Senior User Researcher, Human Centered Design and Human Factors

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher, Human Centered Design and Human Factors

Company: Jobgether (for a partner company)

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Human Factors / Design Research

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives for critical digital government services, influencing user experience across millions of individuals.

• Apply human-centered design, usability, accessibility, and human factors principles to translate user insights into tangible service improvements.

• Serve as a technical leader for research teams, mentoring colleagues and upholding rigorous methodological standards in qualitative and quantitative research.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (designers, product managers, engineers, policy) and senior government stakeholders to drive impactful decisions.

• Contribute to mission-driven projects with high visibility, offering significant potential for leadership growth within the public sector technology domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for a partner company managed by Jobgether, meaning all application management and follow-up will be handled by the external client. The focus on "digital government services" and "public-sector systems" implies a need for understanding government procurement cycles, compliance requirements (like Section 508), and stakeholder management within bureaucratic structures.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategize, design, execute, analyze, and report on user research studies across the entire product lifecycle, from initial discovery to post-implementation validation.

• Select, advocate for, and implement appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies tailored to specific program objectives, timelines, and user needs.

• Conduct diverse research methods, including in-depth interviews, contextual inquiries, diary studies, various forms of usability testing, surveys, and statistical analysis.

• Ensure all research activities adhere to evidence-based practices, scientific rigor, ethical guidelines, and stringent methodological standards.

• Critically review and validate research findings, synthesis, and recommendations for accuracy, clarity, completeness, and relevance before presenting to government stakeholders.

• Perform comprehensive usability and accessibility evaluations, ensuring inclusivity for diverse user populations, including those with disabilities and varying digital literacy levels.

• Translate complex research data into clear, actionable, and practical recommendations for product, design, engineering, and policy teams.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure user needs are integrated into service and product development decisions.

• Lead technical discussions, workshops, and presentations for government stakeholders, communicating research insights with confidence and credibility.

• Advise stakeholders on established service design standards and digital accessibility practices, referencing federal guidelines such as the U.S. Web Design System and Section 508.

• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to fellow research professionals, promoting consistency, quality, and professional development.

• Support business development by contributing to proposal writing, providing background research, methodological recommendations, and study design input.

• Cultivate client relationships and contribute to a collaborative, mission-focused environment that prioritizes research-informed public sector outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "technical leader" and "mentoring" suggests this role requires not just strong individual research skills but also the ability to guide and uplift a team. The responsibility for "proposal development" indicates a potential need for business development acumen and experience in a consulting or professional services context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX), Psychology, Cognitive Science, Human Factors, Information Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Design Research, or a closely related field.

• An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline is considered advantageous. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience dedicated to conducting user research for digital products or services.

• Prior experience within federal or public-sector environments is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in digital service design and delivery, with a portfolio showcasing research that spans the entire service lifecycle from concept to continuous improvement.

• Proven track record of translating research findings into actionable recommendations that have demonstrably influenced product, service, or design decisions.

• Experience working effectively in fast-paced, mission-driven environments where research directly informs high-impact public services.

• Consulting or professional services experience, including managing client relationships and delivering research under fixed timelines, is preferred.

• Prior federal agency experience is highly desirable, particularly supporting agencies like the CDC, IRS, or DHS.

• Experience working in Agile or Scrum environments and collaborating with product and engineering teams through sprint-based delivery is advantageous.

• Experience mentoring or leading research teams across multiple studies, agencies, or programs is preferred. Required Skills:

• Strong command of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., interviews, contextual inquiry, diary studies, usability testing, surveys).

• Expertise in conducting usability and accessibility evaluations against recognized standards (e.g., Section 508).

• Exceptional written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex findings to senior stakeholders.

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, coupled with sound research judgment.

• Proven ability to operate effectively and deliver results in mission-driven environments.

• Experience collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams (product, design, engineering, policy, program management).

• U.S. citizenship and willingness to complete a full background check are mandatory due to federal contract requirements.

• Ability to meet eligibility requirements for a low-level government security investigation and access to sensitive information. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with federal customer experience and accessibility policies (e.g., Section 508, OMB digital experience guidance).

• DHS Trusted Tester experience is a plus.

• Familiarity with human factors engineering standards and tools (e.g., System Usability Scale).

• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., NN/g UX Research, CCXP, or comparable UX/usability credentials).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "U.S. citizenship" and "background check" is critical for roles involving federal contracts. The "preferred" skills highlight areas where candidates can differentiate themselves, particularly regarding specific government agencies and accessibility certifications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of user research projects, demonstrating end-to-end lifecycle experience from discovery to validation.

• Highlight projects specifically involving digital services, government systems, or public sector applications.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, chosen methodologies, key findings, and the impact of your recommendations on service design or product decisions.

• Demonstrate experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and the ability to synthesize findings from mixed-methods studies.

• Present evidence of conducting usability and accessibility evaluations, referencing specific standards or guidelines used.

• Provide examples of how research insights were translated into actionable recommendations for product, design, engineering, or policy teams. Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for planning and designing research studies, including stakeholder alignment and methodology selection.

• Illustrate your approach to ethical research conduct, data privacy, and ensuring rigor in data collection and analysis.

• Showcase your methods for synthesizing complex research data into clear, compelling narratives and actionable insights.

• Demonstrate your process for presenting findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including senior government stakeholders.

• Include examples of how you have mentored or guided junior researchers in their methodological approaches and study execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on government services and the "Senior" title, a portfolio must clearly demonstrate not just research execution but strategic thinking, methodological rigor, and a proven ability to influence decision-making within complex organizational structures. The inclusion of specific government standards (Section 508) is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 – $130,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage, with 100% of employee premiums covered.

• Vision coverage.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Flexible leave culture promoting work-life balance and personal needs.

• Floating holiday bank for personal observance.

• Generous retirement contributions with no vesting period after the first three months of employment.

• Dedicated training and professional development budgets for skill enhancement.

• Paid time off for volunteering and community involvement activities.

• Access to employee-led affinity groups.

• Discounts through a certified B Corp network for products and services.

• Mission-driven work focused on improving public services and community impact.

• Opportunities for growth into broader research and leadership roles. Working Hours:

• This is a fully remote position within the United States. While specific daily hours are not detailed, standard full-time engagement (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, with flexibility offered through the leave policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. The mention of a "certified B Corp network" suggests the partner company aligns with socially responsible business practices. The "Contingent position" note is critical: employment is dependent on contract award and client approval, which is common in government contracting.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Government Services / Consulting (for the partner company)

Company Size: Not specified, but the role is Senior and involves leading research, suggesting a mid-to-large size organization or a dedicated practice area.

Founded: Not specified.

Team Structure:

• The role requires collaboration with designers, product managers, engineers, policy specialists, and program management professionals within the client organization.

• As a Senior Researcher, you will also provide technical direction, coaching, and mentorship to other research professionals, indicating a potential research team structure or a matrixed reporting line.

• Close interaction with senior government stakeholders is a key aspect of the role. Methodology:

• The partner company emphasizes an AI-powered matching process for initial candidate review, followed by direct management by the client.

• Research methodologies are expected to be evidence-based, scientifically rigorous, and ethically sound.

• A strong focus on translating complex findings into practical, actionable recommendations for service and product improvement.

• Adherence to federal guidelines (U.S. Web Design System, Section 508) is a core part of the operational methodology.

Company Website: jobgether.com (for the platform), partner company website not specified.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI-powered matching process" by Jobgether is a unique aspect of the application flow. The partner company's culture likely reflects a blend of consulting best practices and the unique demands of public sector work, emphasizing impact, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Technical Lead. This role is positioned to lead research initiatives, mentor others, and provide expert guidance on human-centered design and human factors to government clients. It requires a high degree of autonomy and strategic input.

Reporting Structure: While the immediate reporting structure isn't detailed, the role involves leading technical discussions and mentoring, suggesting they will report to a research manager, program director, or a senior leader within the partner company's operations. Collaboration is heavily cross-functional with client teams.

Operations Impact: The impact is significant and direct: research findings will inform the design, development, and improvement of digital services and public-sector systems used by millions of people. This role directly contributes to enhancing user experience, accessibility, and efficiency in government operations, aligning with mission-driven objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into broader research leadership responsibilities, managing larger teams or entire research programs as contracts develop.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of human factors, accessibility, or digital transformation within the public sector.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger skills in client consultation and strategic advisory.

• Business Development: Contribute to proposal writing and new business acquisition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Contingent position" nature implies growth may be tied to the success and expansion of government contracts. The "Senior" title and leadership/mentorship responsibilities indicate a clear path toward more senior client-facing or team management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): United States. While fully remote, candidates must be based within the U.S. due to federal contract requirements. Specific time zone alignment might be preferred for collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Independence and Autonomy: A high degree of self-direction is expected, requiring strong time management and organizational skills.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with virtual collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, project management software, shared document platforms) is essential for seamless interaction with distributed teams and clients.

• Focus on Impact: The environment is mission-driven, focused on delivering tangible improvements to public services, fostering a sense of purpose.

• Client Interaction: Regular engagement with government stakeholders demands professionalism and clear communication.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected (approx. 40 hours/week), with flexibility offered through the company's leave policy. The remote nature allows for some flexibility in structuring the workday, but availability for key meetings and client engagements is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Contingent position" status means the role's permanence is tied to contract awards, which could introduce some instability but also opportunities for new projects and challenges.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial AI Screening: Jobgether's AI will perform an initial assessment based on your application against core requirements.

• Client Review: Shortlisted candidates will be shared directly with the partner company's hiring team.

• Client Interviews: Expect multiple rounds of interviews with the partner company. This will likely include:

  • Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: Focus on your experience, leadership capabilities, research methodology, and fit with the team.
  • Cross-functional Team Interview: Discussions with designers, product managers, or engineers to assess collaboration style and understanding of product development lifecycles.
  • Stakeholder/Client Interview: Potential discussions with senior government stakeholders or client representatives to gauge communication skills and ability to translate research for a non-technical audience.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a research case study or complete a take-home exercise simulating a real-world research challenge relevant to government services.

• Background Check: U.S. citizenship and successful completion of a government background check are mandatory.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your ability to lead research, apply human-centered principles, and drive impact in complex environments, ideally with public sector or digital service examples.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Problem: What was the user or business challenge?
  • Your Role: What specific responsibilities did you have?
  • Methodology: Which methods did you use and why?
  • Key Findings: What were the most critical insights?
  • Recommendations: What specific actions did you propose?
  • Impact: How did your work influence decisions and outcomes? Quantify where possible (e.g., "led to a X% improvement in task completion," "informed design changes that reduced user errors by Y%").

• Highlight Government Relevance: If possible, showcase projects that align with government services, accessibility standards (Section 508), or U.S. Web Design System principles.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of mentorship, technical guidance, or leading research initiatives.

• Be Ready to Present: Prepare a concise presentation (e.g., 15-20 minutes) of one or two key portfolio pieces, focusing on your strategic thinking and impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Research Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a research problem for a hypothetical government digital service. Think about methodology selection, stakeholder alignment, and potential challenges.

• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to defend your choice of research methods based on objectives, constraints, and ethical considerations.

• Accessibility Focus: Practice explaining how you incorporate accessibility into your research and design recommendations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you manage expectations, communicate complex findings, and build consensus with diverse stakeholders, including those in government.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI screening is the first hurdle. For the subsequent stages, focusing the portfolio and interview responses on government-specific challenges, accessibility, and demonstrable impact will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

• Collaboration Suites: Platforms for team communication and document sharing (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace).

• Design & Prototyping Tools (for collaboration): Familiarity with tools used by design and engineering teams (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) is beneficial for understanding their workflows and integrating research findings.

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and quantitative analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python libraries for statistical analysis).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker (Google Data Studio) for creating dashboards and reports from quantitative data.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Not Directly Applicable: While not a direct CRM/Automation role, understanding how user research data informs CRM strategies or marketing automation workflows could be a plus. Familiarity with how user feedback integrates into product roadmaps is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role primarily requires expertise in research methodologies and tools. Familiarity with the broader product development stack (design, engineering, analytics) is important for effective collaboration, rather than direct hands-on use of all tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs as the primary driver of service improvement.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on delivering research that leads to tangible, positive outcomes for citizens and government operations.

• Rigorous Methodology: Adherence to high standards of research design, execution, and analysis to ensure credibility and reliability.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Working effectively with diverse teams and ensuring research accounts for a wide range of users, including those with disabilities.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding ethical research practices and maintaining confidentiality.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying abreast of evolving research methods, technologies, and public sector digital trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Actively working with designers, product managers, and engineers to integrate research insights seamlessly into the development process.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively communicating with and advising government stakeholders, building trust and ensuring research informs strategic decisions.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to guide and develop junior researchers, fostering a culture of shared learning and best practices.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Championing the use of research data to drive decisions, moving beyond assumptions to evidence-based strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "public sector outcomes" and "mission-driven" work suggests a culture that values purpose, public service, and making a difference, alongside professional excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Bureaucracy: Understanding and working within the procurement cycles, approval processes, and stakeholder dynamics of government agencies.

• Data Synthesis Across Diverse Systems: Integrating research findings from potentially disparate or legacy digital systems within government.

• Balancing Rigor with Speed: Delivering high-quality research within potentially tight government project timelines.

• Ensuring Accessibility for All: Consistently advocating for and implementing accessibility standards across varied user groups and digital platforms.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining strong team cohesion and client relationships in a fully remote environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Public Sector UX: Gain extensive experience in the unique challenges and rewards of designing for government services.

• Advanced Accessibility Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in federal accessibility mandates and best practices.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Hone skills in guiding research teams and influencing senior stakeholders.

• Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications (e.g., advanced UX research, accessibility, human factors) with dedicated budget support.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend conferences focused on government technology, UX, or human factors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the public sector context, requiring adaptability and a strategic approach to navigating these complexities. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to specialize in government tech and UX leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex user research initiative from discovery to validation. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on lifecycle management, problem-solving, and leadership).

• "How would you approach researching the user experience of a critical government service that needs to accommodate users with varying levels of digital literacy and potential disabilities?" (Assess methodology selection, inclusivity, and practical application of accessibility).

• "Walk us through a situation where your research findings led to a significant change in a product or service. How did you present your findings and influence stakeholders?" (Demonstrate impact, communication, and persuasion skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on digital government services and public-sector systems?" (Assess motivation and alignment with mission).

• "How do you ensure your research practices are both methodologically sound and efficiently executed within project constraints?" (Evaluate balance between rigor and pragmatism).

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior researchers or leading research teams. What is your approach to fostering professional development?" (Assess leadership and team-building capabilities). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Your Strongest Case Study: Choose a project that best exemplifies your end-to-end research capabilities, leadership, and impact, ideally with relevance to public sector or complex digital services.

• Tell a Compelling Story: Structure your presentation around the narrative of the research journey: the problem, your approach, the insights, and the tangible outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the value of your research.

• Highlight Methodological Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methods.

• Focus on Actionable Insights: Emphasize how your work translated into concrete recommendations and influenced decisions.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your role, challenges, and how you would adapt your approach to the specific needs of government clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely test not just research skills but also the ability to operate within a government contracting environment, manage diverse stakeholders, and demonstrate a strong sense of mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Jobgether link.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your 8+ years of user research experience, emphasizing projects in digital services, public sector, or government environments. Quantify achievements and clearly list methodologies used.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 impactful case studies that showcase your end-to-end research process, leadership, and ability to drive decisions. Ensure relevance to accessibility and government standards if possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting one or two key portfolio pieces concisely, focusing on impact, methodology, and stakeholder influence.

• Research the Partner Company: If possible, gather information about the partner company and the types of government projects they undertake to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Confirm U.S. Citizenship: Be prepared to confirm your U.S. citizenship and willingness to undergo a background check.

⚠️ 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. The "Contingent position" status is a critical factor to consider.