UX Researcher Co-op

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Co-op

Company: PC Financial

Location: 500 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time Co-op

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: January 8, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-1 years of direct research experience)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This co-op role focuses on supporting UX research initiatives within PC Financial's digital team, providing invaluable hands-on experience in user-centered design methodologies.

• The position involves assisting in the planning, execution, and analysis of various user research studies, including usability testing, interviews, and surveys, to inform product development.

• The UX Researcher Co-op will contribute to recruiting participants, organizing and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, and presenting key findings to internal stakeholders.

• This opportunity is ideal for an aspiring UX professional seeking to build a portfolio and develop practical skills in a professional design and research environment, contributing to real-world projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX Researcher Co-op," the responsibilities lean towards supporting research operations and execution. The role is specifically for a co-op term, indicating an academic or vocational training context, rather than a standard full-time hire. The emphasis on "assisting," "supporting," and "helping" positions this as a learning and development opportunity. The inclusion of "Design Operations" in the category reflects the supportive nature of the role in facilitating the research process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and execution of diverse user research studies, such as usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, and concept testing, to gather actionable insights.

• Support both moderated and unmoderated usability testing sessions, including meticulous setup, accurate note-taking during sessions, and preliminary synthesis of observations.

• Aid in the recruitment and scheduling of research participants, ensuring adherence to established research protocols and privacy guidelines.

• Organize, clean, and analyze qualitative and quantitative research data, including session notes, interview transcripts, and survey responses.

• Identify, document, and communicate patterns, themes, and critical usability issues emerging from research findings.

• Collaborate closely with UX designers and product managers to ensure research efforts are aligned with product objectives and strategic goals.

• Prepare and present research findings in a clear, concise, and compelling manner to internal stakeholders, including product teams and leadership.

• Maintain and update research documentation, templates, and knowledge repositories to ensure organized and accessible information.

• Support essential research operations tasks, such as managing consent forms, drafting study plans, and tracking research progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience in the UX research lifecycle. The emphasis on "assist," "support," and "help" clearly defines the co-op nature. The tasks are broken down into distinct phases of a research project, from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting, ensuring exposure to all core activities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated understanding of user research techniques, such as ethnography, usability testing, user interviews, and surveys.

• Ability to assist in planning and conducting user research studies, with a focus on learning and execution.

• Skill in organizing and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns and themes.

• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to learning new tools, methodologies, and processes.

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

• Proficiency in presenting information concisely and effectively to diverse audiences.

• Collaborative spirit and a "yes and" mentality, fostering positive teamwork and idea generation.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies and their application in problem-solving.

• Experience with participant recruitment and scheduling for research studies.

• Basic understanding of research operations tasks, such as consent forms and study plans.

• Exposure to UX design tools or collaboration platforms.

• Ability to quickly grasp and apply new concepts and tools relevant to UX research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize foundational knowledge and potential over extensive experience, fitting for a co-op role. The portfolio requirement is crucial for demonstrating practical application of learned concepts, even from academic or personal projects. The "yes and" mentality highlights the importance of collaboration in a fast-paced digital environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A well-organized portfolio showcasing at least 2-3 user research projects, demonstrating the application of user-centered design principles.

• For each project, clearly outline the research problem, methodology used (e.g., usability testing, interviews), your specific role and contributions, key findings, and actionable recommendations.

• Visual documentation of research artifacts, such as interview guides, survey questions, usability test scripts, and synthesized findings (e.g., affinity maps, personas, journey maps).

• Evidence of data analysis, including how qualitative and quantitative data were interpreted to derive insights.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented research processes, such as creating study plans, outlining participant recruitment criteria, or drafting consent forms for academic or personal projects.

• Demonstration of how you have organized and managed research data and findings systematically.

• Understanding of how research integrates into broader product development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, the portfolio is expected to highlight academic or personal projects that showcase potential and understanding of the research process, rather than extensive professional case studies. The focus is on demonstrating a structured approach to research and the ability to translate findings into actionable insights.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35,100.00 - $65,000.00 CAD per year (pro-rated for the 4-month co-op term).

Benefits:

• Gain practical, hands-on experience in a professional UX research setting, working on real-world digital projects.

• Opportunity to learn from experienced UX researchers and designers, receiving mentorship and guidance.

• Exposure to a collaborative and supportive team environment within a leading Canadian financial institution.

• Potential to build a strong professional portfolio and develop key skills for future career opportunities in UX research and design.

• Contribution to projects that directly impact the customer experience for millions of Canadians.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours for the 4-month co-op term (approximately 8 hours per day, 5 days per week), totaling around 40 hours per week.

• The specific work schedule will be determined by the team and may offer some flexibility within business operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an annual estimate. For a 4-month co-op, the actual compensation would be pro-rated. Benefits are primarily experiential and developmental, aligning with a co-op student's focus on learning and career building. The work arrangement is explicitly on-site.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking and Payments), Retail (as a subsidiary of Loblaws Company Inc.). PC Financial leverages its connection to Loblaws to offer value-driven payment solutions.

Company Size: Large enterprise (part of Loblaws, which is a major Canadian employer).

Founded: PC Financial was established in 1997. Loblaws Company Inc. has a much longer history, dating back to 1919. This blend of established retail presence and modern financial services creates a unique operational environment.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher Co-op will be part of the Digital Team at PC Financial, likely within a broader Product or Design department.

• This team is expected to comprise experienced UX researchers, UX/UI designers, product managers, and potentially business analysts, working in a cross-functional manner.

Methodology:

• PC Financial emphasizes a customer-centric approach, aiming to make "everyday simple and better for our customers." This translates to a focus on user needs and ease of use in digital products.

• The company values Care, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence (CORE values), which are likely embedded in team interactions and project execution.

• Expect a blend of agile methodologies for product development, with UX research integrated to provide continuous feedback and validation loops.

Company Website: https://www.pcfinancial.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding PC Financial's position as a financial services provider linked to a major retail giant (Loblaws) is key. The CORE values provide insight into expected professional conduct and team dynamics. The digital team likely operates with a focus on iterative development and customer feedback.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, co-op position designed for students. It serves as a foundational experience for individuals aspiring to a career in UX Research, Product Design, or related fields.

Reporting Structure: The co-op student will report to a Senior UX Researcher or a UX Design Lead within the Digital Team. They will work collaboratively with UX Designers and Product Managers on specific projects.

Operations Impact: While a co-op role, the work directly supports the digital product development lifecycle. Research findings can influence design decisions, leading to improved user experiences, increased customer satisfaction, and ultimately, greater adoption and loyalty for PC Financial's payment products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding and practical application of core UX research methodologies, data analysis, and reporting.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with real-world project examples, crucial for securing future full-time roles in the UX field.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insight into the financial services and retail technology sectors in Canada, understanding their unique user needs and operational challenges.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance and feedback from experienced professionals, aiding in professional development and career planning.

• Networking: Build connections within PC Financial and Loblaws, potentially opening doors for future co-op terms or full-time positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth within this role is primarily focused on skill acquisition and portfolio building, typical for a co-op experience. The impact is indirect, contributing to the team's success and product improvements, rather than direct strategic decision-making.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as On-site, requiring the co-op student to work from the PC Financial office located at 500 Lake Shore Boulevard West in Toronto.

Office Location(s): 500 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON, M5V 2V9. This location is in a prominent area of Toronto, with access to public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with UX designers, researchers, product managers, and other team members.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for research, collaboration, and communication will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule will be approximately 40 hours per week, aligned with the full-time co-op term duration.

• While on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team needs and manager approval, to accommodate learning and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is explicit. The environment is described as collaborative, which is typical for design and research teams, suggesting opportunities for learning through observation and interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates will submit their resume and portfolio through the Workday system.

• Initial Screening: Resumes and portfolios will be reviewed by the recruiting team and hiring manager to assess qualifications and potential.

• First Interview (Virtual/Phone): This interview will likely focus on assessing academic background, understanding of UX research fundamentals, and initial fit with the team's collaborative culture. Portfolio walk-through may be requested.

• Second Interview (On-site/Virtual): This stage may involve a more in-depth discussion, potentially a case study or a presentation of a portfolio project. It will also assess problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and enthusiasm for the role and PC Financial.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with the hiring manager or team lead to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clarity is Key: Ensure each project in your portfolio clearly states the problem, your role, the methods used, your process, key findings, and the impact or recommendations.

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your thought process and how you applied user-centered design principles. Visuals like wireframes, user flows, or affinity diagrams are highly beneficial.

• Highlight Collaboration: If projects involved teamwork, specify your individual contributions and how you collaborated with others.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities of a UX Researcher Co-op, such as usability testing, interviews, and data synthesis.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio effectively, focusing on the most relevant and impactful projects. Be prepared to discuss any project in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of UX research methodologies and why you chose specific methods for your projects.

• Prepare to answer questions about how you would approach a given research problem or analyze a dataset.

• Familiarize yourself with PC Financial's digital products and how user research could enhance them.

• Practice articulating your findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured for a co-op role, balancing assessment of foundational skills with cultural fit. The portfolio is a critical component, so candidates must be prepared to present their work effectively, demonstrating their learning potential and understanding of research principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Collaboration Platforms: Likely Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Potentially Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking and workflow management.

• Design & Prototyping Tools (for collaboration): Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD may be beneficial for understanding designer workflows and collaborating on prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms for creating and distributing surveys.

• Data Analysis Tools: While advanced statistical software might not be required, proficiency in spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for organizing and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data is essential.

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for preparing and delivering research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how CRM data might inform user segmentation or research could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific tool requirements are not detailed, but general proficiency with common collaboration, project management, and data analysis tools is expected. The focus is on supporting research, so tools related to data collection and synthesis are most relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Care: Demonstrating empathy towards users and colleagues, fostering a supportive team environment.

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for tasks, proactively seeking solutions, and contributing to project success.

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives, communicating professionally, and collaborating constructively with all team members and stakeholders.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality work, attention to detail in research and analysis, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

• Customer-Centricity: A core principle in all digital initiatives, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The team likely works in a highly collaborative, cross-functional manner, with UX researchers working closely with designers and product managers to achieve shared goals.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on research plans, methodologies, and findings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The CORE values (Care, Ownership, Respect, Excellence) are central to the company culture and are expected to guide the co-op student's behavior and interactions within the team. The emphasis on collaboration and customer-centricity is critical for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a large corporate structure: Understanding internal processes and stakeholder dynamics within a large organization like PC Financial.

• Balancing learning with contribution: Effectively contributing to real projects while still in a learning phase as a co-op student.

• Synthesizing diverse data: Integrating feedback from various research methods and sources into coherent insights.

• Communicating complex findings: Translating detailed research data into easily understandable and actionable recommendations for non-researchers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Mastery: Gaining practical experience in planning and executing various research studies.

• Tool Proficiency: Learning to use industry-standard research and collaboration tools.

• Industry Insight: Understanding the unique user needs and regulatory considerations within the financial services sector.

• Professional Networking: Building connections with professionals in UX research, design, and product management.

• Portfolio Development: Creating tangible project evidence to showcase future employers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, typical for co-op roles. The learning opportunities are directly tied to developing core UX research competencies and gaining industry-specific knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Methodology: "Describe a user research project you've worked on (academic or personal). What was the goal, what methods did you use, and why? What were your key findings, and how did they inform design?"

• Problem Solving: "Imagine we want to understand why users abandon their shopping carts on our website. How would you approach researching this problem?"

• Data Synthesis: "How do you go from raw interview notes or survey responses to actionable insights? Walk me through your process."

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you worked on a team project. What was your role, and how did you ensure effective collaboration and communication?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UX research at PC Financial specifically?"

• "How do you align with PC Financial's CORE values (Care, Ownership, Respect, Excellence)?"

• "What do you hope to learn during this co-op term?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Methodology -> Process -> Findings -> Recommendations/Impact.

• Visuals: Use screenshots, diagrams, user journey maps, or affinity maps to illustrate your process and findings.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present a summary in 5-10 minutes, with the ability to dive deeper into specifics if asked.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as stories that highlight your problem-solving skills and impact.

• Technical Aspects: Be ready to discuss the tools you used and why.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a foundational understanding of UX research, a willingness to learn, strong communication skills, and alignment with PC Financial's values and collaborative culture. The portfolio is the primary evidence of capability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your UX research portfolio through the PC Financial careers portal on Workday.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights academic or personal projects demonstrating user research methodologies, data analysis, and user-centered design principles. Tailor the presentation to emphasize your learning potential and contributions to team projects.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly state your current academic program, relevant coursework, and any prior research experience. Use keywords from the job description like "User Research," "Usability Testing," "Data Analysis," and "Collaboration."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, findings, and recommendations. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to teamwork and problem-solving. Research PC Financial's digital offerings and its commitment to customer experience.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PC Financial's mission, CORE values, and its position within the Loblaws ecosystem. Understand their focus on customer value and making everyday simple and better.

⚠️ 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.

---