Senior Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Researcher

Company: MYOB

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Permanent

Category: User Experience & Design Research

Date Posted: 2026-08-07T00:00:00

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end design research initiatives to deeply understand customer needs within MYOB's SME and Practice segments, driving informed product and design decisions.

• Apply a mastery of qualitative and mixed-method research techniques, blending them with quantitative signals to uncover actionable behavioral insights.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and analysts, translating complex research findings into clear, impactful direction for product development.

• Champion the responsible exploration and integration of AI-assisted tools within the research practice to enhance efficiency and decision-making speed.

• Leverage UX and product design skills to support problem framing, concept shaping, and overall customer experience contributions alongside design partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as "research-first" but also allows for flexing UX/product design skills. This suggests a hybrid role where deep research expertise is paramount, but a foundational understanding and practical application of design principles are also valued. The emphasis on AI in research indicates a forward-thinking team and a need for adaptability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive research studies across the entire product lifecycle, from initial discovery and ideation to solution validation and iteration.

• Conduct in-depth qualitative research, including user interviews, ethnographic studies, usability testing, and diary studies, to uncover underlying user needs, motivations, and pain points.

• Integrate quantitative data from analytics, A/B testing, customer feedback surveys, and other sources to build a holistic understanding of user behavior and product performance.

• Synthesize complex research findings into compelling narratives, actionable insights, and clear recommendations for product strategy, design, and development teams.

• Facilitate workshops and design thinking sessions to ensure research insights are effectively communicated and integrated into the product development process.

• Advocate for the customer by championing user-centered design principles and ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of decision-making.

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

• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in design research, particularly advancements in AI and their application to user research.

• Contribute to the refinement and continuous improvement of MYOB's research processes and toolkits.

• Partner with product managers and designers to define research objectives, scope, and methodologies that align with business goals and product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "flexing UX and product design skills" implies that the ideal candidate will not only conduct research but also contribute to the design process itself, potentially involving wireframing, prototyping, or providing design critiques, especially when working with Figma. This is a key differentiator for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Tertiary education in a UX-related field such as Cognitive Science, Psychology, Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related discipline is a plus. A Bachelor's degree is generally expected.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in user research, design research, or a closely related field, ideally within a product organization.

• Demonstrated experience in leading research initiatives from conception through to actionable outcomes.

• Proven track record of conducting and synthesizing both qualitative and quantitative research. Required Skills:

• Mastery of qualitative research methodologies (e.g., in-depth interviews, usability testing, ethnographic research, contextual inquiry).

• Proficiency in mixed-method research, understanding how to combine qualitative and quantitative data for richer insights.

• Experience translating research findings into clear, actionable product and design decisions that teams readily adopt.

• Strong facilitation and storytelling skills, with a proven ability to synthesize complex evidence into compelling narratives and presentations.

• Comfort and experience working with quantitative signals from analytics, experimentation, and customer feedback mechanisms.

• Collaborative mindset with a demonstrated ability to partner effectively with product managers, designers, engineers, and analytics teams.

• Ability to independently manage research initiatives within fast-paced product development environments.

• Working proficiency in Figma for design critique and potential contribution to design activities. Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience with AI-assisted research tools and a genuine curiosity about their application in the field.

• Experience across the full product lifecycle, from early discovery to solution validation.

• Familiarity with A/B testing principles and experimental design.

• Experience in the SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) or Practice segments of the business software market.

• Exposure to UX or product design activities beyond research, such as wireframing or prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "plus" for a tertiary education in a UX-related field suggests that practical experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating research capabilities might outweigh formal academic qualifications for exceptional candidates. The explicit mention of "working proficiency in Figma" is a critical technical skill requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a range of research projects, clearly demonstrating your ability to define research problems, select appropriate methodologies, execute studies, and deliver actionable insights.

• Case studies that highlight your experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, detailing the context, your role, the methods used, key findings, and the impact of your research on product decisions.

• Examples of how you have translated complex behavioral insights into clear product and design recommendations that teams have acted upon.

• Demonstrations of your ability to work with quantitative data and integrate it with qualitative findings to create a comprehensive understanding.

• Evidence of your experience with AI-assisted research tools, if applicable, showcasing how you've leveraged them to improve research outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Examples of research plans and study designs that illustrate your strategic approach to research questions.

• Documentation of how you've synthesized research findings into reports, presentations, or other artifacts that effectively communicate insights to diverse stakeholders.

• Evidence of your process for collaborating with product, design, and engineering teams to ensure research is integrated seamlessly into the product development workflow.

• Demonstrations of your approach to managing research initiatives independently, including project planning, stakeholder communication, and timeline management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on translating insights into actionable decisions is a key indicator of what MYOB values in its researchers. Portfolios should highlight not just the research conducted, but the tangible impact and influence it had on product development and business outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on MYOB's standing as a leading business management software provider in Australia, the Senior Design Researcher role in Melbourne, with an estimated 5-10 years of experience, would typically command a competitive salary.

• Estimated Range: AUD $120,000 - $170,000 per annum, depending on experience, qualifications, and specific skill set.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level UX/Design Research positions in major Australian tech hubs like Melbourne, considering the company's size and market position. It also factors in the hybrid work model and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits:

• Flexible, hybrid workplace promoting work-life balance.

• Home office setup assistance to ensure a productive remote work environment.

• Access to corporate discounts and vouchers from top retailers.

• Comprehensive wellbeing support through partnership with Sonder.

• Opportunities for professional development, including in-house training, LinkedIn Learning, conference attendance, and study assistance.

• Generous leave options, such as purchased leave (up to an additional four weeks), parental leave, domestic violence leave, transgender leave, community leave, and study leave.

• Active participation in company communities focused on Wellness, Belonging, and the Planet.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate for the Australian market for a Senior Design Researcher. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's internal compensation structure. The comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Management Software, Financial Technology (FinTech), Software as a Service (SaaS). MYOB operates in a dynamic and competitive market, providing essential tools for Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) and accounting practices in Australia and New Zealand. The company's purpose is to help businesses start, survive, and succeed, highlighting a customer-centric and impact-driven mission.

Company Size: MYOB is a large, established organization, indicated by its significant presence in the market and comprehensive benefits package. This suggests a structured environment with opportunities for career progression and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: MYOB was founded in 1991, giving it a long history and deep understanding of the Australian and New Zealand business landscape. This longevity implies stability and a mature approach to its products and customer base.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Researcher will likely be part of a broader Product or Design team, working closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, UX Researchers, and Engineers.

• The reporting structure is expected to be within a product division or a dedicated UX/Design function, with potential for peer collaboration across different product areas.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with the researcher acting as a bridge between customer insights and product development teams, including engineering and analytics. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The team relies heavily on data-driven decision-making, integrating qualitative research insights with quantitative signals from product analytics and customer feedback.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: A focus on improving internal processes and optimizing the product development lifecycle through user-centered feedback loops.

• Automation and Efficiency: Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, to streamline research processes and accelerate the delivery of insights.

Company Website: https://www.myob.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: MYOB's emphasis on "helping more businesses... start, survive and succeed" and "shaping the future of work" indicates a mission-driven culture. The "Everyone's Business" slogan suggests inclusivity and a broad impact. This context is crucial for understanding how the Design Research team contributes to the company's overall goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Researcher, indicating a mid-to-senior level professional with substantial experience (estimated 5-10 years). The role requires leadership in research initiatives, independent project management, and the ability to mentor others. It's a crucial individual contributor role that significantly influences product strategy and user experience.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Researcher will likely report to a Lead UX Researcher, Head of Design, Director of Product, or a similar senior leadership position within the product development organization. This structure allows for strategic guidance and integration with broader product initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Researcher plays a vital role in shaping MYOB's product strategy by providing deep customer understanding. Their insights directly influence product roadmaps, feature development, and the overall user experience for millions of Australian and New Zealand businesses, contributing to customer satisfaction, retention, and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized research methodologies, advanced qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, and emerging research technologies, including AI applications.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a Lead Researcher or Research Manager role, overseeing a team, setting research strategy, and influencing organizational research practices. Opportunities may also exist to lead cross-functional research initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop stronger product management or UX design skills, potentially moving into hybrid roles or exploring adjacent product development areas within MYOB.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to the broader design research community through presentations, publications, or internal knowledge sharing, enhancing personal and company reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "flexing UX and product design skills" aspect offers a unique growth path towards a more hybrid Product Designer/Researcher role, or even a Senior Product Designer role, depending on the candidate's interests and performance. The company's commitment to learning and development suggests a supportive environment for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: MYOB operates a hybrid work model, meaning the role is based in their Melbourne office but allows for remote work. This suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration, with spaces for focused work, team meetings, and client interactions, balanced with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Melbourne, Australia, likely in a central business district area, offering accessibility via public transport. The hybrid model means employees are expected to be in the office for specific days or for key collaborative events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster collaboration, with dedicated meeting spaces, open-plan areas, and informal gathering spots to encourage interaction between product, design, engineering, and research teams.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard research tools, design software (including Figma), analytics platforms, and collaboration suites. The company's commitment to AI in research implies investment in relevant technologies.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues in the Melbourne office, facilitating brainstorming, feedback sessions, and team building, alongside virtual collaboration tools for remote interactions.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively around research cycles, analysis periods, and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role emphasizes the need for strong self-management, effective communication across different work settings, and the ability to leverage both in-person and virtual collaboration tools to their fullest potential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on relevant experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): A discussion to assess your experience, research philosophy, approach to problem-solving, and understanding of UX/design research principles. This stage often includes behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation & Deep Dive: A crucial stage where you will present a selection of your best work, highlighting your process, methodologies, insights, and impact. This is an opportunity to showcase your ability to translate research into actionable outcomes. Expect detailed questions about your case studies.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Engineers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within the team and MYOB.

• Final Interview (Senior Leadership): A final discussion, potentially with a Director or VP, to confirm strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research capabilities, diverse methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method), and significant impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research questions, your chosen methodology and why, key findings, the resulting insights, and the tangible impact on the product or business. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your research process, from planning and recruitment to analysis and synthesis. Show how you adapted your approach based on constraints or new learnings.

• Showcase Collaboration: Demonstrate how you partnered with design, product, and engineering teams. Include examples of how you presented findings and influenced decisions.

• AI Integration: If you have experience with AI-assisted tools, be prepared to discuss how you've used them, the benefits, and any considerations for responsible use.

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, even if it's primarily for reviewing designs or providing feedback, and how you've collaborated with designers using this tool.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Questions: Be prepared to discuss your preferred research methods for different scenarios and justify your choices.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: You might be given a hypothetical product challenge and asked how you would approach researching it.

• Insight Translation: Be ready to explain how you turn raw data into actionable insights and recommendations.

• Company Research: Understand MYOB's products, target audience (SME and Practice segments), and recent company news. Consider how design research contributes to their mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most critical part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should treat it as an opportunity to demonstrate not just their research skills, but their strategic thinking and ability to drive business impact through user insights.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (required working proficiency), potentially Sketch or Adobe XD.

• Research Platforms: Tools for user interviews, usability testing (e.g., Lookback, UserTesting.com), survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Confluence, Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar tools for documentation and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web & Product Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar tools for understanding user behavior and product usage.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboarding tools for presenting quantitative data.

• Customer Feedback Tools: Platforms for collecting and analyzing customer feedback (e.g., Zendesk, Intercom, dedicated feedback portals).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Salesforce or similar for understanding customer segments and sales data.

• Automation Tools: While not directly a primary research tool, understanding how automation impacts user experience or data collection could be beneficial.

• Integration Tools: Familiarity with how different systems (CRM, analytics, research platforms) integrate to provide a unified view of the customer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "working proficiency in Figma" is a key technical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with this tool, especially in collaboration with designers. The mention of AI-assisted tools suggests that familiarity with emerging technologies in this space will be highly regarded.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of MYOB's SME and Practice customers. This translates to research that directly informs user-centric product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing rigorous research and data analysis to inform strategic choices and reduce uncertainty in product development.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across product, design, engineering, and analytics teams to ensure insights are integrated effectively.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing new methodologies and technologies, particularly AI, to enhance research practice and drive continuous improvement.

• Impact and Ownership: Taking responsibility for research outcomes and ensuring that insights lead to tangible positive changes for users and the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The research team actively collaborates with product managers to define strategy, designers to co-create solutions, and engineers to understand technical feasibility.

• Process Review and Feedback: An open culture where research processes are regularly reviewed and improved, with constructive feedback encouraged among team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: A strong emphasis on sharing research findings, methodologies, and best practices across teams and the wider organization through presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: MYOB's values, as highlighted in their company description ("Your Work Matters," "Everyone's Business"), suggest a culture that values purpose, impact, and inclusivity. The emphasis on "backing people to be their true selves" indicates a commitment to diversity and psychological safety within teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating AI Responsibly: Navigating the ethical considerations and practical application of AI tools in research to ensure rigor and avoid bias, while also leveraging their efficiency benefits.

• Balancing Speed and Depth: Meeting the demands of fast-paced product development cycles without sacrificing the thoroughness and depth required for truly impactful research.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Effectively combining qualitative insights with complex quantitative data from various sources to form a coherent and actionable understanding of user behavior.

• Driving Organizational Change: Championing user-centered perspectives and ensuring research findings consistently influence product strategy and design decisions across different teams and stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Access to continuous learning resources, including internal training, LinkedIn Learning, and opportunities to attend industry conferences to stay at the forefront of design research trends.

• Industry Exposure: Potential for participation in industry events and study assistance programs to deepen knowledge and network within the UX and product design community.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders and to mentor junior team members, developing leadership capabilities and contributing to the growth of the research practice within MYOB.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicit mention of AI transforming the research landscape presents both a challenge and a significant growth opportunity for researchers to become early adopters and thought leaders in this evolving field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product roadmap based on your research findings. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data synthesis, communication, and impact).

• "How do you approach balancing qualitative and quantitative research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of user needs?" (Highlight your methodology selection criteria and integration skills).

• "Imagine we're considering launching a new AI-powered feature for our accounting software. How would you approach researching its potential adoption and usability?" (Demonstrate your strategic research planning, considering both new technology and target audience). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about MYOB's mission to help businesses start, survive, and succeed?" (Connect your passion for user advocacy to MYOB's purpose).

• "How do you foster collaboration with product managers and engineers who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Showcase your communication and stakeholder management skills).

• "How do you ensure your research directly impacts product decisions and contributes to business objectives?" (Focus on actionable insights and ROI). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Goals -> Research Questions -> Methodology -> Key Findings -> Insights -> Recommendations -> Impact/Outcome.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in feature adoption," "reduced user errors by 20%").

• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, quotes) to make your presentation engaging and easier to understand.

• Figma Context: Be prepared to discuss how you've used Figma, even if it was to review designs or provide feedback to designers. Explain your collaborative process with designers using this tool.

• AI Integration Discussion: If applicable, be ready to discuss your experience with AI-assisted tools, their benefits, limitations, and your perspective on their role in future research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about the impact of their research, not just the process. Demonstrating how their work led to tangible improvements for users and the business will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Design Researcher," "User Research," "Qualitative," "Quantitative," "Mixed-Method," "Figma," "AI-assisted tools," and "Product Lifecycle." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-4 impactful projects that demonstrate your end-to-end research process, diverse methodologies, and measurable business outcomes. Ensure it clearly showcases your ability to translate insights into action.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, clarity, and demonstrating the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and AI tools.

• Research MYOB: Understand their mission, products (SME and Practice segments), and recent company news. Consider how your research skills can contribute to their goals and customer success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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