User Experience (UX) Researcher (Hybrid-Acton, MA or San Diego, CA)
π Job Overview
Job Title: User Experience (UX) Researcher
Company: Insulet Corporation
Location: Acton, Massachusetts, United States / San Diego, California, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: User Experience Research
Date Posted: April 20, 2026
Experience Level: 3-5 Years Professional Experience
Remote Status: Hybrid
π Role Summary
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Conduct global qualitative and quantitative UX research to understand the needs, behaviors, and experiences of People Living With Diabetes (PWDs) and Health Care Providers (HCPs).
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Support Insuletβs digital and service-based customer experiences (DSCX) by elevating the quality and impact of digital products and services.
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Design and execute research studies, including digital user flows, websites, web portals, and customer care experiences, in close collaboration with cross-functional partners.
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Translate complex research insights into actionable business and customer outcomes, driving data-informed decision-making.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is "User Experience (UX) Researcher," the responsibilities heavily lean into understanding customer and healthcare provider needs within a regulated medical device context. This role requires a strong blend of traditional UX research methodologies with a deep understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and its specific research constraints. The emphasis on "digital and service-based customer experiences" suggests a focus on the user journey beyond the physical device, encompassing software, support, and online platforms.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Execute research studies within the DSCX UX research roadmap, focusing on digital user flows, websites, web portals, and customer care experiences.
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Collaborate with more senior researchers, UX leadership, and cross-functional partners (IT, Product, Marketing, etc.) to define research objectives and methodologies.
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Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative research studies using rigorous, best-practice methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and usability testing.
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Synthesize research findings into clear, compelling reports and presentations, utilizing strong storytelling and data visualization techniques to communicate insights effectively.
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Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships across a matrixed organization to foster collaboration and ensure research findings are integrated into product development.
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Independently lead research initiatives while partnering closely with UX leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and impact.
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Proactively and effectively communicate research plans, progress, and findings with senior UX researchers and cross-functional partners.
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Support the development and refinement of user personas, journey maps, and other UX artifacts based on research insights.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize both independent execution and collaborative partnership, indicating a mid-level researcher role where autonomy is encouraged but guidance from senior researchers is expected. The focus on "digital user flows, websites, web portals, and customer care experiences" highlights the breadth of digital touchpoints the research will cover.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
Experience:
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3 to 5 years of professional UX research experience supporting physical, digital, web, and/or service-based products.
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Experience in medical, healthcare, and/or diabetes-related domains is highly preferred.
Required Skills:
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Strong experience conducting primary research using both qualitative (e.g., interviews, contextual inquiry, ethnography) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, A/B testing, analytics review) methods.
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Proficiency in designing and executing usability testing sessions, both moderated and unmoderated.
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Expertise in research synthesis, translating raw data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
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Excellent data visualization and storytelling skills for presenting findings to diverse audiences.
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Ability to build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships across a matrixed organization.
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Demonstrated ability to drive data-informed design and business decision-making.
Preferred Skills:
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Familiarity working with partners from call center analytics, digital web analytics, Salesforce Lightning, and data science teams.
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Specific experience conducting research in regulated medical or healthcare environments, particularly with insulin delivery systems.
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Experience conducting international research and supporting global initiatives, including comfort collaborating across time zones (US and Europe).
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Proficiency using design and collaboration tools such as Figma and Miro for research planning and synthesis.
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Experience with survey platforms like Qualtrics.
π Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3-5 years of professional UX research experience, coupled with the expectation to "independently lead research initiatives," positions this as a mid-level role (often referred to as UX Researcher II or Senior UX Researcher in some organizations). The preference for healthcare/diabetes domain experience and familiarity with regulated environments is critical for success at Insulet.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Demonstrate a clear process for planning, executing, analyzing, and presenting UX research studies.
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Showcase examples of qualitative research projects (e.g., interviews, usability tests) with detailed methodology and actionable insights derived.
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Include examples of quantitative research projects (e.g., surveys, analytics reviews) that led to measurable improvements or informed strategic decisions.
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Highlight projects that involved cross-functional collaboration, demonstrating the ability to influence product and business stakeholders.
Process Documentation:
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Articulate your approach to user-centered research, from defining research questions to delivering final reports.
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Detail how you adapt research methodologies to project constraints, timelines, and specific research goals.
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Explain your synthesis process, including how you identify key themes, patterns, and insights from complex datasets.
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Showcase your communication strategy for presenting findings, focusing on clarity, impact, and actionable takeaways for different audiences (e.g., designers, product managers, executives).
π Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just present finished work but also the process behind it. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their research process for specific projects, explaining their rationale for choosing particular methods and how their findings directly influenced product decisions or business outcomes. Demonstrating an understanding of the regulated medical device environment and its unique research considerations will be a significant advantage.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- For U.S.-based positions: $94,800.00 - $142,200.00 annually.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
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401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.
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Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, personal time, and sick leave.
Working Hours:
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Standard full-time workweek, likely around 40 hours per week.
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The hybrid nature of the role allows for flexibility in how and where work is performed, with an expectation of in-office presence for a portion of the week.
π Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is typical for a UX Researcher with 3-5 years of experience in high-cost-of-living areas like Acton, MA, or San Diego, CA. The "Additional Information" section notes that actual pay is dependent on various factors, which is standard practice. The benefits package is competitive and standard for a company of Insulet's size and industry.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Medical Device Manufacturing - specifically focused on diabetes management and drug delivery systems.
Company Size: Approximately 2,000-5,000 employees (based on general knowledge of Insulet's public profile, not directly from provided text). This size indicates a well-established company with structured processes but still agile enough for innovation.
Founded: Insulet Corporation was founded in 2000. This history suggests a company with established product lines and a track record of innovation in the diabetes technology space.
Team Structure:
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The UX Researcher will join the "Innovation & Strategy" organization, specifically supporting the "Digital and Service-Based Customer Experiences (DSCX)" initiatives.
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This implies a dedicated team focused on enhancing the digital touchpoints of Insulet's products and services.
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Collaboration will be extensive with cross-functional teams including IT, Product Management, Marketing, and potentially Engineering and Clinical Affairs.
Methodology:
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Data-driven decision-making is a core expectation, emphasizing the translation of user insights into impactful business and customer outcomes.
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A user-centric approach is paramount, with a focus on understanding the needs of People Living With Diabetes (PWDs) and Health Care Providers (HCPs).
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Collaboration and strong relationships are key to success in a matrixed organization.
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Rigorous, best-practice research methodologies are expected for both qualitative and quantitative studies.
Company Website: https://www.insulet.com/
π Enhancement Note: Insulet's mission to "simplify life for people living with diabetes" is central to its culture. The "Innovation & Strategy" organization, and the DSCX team within it, are likely at the forefront of developing new digital solutions and improving existing ones to fulfill this mission. The hybrid work model also suggests a culture that values flexibility while ensuring necessary in-person collaboration.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level User Experience Researcher, requiring 3-5 years of professional experience. It offers a solid foundation for a career in UX research within the medical device industry.
Reporting Structure: The researcher will report to UX leadership within the Innovation & Strategy organization and collaborate closely with Staff and Senior UX Researchers. This structure provides mentorship opportunities and a clear path for professional development.
Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work directly impacts the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of Insulet's digital products and services. By understanding user needs and translating them into actionable insights, this role contributes significantly to improving the lives of people with diabetes and enhancing the experience for healthcare providers, thereby supporting Insulet's business objectives and mission.
Growth Opportunities:
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Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, large-scale quantitative studies, generative vs. evaluative research).
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Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in diabetes care, medical devices, and regulated healthcare environments, becoming a subject matter expert.
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Leadership Development: Progress to Senior UX Researcher roles, leading larger and more complex research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and influencing strategic product direction.
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Cross-Functional Influence: Gain experience working with diverse teams and influencing product development across different departments, potentially leading to roles in product management or UX strategy.
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Global Research Exposure: Opportunities to contribute to and lead international research projects, broadening understanding of global user needs and market dynamics.
π Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UX Researcher at Insulet is likely to involve increasing autonomy, scope, and strategic influence. The medical device industry offers unique challenges and rewards, particularly in understanding the needs of vulnerable patient populations and navigating regulatory requirements.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work environment. Employees are expected to work from the Insulet office in Acton, MA, or San Diego, CA, for a portion of their workweek, with the remainder being remote. This model aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.
Office Location(s):
- Acton, Massachusetts, USA
Workspace Context:
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Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to foster collaboration. Expect opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, team meetings, and informal interactions with colleagues in the office.
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Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, collaboration software (like Miro, Figma), and potentially specialized UX research tools and platforms.
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Team Interaction: Regular interaction with UX researchers, designers, product managers, and other stakeholders, both virtually and in person, depending on the hybrid schedule.
Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule is expected, with flexibility around specific daily hours given the hybrid arrangement. The role involves approximately 10% domestic and international travel, likely for research activities or team/company meetings.
π Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature requires excellent self-management and communication skills to ensure seamless collaboration between remote and in-office colleagues. The expectation of travel indicates that the role might involve on-site user research or participation in company events.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
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Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve into experience, research philosophy, and alignment with team goals.
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Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present selected research projects from their portfolio. Expect to discuss methodology, findings, impact, and your role in the process. This may involve a practical exercise or case study.
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Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with other UX researchers, designers, product managers, or stakeholders to assess collaboration skills and technical expertise.
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Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic thinking and overall fit.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in qualitative and quantitative research, your process, and your ability to drive impact. Tailor your selection to highlight experience relevant to Insulet's mission (diabetes, healthcare, digital products).
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Focus on Process: Don't just show outcomes; explain your research approach, methodologies chosen and why, challenges faced, and how you synthesized data into actionable insights.
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Quantify Impact: Where possible, demonstrate the business or user impact of your research. Use data visualizations to clearly communicate findings and recommendations.
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Tell a Story: Structure your presentations to tell a compelling narrative about the problem, your research journey, and the solution/recommendations.
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Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your specific contributions, decisions made, and how you handled disagreements or challenges.
Challenge Preparation:
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Research Methodology: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of various research methods and when to apply them.
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Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to Insulet's products or user base.
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Stakeholder Management: Think about how you communicate research findings to different audiences and manage conflicting priorities or feedback.
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Industry Context: Familiarize yourself with Insulet, the Omnipod platform, and the broader diabetes tech landscape.
π Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is typically the most significant part of the UX Researcher interview process. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their research process in detail and demonstrate how their work has led to tangible improvements. Understanding Insulet's mission and product suite is crucial for tailoring the presentation effectively.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Design & Collaboration: Figma, Miro (for research planning, synthesis, and collaboration).
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Survey Platforms: Qualtrics (for designing and distributing surveys).
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Usability Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or internal testing frameworks may be used.
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Analytics & Reporting: Familiarity with digital web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and potentially call center analytics.
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CRM: Salesforce Lightning (preferred skill, indicating integration with customer data).
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Data Science Tools: Familiarity with how data science teams operate and how research can complement their work.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Understanding of how to leverage data from web analytics, call center logs, and customer feedback platforms to inform research.
CRM & Automation:
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Experience working with CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) to identify research participants or understand customer segments.
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Understanding of how research insights can integrate with automated customer engagement or support processes.
π Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma and Miro is listed as a basic requirement, indicating their importance in the UX team's workflow. Familiarity with Qualtrics is also explicitly mentioned. The preferred skills in Salesforce Lightning and data science suggest an increasing emphasis on data integration and collaboration with analytical teams.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the needs of users (PWDs and HCPs) in all design and business decisions.
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Data-Driven Insights: Valuing rigorous research and data analysis to inform strategy and product development, moving beyond assumptions.
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Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.
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Innovation & Strategy: A forward-thinking approach focused on developing new solutions and improving existing experiences to simplify lives.
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Impact & Accountability: Driving meaningful outcomes that directly improve customer experiences and support business objectives.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working closely with Product, Engineering, IT, Marketing, and potentially Clinical teams to ensure research is integrated throughout the product lifecycle.
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Open Communication: Encouraging clear, proactive, and honest communication to align stakeholders and share findings effectively.
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Feedback Exchange: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to continually improve research practices and product outcomes.
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Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of research findings, best practices, and learnings across the UX team and broader organization.
π Enhancement Note: The core values likely revolve around empathy for the user, scientific rigor in research, and collaborative problem-solving, all within the context of a mission-driven healthcare company. The emphasis on "data-informed design" and "translating insights into meaningful business and customer outcomes" highlights the strategic importance of the UX research function.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Navigating Regulated Environments: Conducting research within the constraints of medical device regulations requires careful planning and execution, ensuring ethical standards are met.
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Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Synthesizing diverse user needs with product roadmaps, technical feasibility, and business objectives.
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Global Research Complexity: Managing research across different cultures, languages, and time zones, requiring adaptability and logistical skill.
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Translating Insights into Action: Ensuring research findings are understood, accepted, and acted upon by cross-functional teams and leadership.
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Data Synthesis Across Diverse Sources: Integrating qualitative findings with quantitative data from web analytics, CRM, and other sources to build a comprehensive user understanding.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Specialized Domain Knowledge: Deepen expertise in diabetes management, insulin delivery systems, and the healthcare technology landscape.
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Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and apply more sophisticated qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
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Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain in-depth understanding of product management, engineering, marketing, and clinical affairs processes within a medical device company.
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Strategic Influence: Develop skills in presenting research findings to senior leadership and influencing product strategy and roadmap decisions.
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Global Research Experience: Hone skills in conducting research internationally and understanding diverse user populations.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a complex, regulated industry with a global reach. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths to deep domain expertise and strategic influence within a company focused on improving patient lives.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a time you had to influence product strategy based on your research findings. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data visualization, and stakeholder communication.)
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"How would you approach researching the user experience of a new feature for the Omnipod 5 system, considering both PWDs and HCPs?" (Demonstrate your understanding of methodology selection, participant recruitment, and potential challenges.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about Insulet's mission to simplify life for people with diabetes?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's purpose.)
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"How do you approach collaboration with product managers and designers who may have different perspectives or priorities?" (Emphasize your communication and relationship-building skills.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure: Begin with the business/user problem, detail your research process (methods, participants, timeline), present key findings with supporting data, and conclude with actionable recommendations and their potential impact.
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Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort.
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Data Visualization: Use clear, concise charts and graphs to illustrate findings. Avoid overwhelming the audience with raw data.
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Storytelling: Weave a narrative that engages the audience and makes your research journey memorable.
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Anticipate Questions: Prepare for detailed questions about your methodology, synthesis process, and the impact of your work.
π Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research Insulet, the Omnipod platform, and the challenges faced by people with diabetes. Demonstrating an understanding of the regulated medical device industry and a user-centric approach will be key to success. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical application of UX research skills.
π Application Steps
To apply for this User Experience (UX) Researcher position:
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Submit your application through the Insulet Careers site via the provided URL.
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Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in qualitative and quantitative UX research, specific methodologies used, and any experience in the healthcare or medical device industry. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved usability scores by X%," "Identified Y critical user pain points").
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Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your UX research process, skills, and impact. Ensure they are easy to navigate and clearly showcase your contributions. Have a digital version ready for sharing.
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Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, methodology explanation, and demonstrating actionable insights. Time yourself to ensure you stay within any allocated presentation slots.
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Research Insulet: Familiarize yourself with Insulet's mission, products (especially Omnipod), company values, and the broader diabetes technology market. Understand the challenges faced by PWDs and HCPs.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelorβs or Masterβs degree in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, or a related field. The role requires 3 to 5 years of professional UX research experience, preferably within regulated medical or healthcare environments.