Sr. UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher

Company: TEKsystems

Location: Raleigh, NC, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: User Experience Research / Product Strategy

Date Posted: October 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy and innovation for cutting-edge AI-powered technology solutions by conducting comprehensive end-to-end UX research initiatives.

• Partner closely with Product, Design, Engineering, and Business stakeholders to translate complex business questions into actionable research plans and actionable insights.

• Execute mixed-methods research, including surveys (Qualtrics), interviews, focus groups, usability studies, and concept testing, to deeply understand user needs and behaviors.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to deliver impactful recommendations that directly influence product roadmaps and experience design decisions for AI-enabled products.

• Contribute to the growth of a dynamic research team by sharing best practices, mentoring junior researchers, and fostering a culture of research excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on a highly specialized area of UX research, specifically within AI-powered technology. The emphasis on "Contract to Hire" suggests a strong potential for long-term engagement and integration into the company's product development lifecycle. The hybrid work model in Raleigh indicates a need for candidates who can balance remote flexibility with in-office collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• End-to-End Research Ownership: Independently manage all phases of UX research projects, from initial stakeholder intake and defining research questions to designing studies, executing them, analyzing findings, and presenting actionable recommendations to influence product strategy and design.

• Mixed-Methods Research Execution: Design and conduct a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including but not limited to: in-depth customer interviews, focus groups, usability testing (formative and summative), concept validation, diary studies, and large-scale survey deployment and analysis using tools like Qualtrics.

• Insight Generation and Synthesis: Analyze and synthesize complex data from various research methods to identify user needs, pain points, emerging trends, and opportunities for innovation. Develop compelling narratives that clearly articulate findings and their implications for product development.

• AI-Powered Experience Research: Focus research efforts on understanding user interactions with generative AI and AI-assisted workflows, with the goal of improving user productivity, confidence, and the overall quality of work in professional settings.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence: Act as a key research partner for Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Business leaders, actively collaborating to ensure research insights are integrated into product decision-making processes and contribute to the adoption and trust of new AI technologies.

• Mentorship and Best Practices: Contribute to the continuous improvement of the research function by sharing knowledge of emerging methodologies, tools, and best practices, and by providing guidance and mentorship to less experienced researchers on the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level expectation for independent ownership and strategic influence. The focus on AI and generative AI research indicates a need for candidates comfortable with exploring novel technologies and their human-computer interaction implications. The explicit mention of influencing product roadmaps emphasizes the strategic impact expected from this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, or a related social science discipline.

• A postgraduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in one of these fields is preferred, demonstrating advanced theoretical understanding and research acumen. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of dedicated UX Research experience, with a proven track record of successfully leading and delivering research initiatives. Equivalent depth of experience in a related research field will also be considered.

• Demonstrated ability to own and execute end-to-end research projects independently, from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Substantial experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with a strong understanding of their application in product development contexts. Required Skills:

• UX Research & User Research: Deep expertise in designing, conducting, and analyzing user research studies across the product development lifecycle.

• Qualitative Research: Proficiency in methods such as in-depth interviews, ethnographic studies, contextual inquiries, and usability testing.

• Quantitative Research: Strong capabilities in survey design and analysis, A/B testing, and leveraging statistical methods for data interpretation.

• Research & Development: Experience contributing to the early stages of product ideation and validation through generative research techniques.

• Usability Research: Expertise in evaluating user interfaces and workflows for ease of use, efficiency, and effectiveness.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Generative AI: Familiarity with AI-powered technologies, including generative AI, and an understanding of user interaction patterns within these systems.

• Qualtrics: Hands-on experience with Qualtrics for survey design, deployment, and data analysis.

• Evaluative Research: Ability to assess existing or prototype user experiences to identify areas for improvement.

• Discovery Research: Skill in uncovering unmet user needs, exploring new opportunities, and defining product requirements.

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) / Human Factors: Foundational understanding of principles governing the interaction between humans and technology.

• Product Strategy: Ability to translate research findings into strategic recommendations that guide product direction.

• Data Synthesis: Skill in integrating diverse data sources into cohesive and actionable insights.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with cross-functional partners.

• Research Planning: Expertise in developing comprehensive research plans aligned with business objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching professional, regulated, or highly specialized user groups, understanding their unique workflows and needs.

• Experience supporting AI, machine learning, or data-driven product experiences, with a nuanced understanding of user trust and adoption factors.

• Experience mentoring junior researchers, contributing to research operations, or developing research frameworks within an organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is comprehensive and directly reflects the core competencies of a senior UX researcher, with a strong emphasis on mixed-methods research and AI application. The preferred qualifications indicate a desire for candidates with specialized experience that can accelerate their impact in this AI-focused role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Process Documentation: Showcase detailed examples of your research process, from initial problem framing and research design to data collection, analysis, and the presentation of findings and recommendations.

• Methodological Rigor: Demonstrate a strong understanding and application of various qualitative and quantitative research methods, explaining the rationale behind method selection for specific research objectives.

• Business Impact Demonstration: Clearly articulate how your research efforts have directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, and ultimately, business outcomes (e.g., increased adoption, improved user satisfaction, reduced friction). Use metrics where possible.

• Systematic Approach to AI Research: If possible, include examples of research conducted on AI-powered features or products, highlighting your approach to understanding user interaction with these novel technologies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Provide examples of how you have mapped out user workflows and identified opportunities for optimization through research insights.

• Implementation and Automation: Showcase instances where your research has informed the implementation of new features or the optimization of existing ones, particularly in relation to AI-driven functionalities.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Detail how you have established metrics to measure the success of product changes informed by your research and how you have analyzed performance data to iterate on solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on influencing product strategy and working with AI, the portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to translate complex research findings into tangible business impact. A strong focus on AI-specific research, even if experimental, would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55.00 - $70.00 per hour (USD)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Specialized Insurance: Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Insurance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) Retirement Plan with both pre-tax and Roth post-tax contribution options.

• Life Insurance: Voluntary Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage for the employee and dependents.

• Income Protection: Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Health Spending Account (HSA): For eligible medical expenses.

• Transportation Benefits: Assistance with commuting costs.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related issues.

• Paid Time Off: PTO, vacation, or sick leave accrual, as applicable.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, but core hours may be expected for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate is typical for a contract-to-hire role at this experience level in the US. The benefits package is comprehensive for a temporary position, indicating TEKsystems' commitment to supporting their contractors. The estimated 40-hour work week aligns with standard full-time employment expectations for contract roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services, Staffing, and Consulting. TEKsystems operates as a major player in the IT staffing and services sector, partnering with a vast array of clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500. This gives them broad exposure to diverse technological landscapes and business challenges.

Company Size: 80,000+ employees globally. This large organizational size implies access to extensive resources, a wide network of professionals, and a structured approach to business operations. For a researcher, it means potential for significant impact across numerous projects and client engagements, but also a need to navigate a larger corporate structure.

Founded: TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company, which has a long history in talent solutions. While a specific founding date for TEKsystems itself isn't provided, its parent company's extensive experience suggests a mature and established operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Research Team: The role is within a growing research team, suggesting an expanding focus on user insights and product development support. This implies opportunities for shaping team processes and contributing to its growth.

• Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, senior roles typically report to research leads or product leadership, with direct collaboration across Product, Design, and Engineering.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: TEKsystems' model relies heavily on collaboration. This Senior UX Researcher will work closely with client-facing teams, internal product teams, and potentially client stakeholders, requiring strong communication and partnership skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: TEKsystems, as a large service provider, emphasizes data-driven decision-making to ensure client success and internal efficiency. This is reflected in the expectation for rigorous research and quantifiable impact.

• Agile and Iterative Processes: In technology services, agile methodologies are common. Research is likely integrated into iterative product development cycles, requiring adaptability and quick turnaround times.

• Focus on Business Outcomes: The company's success is tied to client outcomes. Research efforts are expected to directly contribute to achieving these business objectives, whether for TEKsystems' internal products or for their clients.

Company Website: https://careers.teksystems.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: TEKsystems' position as a large IT services provider means this role likely involves research for both TEKsystems' internal AI product development and potentially for client projects. The emphasis on "partners in transformation" and "accelerate business transformation" suggests a culture focused on driving change and delivering tangible results.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level UX Researcher position. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. Senior researchers are expected to lead complex initiatives, mentor others, and contribute strategically to product direction. In a contract-to-hire capacity, it also presents a clear pathway to potential full-time employment and deeper integration into the organization.

Reporting Structure: As a senior member, you would likely report to a Research Manager, Director of Product, or Head of Design. You will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and potentially business stakeholders, acting as a key advisor on user experience and AI interaction.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, particularly in shaping the future of AI-powered technology solutions. By providing critical user insights, you will directly influence product strategy, design decisions, and the successful adoption of AI technologies. This can lead to improved user productivity, increased confidence in AI tools, and a stronger market position for the products developed.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in AI Research: Develop deep expertise in researching novel AI technologies and user interaction patterns, positioning yourself as a thought leader in this rapidly evolving field.

• Mentorship and Team Development: Opportunities to mentor junior researchers, contributing to the growth of the research team and honing your leadership skills.

• Strategic Influence: Gain significant influence over product roadmaps and design strategies, impacting the direction of innovative AI products.

• Pathway to Full-Time Employment: The "Contract to Hire" nature of the role offers a structured opportunity to prove your value and transition into a permanent position with a large, reputable organization.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Depending on TEKsystems' client engagements, potential exposure to research across various industries and technology stacks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Contract to Hire" model is a key growth indicator, suggesting TEKsystems sees long-term potential in this role. The senior designation means opportunities for leadership and strategic input are substantial, especially within the high-demand field of AI research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This means a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The specific balance of days in the office will likely be determined by team needs and project phases, but it aims to provide flexibility while fostering in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Raleigh, NC. This location offers a growing tech hub environment with access to talent and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teams suggest an environment that encourages collaboration, whether through virtual tools or in-office interactions. Expect to work closely with diverse teams.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard professional tools for communication, project management, and research. Specific emphasis on tools like Qualtrics is mentioned, with potential for other industry-standard UX research software and AI development platforms.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with UX designers, product managers, engineers, and potentially other researchers. This provides opportunities for knowledge sharing, peer feedback, and integrated problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is expected to be 40 hours per week. While hybrid work offers some flexibility, adherence to team schedules for meetings, collaborative sessions, and project deadlines will be important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in Raleigh implies a need for self-discipline and effective remote work practices, alongside the ability to engage productively in an office setting. This setup is common for roles requiring both independent work and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, research philosophy, and understanding of AI in user experience.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where you'll present your portfolio, showcasing specific research projects. This will likely involve discussing your process, methodologies, challenges, and the impact of your work. Expect detailed questions about your AI research experience.

4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders such as Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers. These sessions will assess your collaboration skills and how you translate research into actionable product insights.

5. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for AI & Impact: Select 2-3 strong projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end research process, methodological rigor, and, most importantly, your ability to drive business impact, especially in AI-related contexts.

• Structure Your Narratives: For each project, clearly articulate: the problem/business question, your research approach and methodology (and why you chose it), your role and contributions, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting impact (quantified if possible).

• Highlight AI Nuances: If you have AI research experience, specifically call out how you navigated the unique challenges of understanding user interaction, trust, and adoption of AI technologies.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the specifics of your research design, data analysis techniques, and how you handled ambiguity or unexpected findings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Research Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical product or feature (likely AI-related) and asked to outline a research plan to understand user needs or evaluate its usability. Focus on defining clear objectives, selecting appropriate methods, and outlining key metrics.

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a complex, ambiguous research problem related to AI adoption or user trust.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and presentation for this role is significant. Candidates should prepare to articulate their research process and impact compellingly, with a specific focus on how they address the unique challenges of AI research.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualtrics: A core requirement for survey design, deployment, and analysis. Proficiency here is essential.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for remote usability testing and participant recruitment.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for communication and documentation.

• Design Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for reviewing designs and providing feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Software (Optional but beneficial): Experience with R, SPSS, or similar tools for advanced quantitative analysis.

• Data Visualization Tools (Basic): Ability to create clear charts and graphs in tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or within Qualtrics to present findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX research integrates with CRM data (e.g., customer feedback loops, user segmentation) can be advantageous.

• Familiarity with project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking research tasks and progress within development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Qualtrics is critical. Beyond that, a strong foundation in typical UX research tooling and collaboration platforms is expected. Experience with AI development platforms or AI-specific analytics tools would be a significant differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using research data to inform product strategy and design, rather than relying on assumptions.

• User-Centricity: A core value of prioritizing the user's needs, behaviors, and experiences in all product development efforts.

• Collaboration and Partnership: A belief that the best outcomes are achieved through close collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Engineering).

• Continuous Learning and Innovation: An openness to exploring new technologies (like AI), methodologies, and approaches to stay at the forefront of UX research.

• Impact and Accountability: A focus on delivering research that has a tangible impact on business goals and user outcomes, with a commitment to seeing recommendations through.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out opportunities to partner with stakeholders, understand their needs, and integrate research into their workflows.

• Clear Communication: Articulating research findings and recommendations in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner, tailored to different audiences.

• Constructive Feedback: Willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team and with collaborators.

• Agile Integration: Adapting research processes to fit within agile development sprints, ensuring timely delivery of insights without compromising quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with a modern, impact-oriented UX research team. The emphasis on "AI-powered technology solutions" suggests a culture that embraces innovation and is comfortable with the rapid evolution of technology.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity in AI: Understanding user behavior and trust with novel AI technologies can be challenging due to their rapidly evolving nature and potential for unpredictable outcomes.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: Working in a fast-paced product environment requires delivering timely insights without sacrificing the scientific rigor of research.

• Influencing Cross-Functional Teams: Effectively communicating complex research findings and persuading diverse stakeholders to adopt recommendations.

• Defining Impact for AI Products: Quantifying the user experience impact of AI features can be more complex than traditional UI improvements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI UX: Gain specialized expertise in researching generative AI, large language models, and other advanced AI applications, becoming a go-to expert in this niche.

• Advanced Methodologies: Explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques relevant to AI and emerging technologies.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior researchers and potentially leading research initiatives from a strategic level.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience working within a large IT services organization, understanding different client needs and project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be adapting traditional UX research methods to the unique landscape of AI. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to specialize in this high-demand area.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex research project you led from start to finish. What was the business problem, your approach, the key findings, and the ultimate impact?" (Focus on end-to-end ownership and business impact).

• "How would you approach researching the user experience of a new generative AI feature for content creation? What methods would you use and why?" (Assess AI research strategy and methodological choices).

• "Tell me about a time your research findings contradicted stakeholder assumptions. How did you communicate your findings and influence their decision?" (Evaluate communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about TEKsystems and this specific role focused on AI technology?" (Demonstrate research into the company and role).

• "How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers? Describe your ideal working relationship." (Assess cross-functional collaboration style).

• "How do you stay current with the latest UX research methodologies and AI advancements?" (Gauge commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Clearly articulate the business problem or user need that drove each research project.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, data snippets, and key quotes to illustrate your findings and process.

• Focus on Recommendations & Impact: Dedicate significant time to explaining your actionable recommendations and the resulting business or user outcomes. Quantify impact whenever possible.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodological choices, data analysis, and how you handled challenges. For AI projects, be prepared to discuss user trust, ethical considerations, and the unique aspects of human-AI interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the ability to articulate research impact and demonstrate experience with AI-related research challenges. The portfolio presentation is a key component, so practicing clear, concise storytelling is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research projects, ensuring they highlight your end-to-end process, methodological rigor, and, crucially, your ability to drive business outcomes. Prioritize any projects involving AI or complex technological solutions.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords from the job description such as "UX Research," "Qualitative Research," "Quantitative Research," "Artificial Intelligence," "Generative AI," "Qualtrics," "Product Strategy," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clear storytelling, actionable recommendations, and quantifiable impact. Be ready to discuss your approach to AI research challenges.

• Research TEKsystems: Understand TEKsystems' role as a technology services provider and their focus on "partners in transformation." Consider how your research skills can contribute to their mission and client success, particularly in the AI space.

⚠️ 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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