UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Company: TEKsystems Location: Austin, Texas, United States Job Type: Contractor Category: User Experience Research / Operations Date Posted: January 05, 2026 Experience Level: Intermediate Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on conducting comprehensive user experience (UX) research to inform product development and enhance the advisor experience within LPL Financial's digital ecosystem.
• The UX Researcher will be instrumental in developing research plans, executing various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and synthesizing findings to drive actionable insights.
• A key aspect of this role involves collaborating closely with product managers, UX designers, and other researchers to ensure innovative solutions effectively meet user needs and business objectives.
• The position requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in research tools, and the ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling recommendations for cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX Researcher," the description and responsibilities align closely with roles that support GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy by ensuring product-market fit and user adoption. The emphasis on "advisor experience" and "bringing innovative solutions to the hands of our advisors" suggests a critical function in enabling sales and client success through user-centered design. Therefore, this role can be framed within an "Operations" context, specifically in the realm of User Experience Operations or Product Operations, which directly impacts Go-To-Market effectiveness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed research plans, including user task analysis, persona development, journey/experience mapping, process flows, and service blueprints.
• Lead end-to-end user research activities across the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to post-launch analysis.
• Execute a variety of research methodologies, including moderated interviews, unmoderated usability tests (using tools like User Testing), heuristic evaluations, and surveys (e.g., Qualtrics).
• Facilitate and moderate workshops to gather insights and drive consensus among stakeholders.
• Conduct low to high-fidelity usability tests to identify areas for improvement and validate design decisions.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, leveraging advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, charts) for effective data representation and insight generation.
• Present research findings and actionable recommendations to cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and engineers.
• Negotiate and influence trade-offs between business goals, technical constraints, and customer experience requirements.
• Coordinate efforts with the lead researcher, taking direction and contributing to assigned areas of focus within broader research initiatives.
• Manage participant recruitment, scheduling, communication, and logistics to ensure smooth research operations and timely completion of studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process design and optimization through user feedback. The mention of "process flows," "service blueprints," and "journey maps" directly relates to operational efficiency and customer journey mapping, which are core to GTM operations. The need to "coordinate and take direction from the lead researcher" suggests a need for strong project management and execution skills within a defined research framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in a related field such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience in user experience research and analysis.
• Proven experience working on project teams, successfully meeting project timelines, and managing competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• At least 2 years of experience in managing complex, high-stakes business relationships with discretion and professionalism.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in foundational UX research methods: moderated interviews, unmoderated usability tests, and surveys.
• Skilled in using survey platforms, specifically Qualtrics.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, including pivot tables and chart creation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage end-to-end participant engagement, including scheduling, communication, and logistics.
• Experience in conducting heuristic evaluations and facilitating workshops.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent collaborative skills for working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to quickly understand and adapt to new projects and challenges ("hit the ground running").
• Capacity to ask insightful questions to ensure strategic alignment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific UX research tools such as User Testing, Jira, Confluence, and Figma.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and experience working within Agile/pod structures.
• Prior experience in the financial services industry, understanding its unique complexities and regulatory environment.
• Proven ability to cultivate strong cross-functional partnerships by aligning research objectives with business priorities.
• Experience in developing process flows, service blueprints, journey maps, and user task analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "3+ years of experience" and a Bachelor's degree points to an intermediate-level role. The emphasis on "complex or regulated industries" and "high-stakes business relationships" suggests the need for a candidate who can navigate sensitive environments and deliver robust, defensible research insights. The preference for Agile experience and specific tools like Jira and Confluence indicates a need for candidates who can integrate seamlessly into modern development workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 UX research projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of the research lifecycle from planning to reporting.
• Include examples of research plans, methodologies employed (e.g., usability studies, interviews, surveys), and key deliverables such as reports, personas, or journey maps.
• Highlight instances where your research directly influenced product decisions, leading to measurable improvements in user experience or business outcomes.
• Provide context for each project, explaining the problem statement, your role, the methods used, and the impact of your findings.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting research processes, including participant recruitment protocols, data collection methods, and analysis frameworks.
• Showcase examples of creating process flows, service blueprints, or journey maps that visually represent user journeys and system interactions.
• Evidence of how you've standardized or improved research processes to increase efficiency or enhance the quality of insights gathered.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intermediate UX Researcher role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but tell a story about the researcher's problem-solving approach, methodological rigor, and ability to translate insights into actionable product improvements. The emphasis on "process flows," "journey maps," and "user task analysis" indicates a need to see how the candidate maps out complex user interactions and system logic, which is vital for GTM operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated salary range for this Contract position is $25.00 to $35.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with both pre-tax and Roth post-tax contribution options.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for employee and dependents).
• Short and Long-term Disability coverage.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Vacation, or Sick Leave.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time contract position, typically expected to align with a standard 40-hour work week. The duration of the contract is estimated at 3-4 months.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $25-$35/hour for an intermediate UX Researcher in Austin, TX, is within the typical market range for contract roles. This rate reflects the need for specialized skills in user research and analysis, especially within a financial services context. The benefits package is comprehensive for a contract role, offering a good level of support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Technology Services (TEKsystems is a provider of IT staffing and services, placing candidates in roles often within Financial Services, among other industries). LPL Financial, the client mentioned, is a major independent broker-dealer and investment advisory firm. Company Size: TEKsystems is part of Allegis Group, a massive global talent solutions company with 80,000 employees. This indicates a robust organizational structure and extensive resources. Founded: TEKsystems was founded in 1983. LPL Financial was founded in 1969. This history suggests stability and deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Experience Design Research Team," which is part of a larger product development or user experience department.
• This team collaborates closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and other researchers, indicating a cross-functional, agile team environment.
• The reporting structure likely involves a Lead Researcher who provides direction for this specific role.

Methodology:

• The team emphasizes a user-centered design approach, integrating research into every stage of the product lifecycle.
• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with research findings used to inform product strategy and design.
• Collaboration is key, with a focus on teamwork and shared ownership of user experience outcomes.
• The team likely operates within an Agile framework, requiring flexibility and adaptability.

Company Website:

• TEKsystems: https://careers.teksystems.com/us/en
• LPL Financial (as implied client): https://www.lpl.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of TEKsystems providing talent services means this role is a contract placement with LPL Financial, a significant player in the financial services industry. This implies the need for a candidate who can adapt to LPL's specific culture and operational nuances while leveraging TEKsystems' support. The "fast-paced environment" and "client-focused" nature of the description suggest a dynamic, results-oriented workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This position is classified as an "Intermediate Level" role, typically requiring 2-5 years of direct experience. It signifies a professional who can execute research tasks independently with some guidance and begin to take ownership of smaller research projects. The role involves applying foundational UX research methodologies and contributing to larger research initiatives.

Reporting Structure:

• The UX Researcher will report to a Lead Researcher, who will provide strategic direction and oversight.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers and UX Designers, forming a project-specific pod or team.
• This structure allows for mentorship and learning from senior team members while contributing to team goals.

Operations Impact:

• The research conducted directly impacts the user experience for LPL Financial's advisors, who are critical stakeholders in the company's go-to-market strategy.
• By ensuring products are intuitive, efficient, and meet advisor needs, this role contributes to advisor satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, the firm's ability to serve its end clients effectively.
• Insights generated can inform product roadmaps, feature prioritization, and strategic business decisions related to advisor tools and platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, large-scale quantitative studies) or specific product areas within financial services.
• Project Leadership: Potential to take ownership of research for specific features or smaller products, gaining experience in end-to-end project management.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Develop a strong understanding of product development lifecycles, agile methodologies, and business drivers within the financial services industry by working closely with diverse teams.
• Mentorship: Learn from experienced lead researchers and product leaders, gaining insights into strategic research planning and stakeholder management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "Intermediate Level" designation and the 3-4 month duration suggest it's a valuable stepping stone. For operations professionals, understanding how UX research directly supports GTM by improving advisor adoption and efficacy of tools can be a key selling point. The growth opportunities focus on skill acquisition and project experience that can be leveraged for future roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is a "Fully Remote" position.
• While the role is remote, the requirement for candidates to be within 50 miles of specific hub cities (Austin, Charlotte, Boston, San Diego, Tempe, New York) suggests the company may have an expectation for occasional in-person collaboration, team meetings, or site visits, even if not mandatory for daily work.

Office Location(s):

• Remote, with a preference for candidates located within 50 miles of the following hub cities: Austin, TX; Charlotte, NC; Boston, MA; San Diego, CA; Tempe, AZ; New York, NY.

Workspace Context:

• The remote work environment necessitates strong self-management, discipline, and effective virtual communication skills.
• Access to reliable internet and a dedicated workspace are essential for productive remote work.
• Collaboration will primarily occur through virtual tools (e.g., video conferencing, Slack, project management software).
• The role requires active participation in virtual team meetings, workshops, and discussions.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is expected.
• While remote, maintaining consistent availability during core business hours for the designated time zone (likely Central Time, given Austin HQ) is important for team collaboration and responsiveness.
• The 3-4 month contract duration implies a focused, intensive period of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fully remote" status is a key benefit, but the geographic proximity requirement to hub cities is noteworthy. This could indicate potential hybrid expectations or simply a desire for teams to have some geographic clustering for easier collaboration on occasion. For operations candidates, managing a remote work setup efficiently and maintaining strong communication are critical.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: Expect a deep dive into your UX research experience. This will likely involve a presentation of your portfolio, where you'll walk through 1-2 key projects. Be prepared to discuss your research process, methodologies, challenges, and the impact of your work.
• Skills Assessment: You may be asked to complete a short take-home assignment or a live exercise simulating a research task (e.g., outlining a research plan for a given scenario, analyzing sample data).
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, UX Designers, or other team members to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate into their team.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research capabilities, diverse methodologies, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with the financial services industry or complex B2B/advisor-facing products if possible.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role, the research questions, chosen methodologies, key findings, and most importantly, the actionable recommendations and their impact on the product or business. Use clear visuals where possible.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "identified usability issues that led to a 15% reduction in task completion time," "research informed feature prioritization that increased adoption by 10%").
• Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss why you chose specific methods, how you handled challenges (e.g., recruitment issues, unexpected findings), and how you collaborated with stakeholders.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflicting stakeholder feedback, and how you ensure your research is actionable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Plan Outline: Be prepared to outline a research plan for a hypothetical product or feature. Focus on defining clear research objectives, target users, appropriate methodologies, and key metrics.
• Data Interpretation: You might be presented with sample research data (e.g., survey results, usability test findings) and asked to interpret it and derive insights.
• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex research findings concisely and persuasively, focusing on business implications and actionable steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific research methods necessitates thorough preparation. For operations professionals, framing UX research in terms of its impact on user adoption, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue enablement (through advisor productivity) will be key. Highlighting experience with tools like Qualtrics and Excel for data analysis will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualtrics: Explicitly mentioned for surveys. Proficiency in designing, deploying, and analyzing survey data is essential.
• Advanced Excel: Required for data analysis and representation (pivot tables, charts). This highlights the need for strong quantitative analysis skills.
• User Testing Platforms: Experience with platforms like UserTesting.com (implied) for conducting moderated and unmoderated usability tests.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in virtual collaboration tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet for remote meetings and workshops.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira and Confluence (preferred skills) is important for integrating with development teams and documenting research.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Advanced Excel is a core requirement for quantitative analysis.
• Reporting Tools: Ability to create clear, compelling reports and presentations summarizing research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly mentioned, understanding how UX research findings can influence CRM strategies (e.g., improving advisor onboarding within a CRM) or automation workflows (e.g., streamlining user tasks) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Qualtrics and Advanced Excel, along with preferred tools like Jira and Confluence, indicates a need for candidates who are not just methodologically sound but also technically proficient in the tools used for research execution and team integration. This technological fluency is critical for modern operations roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and addressing the needs of LPL Financial's advisors, who are the primary "clients" for this research. This translates to a dedication to improving their experience.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Research findings are expected to be evidence-based and used to guide strategic choices, rather than relying on assumptions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role requires working effectively with diverse teams (product, design, engineering) to achieve shared goals. Open communication and mutual respect are key.
• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly refine research methods, product designs, and user experiences based on ongoing learning and feedback.
• Adaptability & Agility: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver under tight timelines, likely within an Agile framework.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Researchers are expected to be integrated members of product teams, working closely with designers and product managers to define problems and co-create solutions.
• Active Communication: Regular updates, debriefs, and presentations to share insights and engage stakeholders in the research process.
• Constructive Feedback: Openness to providing and receiving feedback on research approaches, findings, and recommendations.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Proactively engaging with stakeholders to ensure research objectives are aligned with business goals and that findings are understood and acted upon.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, understanding and aligning with the company's core values is paramount. The emphasis on client-centricity (advisors in this case) and data-driven decisions directly supports GTM objectives by ensuring products are user-validated and strategically aligned.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Contract Duration: The 3-4 month contract nature means rapid onboarding and immediate contribution are expected. Making a significant impact in a short timeframe can be challenging.
• Complex Industry: Navigating the complexities and regulatory landscape of the financial services industry requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of specific user needs and constraints.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Synthesizing potentially conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (business, technical, user) and translating them into actionable research plans.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong connections and effective communication with a distributed team requires proactive effort and excellent virtual collaboration skills.
• Data Synthesis: Effectively managing and synthesizing large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data to derive clear, actionable insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Financial Services Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the financial advisory business and the tools advisors use daily.
• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunity to refine skills in specific research techniques and potentially explore new methods.
• Agile Product Development: Experience working within an Agile/pod structure provides valuable insights into modern software development lifecycles.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Developing stronger relationships and communication skills with product managers, designers, and engineers.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Completing impactful research projects within a 3-4 month period can significantly strengthen a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and proactively preparing for them is crucial for success in contract roles. The growth opportunities highlight how this role can be a stepping stone for further development in UX research or operations within the financial technology sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Planning: "Describe how you would develop a research plan for a new advisor dashboard feature. What key questions would you aim to answer, and what methodologies would you employ?" (Focus on defining objectives, user segmentation, and method selection.)
• Methodology Justification: "When would you choose a moderated usability test over an unmoderated one? What are the pros and cons of each?" (Demonstrate understanding of research trade-offs.)
• Insight Synthesis: "Walk me through a time you synthesized complex qualitative and quantitative data. How did you ensure your findings were actionable and clear?" (Highlight your analytical process and ability to communicate insights.)
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle situations where stakeholders disagree with your research findings or recommendations?" (Showcase your negotiation and influence skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Industry Relevance: "What interests you about conducting UX research within the financial services industry?" (Show your understanding of the sector's importance and challenges.)
• Remote Work: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication while working remotely?" (Highlight your self-management and virtual communication strategies.)
• Team Fit: "Describe your ideal team dynamic. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team environment?" (Align with the collaborative culture described.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that demonstrate a clear problem, your systematic approach, and measurable impact. For a financial services context, prioritize projects related to complex workflows, advisor productivity, or client-facing tools.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Clearly articulate the business problem, your specific research goals, the methods you used and why, your key findings, and the resulting product or business impact.
• Visualize Your Work: Use slides with clear visuals – screenshots, journey maps, personas, charts. Avoid dense text.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that show the value of your research (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction scores).
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, participant recruitment, data analysis techniques, and how you handled any challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples for these types of questions, particularly those related to complex data analysis, stakeholder management, and impact measurement, will be crucial. Emphasizing how UX research contributes to operational efficiency and GTM success by ensuring product adoption and advisor effectiveness will resonate.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the TEKsystems careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with UX research methodologies, specific tools (Qualtrics, Excel, User Testing), and experience in complex industries. Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible.
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and ready for presentation. Select 1-2 key projects that best showcase your skills and prepare a concise narrative for each. Focus on demonstrating your process and the impact of your research.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common UX research interview questions, focusing on strategy, methodology, and collaboration. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with TEKsystems as a talent solutions provider and LPL Financial as a client in the financial services sector. Understand their respective missions and how UX research contributes to their success.

⚠️ 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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