UX Researcher - Dallas, TX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher - Discover Phase Company: Photon Location: Dallas, TX Job Type: Full Time / Independent Contractor Category: User Experience Research / Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-25 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives, focusing on the critical "Discover Phase" of product development lifecycles, ensuring user-centricity from inception.
• Translate complex user needs and behaviors into actionable insights that inform foundational design strategy and project scope definition.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and engineers, to champion user empathy and data-driven decision-making.
• Leverage a strong understanding of information architecture and early-stage prototyping to validate concepts and user flows before extensive development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Researcher," the emphasis on the "Discover Phase," information architecture, and early-stage prototyping suggests a role that bridges traditional UX research with foundational design strategy and potentially some UX design responsibilities. This is common in organizations where UX is highly integrated across the product lifecycle. The dual employment type (Full Time and Contractor) offers flexibility for candidates with different career preferences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research studies, including but not limited to interviews, surveys, usability testing, and contextual inquiries, to deeply understand target user behaviors, needs, and pain points.
• Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative research data to identify key user insights, patterns, and opportunities for product innovation and improvement.
• Develop and present research findings, personas, user journey maps, and other deliverables to articulate user needs and inform product strategy and design direction across various stakeholder groups.
• Collaborate with UX/UI designers to define information architecture, user flows, and wireframes, ensuring alignment with research insights and business objectives.
• Contribute to the creation of early-stage prototypes to test user hypotheses and validate design concepts, iterating based on feedback.
• Advocate for user-centered design principles throughout the product development process, ensuring that user needs remain at the forefront of all decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibility is research within the "Discover Phase." This implies a focus on problem definition, opportunity identification, and strategy formulation rather than execution-heavy design or post-launch optimization. The mention of "early-stage prototyping" indicates a need for candidates who can bridge research and early design concepts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 2-5 years of demonstrated experience in UX research, product research, user experience design, or a related role with a strong research component.
• Proven track record of successfully conducting user research throughout the product development lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on the discovery and strategy phases.
• Experience in synthesizing complex research data into clear, actionable insights and compelling presentations for diverse audiences.

Required Skills:

• User Research Methodologies: Proficiency in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing, diary studies, card sorting, tree testing).
• Information Architecture (IA): Strong understanding of IA principles and experience in designing and evaluating sitemaps, user flows, and navigation structures.
• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with early-stage prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure) for concept validation and user flow testing.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze research data, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions to inform design and product strategy.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present research findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels.
• Empathy & Curiosity: A genuine curiosity about user behavior and the ability to empathize with diverse user perspectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with A/B testing and experimentation design for validating user interface elements and user flows.
• Familiarity with design thinking frameworks and agile development methodologies.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and their impact on user research and design.
• Experience working with enterprise-level software or B2B product environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level role. The emphasis on IA and early-stage prototyping, alongside core research skills, indicates a need for candidates who can contribute to the strategic definition of products before detailed design or development begins.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, with a focus on how research informs strategy in the early "Discover Phase."
• Showcase case studies that clearly outline research problems, methodologies employed, key findings, and the tangible impact of your research on product strategy or design decisions.
• Include examples of user journey maps, personas, or information architecture diagrams you have created.
• Present evidence of early-stage prototyping or concept validation activities and their outcomes.
• Highlight your ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of research plans, study protocols, or synthesis frameworks used to guide research activities.
• Show how you document and share research findings effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate experience in iterating on research methodologies or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for UX roles. For this position, the emphasis should be on the research process, particularly during the discovery phase, and how those insights translated into strategic direction. Evidence of IA and early prototyping is also key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated annual salary range for this role is USD $52,000 to $182,000. This range is a good faith estimate based on the provided information and industry standards for a UX Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Dallas, TX. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the chosen employment type (full-time employee vs. independent contractor).

Benefits (for Full-Time Employees):

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options.
• 401k Retirement Plan: Opportunities for long-term financial planning and savings.
• Variable Pay/Incentives: Potential for performance-based bonuses or other incentive programs.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.
• Paid Holidays: Company-recognized paid holidays throughout the year.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team collaboration, but the role is designated as on-site, requiring consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is quite broad, which is common for roles that can accommodate varying levels of experience within the specified range and for different employment types. The upper end could reflect senior-level skills or contractor rates, while the lower end reflects entry-mid level full-time roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Photon operates within the technology and digital services sector, likely focusing on product development, consulting, or digital transformation. This industry context suggests a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment where user experience is a key differentiator.

Company Size:

• While not explicitly stated, the availability of a dedicated career site and structured hiring process suggests a company with a significant operational footprint, likely ranging from mid-size to large enterprise. This implies established processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded:

• The founding date is not provided, but the company's presence on a professional platform like Oracle Cloud HCM suggests a mature organization with established HR and recruitment infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely be part of a Product or Design team. This team may include UX/UI Designers, Product Managers, Project Managers, and potentially other researchers.
• The reporting structure could be to a Lead UX Researcher, Head of Design, or a Director of Product.
• Close collaboration with engineering teams, product marketing, and business analysts is expected to ensure research insights are effectively integrated into product strategy and execution.

Methodology:

• Photon likely employs a mix of established product development methodologies, potentially including Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall, depending on the project. User-centered design principles and data-driven decision-making are expected to be core to their approach.
• Emphasis will be placed on research planning, execution, synthesis, and communication to drive informed product decisions.

Company Website:

• https://www.photon.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's focus on technology services and likely client-facing projects helps contextualize the UX Researcher's role in ensuring client satisfaction and product market fit. The emphasis on the "Discover Phase" suggests a strategic, foundational role within their project delivery lifecycle.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a Mid-Level UX Researcher position, typically requiring 2-5 years of hands-on experience. The role is focused on the critical early stages of product development, acting as a foundational contributor to design strategy.

Reporting Structure:

• The role likely reports into a Design or Product leadership position, such as a Lead UX Researcher, Senior UX Designer, or Head of Product/Design. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance within the UX discipline.

Operations Impact:

• The UX Researcher's impact is significant, directly influencing product strategy, scope definition, and the overall user-centricity of new products or features. By ensuring a deep understanding of user needs at the outset, this role helps mitigate risks associated with product development, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately contribute to successful product launches and user adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or user segments.
• Leadership: Potential to move into Senior UX Researcher roles, lead research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, or transition into UX Design leadership.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various client projects and industries, broadening understanding of different business challenges and user contexts.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to develop expertise in areas like IA, early-stage prototyping, and strategic product planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mid-level designation suggests a role with significant individual contribution and potential for growth into more senior or specialized positions within the UX field. The impact on product strategy is a key career differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office environment in Dallas, TX. This setting typically fosters collaboration, spontaneous idea-sharing, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s):

• Dallas, TX. Specific office address details would be provided upon application or interview stages.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative workspace where interaction with designers, product managers, and other team members is frequent.
• Access to necessary UX research tools, software, and potentially dedicated research labs or spaces may be available.
• The environment is likely dynamic, supporting multiple client projects and fast-paced development cycles.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, likely Monday to Friday, with a 40-hour work week. While the role is on-site, there might be some flexibility in start/end times, typical of many tech environments, but consistent presence is expected for team collaboration and project continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value Photon places on in-person collaboration, team synergy, and the dynamic exchange of ideas crucial for UX research and strategy development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios, assessing basic qualifications and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on your experience, research philosophies, and understanding of the "Discover Phase."
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where you'll present 1-2 case studies showcasing your research process, insights, and impact, particularly highlighting work relevant to IA and early-stage prototyping. Be prepared to discuss your methodologies, challenges, and decision-making.
• Team/Peer Interview: Interviews with other UX designers, researchers, or product managers to assess collaboration skills, cultural fit, and technical depth.
• Final Interview (Optional): May involve a senior leader or executive for final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on "Why": Clearly articulate the problem you were trying to solve, your research questions, and your strategic approach.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (personas, journey maps, IA diagrams, wireframes) to illustrate your work.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, demonstrate the impact of your research on product decisions, user experience, or business outcomes. Use metrics if available.
• Highlight Discovery Phase Work: Emphasize projects where you were instrumental in defining scope, identifying user needs, and shaping initial strategy.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your research process, ethical considerations, handling conflicting feedback, and how you collaborate.

Challenge Preparation:

• You might be asked to complete a take-home assignment involving a small research problem or a critique of an existing product's user experience.
• Alternatively, you could be given a live case study to analyze and present recommendations for within a limited timeframe.
• Focus on demonstrating your structured thinking, analytical skills, and ability to articulate user-centric solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should select projects that best showcase their ability to conduct foundational research and inform early-stage product strategy, particularly emphasizing Information Architecture and prototyping validation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar for remote usability testing and feedback collection.
• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms for quantitative data gathering.
• Prototyping/Wireframing: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP for creating early-stage prototypes and IA diagrams.
• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Asana for project management and documentation.
• Communication Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel can be beneficial for understanding user behavior post-launch, though the primary focus here is pre-launch research.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker Studio) for presenting research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how research insights feed into customer relationship management processes can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a range of UX research and prototyping tools is expected. The ability to translate research findings into actionable insights using collaboration and reporting tools is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the product lifecycle.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Valuing research and analytics to inform strategy and design choices.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are shared and integrated.
• Innovation: Encouraging creativity and the exploration of new ideas and solutions.
• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes in research and design.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where UX Researchers work closely with Product Managers to define project goals and user needs, and with UX/UI Designers to translate insights into tangible designs.
• Open communication and feedback loops are likely encouraged to ensure research is integrated effectively into the product development workflow.
• The team likely values a proactive approach to identifying and solving user problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a blend of user advocacy, data-informed strategy, and strong teamwork, which are essential for successful product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively advocating for user needs while aligning with business objectives and technical constraints.
• Defining Scope in Discovery: Navigating ambiguity and defining clear project scopes and research questions in the early stages.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring research insights are understood and acted upon by diverse teams (product, engineering, marketing).
• Time Constraints: Managing research timelines effectively in a fast-paced project environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply more specialized research methods.
• Mentorship: Guidance from senior researchers or design leaders.
• Industry Exposure: Working on a variety of projects across different industries can broaden expertise.
• Skill Enhancement: Developing skills in areas like quantitative analysis, IA, and strategic product planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to hone foundational research and strategic thinking skills, crucial for career advancement in the UX field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting user research during the 'Discover Phase' of a project. What are the key deliverables?"
• "How do you approach defining project scope and identifying critical user needs when starting a new product initiative?"
• "Walk me through a time you used information architecture to improve a user's experience. What was your process?"
• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical limitations in your research and recommendations?"
• "Tell me about a challenging research finding you had to communicate to stakeholders. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Photon and this UX Researcher role?"
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX research trends and best practices?"
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with designers and product managers."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Choose 1-2 projects that best highlight your discovery phase research, IA work, or early prototyping. For each, clearly outline: Project background, your role, research objectives, methodology, key findings, resulting insights, and the impact of your work.
• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about the user problem and how your research provided solutions.
• Visuals: Use clear visuals (diagrams, personas, journey maps) to support your narrative.
• Q&A: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, decision-making, and how you handled challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• If given a take-home assignment, focus on demonstrating a structured and user-centered approach. For a live case study, think aloud, articulate your assumptions, and clearly explain your reasoning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the research lifecycle, especially the initial discovery phase, and the ability to translate findings into strategic direction. Portfolio presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Photon Career Site.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your expertise in user research, particularly within the "Discover Phase." Highlight projects involving information architecture, user journey mapping, and early-stage prototyping. Showcase how your research informed strategic decisions.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords such as "UX Research," "Discover Phase," "Information Architecture," "User Needs Analysis," "Prototyping," "Usability Testing," and "Design Strategy." Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible.
• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your research process, methodologies, and the impact of your work. Prepare to present your portfolio case studies clearly and answer behavioral and situational questions related to user research and collaboration.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Photon's services, client work, and company culture. Understand their approach to product development and the importance of UX research within their organization.

⚠️ 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.