UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Company: TEKsystems Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: User Experience Research / Product Design Operations Date Posted: November 11, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (implied by "Senior UX Researcher") Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end strategic UX research initiatives focused on modernizing digital banking experiences.
• Apply a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to inform product strategy and user-centric design.
• Synthesize complex research data into actionable insights for cross-functional teams across design, product, and content.
• Communicate research findings effectively to all levels of stakeholders, including executive leadership, to drive product evolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The input specifies "Senior UX Researcher," implying a need for demonstrated leadership in research projects, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence product direction. The focus on "modernizing the digital banking experience" indicates a need for understanding financial services user needs and digital product development cycles within a regulated industry. The "long term contract" suggests a need for candidates who can quickly integrate and contribute to ongoing projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute comprehensive UX research studies, including usability testing, surveys, nomenclature studies, and user interviews.
• Develop research plans that align with project goals and address key business questions from product and design teams.
• Employ both qualitative and quantitative research methods to uncover deep user insights and validate design hypotheses.
• Analyze and synthesize large datasets from various research activities to identify critical user needs, pain points, and opportunities.
• Translate research findings into clear, concise, and compelling reports and presentations for diverse audiences, including product managers, designers, engineers, and executive stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (design, product, content) across US and Canadian markets to ensure research insights are integrated into the product development lifecycle.
• Champion best practices in UX research, promoting inclusive and transparent research processes to foster team alignment and understanding.
• Advocate for the user throughout the product development process, ensuring their needs and behaviors are central to design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are inferred from the provided "core responsibilities" and "skills" sections, expanded with typical duties for a Senior UX Researcher role. The emphasis on cross-market collaboration (US and CA) suggests a need for cultural sensitivity and awareness of regional user differences. The mention of "digital banking" implies a need for understanding financial service user journeys and security considerations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field is typically expected for a UX Researcher role. Experience: Proven experience as a UX Researcher, with a strong emphasis on leading end-to-end research initiatives. Experience in the financial services or digital banking sector is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Qualitative Research: Expertise in conducting user interviews, ethnographic studies, contextual inquiries, and focus groups.
• Quantitative Research: Proficiency in designing and analyzing surveys, A/B tests, and other quantitative data collection methods.
• Usability Testing: Experience planning, moderating, and analyzing moderated and unmoderated usability tests.
• UX Research Strategy: Ability to develop comprehensive research plans that align with business objectives and user needs.
• Data Synthesis & Analysis: Skill in synthesizing complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with product managers, designers, content strategists, and engineers.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and persuasively to executive stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and organized approach to identifying and solving complex user experience challenges.
• Emotional Agility: Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing project requirements in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the financial services or digital banking industry.
• Familiarity with nomenclature studies.
• Experience working with distributed or international teams (US and CA markets).
• Knowledge of design thinking methodologies.
• Proficiency in specific UX research tools (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Lookback, Maze).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation suggests a need for a robust portfolio and experience in strategic research planning and execution. The "Skills" listed in the input are directly incorporated. Education is inferred based on industry standards for UX Researcher roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Research Impact: A portfolio showcasing a range of past UX research projects, highlighting your role, methodologies used, and the tangible impact of your findings on product development and user experience improvements.
• Methodological Diversity: Evidence of applying both qualitative and quantitative research methods effectively to solve different types of research problems.
• Process Documentation: Examples of research plans, participant recruitment strategies, and data analysis frameworks you have developed.
• Insight Communication: Clear examples of how you have synthesized complex data into actionable insights and communicated them to cross-functional teams and stakeholders, ideally including executive-level presentations.
• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Specific examples of how your research directly influenced design decisions, product strategy, or business outcomes, with measurable results where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plan Development: Ability to create detailed, actionable research plans that outline objectives, scope, methodology, participant criteria, and timelines.
• User Journey Mapping: Experience in mapping out user journeys based on research findings to identify pain points and opportunities.
• Insight Reporting: Developing clear, concise, and visually appealing reports or presentations that effectively communicate research findings and recommendations.
• Cross-functional Feedback Loops: Establishing and maintaining effective feedback mechanisms with design, product, and engineering teams to ensure research insights are integrated and acted upon.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored for a UX Researcher, emphasizing the demonstration of research process, impact, and communication of insights. The "long term contract" implies the need for a strong portfolio that quickly showcases capability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60.00 - $70.00 per hour (as stated in the job description).

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Insurance: Supplemental insurance for unexpected medical events.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Opportunities for pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions.
• Life Insurance: Voluntary life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage for employees and dependents.
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Income protection in case of inability to work due to illness or injury.
• Health Spending Account (HSA): A tax-advantaged savings account for healthcare expenses.
• Transportation Benefits: Support for commuting costs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
• Time Off/Leave: Paid Time Off (PTO), Vacation, or Sick Leave, depending on specific elections and plan terms.

Working Hours: This role is expected to involve approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits are directly extracted from the provided information. The "40 hours per week" is inferred from the hourly rate and standard full-time work expectations. The benefits are listed comprehensively as provided. For Chicago, IL, this hourly rate falls within the mid-range for a contract Senior UX Researcher, considering the specified skills and responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Staffing and Services (TEKsystems is a major player in IT staffing and services). The client's industry is implied to be Financial Services/Digital Banking. Company Size: TEKsystems is part of Allegis Group, a global leader in talent solutions with 80,000+ employees globally. This suggests a large, well-established corporate environment with significant resources and established processes. Founded: TEKsystems was founded in 1983, indicating a long history and deep experience in the technology staffing and services sector.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: While this role is UX Research, it will operate within a client's product development team. This team likely includes Product Managers, Designers, Content Strategists, and other Researchers.
• Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a Lead UX Researcher, a UX Research Manager, or a Director of Product/Design within the client organization. TEKsystems acts as the employer of record.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes significant collaboration with design, product management, and content strategy teams, both locally and potentially across different markets (US and CA).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role is inherently data-driven, relying on user research to inform product decisions.
• Agile/Iterative Development: UX research in a digital banking context often supports agile or iterative product development cycles, requiring flexibility and responsiveness.
• User-Centric Design: The core philosophy is to place the user at the center of the design process.

Company Website: https://careers.teksystems.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the provided TEKsystems description and the nature of the role (Senior UX Researcher in Digital Banking). The "long term contract" suggests integration into a client's existing team structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is for a "Senior UX Researcher," indicating a role with significant responsibility, autonomy, and the expectation of leading research initiatives. It's a hands-on contributor role, not typically an individual management position, but one that requires influencing senior stakeholders. Reporting Structure: You will be employed by TEKsystems but will work on-site (hybrid) at a client organization in Chicago. You will report to a manager or lead within the client's product development or design department. Operations Impact: Your research will directly influence the strategy, design, and development of digital banking products. This has a significant impact on user satisfaction, customer acquisition/retention, and ultimately, the client's business objectives in the digital space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Opportunity to lead multiple research initiatives and mentor junior researchers if applicable.
• Domain Expertise: Deepen expertise in UX research within the financial services/digital banking sector, a high-demand area.
• Strategic Influence: Gain experience influencing product roadmaps and executive-level decision-making through impactful research findings.
• Cross-Market Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of user needs and market differences across US and Canadian markets.
• Contract Extension: Potential for contract extension based on performance and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are inferred based on the "Senior" title and the nature of contract roles in established companies, focusing on skill development and impact within a specific domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid position in Chicago, IL. This means a mix of working remotely and in a physical office environment. The specific office setup for the client will impact the day-to-day experience. Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois. The specific office address is not provided, but it is implied to be a professional corporate office environment. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Likely access to meeting rooms and shared work areas for team collaboration, brainstorming, and presentations.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary IT equipment, software licenses (for research tools, collaboration platforms), and potentially a dedicated workspace within the client's office.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person interaction with design, product, and content teams, fostering stronger collaboration and alignment.

Work Schedule: The role is structured around a 40-hour work week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility between remote and in-office work. Specific in-office days may be dictated by the client's team schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement is explicitly stated. The context of a corporate office in Chicago for a financial services client is inferred.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (TEKsystems): A recruiter from TEKsystems will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess your background, interest, and basic qualifications.
• Client Screening: A hiring manager or senior member of the client's UX/Product team will conduct interviews to evaluate your UX research expertise, strategic thinking, and fit with their team. This may involve technical questions about methodologies.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work.
• Cross-functional Interviews: You may speak with designers, product managers, or other team members to assess your collaboration style and ability to work in a cross-functional environment.
• Final Interview/Offer: A final interview, potentially with a more senior leader, followed by an offer from TEKsystems.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Projects: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research questions, methodologies used, your process, key findings, and the impact/outcomes.
• Highlight Strategic Contributions: Emphasize how your research influenced product strategy and decision-making, not just usability testing outcomes.
• Showcase Data Synthesis: Demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights.
• Tailor to the Role: Select projects that best align with digital banking, financial services, or large-scale digital product modernization if possible.
• Be Ready for "Why": Be prepared to explain why you chose specific methodologies and how your research directly addressed the project's goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of various research methods and justify your choices for specific scenarios.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach a specific research problem related to digital banking or user experience.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed stakeholder expectations, communicated difficult findings, or navigated conflicting opinions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred based on typical contract hiring procedures through staffing agencies like TEKsystems, combined with standard UX research hiring practices. Portfolio review tips are specific to UX research roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, UserZoom (for remote usability testing and surveys).
• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms (for quantitative data collection).
• Collaboration & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (for reviewing designs and collaborating with designers).
• Whiteboarding & Ideation: Miro, Mural (for collaborative workshops and synthesizing data).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Excel, Google Sheets, potentially basic statistical packages (e.g., SPSS, R if quantitative focus is heavy).
• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote (for communicating findings).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, understanding how user feedback and insights can feed into product backlogs and CRM data for customer understanding is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists common tools and technologies used by UX Researchers. The specific stack would be determined by the client organization. The emphasis is on research execution and data synthesis tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user's needs and experience.
• Data-Driven Insights: Valuing research and data as the foundation for informed decision-making.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Openness in sharing research processes, findings, and challenges with cross-functional teams.
• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to refining research methodologies and product experiences based on feedback.
• Integrity & Trust: Particularly important in financial services, ensuring user data is handled ethically and securely.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working closely with product managers and designers as equal partners in the product development process.
• Active Listening: Effectively listening to and incorporating feedback from stakeholders and team members.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share research best practices and findings openly within the team and organization.
• Constructive Feedback: Providing and receiving constructive feedback to improve research quality and product outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are typical for high-performing UX Research teams and are inferred based on the role's requirements for cross-functional collaboration and user advocacy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively managing research requests and expectations from various teams and leadership levels simultaneously.
• Navigating Complex Systems: Understanding and researching within the intricate domain of digital banking, which involves security, compliance, and complex user flows.
• Driving Action from Insights: Ensuring that research findings are not just presented but acted upon to drive meaningful product changes.
• Remote/Hybrid Collaboration: Maintaining strong research quality and team cohesion in a hybrid work environment, potentially across different time zones.
• Contractual Constraints: Working within the scope and duration of a contract role, requiring efficient and impactful contributions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Domain Expertise: Gaining specialized knowledge in financial services UX, which is a valuable niche.
• Strategic Research Leadership: Enhancing skills in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and influencing product roadmaps.
• Methodological Expansion: Opportunity to refine existing skills and potentially explore new research techniques based on project needs.
• Cross-Market Understanding: Learning about user behaviors and preferences in different geographic markets (US vs. CA).

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the typical complexities of UX research roles in regulated industries and contract positions. Growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement and domain specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led an end-to-end research initiative. What was the objective, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on strategic planning and impact.)
• "How do you decide which research methodology to use for a given problem? Can you provide an example?" (Demonstrate your understanding of qualitative vs. quantitative and when to apply them.)
• "How do you synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights for diverse audiences?" (Prepare to explain your analysis process and how you tailor communication.)
• "Imagine we want to redesign our mobile banking app's transfer feature. What would be your first steps in researching this?" (Assess your problem-framing and initial research planning.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the digital banking space or for this client specifically?" (Show you've researched the domain and understand its importance.)
• "How do you typically collaborate with Product Managers and Designers? Describe a time you had to influence a design decision based on your research." (Assess your cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills.)
• "How do you ensure your research process is inclusive and addresses the needs of diverse user groups?" (Evaluate your commitment to inclusive design practices.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method: Structure your project presentations using Situation, Task, Action, Result. Clearly define the problem (Situation), your role/goal (Task), what you did (Action), and the outcome/impact (Result).
• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your process and findings. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "identified Y critical usability issues that led to Z design changes").
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, data analysis, and how you handled challenges.
• Showcase Your "Why": Explain the rationale behind your methodological choices and how they directly addressed the research questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe the core competencies of a Senior UX Researcher, including strategic thinking, methodological expertise, communication, and collaboration, with a focus on the digital banking context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the TEKsystems careers portal, ensuring your resume is up-to-date and accurately reflects your UX research experience.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your UX research portfolio. Tailor the presentation to highlight projects that demonstrate your expertise in leading end-to-end research, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and driving product strategy, especially if you have experience in financial services or digital products.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume includes keywords like "UX Researcher," "Qualitative Research," "Quantitative Research," "Usability Testing," "Research Strategy," "Data Synthesis," "Cross-functional Collaboration," and any relevant tools or industry experience. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategy and behavioral questions using the STAR method. Be ready to articulate your research process and the impact of your work clearly and concisely during portfolio presentations. Research TEKsystems and the potential client's digital banking initiatives.
• Company Research: Understand TEKsystems' role as a staffing provider and the client's mission in modernizing digital banking. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in a contract role and how you can quickly integrate and contribute value.

⚠️ 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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