represent how you analyzed data and derived insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is geared towards an intern level, focusing on demonstrating foundational knowledge, enthusiasm, and potential. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes clarity and the ability to articulate one's process and findings.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Research Intern position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight any coursework, projects, or prior experiences that demonstrate your interest and foundational skills in user research, data analysis, and communication. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare a Brief Project Overview: Be ready to discuss 1-2 academic or personal projects that showcase your research skills, even if it's just a detailed description of a research paper or a class project involving user feedback.

• Research Epic Kids: Familiarize yourself with their mission, target audience, and product offering to articulate your interest and potential research questions during the interview.

• Practice Your Communication: Prepare to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing research methodologies and findings.

⚠️ 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.