Remote UX/UI Designer

TradesApp
Full-time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Remote UX/UI Designer

Company: TradesApp

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time

Category: UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

  • Design and deliver intuitive, user-centric interfaces for web and mobile applications, focusing on translating complex scientific concepts into accessible digital experiences.

  • Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews and usability testing, to gather insights and inform design iterations for improved user engagement.

  • Collaborate closely with product managers, software developers, and scientific researchers to define and implement innovative design solutions that meet both user needs and business objectives.

  • Develop and maintain a unified design system, including style guides and UI pattern libraries, to ensure brand consistency and streamline the design process across all digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is for a UX/UI Designer, which falls under the broader umbrella of Product Design and User Experience within the technology and life sciences sectors. The emphasis on translating complex scientific data into user-friendly interfaces suggests a need for strong analytical and communication skills beyond typical design tasks, requiring an understanding of the life sciences domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Translate intricate scientific concepts and data visualizations into clear, intuitive user flows, wireframes, mock-ups, and interactive prototypes.

  • Design and iterate on elegant, user-friendly interfaces for web and mobile applications, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience.

  • Execute user research initiatives, including user interviews, surveys, and usability testing sessions, to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback that drives design decisions.

  • Partner effectively with product managers, software engineers, and subject matter experts (scientific researchers) to collaboratively define product requirements and implement cutting-edge design solutions.

  • Establish and meticulously maintain a comprehensive design system, encompassing style guides, component libraries, and UI pattern documentation, to ensure design consistency and scalability.

  • Articulate and present design concepts, rationale, and proposed solutions clearly and persuasively to internal teams and external stakeholders.

  • Actively advocate for and embed user-centered design principles and best practices throughout the product development lifecycle and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional UX/UI design tasks with a specific need to interface with scientific research. This implies the candidate must not only excel in visual design and user flows but also possess the ability to grasp and simplify complex scientific information for various user groups, such as researchers and clinical partners.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience as a UX/UI Designer or in a similar role, with a demonstrated track record of successful digital product design.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience as a UX/UI Designer with a robust portfolio showcasing your design process, problem-solving abilities, and visual design skills.

  • High proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping software such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

  • Solid understanding of user-centered design (UCD) principles, diverse user research methodologies, and usability testing best practices.

  • Exceptional visual design capabilities with a strong aesthetic sense, attention to detail, and expertise in typography, color theory, and layout.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design choices and rationale effectively to diverse audiences.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and maintain productivity in a fully remote work environment. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing for the healthcare, life sciences, or pharmaceutical industries.

  • Proficiency in creating and managing complex data visualizations.

  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration in a remote setting.

  • Experience with front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS) to better understand implementation constraints and possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mid-Level" experience bracket (2-5 years) suggests the company is looking for someone who can operate with a degree of autonomy but may still require some guidance. The preference for healthcare/life sciences experience indicates a desire for domain-specific knowledge, which would significantly shorten the learning curve for understanding the scientific context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the end-to-end design process, from initial research and ideation through to final execution and iteration.

  • Showcase case studies that detail the problem, your role, the design solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

  • Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that highlight your technical proficiency.

  • Present evidence of user research and usability testing, explaining how feedback influenced design decisions and improved the user experience. Process Documentation:

  • Provide examples of how you document your design process, including user journey maps, personas, and design specifications.

  • Illustrate your approach to creating and maintaining design systems, style guides, and component libraries for consistency and scalability.

  • Showcase how you collaborate with developers and product managers, including artifact sharing and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX/UI role, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "design process" and "measurable impact" suggests the company values a structured, data-informed approach to design, rather than just aesthetic output. They will want to see how your designs solve specific problems and contribute to business or research goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $25 - $35 USD per hour.

Benefits:

  • Fully remote working arrangement, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

  • Flexible working options, with both full-time (approximately 40 hours/week) and part-time contracts available.

  • The opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in neurodegenerative disease, making a tangible impact on global health.

  • A collaborative, forward-thinking, and innovative work culture that values user-centric design.

Working Hours: Flexible, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week for full-time roles, or a mutually agreed-upon schedule for part-time roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $25-$35 USD for a remote UX/UI Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Chicago, IL, is on the lower end of market rates for this experience level in a major US city. While remote roles can sometimes command slightly different rates, this suggests the company may be targeting candidates outside of very high cost-of-living areas or is a smaller organization that cannot match larger tech company compensation. The flexibility in full-time/part-time is a significant benefit for candidates seeking varied work arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Pharmaceuticals (Neurodegenerative Disease Research)

Company Size: Small to Medium (Estimated 50-200 employees based on typical biotech startup/research firm profiles)

Founded: TauRx Therapeutics was established to address Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain disorders. (Specific founding year not provided, but the focus is on novel therapies).

Team Structure:

  • The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a product development or technology team, working closely with product managers, software engineers, and a dedicated group of scientific researchers.

  • Reporting structure is likely to a Head of Product, CTO, or a Lead Designer, depending on the internal organization.

  • Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, bridging the gap between technical teams, scientific domain experts, and end-users. Methodology:

  • Emphasis on translating complex scientific data and research findings into actionable insights and user-friendly interfaces.

  • A user-centered design approach will be paramount, integrating user feedback and research throughout the product development lifecycle.

  • Agile or iterative development methodologies are likely employed to facilitate rapid prototyping and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://tradesapp.teamtailor.com (Note: This URL appears to be a job application platform URL, not the primary company website. A search for "TauRx Therapeutics" would likely yield their official site.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in combating Alzheimer's disease is a significant differentiator. Candidates should be motivated by this impactful mission, as it will likely influence the company culture and the type of projects undertaken. The "TradesApp" name in the URL is unusual for a biotech firm; it's possible this is a recruitment platform name or a parent company, and TauRx Therapeutics is the specific division hiring.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX/UI Designer. This role requires independent execution of design tasks, contribution to design strategy, and collaboration with various stakeholders. The designer is expected to take ownership of specific features or product areas.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Product Manager, Lead Designer, or Head of Technology, working within a product or engineering team. Collaboration will extend to scientific researchers and potentially external clinical partners.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer will directly influence the usability and adoption of digital tools used for critical research and development in neurodegenerative diseases. Their work will impact how researchers access, analyze, and interpret complex data, and how the company communicates its progress and findings to stakeholders. Effective design can accelerate research timelines and improve the clarity of scientific communication.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX/UI design specifically within the life sciences and healthcare tech sectors, a rapidly growing and impactful field.

  • Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior UX/UI Designer role, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more significantly to product strategy.

  • Skill Expansion: Possibility to develop skills in areas like design systems management, user research leadership, or even product management, depending on career aspirations and company opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are tied to gaining specialized experience in a niche but critical industry. For a designer motivated by impact, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to significant scientific advancements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role operates entirely outside of a traditional office setting.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the location is specified as Chicago, Illinois, US. This may imply a need for the candidate to reside within a certain time zone (e.g., Central Time) for collaboration purposes, or it could be a legacy location from when the company may have had a physical presence or a primary talent pool.

Workspace Context:

  • The work environment is inherently digital, requiring self-discipline and effective time management.

  • Collaboration will occur primarily through digital tools like Slack, Zoom, email, and project management software.

  • Access to necessary design software and reliable internet connectivity is essential. The company provides the design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

Work Schedule: Flexible, with an expectation of full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) or part-time commitment. This flexibility allows for accommodation of different time zones and personal schedules, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote Solely" work arrangement is a key feature. The Chicago location might indicate a preference for candidates within the US or specific time zones for synchronous collaboration, even within a remote setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruiting team to assess foundational skills and experience.

  • Portfolio Presentation: A session where you present key projects from your portfolio, explaining your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss your contributions, challenges, and learnings.

  • Technical/Skills Interview: A deeper dive into your UX/UI skills, potentially involving a design challenge or a discussion about specific design tools and methodologies.

  • Cross-functional Interview: An interview with potential team members (e.g., a Product Manager or Lead Developer) to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit.

  • Final Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and the company's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your UX/UI skills and process, especially those that align with the company's mission (e.g., complex data, translating technical concepts).

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the constraints, your design process, the solutions you proposed, and the results (quantitative if possible, qualitative otherwise).

  • Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, user research, iteration, and how you arrived at your final designs. Show your understanding of user needs and business objectives.

  • Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mock-ups and prototypes.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which could be a take-home assignment or a live exercise. Focus on understanding the prompt, identifying key user needs, and demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving.

  • Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining the "why" behind your choices.

  • Research TauRx Therapeutics' mission and industry to better understand the context of their digital products and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "translating complex concepts" and "scientific data" in the responsibilities suggests that any portfolio project or design challenge should ideally showcase an ability to handle complexity, not just straightforward UI design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD (Proficiency in at least one is mandatory).

  • Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Zoom, Email.

  • Project Management: Likely tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar, used in conjunction with product managers and developers.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly stated as a primary responsibility for the designer, familiarity with how analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) inform design decisions is beneficial. The designer will need to interpret user behavior data to refine interfaces. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant to the UX/UI Designer role, but understanding how customer data might influence user personas or product features could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is increasingly becoming the industry standard, especially for remote teams due to its collaborative features. Highlighting experience with Figma in your application or portfolio would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Impact-Driven: A strong commitment to the company's mission of combating neurodegenerative diseases, translating into a focus on delivering solutions that genuinely help users.

  • User-Centricity: A core belief in prioritizing user needs and feedback in all design and development decisions.

  • Innovation: A culture that encourages novel approaches to complex problems, particularly in scientific research and data interpretation.

  • Collaboration: A value placed on teamwork, open communication, and the ability to work effectively across diverse functional groups (science, tech, product).

  • Integrity & Rigor: Given the scientific nature of the work, a commitment to accuracy, thoroughness, and ethical practices is likely paramount.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with scientists to understand complex domain knowledge and with developers to ensure feasible and efficient implementation of designs.

  • Iterative Feedback: A culture where design concepts are shared early and often, with constructive feedback sought from all team members.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing design best practices, research findings, and new tools/techniques within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission is a significant cultural driver. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they align with this mission and how it influences their approach to design. A collaborative spirit is essential for bridging the gap between technical and scientific domains.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Scientific Complexity: The primary challenge will be to effectively simplify and visualize highly complex scientific data and concepts for various user groups, ensuring accuracy and ease of understanding.

  • Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration with geographically dispersed team members and stakeholders requires proactive effort and excellent digital communication skills.

  • Balancing User Needs with Scientific Rigor: Ensuring that user-friendly interfaces do not compromise the scientific accuracy or integrity of the data and research processes.

  • Defining a Design System for a Niche Field: Developing and maintaining a design system that can accommodate the unique needs of scientific research applications while remaining user-friendly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of neurodegenerative disease research, biotech, and pharmaceutical product development.

  • Specialized UX: Develop advanced skills in designing for complex data visualization, scientific research tools, and regulated environments (if applicable).

  • Impactful Projects: Work on projects with a direct and profound societal impact, contributing to the fight against major diseases.

  • Agile/Remote Team Dynamics: Hone skills in working effectively within agile, remote, and cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the unique industry. Candidates who can frame these challenges as opportunities for growth and problem-solving will stand out.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you approach designing a dashboard for researchers to visualize protein aggregation data?" (Focus on data visualization, user needs, and scientific context.)

  • "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical or scientific concept into a user-friendly design. What was your process?" (Assess your ability to handle complexity and communicate your methodology.)

  • "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints or business requirements in your design process?" (Evaluates your problem-solving and negotiation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about TauRx Therapeutics' mission to combat Alzheimer's disease?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and alignment with the company's purpose.)

  • "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as scientists and developers?" (Assess your communication and teamwork skills in a cross-functional setting.)

  • "Describe your experience working in a fully remote environment. What strategies do you use to stay productive and connected?" (Highlight your self-management and remote collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.

  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or evidence of how your designs improved user experience, efficiency, or achieved business goals.

  • Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific design choices, trade-offs you made, and how you handled feedback or challenges.

  • Showcase Adaptability: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt your design approach to different user groups, industries, or technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your portfolio presentation and answers to emphasize your ability to handle complex information and your motivation for working in a mission-driven scientific organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this remote UX/UI Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on TradesApp's Teamtailor platform.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your strongest UX/UI projects that showcase your design process, problem-solving skills, and ideally, experience with complex data or technical concepts. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your role and the impact of your work.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "UX/UI Designer," "wireframing," "prototyping," "user research," "Figma/Sketch/Adobe XD," and any experience in healthcare or life sciences. Quantify your achievements where possible.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on telling a compelling story about your design process and outcomes. Be ready to explain your rationale for design decisions.

  • Research the Company: Understand TauRx Therapeutics' mission, their work in neurodegenerative disease research, and their general industry. This will help you articulate your interest and tailor your responses during interviews.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Proven experience in UX/UI design with a strong portfolio demonstrating design process. Proficiency in industry-standard design tools and user-centered design principles.