Senior Specialist, UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Specialist, UX Designer

Company: MSD

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design, Product Development

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for a cutting-edge data marketplace product, driving user-centric solutions from concept to implementation.

• Facilitate critical Problem Discovery workshops to deeply understand and prioritize user needs and business challenges within the biopharma and healthcare sectors.

• Develop comprehensive visual design artifacts, including wireframes, mock-ups, and interactive prototypes, to effectively communicate design intent and user flows.

• Collaborate closely with Business Product Managers (BPMs), Technical Product Managers (TPMs), and UI teams to ensure seamless integration of UX principles into the overall product strategy.

• Champion user-centered design methodologies and best practices across cross-functional teams, influencing product direction and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Specialist, implying a level of autonomy and expertise in UX design, with a focus on leadership within problem discovery and design execution. The emphasis on a "data marketplace product" and the company's "biopharma" and "healthcare" industry context suggests the need for strong analytical thinking and an understanding of complex data ecosystems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Problem Discovery workshops, employing methodologies like Design Thinking, to identify and prioritize key business problems and unmet user needs.

• Translate complex business requirements and user insights into intuitive and effective user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designs.

• Create high-fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed mock-ups using industry-standard tools like Figma to visualize user flows and interface elements.

• Collaborate effectively with Business Product Managers (BPMs) and Technical Product Managers (TPMs) to define product roadmaps, feature sets, and user stories.

• Partner with UI development teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and ongoing support throughout the development lifecycle.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles, conducting user research and usability testing to validate design decisions and iterate on solutions.

• Stay abreast of the latest UX/UI trends, tools, and best practices, and integrate them into the team's design process to foster innovation.

• Contribute to the broader MSD XD (Experience Design) community, sharing knowledge, participating in design reviews, and promoting a culture of design excellence.

• Support the development and maintenance of design systems and style guides to ensure consistency and scalability across products.

• Prepare and present design concepts, user research findings, and strategic recommendations to stakeholders, including leadership, product teams, and development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of hands-on design execution, strategic thinking in problem discovery, and collaborative leadership. The explicit mention of "Mural" for workshops and "Figma" for design indicates specific tool proficiency requirements that are central to the role's daily operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of proven experience as a UX Lead or Senior UX Designer is essential, demonstrating a solid track record in delivering successful user-centered designs.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows with development teams.

• Expert proficiency in Mural for facilitating collaborative workshops, including Problem Discovery sessions and design thinking exercises.

• Mandatory Design Thinking certification is required, showcasing a foundational understanding of user-centered problem-solving methodologies.

• Proven ability to create detailed wireframes, interactive mock-ups, and engaging demos that effectively communicate design concepts and user journeys.

• Strong facilitation skills for leading workshops, stakeholder interviews, and design review sessions.

• Excellent visual design skills, supported by a robust portfolio demonstrating a range of UX/UI design work, including wireframes, mock-ups, and interactive prototypes.

• Proficiency in user research methodologies and usability testing to gather insights and validate design decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Additional recognized UX certifications such as Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) UX Certification, UXQB Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience (CPUX), or equivalent are highly desirable.

• Experience with wireframing and prototyping tools like Balsamiq, Axure RP, or Adobe XD.

• Familiarity with collaboration and project management tools such as Jira and Confluence.

• Experience working within the pharmaceutical or other highly regulated industries.

• Understanding of agile product development methodologies and experience collaborating within agile teams.

• Experience working with distributed global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a Design Thinking certification and expert-level proficiency in Figma and Mural signifies critical technical and methodological competencies. The preferred certifications (NN/g, UXQB) indicate a desire for candidates with deep, formalized UX expertise, setting a high bar for candidates seeking this senior role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-10 years of UX/UI design experience, with a strong emphasis on projects involving complex data products or platforms.

• Demonstrate end-to-end design process, from initial problem discovery and user research through to final UI design, prototyping, and collaboration with development teams.

• Include specific case studies that highlight successful Problem Discovery workshops facilitated by the candidate, detailing the methods used and the outcomes achieved.

• Showcase proficiency in creating detailed wireframes, interactive mock-ups, and user flow diagrams that clearly articulate design solutions.

• Provide examples of how user-centered design principles were applied to solve specific business problems and improve user experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in documenting design processes, including user journey maps, personas, and usability testing reports.

• Examples of how design decisions were informed by data analysis, user feedback, and strategic business objectives.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to collaborate with technical teams for seamless design implementation, including providing clear design specifications and asset handoffs.

• Showcase ability to contribute to or maintain design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability of user interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio showcasing Problem Discovery, specific tool proficiency (Figma, Mural), and detailed process documentation is crucial for this role. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process with concrete examples of impact and collaboration, particularly within complex, data-driven environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior Specialist level, location in Hyderabad, India, and the specialized skill set (UX Lead, Design Thinking, Figma, Mural), the estimated annual salary range is between ₹2,000,000 and ₹3,500,000 (approximately $24,000 - $42,000 USD, subject to exchange rates). This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/UI designers in major Indian tech hubs, considering the advanced technical skills and leadership responsibilities required.

Benefits:

• Continuous Learning: Access to ongoing training programs, workshops, and educational resources to expand UX/UI expertise and stay current with industry advancements.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for attending industry conferences, obtaining advanced certifications, and participating in professional networking events.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Generous company contributions to a provident fund or similar retirement savings scheme.

• Paid Time Off: Ample vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to work remotely and from the office, promoting a balanced work environment.

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

• Performance-Based Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a balance of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. Specific in-office days may be determined by team needs and project cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for Hyderabad, India, is based on data from reputable job boards and salary comparison websites, adjusted for the senior level and specialized technical requirements. The benefits list is a standard offering for multinational corporations in India, with specific emphasis on learning and development as highlighted in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical & Healthcare (Biopharma)

MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) is a leading global biopharmaceutical company with a 130-year legacy. Its operations span prescription medicines, vaccines, and animal health products. The company is deeply invested in digital transformation and data-driven decision-making to address significant global health challenges. This context implies a culture that values innovation, scientific rigor, ethical integrity, and a strong sense of mission.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Global presence with thousands of employees worldwide)

Working within a large, established enterprise like MSD means access to extensive resources, global collaboration opportunities, and structured career paths. For UX designers, this translates to working on impactful, large-scale projects with significant user bases, often within regulated environments that demand meticulous design and compliance.

Founded: 1891 (as Merck & Co., Inc.)

With over a century of history, MSD has a deep-rooted culture of innovation and a commitment to scientific advancement. This long-standing presence suggests a stable yet forward-thinking organization that values expertise and long-term impact.

Team Structure:

• The UX Lead will be part of the Business Product Management team supporting the Discover Product Line. This team likely includes Business Product Managers (BPMs) and Technical Product Managers (TPMs).

• The role involves close collaboration with UI teams and the broader MSD XD teams (Experience Design), suggesting a matrixed reporting structure where the UX Lead has functional reporting to design leadership and project-based reporting to product management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The company emphasizes using data, analytics, and insights to inform strategic choices and product development.

• User-Centered Design: A strong focus on understanding and addressing user needs through dedicated problem discovery and design processes.

• Digital Transformation: The organization is actively pursuing digital initiatives, indicating a culture that embraces technological advancement and innovation.

• Agile Product Development: While not explicitly stated for this role, the mention of TPMs and modern tech centers often implies an agile or hybrid agile development environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's deep roots in healthcare and biopharma, combined with its push for digital transformation, create a unique environment for UX designers. Candidates should understand that designs may need to adhere to stringent regulatory requirements and focus on complex data ecosystems that impact global health outcomes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Specialist / Lead

This role is positioned at a senior level, indicating significant responsibility and autonomy. It requires not only strong individual design skills but also the ability to lead design initiatives, facilitate complex workshops, and influence product direction. This level typically involves mentoring junior designers and acting as a subject matter expert.

Reporting Structure:

The Senior Specialist, UX Designer will report into the Business Product Management team, supporting the Discover Product Line. They will work closely with Business Product Managers (BPMs) and Technical Product Managers (TPMs). Functional guidance and alignment with UX best practices will come from the broader MSD XD teams. This structure allows for deep involvement in product strategy while maintaining strong connections to the design community.

Operations Impact:

The UX Lead's impact will be significant, directly shaping the user experience of the "Discover" data and analytics marketplace. By ensuring seamless discovery, quality assurance, and secure access to data, this role contributes to more efficient and effective data utilization across MSD. This ultimately drives better business decisions, accelerates research and development, and supports the company's mission to advance global healthcare. The ability to influence product strategy and user adoption is a key aspect of this role's impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a UX Manager or Design Lead role, overseeing larger teams or more strategic design initiatives within MSD.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like data visualization UX, complex enterprise systems design, or user research within the pharmaceutical domain.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into Product Management, Technical Product Management, or roles focused on digital strategy within the broader IT organization.

• Global Exposure: Work on projects with international scope, collaborating with teams across different regions and gaining exposure to global market needs.

• Skill Development: Continuous opportunities to enhance skills in cutting-edge UX tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies through company-provided training and certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Specialist" title, coupled with "Lead" responsibilities, suggests a potential stepping stone to formal leadership roles. The impact on a critical "data marketplace" within a large biopharma company offers a unique and substantial career trajectory for a UX professional.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model

MSD operates on a hybrid work arrangement, allowing employees to balance their work between the office and remote locations. This model aims to provide flexibility while fostering collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s):

• The primary location for this role is Hyderabad, Telangana, India, specifically within the HITEC City area, known as a major IT and business hub.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to engage with global teams, product managers, and technical experts.

• Access to a range of modern tools and technologies is standard, including advanced design software (Figma), collaboration platforms (Mural, Jira, Confluence), and other enterprise-level systems.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid model offers flexibility, but specific in-office days may be required for collaborative workshops, team meetings, and critical project phases, ensuring optimal synergy and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment in Hyderabad implies a need for strong self-management skills and the ability to effectively collaborate across different work settings. The emphasis on global collaboration within Tech Centers suggests a dynamic and interconnected workplace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to submit their portfolio for review. This may be followed by a technical interview focused on UX/UI design skills, problem-solving, and tool proficiency (Figma, Mural). Expect questions about design process, user research, and specific project experiences.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study may be assigned, requiring candidates to demonstrate their approach to a specific design problem, potentially involving problem discovery or wireframing. This might include presenting their solution and rationale.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews focusing on teamwork, collaboration, leadership style, conflict resolution, and how candidates handle specific workplace scenarios. Questions will probe alignment with MSD's values and culture.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership or key stakeholders to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and potential impact on the Discover product line.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI design skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience relevant to complex data products or enterprise software.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process you followed (including research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing), and the final outcome/impact.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your expertise with Figma and Mural. Include examples of collaborative workshop outputs and detailed Figma designs.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user satisfaction scores, increased task completion rates, reduced error rates, enhanced data discovery efficiency).

• Tell a Story: Present your projects in a narrative format, guiding the reviewer through your thought process and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research MSD, its mission, the biopharma/healthcare industry, and the concept of a "data marketplace." Understand the potential user types and their needs.

• Practice Problem Discovery: Be ready to facilitate a hypothetical Problem Discovery session. Think about techniques for uncovering user needs and business challenges.

• UX Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of core UX principles, heuristics, user research methods, and usability testing best practices.

• Tool Familiarity: Ensure you are comfortable with Figma for rapid prototyping and Mural for collaborative ideation. Be prepared to use these tools if required during a challenge.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your design decisions, trade-offs, and rationale concisely and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a Design Thinking certification and specific tools like Figma and Mural suggests that the interview process will heavily scrutinize practical application and methodological adherence. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to lead and execute within these frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert-level proficiency required for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. This is a core tool for interface creation and iteration.

• Mural: Expert-level proficiency required for facilitating collaborative workshops, brainstorming sessions, Problem Discovery, and design thinking activities. Essential for team ideation and alignment.

• Wireframing Tools: Proficiency in tools such as Balsamiq, Axure RP, or Adobe XD is preferred for creating low-to-mid fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes.

• User Research & Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Maze) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools that help visualize data and user behavior (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) can be advantageous for understanding user analytics and presenting insights.

• Web Analytics: Understanding of how to interpret data from web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform design decisions and measure user engagement.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with Jira and Confluence is a plus for collaborating with development teams, tracking tasks, and managing project documentation within an agile framework.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with general collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for communication and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for expert proficiency in Figma and Mural highlights these as critical technical skills. The mention of Jira and Confluence as "a plus" indicates they are highly valued and expected in a modern tech environment, particularly for roles involving cross-functional collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward Momentum: MSD fosters a culture that encourages pushing boundaries and seeking new solutions, aligning with the "inventing for life" mission. For UX, this means embracing novel design approaches and technologies.

• Ethical Integrity: A core value in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring all work, including design, is conducted with the highest ethical standards and compliance.

• Data-Driven Insights: Decisions are grounded in data and analytics, requiring UX professionals to leverage insights to inform design and measure impact. Process optimization is often driven by data.

• Collaboration & Belonging: MSD strives to create an inclusive environment where diverse teams can unite to achieve common goals, emphasizing shared success and mutual respect.

• Focus on Health & Well-being: As a healthcare company, there's an inherent focus on improving lives, which translates into designing user experiences that are helpful, accessible, and supportive.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close partnership with Product Management, Engineering, and other design disciplines. This involves active participation in team rituals, sharing feedback, and co-creating solutions.

• Design Thinking & Agile Principles: Collaboration likely follows structured frameworks such as Design Thinking for problem-solving and agile methodologies for iterative development.

• Global Teamwork: The company's distributed Tech Centers necessitate strong remote collaboration skills, clear communication, and cultural sensitivity when working with international colleagues.

• Open Feedback Culture: A willingness to give and receive constructive feedback is essential for continuous improvement in design quality and process efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values heavily influence how work is approached. For a UX designer, this means prioritizing user well-being, data-informed decision-making, and ethical considerations, all within a highly collaborative and global framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Data Ecosystems: Designing for a "data marketplace" in the biopharma industry involves understanding intricate data relationships, compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR), and diverse user needs (researchers, analysts, business stakeholders).

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: The constant need to align user-centric design with stringent business goals, regulatory constraints, and technical feasibility within a large enterprise.

• Driving Adoption of New Tools/Processes: Effectively championing new UX methodologies and design tools (like Mural and advanced Figma features) across teams that may be accustomed to older workflows.

• Global Collaboration Dynamics: Working effectively with distributed teams across different time zones, cultures, and communication styles requires strong intercultural communication and project management skills.

• Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements: The rapid evolution of UX tools and design practices requires continuous learning and adaptation to maintain best-in-class design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Certifications: Opportunities to pursue further certifications from recognized bodies like Nielsen Norman Group or UXQB to deepen expertise.

• Specialized Training: Access to training on emerging UX trends, AI in design, advanced data visualization techniques, and specific industry compliance standards.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning opportunities in product management, agile methodologies, and business strategy through collaboration and internal programs.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders within MSD or participate in mentorship programs to guide junior designers.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Support for attending leading UX and digital health conferences to network and stay current with industry innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to learning. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for both specialization and leadership within a leading global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a Problem Discovery workshop. What was the outcome, and how did you ensure user needs were prioritized?" (Preparation: Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on your facilitation skills, problem identification techniques, and the impact of the discoveries.)

• "How do you approach translating complex business requirements for a data product into intuitive user experiences?" (Preparation: Discuss your process, including user research, journey mapping, wireframing, and prototyping, emphasizing how you simplify complexity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about MSD and our mission? How do you see your UX design work contributing to our goals in global healthcare?" (Preparation: Research MSD's mission, recent news, and core values. Connect your passion for user-centered design to their impact.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends and best practices, particularly in areas like data visualization or enterprise software?" (Preparation: Mention specific resources, blogs, conferences, or communities you follow. Highlight your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each selected project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize the "why" behind your design decisions. Showcase your use of Figma for detailed design and Mural for collaborative ideation, providing visual examples.

• Quantify Results: Use metrics to demonstrate the success and ROI of your designs. If direct metrics are unavailable, discuss qualitative feedback or anticipated improvements.

• Tailor to MSD: Emphasize projects that involved complex data, enterprise solutions, or had a significant impact on user workflows. If you have experience in regulated industries, highlight it.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions about your process, design choices, and challenges. Maintain enthusiasm and a collaborative demeanor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating practical application of core UX skills, strategic thinking, collaborative abilities, and a clear understanding of MSD's industry and mission. Emphasizing specific tools like Figma and Mural in responses will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Specialist, UX Designer position at MSD:

• Submit your application through the official MSD careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with Figma, Mural, Problem Discovery workshops, and complex enterprise/data product design. Select case studies that best align with MSD's industry and the role's requirements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key skills (UX/UI Design, User Research, Prototyping, Design Thinking), and any relevant certifications (Design Thinking, NN/g, UXQB). Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method. Prepare to discuss your design process, rationale, and collaborative approach with specific examples. Be ready to present your portfolio and potentially a design challenge.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research MSD, its mission, values, and recent initiatives in digital transformation and healthcare. Understand the "Discover" product line's purpose and target users.

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