Senior UX Researcher & Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher & Design

Company: IQVIA

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user experience (UX) research and design initiatives for cutting-edge AI-enabled clinical technology solutions.

• Drive the translation of complex clinical, operational, and AI-assisted workflows into intuitive, trustworthy, and scalable product experiences.

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy within fast-paced, small "Tiny Teams" utilizing the IQVIA Agentic Operating Model to foster rapid experimentation and iteration.

• Partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including product, engineering, data science, clinical, and business teams, to ensure user-centered outcomes are integrated into product strategy and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly focused on UX research and design within the specialized domain of AI-enabled clinical technology. The emphasis on "Tiny Teams" and the "IQVIA Agentic Operating Model" suggests a dynamic, agile environment where individual contribution and leadership in ambiguous situations are highly valued. The target candidate will need to demonstrate not only strong UX fundamentals but also an understanding of AI applications in healthcare and the ability to navigate complex, data-intensive workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead all phases of UX research and design, from initial problem framing and research planning to synthesis, concept development, prototyping, validation, and post-launch learning.

• Design and execute comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research plans to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, existing workflows, pain points, and critical decision-making contexts within clinical settings.

• Synthesize research findings into actionable recommendations, clear design direction, and detailed product requirements that effectively balance business objectives, technical feasibility, and user needs.

• Design and rigorously evaluate user experiences for AI-powered products, including those leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), agentic systems, sophisticated automation workflows, and human-in-the-loop decision support mechanisms.

• Develop essential UX artifacts such as detailed journey maps, comprehensive workflow models, robust personas, service blueprints, intuitive wireframes, interactive prototypes, thorough usability findings reports, and precise design specifications.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with team leads and diverse cross-functional stakeholders to align strategic priorities, effectively manage tradeoffs, and guide teams toward delivering practical, user-centric solutions.

• Contribute actively and effectively within small, agile "Tiny Teams" operating under the IQVIA Agentic Operating Model, driving rapid cycles of experimentation, delivery, performance measurement, and iterative improvement.

• Provide crucial UX leadership by establishing structure in ambiguous project environments, facilitating effective decision-making processes, and influencing product strategy and direction through compelling, evidence-based communication.

• Mentor junior UX colleagues and cross-functional team members by embodying exemplary research, design, validation, and collaborative practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "end-to-end UX ownership" and "leading through ambiguity" indicates a need for a self-starter with proven experience managing complex projects independently. The specific mention of AI-enabled products and agentic systems signifies a requirement for forward-thinking UX professionals comfortable with emerging technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Design, Cognitive Science, Human Factors, or a closely related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in UX research, product design, usability evaluation, and user-centered product development for complex digital products.

• Proven track record of independently managing and owning end-to-end UX work, encompassing discovery, design, validation, delivery support, and iterative improvement cycles. Required Skills:

• Mastery of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, survey design, usability testing, workflow analysis, and rigorous synthesis techniques.

• Strong capabilities in interaction design, information architecture, rapid prototyping, and effective visual communication of design concepts.

• Extensive experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including product management, engineering, data science, clinical operations, and business stakeholders.

• Exceptional communication, facilitation, stakeholder management, and storytelling skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence decisions through evidence-based insights and recommendations.

• Proficiency with industry-standard UX research, design, and prototyping tools, with a specific emphasis on platforms like Figma and companion AI-assisted productivity tools (e.g., Copilot, Cursor, AI synthesis tools). Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing, researching, or evaluating AI-enabled products, particularly those incorporating Large Language Models (LLMs), agentic systems, intelligent automation, or advanced decision-support tools.

• Prior experience within the healthcare, life sciences, or clinical research industries, or other regulated, data-intensive domains.

• Familiarity with agentic operating models, rapid experimentation frameworks, systems thinking principles, and current practices in AI-assisted product development.

• Experience designing enterprise-level applications, complex analytics workflows, impactful data visualization experiences, or sophisticated operational tools.

• Demonstrated experience mentoring UX practitioners or upskilling cross-functional teams in research, design, and validation best practices.

• Advanced training or certifications in UX research, product design, human factors, AI product development, or a related advanced discipline.

• Previous experience working effectively within fast-paced, small team environments is highly advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section emphasizes a strong foundation in traditional UX practices coupled with proficiency in modern design tools and AI-specific productivity platforms. The "Preferred Skills" strongly suggest that candidates with prior experience in AI/ML product development, especially within healthcare, will have a significant advantage. The need for "systems thinking" and familiarity with "agentic operating models" points towards a role that requires a holistic understanding of complex systems and agile development methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX ownership from initial problem identification through to validated product delivery and iterative refinement.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the business problem, user needs, research methodology employed, design process, key challenges overcome, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight specific examples of how user research insights directly informed design decisions and led to significant improvements in usability, efficiency, or user satisfaction.

• Include examples of designing for complex systems, data-intensive workflows, or AI-enabled features, detailing the unique considerations and solutions applied.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating and presenting various UX artifacts, including journey maps, workflow diagrams, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and usability testing reports. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of establishing or optimizing UX research and design processes within a team or project context, detailing methodologies used for problem framing, user discovery, ideation, prototyping, and validation.

• Showcase examples of how you have documented and communicated UX findings and design specifications to cross-functional teams, ensuring clear understanding and alignment.

• Illustrate your approach to iterating on designs based on user feedback and performance data, including how you track and measure the impact of UX improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX role, especially one involving AI and complex systems, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond showcasing pretty designs to demonstrating a rigorous, process-driven approach to problem-solving. Emphasis should be placed on the impact of the UX work, supported by data and clear articulation of the thought process. The mention of "AI-enabled product design" and "agentic systems" in preferred qualifications suggests that case studies involving these areas will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior UX Researcher & Design role in Madrid, Spain, with 10+ years of experience, and considering the specialized nature of AI-enabled clinical technology within a global leader like IQVIA, the estimated annual salary range is between €65,000 and €95,000. This estimate is based on research of senior UX professional salaries in Madrid, factoring in the specific industry (Healthcare/Technology) and the advanced skill set required, including AI and complex system design.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with potential company matching contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including access to training, conferences, and certifications relevant to UX research, design, and AI technologies.

• Opportunities for international collaboration and exposure to global projects within IQVIA's extensive network.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Flexible working arrangements may be considered based on project needs and team structure, though the role is primarily on-site. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site in Madrid, IQVIA often offers some degree of flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team coordination and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for senior UX roles in major European cities and the specialized AI/clinical tech focus. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits listed are standard for large multinational corporations like IQVIA and are tailored to appeal to experienced professionals seeking growth and stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Technology and Data Analytics. IQVIA operates at the intersection of life sciences, healthcare services, and advanced data analytics, providing critical insights and technology solutions to accelerate drug development, improve patient outcomes, and optimize healthcare delivery globally. This context means the UX role will be immersed in a highly regulated, data-intensive, and scientifically driven environment.

Company Size: IQVIA is a large, global organization, often classified as an enterprise-level company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and broad career opportunities, but also means navigating larger corporate structures and processes.

Founded: IQVIA was formed through the merger of Quintiles and IMS Health in 2016, bringing together decades of experience in clinical research and commercial/market intelligence. This heritage signifies a deep understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and a commitment to innovation built on a strong foundation.

Team Structure:

• The UX role will be part of a "Tiny Team" focused on AI-enabled clinical technology solutions within the Applied Data Science Center. This implies a small, agile, and highly collaborative unit.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager within the UX/Product Design function, with close collaboration with product managers, data scientists, AI engineers, and clinical experts.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, requiring seamless integration with engineering, product, data science, and clinical teams to deliver cohesive user experiences. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: A strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging both qualitative user research and quantitative product analytics to inform strategy and design.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Deep analysis and redesign of complex clinical and operational workflows to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance user effectiveness.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Focus on integrating AI and automation to streamline processes, support decision-making, and drive operational efficiency within clinical technology solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights IQVIA's prominent position in the healthcare technology sector. The "Tiny Team" structure within a large organization suggests a blend of agility and corporate support. The emphasis on "Applied Data Science Center" and "AI-enabled clinical technology" clearly defines the specialized domain for this UX role, requiring candidates to understand the nuances of healthcare data and AI applications.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior," indicating a high level of expertise, autonomy, and leadership. It requires a practitioner who can not only execute UX research and design but also strategically frame problems, lead initiatives in ambiguous environments, and mentor others. The scope includes end-to-end ownership and influencing product direction.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher & Design will report into a UX/Product leadership role within the Applied Data Science Center. They will work closely with Product Managers, Data Scientists, AI Engineers, and Clinical SMEs, forming part of a cross-functional "Tiny Team." This structure emphasizes close collaboration and direct impact on product development.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of AI-enabled clinical technology solutions. By ensuring these complex tools are user-centered, the Senior UX Researcher & Design contributes to more efficient clinical trials, better data integrity, improved decision-making by healthcare professionals, and ultimately, enhanced patient outcomes. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between advanced AI capabilities and real-world clinical application.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AI product design, human-AI interaction, ethical AI considerations, and advanced UX methodologies within a leading healthcare technology company.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into lead UX roles, manage UX initiatives, or take on more strategic product design leadership responsibilities within the Applied Data Science Center or other IQVIA divisions.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Developing a strong understanding of data science, clinical research processes, and AI technologies, which are highly valuable and transferable skills across the broader life sciences and technology sectors.

• Mentorship and Influence: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and influence the UX discipline and product strategy across IQVIA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a career path that moves beyond individual contribution to include leadership and strategic influence. The growth opportunities are tied to specialized areas like AI in healthcare and leadership within agile teams, offering a clear trajectory for ambitious UX professionals. The impact of the role is framed around tangible improvements in clinical processes and patient care, aligning with IQVIA's mission.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as "On-site" in Madrid, Spain. IQVIA offices typically offer modern, professional workspaces designed to foster collaboration and productivity. Expect a blend of individual work areas and collaborative zones.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Madrid, Spain. Specific details regarding the exact office address or amenities would typically be provided during the interview process. Madrid offers a vibrant urban environment with excellent public transportation links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The "Tiny Team" structure and emphasis on cross-functional work suggest an environment where regular interaction, brainstorming, and co-creation are encouraged.

• Tools and Technology: Access to cutting-edge UX research and design tools, including industry-standard software like Figma, and potentially AI-assisted productivity tools relevant to the role. Support for necessary hardware and software will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, engineers, data scientists, and clinical experts, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-rich work environment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, standard 40 hours per week. While primarily on-site, IQVIA may offer some flexibility in daily working hours, allowing professionals to manage their schedules effectively, provided project needs and team collaboration are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement in Madrid is a key detail. The description emphasizes a collaborative and modern workspace designed for productivity and team interaction, crucial for roles involving agile methodologies and cross-functional partnerships. The availability of advanced tools is a given for a company of IQVIA's stature.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, assessing alignment with the required qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Deep Dive: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your strongest case studies (typically 2-3) from your portfolio. This session will involve discussing your process, decision-making, challenges, and the impact of your work, with a strong focus on AI-enabled product design and complex systems. Be prepared for in-depth questions about your methodology and problem-solving approach.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, including Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, and potentially Clinical leads. These interviews will assess your ability to collaborate, communicate complex ideas, and understand diverse perspectives.

• Leadership/Culture Fit Interview: A final interview, potentially with a senior leader, to evaluate your leadership potential, strategic thinking, cultural alignment with IQVIA's values, and ability to thrive in an agile, ambiguous environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select case studies that best showcase your experience with AI-enabled products, complex clinical or operational workflows, and end-to-end UX ownership. Prioritize impact and measurable results.

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process followed, the solutions designed, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced errors, enhanced user satisfaction). Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight AI & Complexity: Explicitly discuss your approach to designing for AI features (e.g., LLM integration, agentic systems) and complex, data-intensive environments. Detail how you ensured user trust and managed uncertainty.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you partnered with engineers, data scientists, and clinical experts, and how you translated their technical and domain expertise into user-centric designs.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle ambiguity, your approach to ethical AI design, and how you measure UX success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem Framing Exercise: You might be given a hypothetical UX problem related to clinical technology or AI and asked to outline your approach to research and design. Focus on how you would frame the problem, identify users, and plan your research.

• Design Thinking/Ideation: Be prepared to brainstorm potential solutions or features for a given scenario, demonstrating your creative problem-solving skills and ability to think critically about user needs and technology capabilities.

• Process Explanation: You may be asked to explain a specific UX process or methodology in detail, or how you would integrate UX into an agile "Tiny Team" environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just UX skills but also strategic thinking, leadership in ambiguity, and experience with AI and complex systems. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to demonstrate tangible impact and a deep understanding of their process, particularly in specialized areas like AI in healthcare.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for interface design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows. Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes, design systems, and collaborating with engineering teams is expected.

• AI-Enabled Productivity Tools: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Copilot, Cursor, or other AI synthesis and coding assistants is a significant advantage, reflecting the role's focus on AI-driven products and workflows.

• UX Research Platforms: Experience with tools for remote usability testing, survey creation (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), and user interview management.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, experience with tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or Axure RP may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Pendo for tracking user behavior, engagement, and feature adoption.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing research data and presenting insights to stakeholders.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create clear, concise reports and dashboards that communicate UX findings and product performance metrics effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary focus, understanding how UX integrates with CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) can be beneficial for understanding user journeys and customer data.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how user-centered design can inform and be informed by automation workflows within clinical technology.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different systems and data sources connect is valuable, especially in complex enterprise environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily leans towards modern design and AI-assisted tools. Proficiency in Figma is a given, but the specific mention of "Copilot, Cursor, AI synthesis tools" highlights the cutting-edge nature of the role and the expectation that candidates are comfortable working with and designing for AI-augmented workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity & Empathy: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs, especially within the demanding context of clinical environments.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Relying on evidence from research and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact, ensuring solutions are effective and meet objectives.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, and operating effectively within fast-paced, iterative team structures to deliver solutions rapidly.

• Collaboration & Influence: Working effectively across diverse teams, building consensus, and influencing stakeholders through clear communication and compelling rationale.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest standards in research, design, and the development of clinical technology, where trust and data integrity are paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product, Engineering, Data Science, and Clinical teams is essential. This involves active participation in team meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and transparent communication.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged, fostering continuous improvement in both individual work and team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and with other UX practitioners within IQVIA to build collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style emphasize a modern, agile, and user-focused approach to product development, situated within a company that prioritizes integrity and data-driven insights. The ability to influence and collaborate across diverse technical and clinical disciplines is a key cultural expectation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating within emerging AI technologies and complex, evolving clinical workflows requires comfort with uncertainty and the ability to define structure where none exists.

• Translating Complex AI: Effectively designing user experiences for sophisticated AI models (like LLMs) and agentic systems, ensuring they are understandable, controllable, and trustworthy for clinical users.

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Integrating cutting-edge AI into a regulated healthcare environment necessitates careful consideration of compliance, data privacy, and ethical implications.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Gaining consensus and driving user-centered outcomes among diverse stakeholders (e.g., data scientists, clinicians, engineers) with potentially conflicting priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized AI/ML UX: Gaining deep expertise in designing for AI, human-AI interaction, and the ethical considerations of AI in healthcare.

• Clinical Technology Domain: Developing a robust understanding of clinical research, healthcare operations, and the specific needs of healthcare professionals.

• Agentic Operating Models: Learning and contributing to advanced agile methodologies focused on rapid experimentation and autonomous team operation.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to grow into senior leadership roles, manage UX initiatives, and mentor junior designers and researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the role's focus on AI and complex healthcare domains, presenting opportunities for significant professional growth and specialization. The learning opportunities are tailored to building expertise in these high-demand areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led UX research and design for a complex, ambiguous product or feature. How did you frame the problem, define the scope, and drive to a solution?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and handling of uncertainty.)

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for an AI-powered diagnostic assistant that provides recommendations to clinicians? What are the key considerations for trust, transparency, and user control?" (Demonstrate your understanding of AI UX principles and clinical context.)

• "Walk us through your process for translating complex clinical workflows into intuitive digital experiences. What methods do you use to map and optimize these workflows?" (Highlight your systems thinking and workflow analysis skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in IQVIA and specifically in designing AI-enabled clinical technology?" (Showcase your research into the company and your passion for the domain.)

• "How do you see your UX philosophy aligning with IQVIA's mission to accelerate innovation for a healthier world?" (Connect your values to the company's purpose.)

• "Describe your experience working in small, fast-moving teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment with product, engineering, and data science partners?" (Address your adaptability and teamwork in agile settings.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Impact First: Start each case study by clearly stating the problem, your role, and the key outcomes achieved. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Process as a Story: Narrate your journey through each case study, explaining why you made certain decisions at each stage, from research methods to design choices.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, wireframes, prototypes) to illustrate your work. For AI-related projects, explain how the AI features were integrated and how you designed for user interaction with them.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific research findings, design tradeoffs, technical constraints, and how you measured success. Have backup slides or information ready if needed.

• Connect to the Role: Throughout your presentation, subtly link your experiences and skills back to the requirements of this Senior UX Researcher & Design role at IQVIA, especially regarding AI and clinical technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will probe deeply into your experience with AI, complex systems, and your ability to lead autonomously. Preparing specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach is crucial. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase this expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher & Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the IQVIA careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your most relevant case studies, focusing on AI-enabled products, complex workflows, and demonstrable impact. Ensure these examples align with the requirements of designing for clinical technology.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords related to UX research, product design, AI, clinical technology, Figma, and leadership. Quantify your achievements and responsibilities with specific metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your UX process, decision-making rationale, and how you handle ambiguity. Prepare specific examples for common behavioral and situational interview questions, especially those related to AI design and cross-functional collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research IQVIA's mission, values, and recent work in AI and clinical technology. Understand the "IQVIA Agentic Operating Model" and "Tiny Teams" concept to demonstrate your alignment with their operational approach.

⚠️ 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.