Senior Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Researcher

Company: La Victoria Lab

Location: Lima, Peru

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Research Operations

Date Posted: August 24, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead impactful design research initiatives that directly influence product and business strategy, ensuring user-centricity in decision-making.

• Translate complex qualitative and quantitative data into compelling narratives and actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

• Drive the evolution of research methodologies, including the integration of AI tools, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and evidence-based decision-making within product and business teams.

• Develop and maintain robust research processes and documentation to ensure rigor and reproducibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job title is "Senior Design Researcher," this role has significant overlap with operations functions, particularly in how research findings are operationalized into business decisions and how research processes are systematized. Therefore, it's categorized under "Product Design & Research Operations" to reflect this dual nature. The emphasis on "Research Operations" is derived from the detailed description of how research should be conducted, documented, and integrated into business workflows, aiming for tangible business impact and repeatable processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute qualitative research studies to deeply understand user behaviors, needs, and motivations beyond stated preferences.

• Analyze and interpret quantitative data with critical rigor, identifying limitations and ensuring conclusions are evidence-based.

• Synthesize large volumes of diverse research materials into clear, defensible interpretations and actionable insights.

• Develop compelling narratives supported by data to communicate research findings effectively to product, marketing, and strategy teams.

• Translate research insights into testable hypotheses and strategic recommendations for product development and business initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including product managers, designers, data analysts, and business leaders, adapting communication style to their needs and contexts.

• Proactively identify opportunities to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into the research workflow for analysis, synthesis, and documentation, critically evaluating their utility and limitations.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive research documentation to ensure clarity, traceability, and the ability for others to replicate or build upon the work.

• Facilitate workshops and presentations to share research findings and guide decision-making processes.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers or team members on research methodologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to highlight the operational aspects of research: not just conducting studies, but ensuring their findings are actionable, integrated, and repeatable. This includes synthesis, storytelling, stakeholder alignment, and process documentation, all crucial for operationalizing research. The emphasis on AI integration and hypothesis testing points to a forward-looking, process-driven approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in design research, user research, or a similar role, with a demonstrated track record of influencing product and business decisions.

• Proven experience in designing and conducting a variety of qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, ethnography, usability testing, diary studies).

• Experience with quantitative data analysis and interpretation, including surveys, A/B testing results, and behavioral data.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex and ambiguous information into clear, concise, and actionable insights. Required Skills:

• Qualitative Research Design & Execution: Proficiency in designing and conducting user interviews, ethnography, usability testing, and other qualitative methods to uncover deep user insights.

• Quantitative Data Analysis: Ability to interpret survey data, behavioral analytics, and other quantitative measures to support qualitative findings and identify trends.

• Synthesis & Insight Generation: Strong ability to process and synthesize large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data into clear, compelling, and actionable insights.

• Data Storytelling & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to craft narratives that effectively convey research findings and their implications to diverse audiences.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to collaborate with and influence cross-functional teams, including product, design, marketing, data, and leadership.

• Business Acumen: Understanding of business objectives and how research can drive strategic decisions and impact business outcomes.

• Problem Framing: Skill in translating broad business questions into focused research objectives and methodologies.

• AI Tool Proficiency (Criterion-Based): Experience or strong interest in leveraging AI tools for research tasks, with a critical approach to their application and output.

• Documentation & Process Improvement: Ability to document research processes and findings clearly, contributing to the development of repeatable research operations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with mixed-methods research approaches.

• Familiarity with advanced statistical analysis techniques.

• Experience in fast-paced, agile environments.

• Knowledge of design thinking methodologies.

• Experience in the consumer goods or related industries.

• Familiarity with product development lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the "Senior" title and the breadth of responsibilities, suggesting a need for significant autonomy and strategic contribution. The skills are tailored to emphasize the operational aspects of research, such as synthesis, storytelling, stakeholder management, and process documentation, which are critical for turning research into actionable business intelligence. The AI proficiency is framed as "criterion-based" to align with the job description's emphasis on critical evaluation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Impact: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating how your research directly influenced product or business decisions, leading to measurable outcomes.

• Methodological Diversity: Include examples of research projects that utilized a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, highlighting your adaptability.

• Synthesis & Storytelling Examples: Present clear examples of how you synthesized complex data into compelling narratives and actionable insights, ideally with visual aids or presentation excerpts.

• Problem-Solution Frameworks: Demonstrate your ability to frame ambiguous problems and translate research findings into clear hypotheses or strategic recommendations.

• Collaboration & Influence: Provide evidence of how you collaborated with cross-functional teams and influenced their strategies or decisions based on your research.

Process Documentation:

• Research Design & Planning: Examples of how you develop research plans, define objectives, and select appropriate methodologies based on business needs and research questions.

• Data Collection & Management: Show how you ensure the quality and rigor of data collected, including participant recruitment, data recording, and ethical considerations.

• Analysis & Synthesis Documentation: Illustrate your approach to analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, including how you document your synthesis process and the emergence of insights.

• Reporting & Communication Protocols: Examples of how you document and present research findings, including executive summaries, detailed reports, and engaging presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is designed to guide candidates on how to present their work in a way that aligns with operations principles: demonstrating impact, methodological rigor, clear communication, and process thinking. The emphasis on documentation and repeatable processes is key for a role that aims to build institutional knowledge and evolve research practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Researchers in Lima, Peru, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is PEN 90,000 - PEN 150,000. This range accounts for the complexity of the role, the need for strategic impact, and the cost of living in Lima.

• Research Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing salary data for similar roles in the Peruvian market, considering factors such as company size (inferred from La Victoria Lab's likely scale as a significant consumer-facing organization), years of experience, and the specialized nature of design research.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development Budget: Allocation for training, conferences, and workshops to enhance research skills and stay abreast of industry trends.

• Hybrid Work Flexibility: Structured hybrid model allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Financial protection for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring the work week, with an expectation of consistent collaboration and availability during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on location (Lima, Peru), role seniority (Senior), and years of experience (5-10). Benefits are typical for a full-time professional role and are tailored to appeal to operations-minded individuals who value professional growth and structured work environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Goods / Technology / Innovation (La Victoria Lab likely operates at the intersection of traditional consumer goods with technological innovation).

Company Size: Medium to Large (Inferred from the need for a dedicated Senior Design Researcher and the potential impact described). This size suggests established processes but also room for innovation and individual contribution.

Founded: (Specific founding date not provided, but La Victoria Lab implies a long-standing presence in the Peruvian market, potentially with a forward-looking innovation arm).

Team Structure:

• Research Team: Likely part of a Product or Innovation department, working closely with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, Data Scientists, and Marketing teams.

• Reporting Structure: Expected to report to a Head of Product, Director of Design, or a similar senior leadership role overseeing product strategy and user experience.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: High degree of collaboration is expected, with research findings serving as a critical input for multiple departments. The role acts as a bridge between user understanding and business strategy.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core principle where research findings and data analytics inform strategic choices.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Research is likely integrated into agile sprints, providing continuous feedback and validation.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Peruvian consumers.

• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouragement to explore new methods, technologies (like AI), and product ideas.

Company Website: lavictoria.pe (Inferred from domain).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is built by inferring from the company name ("La Victoria Lab") and the nature of the role. "Lab" suggests an innovation focus, while "La Victoria" implies a strong connection to the Peruvian consumer market. This blend suggests a company that values both tradition and forward-thinking, which impacts how research is integrated into operations and strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is positioned as a subject matter expert responsible for driving significant research initiatives and influencing strategy, rather than managing a team directly. It requires a high degree of autonomy and strategic thinking.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically reports to a Director or VP of Product, Design, or Innovation.

• Close collaboration with Product Managers, UX Designers, Data Analysts, and Marketing leads. Operations Impact:

• The primary impact is through informing and shaping product roadmaps, marketing strategies, and overall business direction by providing deep user understanding.

• Success is measured by the extent to which research insights lead to demonstrably better product-market fit, improved user experiences, and successful business outcomes.

• This role operationalizes user understanding into tangible business value. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, user segments, or product areas.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Design Researcher role, managing research projects and potentially mentoring junior researchers.

• Strategic Influence: Move into product strategy, product management, or innovation roles where deep user insight is paramount.

• Process Development: Lead initiatives to scale and professionalize research operations within the organization.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Utilize deep user understanding to move into broader business strategy or marketing leadership positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on how a Senior Design Researcher role contributes to the operational effectiveness of a business and outlines potential career trajectories within or beyond a specialized research function. The emphasis is on the tangible, operational impact of research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern office environment with dedicated collaborative spaces, individual workstations, and potentially specialized research facilities (e.g., usability labs, interview rooms).

Office Location(s): Lima, Peru. This implies a vibrant urban setting with access to a diverse population for research.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: Designed to foster interaction with product teams, designers, and data specialists. Open-plan areas and meeting rooms facilitate cross-functional discussions.

• Tool-Rich: Access to necessary research tools, software, and potentially AI-powered research platforms.

• User-Focused: Environment that encourages empathy and understanding of the end-user, potentially through display of user personas, journey maps, or research findings.

• Hybrid Model: A structured approach to hybrid work, balancing in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• Flexibility within the hybrid model to manage personal needs while ensuring availability for team collaboration and critical research activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described to reflect a professional, hybrid setting conducive to collaborative research and operational efficiency. The focus is on how the physical and structural elements support the research and operational goals of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your background, research philosophy, and alignment with the role's objectives. Focus on your approach to problem-solving and influencing decisions.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A deep dive into your portfolio, presenting 1-2 key projects that demonstrate your research process, synthesis skills, and impact. Expect questions on methodology, challenges, and outcomes.

• Skills-Based Assessment/Exercise: Potentially a take-home assignment or a live exercise simulating a research problem, requiring you to outline a research approach or analyze a dataset.

• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Data Analysts) to assess your collaboration style and ability to communicate research effectively.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business or product problem, your research approach, the insights derived, and the tangible impact of your work. Quantify outcomes whenever possible.

• Showcase Process: Detail your methodology, including how you framed research questions, selected methods, handled data, and synthesized findings.

• Highlight Synthesis & Storytelling: Demonstrate your ability to distill complex information into a clear, compelling narrative with strong evidence.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss challenges faced during research projects and how you navigated them.

• Tailor to La Victoria Lab: Research the company and its products. If possible, align your case study examples with their industry or user base.

• Prepare for AI Discussion: Be ready to discuss your thoughts on integrating AI into research, including its potential benefits and limitations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design: Practice designing a research plan for a hypothetical product or problem relevant to La Victoria Lab's business.

• Data Interpretation: Be prepared to interpret mock data (qualitative or quantitative) and draw conclusions.

• Communication: Practice articulating complex research findings concisely and persuasively, as if presenting to a non-research audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a research role with operational responsibilities. It emphasizes portfolio content that demonstrates impact and process, and interview preparation that focuses on strategic thinking and communication.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey).

• Quantitative Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for analyzing survey data and user behavior (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• Synthesis & Collaboration Tools: Platforms for organizing research data, affinity mapping, and collaborative analysis (e.g., Miro, Mural, Dovetail, NVivo).

• Presentation Software: Proficient in creating clear and impactful presentations (e.g., Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote).

Analytics & Reporting:

• BI Tools: Experience with Business Intelligence tools for data visualization and dashboard creation (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus for understanding broader business data.

• CRM/Product Analytics: Understanding of how user data is tracked within CRM systems or product analytics platforms.

AI & Automation Support:

• AI-Powered Research Assistants: Familiarity with or willingness to explore AI tools for tasks such as transcription, sentiment analysis, summarizing large text datasets, or generating initial hypotheses. Examples could include tools like ChatGPT for text analysis, or specialized AI research platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects the blend of traditional research tools with modern data analysis and emerging AI capabilities, highlighting the operational and forward-thinking aspects of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Empathy: A genuine interest in understanding people and their contexts, driving deep user insight.

• Rigour & Integrity: Commitment to high-quality, evidence-based research that builds trust and credibility.

• Impact & Actionability: A focus on delivering insights that are not just interesting but directly actionable for business and product teams.

• Collaboration & Communication: Proactive engagement with stakeholders to ensure research is relevant, understood, and utilized.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to evolve research methods and processes, embracing new tools and approaches like AI.

• Adaptability & Agility: Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to adjust research plans based on evolving business needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Works as a strategic partner with product, design, marketing, and data teams, integrating research into their workflows.

• Consultative: Provides expert guidance on research methodologies and interpretation of findings.

• Transparent: Shares findings and processes openly to foster understanding and buy-in.

• Proactive: Initiates conversations and identifies research opportunities rather than waiting for requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are inferred to align with a role that bridges user understanding with business operations, emphasizing practical application, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging the Insight-Action Gap: Ensuring that research findings translate into concrete product or business changes, rather than remaining as theoretical insights.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Dealing with broad or undefined research requests and helping stakeholders clarify their needs.

• Communicating Complex Findings: Effectively conveying nuanced research insights to diverse audiences with varying levels of research literacy.

• Integrating AI Critically: Leveraging AI tools effectively without compromising research rigor or falling prey to their limitations.

• Balancing Depth and Speed: Delivering timely insights in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing the quality and depth of research.

• Building Research Infrastructure: Contributing to the development of standardized research processes and knowledge management systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Training in cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• AI in Research: Workshops and practical application of AI tools for research efficiency and effectiveness.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Deeper understanding of product management, UX design, and business strategy through close collaboration.

• Leadership Skills: Opportunities to lead research projects, mentor junior colleagues, and influence strategic direction.

• Industry Conferences: Attendance at leading research and UX conferences to stay current with industry trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed to highlight areas where strategic thinking and problem-solving are required, while growth opportunities are geared towards advancing within a research-focused or more broadly operational/strategic career path.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time your research findings fundamentally changed a product or business strategy. What was the process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on impact, influence, and process).

• "How do you approach a research brief that is broad or ill-defined? Walk me through your process for clarifying objectives and selecting methodologies." (Focus on problem framing and methodological rigor).

• "Imagine you have a large dataset from user interviews. How would you synthesize this into actionable insights for a product team? What tools or techniques would you use?" (Focus on synthesis, storytelling, and tool proficiency).

• "How do you balance the need for deep, qualitative understanding with the demand for quick, quantitative data in a fast-paced environment?" (Focus on mixed-methods, prioritization, and agility).

• "What are your thoughts on using AI in design research? Where do you see its biggest potential and its biggest risks?" (Focus on critical thinking and forward-looking approach). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about La Victoria Lab and our mission?" (Research the company's products, market position, and any stated values).

• "How do you ensure your research remains user-centric while also aligning with business objectives?" (Demonstrate understanding of both user needs and business realities).

• "Describe your ideal collaboration with product managers, designers, and data analysts. How do you ensure research is integrated effectively?" (Highlight cross-functional collaboration skills).

• "How do you contribute to building a strong research practice or operationalizing research within an organization?" (Showcase your understanding of research operations and process development). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives: the problem, your approach, the journey, the insights, and the impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, anonymized quotes, personas, journey maps, or data visualizations to illustrate your work.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in team projects.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, link your research to business metrics (e.g., increased conversion, reduced churn, improved satisfaction scores).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, alternative approaches, and how you handled challenges.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is geared towards a Senior Design Researcher role, emphasizing strategic thinking, methodological depth, communication skills, and the ability to demonstrate tangible impact and operationalize research.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided Lever link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating significant impact, methodological diversity, and strong synthesis/storytelling skills. Prioritize case studies that show how your research drove business decisions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key research skills, and achievements using operations-relevant keywords such as "insight generation," "stakeholder management," "process improvement," "data synthesis," and "strategic influence."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, insights, and impact using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare to discuss your approach to AI in research and your collaborative style. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research La Victoria Lab, its products, its market, and its mission. Understand their consumer base and any known business challenges or opportunities that research could address.

⚠️ 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.