UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Company: DEPT® Location: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Research Date Posted: August 08, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct end-to-end user research to inform product strategy and design decisions for key client teams.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product managers, designers, and developers to deliver customer-centered digital experiences.
• Develop and refine research methodologies, tools, and best practices to enhance the overall research practice within the organization.
• Champion an evidence-based approach to product development, translating complex user needs into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within DEPT®'s Experience & Engineering team, emphasizing a blend of technical solution development and design expertise. The UX Researcher will be integral to shaping digital products and services for prominent clients, requiring a strategic and hands-on approach to research.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute a variety of user research studies, including exploratory discovery, usability testing, concept validation, and in-depth interviews.
• Frame precise research questions that help teams effectively explore problem spaces and uncover user needs before solution ideation.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative research data, synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights, and present them compellingly to product managers, designers, and other key stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively within agile, cross-functional teams, integrating research insights seamlessly into product development cycles.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of research practices, methods, and tooling to ensure scalability and consistency across projects.
• Champion a user-centric and journey-driven approach to product development, advocating for evidence-based decision-making.
• Continuously evolve personal research methods and actively contribute to fostering a strong research culture within the team and wider organization.
• Facilitate sessions, engage with users effectively, and actively contribute to shaping product strategy through research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical research execution and strategic contribution. The role requires not only conducting research but also influencing product strategy and improving the research practice itself, indicating a mid-to-senior level expectation for proactive contribution and thought leadership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is highly advantageous. Experience: Several years of hands-on experience in user research, with a strong preference for experience within digital agencies and agile, product-focused environments. Demonstrated success in applying research insights to influence product roadmaps and design decisions.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in planning and conducting a wide range of user research methodologies, including usability testing, user interviews, surveys, and concept validation studies.
• Strong analytical skills for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights and clear recommendations.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a talent for making complex research findings accessible and impactful for diverse audiences (product managers, designers, stakeholders).
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional, agile teams, fostering strong working relationships with product and design professionals.
• Familiarity with journey mapping, experience frameworks, and a drive to integrate these into practical product development workflows.
• A proactive and self-driven mindset, with the ability to bring structure to ambiguous problems and drive research initiatives forward independently.
• Fluency in German and strong professional proficiency in English.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI technologies and their user research implications.
• Knowledge of various research tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and collaboration (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Dovetail, Qualtrics).
• Experience in mentoring or guiding junior researchers.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of research projects and their impact on product outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on fluency in German suggests potential client work or team collaboration involving German-speaking contexts. The preference for agency and agile environments indicates a need for adaptability and experience in fast-paced, iterative development cycles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio demonstrating a range of user research projects, highlighting the research process from planning to insight delivery.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, methodology employed, key findings, and the tangible impact of the research on product strategy, design, or business outcomes.
• Evidence of ability to work with ambiguity, frame research questions effectively, and adapt methodologies to specific project needs.
• Examples showcasing how research insights were translated into actionable recommendations and how collaboration with product and design teams facilitated their implementation.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting research plans, methodologies, and findings in a clear, organized, and accessible manner.
• Showcase an understanding of how to integrate research processes within agile development workflows.
• Provide examples of how research processes were refined or improved to increase efficiency, impact, or scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, a portfolio is typically expected for UX Researcher roles. The "What we are looking for" section implies an expectation for candidates to demonstrate their research capabilities and impact, making a portfolio a critical component of the application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX Researchers in the Netherlands (Amsterdam/Rotterdam), a competitive salary range is estimated between €55,000 - €80,000 annually, depending on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Flexible, hybrid working policy with 2-3 days per week in the office.
• Opportunity to work remotely from abroad for up to 13 weeks per year.
• 24 vacation days annually, with the option to purchase unlimited additional vacation days.
• Access to DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and DEPT®/YOU Special Programs for skill development.
• Contribution to health and well-being through the OpenUp platform, gym/wellness discounts, and healthy office lunches.
• Discount on lease bikes and provision of an NS Business Card for commuting.
• Participation in a Certified B Corp® and Great Place To Work organization.
• Opportunities to work with a diverse portfolio of well-known clients.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are implied, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid and remote work policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for UX Researchers in the Netherlands. The comprehensive benefits package reflects DEPT®'s commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which are attractive components for many professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Agency / Technology & Marketing Services. DEPT® operates at the intersection of technology and marketing, focusing on creating digital experiences, products, and solutions for a wide range of clients. Company Size: Large (DEPT® has a global presence with employees across 30+ countries, indicating a significant number of employees, likely in the thousands). This size offers opportunities for diverse projects, global collaboration, and structured career development. Founded: DEPT® was founded with a digital-native approach, emphasizing innovation and forward-thinking. While the exact founding year isn't provided, its positioning as a "new model of agency" suggests a relatively modern establishment focused on digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• The Experience & Engineering team is a core unit within DEPT®, combining technical and design expertise. The UX Researcher will be embedded within this team, likely working in client-specific project pods.
• The reporting structure would typically involve a lead UX Researcher or a Head of Experience, with direct collaboration with Product Managers and Design Leads within client teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of DEPT®'s approach, meaning the UX Researcher will work closely with developers, strategists, project managers, and other specialists on a project-by-project basis.

Methodology:

• DEPT® emphasizes a data-driven approach, combining user insights with market trends and technological capabilities.
• Workflow planning and optimization are key, with a focus on agile methodologies and iterative development to deliver high-quality digital products and services.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into project delivery, leveraging technology to enhance outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT®'s identity as a "new model of agency" and "pioneers at heart" suggests a culture that values innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning. The "big enough to cope and small enough to care" philosophy highlights a balance between global reach and personalized support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level UX Researcher. It requires several years of experience and the ability to work independently, influence product strategy, and contribute to practice development. The scope involves working on key client projects and potentially mentoring others.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a Senior UX Researcher, Research Lead, or Head of Experience within DEPT®. They will also work closely with Product Managers and Design Leads on specific client projects, forming a matrixed reporting and collaboration structure typical in agency environments.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is direct and significant, influencing the user-centricity and success of digital products and services developed for DEPT®'s clients. By ensuring solutions meet real user needs, the role contributes to client satisfaction, user adoption, and ultimately, the clients' business objectives. This role is critical in bridging the gap between user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific research methodologies, client industries, or emerging technologies like AI.
• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Researcher or Lead UX Researcher role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and influencing research strategy.
• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to product management, UX design, and engineering processes, broadening understanding of the digital product lifecycle.
• Client Management: Develop client-facing skills, manage research engagements, and contribute to client relationship building.
• Practice Development: Lead initiatives to improve research processes, tools, and best practices within DEPT®.

📝 Enhancement Note: The agency context offers diverse project experience, which is excellent for career growth. The emphasis on continuous learning and evolving methods suggests a supportive environment for professional development within the UX research field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: DEPT® operates with a hybrid model, meaning the office environment is likely modern, collaborative, and designed to support both focused work and team interaction. Expect spaces conducive to brainstorming, client meetings, and team collaboration.

Office Location(s): The role is based in the Netherlands, with opportunities in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. This implies access to vibrant city centers and potentially well-connected office spaces.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will foster collaboration with designers, product managers, developers, and other agency professionals, encouraging knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.
• Access to necessary tools and technology for research, analysis, and presentation will be provided.
• Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with team members will be frequent, supporting a dynamic and engaging work culture.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with the flexibility offered by the hybrid policy allowing for a balance between in-office and remote work, supporting efficient research planning and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering flexibility. The agency environment implies a fast-paced, project-driven atmosphere where adaptability and strong communication are crucial for success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your background and interest in DEPT®.
• Portfolio Presentation: A significant part of the process will involve presenting your portfolio. Prepare 2-3 key case studies that showcase your research process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Focus on how you translated insights into action and collaborated with teams.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: You will likely meet with product managers, designers, and other researchers to discuss your approach to research, collaboration style, and how you handle specific challenges. Expect questions about your experience with different methodologies and your ability to frame research problems.
• Challenge/Take-Home Exercise (Potential): Some roles may include a take-home assignment or a live case study to assess your research planning, analysis, and presentation skills in a simulated scenario.
• Final Interview: This may involve a discussion with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Diverse Projects: Showcase a range of research types (exploratory, evaluative) and project complexities.
• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodology, key insights, and critically, the impact of your research on the product or business. Use metrics where possible.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: the challenge, your approach, the findings, and the outcome.
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams and influenced decision-making.
• Be Concise and Clear: Ensure your presentation is easy to follow and highlights your key contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home assignment, thoroughly understand the problem statement and any provided context.
• Prioritize Research Questions: Focus on defining clear, answerable research questions that align with the objectives.
• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methods and how they are best suited to answer your questions.
• Presentation Structure: Plan out your presentation logically, covering problem, approach, findings, and recommendations. Practice your delivery for clarity and conciseness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and collaboration indicates that DEPT® values candidates who can not only perform research but also effectively communicate its value and integrate it into broader product development efforts. Demonstrating a proactive and strategic approach to research will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for conducting remote usability tests and gathering user feedback.
• Survey Tools: Platforms such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms for quantitative data collection.
• Collaboration & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for understanding design outputs and potentially for annotating findings.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis Tools: Proficiency in tools like Dovetail, Miro, Mural, or even advanced spreadsheet software (Excel/Google Sheets) for organizing, analyzing, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a UX Researcher, understanding how to interpret website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or product analytics (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel) can provide valuable context for research.
• Tools for creating clear and compelling reports and presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, specialized reporting software).

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a direct requirement, but awareness of CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context on the client's business operations and user journeys.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) is beneficial for understanding team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of qualitative and quantitative research tools. While direct experience with specific platforms isn't listed, a demonstrated ability to learn and utilize relevant tools effectively is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas and technologies, reflecting DEPT®'s "pioneers at heart" ethos.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and valuing input from all disciplines.
• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all aspects of product development.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on evidence and insights to guide strategies and recommendations.
• Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in a dynamic agency environment, responding quickly to client needs and project changes.
• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work and exceptional digital experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• DEPT® emphasizes a highly collaborative and cross-functional approach. Expect to work closely with product managers, designers, engineers, strategists, and account managers.
• A culture of open feedback and knowledge sharing is encouraged, fostering continuous improvement and learning within teams.
• Teams are often structured around specific client projects, requiring strong communication and teamwork to achieve shared goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at DEPT® appears to value proactive individuals who are passionate about digital innovation, user experience, and collaborative problem-solving. The emphasis on being "digital-native" and "pioneers" suggests an environment for those who are forward-thinking and enjoy tackling new challenges.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Clients/Projects: As an agency UX Researcher, you may need to manage research for several clients and projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Translating Diverse Needs: Understanding and addressing the unique needs and business objectives of a variety of clients across different industries.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research insights and advocating for user needs to diverse stakeholder groups, some of whom may have different priorities.
• Pace of Agency Work: Adapting to the fast-paced, iterative nature of agency projects and client demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Diverse Clients & Industries: Work with a wide range of leading brands, gaining broad experience and understanding of different market sectors.
• Skill Enhancement in Emerging Tech: Opportunities to research user adoption of new technologies, including AI, and contribute to cutting-edge digital solutions.
• Mentorship and Senior Guidance: Access to experienced researchers and leaders within DEPT® for guidance and professional development.
• Internal Training Programs: Utilize learning resources like the DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and Special Programs to deepen expertise in research methodologies, tools, and related fields.
• Cross-functional Learning: Gain insights into the processes and challenges faced by design, development, and strategy teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of an agency role, emphasizing the need for resilience, strong time management, and excellent communication. The growth opportunities are substantial, stemming from the diverse client base and the company's focus on development and innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to frame research questions for a complex problem space. How did you ensure they were actionable?"
• "How do you typically collaborate with product managers and designers? Can you give an example of a time your research significantly influenced a product decision?"
• "Walk us through your process for synthesizing research findings and making them accessible to non-researchers."
• "How do you decide which research methodology is most appropriate for a given project or research question?"
• "Describe a challenging situation where you had to advocate for user needs against stakeholder resistance. How did you handle it?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at DEPT® and specifically in an agency environment?"
• "How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tools in UX research?"
• "What are your thoughts on DEPT®'s hybrid working model and your approach to balancing remote and in-office work?"
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of DEPT® and the role, then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies. Conclude with your career aspirations and why you're a good fit.
• Case Study Content: For each case study, clearly articulate:
  • The Client/Project Context: Briefly explain the client and the product/service.
  • The Problem/Opportunity: What were the key business or user problems you aimed to address?
  • Your Role & Objectives: What was your specific contribution and what were the research goals?
  • Methodology: Detail the research methods used and why they were chosen.
  • Key Findings: Present the most impactful insights clearly and concisely.
  • Impact & Outcomes: Crucially, explain how your research influenced product decisions, design changes, or business metrics. Quantify impact where possible.
  • Learnings: What did you learn from the project?
• Engagement: Be prepared for follow-up questions throughout your presentation. Encourage interaction and be ready to elaborate on specific aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research proficiency, but also strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and the ability to drive impact within a client-focused, agile environment. Be ready to speak to your process and the tangible outcomes of your work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your strongest UX research projects that align with the responsibilities and preferred skills mentioned in the job description. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to conduct end-to-end research, influence product strategy, and collaborate effectively.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your years of experience in user research, specific methodologies used, experience in agency or agile environments, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, key findings, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with collaboration and how you handle ambiguity. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to be clear, concise, and engaging.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with DEPT®'s work, client portfolio, and company culture. Understand their approach to digital experiences and technology. Research their recent projects and awards to demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.