User Researcher (m/w/d) befristet für 18 Monate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher (m/w/d) befristet für 18 Monate

Company: SIGNAL IDUNA

Location: Dortmund oder Hamburg, Germany

Job Type: Temporary (18 Months Contract)

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years estimated)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Act as the primary advocate for users within product teams, ensuring user needs are central to product and service development.

• Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative research to understand user behavior and inform product strategy.

• Design and execute usability and UX tests to continuously enhance the user experience of digital products.

• Translate complex research findings into actionable insights, personas, Jobs-to-be-done, and Customer Journey Maps.

• Collaborate closely with UX/UI designers, analytics teams, and product managers to drive an insight-led development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term contract for 18 months, indicating a project-based need, likely related to a specific digital transformation or product enhancement initiative within SIGNAL IDUNA. The emphasis on being the "voice of the user" and driving "insight-led development" positions this as a critical function within the product lifecycle, bridging user understanding with technical execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Advise product teams on appropriate research methodologies and develop targeted research questions and study guides.

• Execute qualitative research methods such as interviews and field studies, and design quantitative investigations to gain a holistic understanding of user behavior.

• Conceive and lead task-based usability and UX tests to ensure continuous improvement of product and digital service user experience.

• Create key research artifacts including personas, Jobs-to-be-done, and Customer Journey Maps, aggregating findings into clear reports for team and stakeholder presentations.

• Facilitate workshops for result analysis, derive concrete action recommendations, and serve as a critical interface between research and disciplines like UX/UI Design and Analytics.

• Actively contribute to the internal research community, introducing new ideas and coordinating external service providers when necessary.

• Ensure research findings directly inform product backlog prioritization and feature development cycles within agile frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic research design and hands-on execution. The expectation to "aggregate findings into understandable reports and present them convincingly" implies a need for strong communication and storytelling skills, crucial for influencing product roadmaps. The involvement in "internal research community" suggests an opportunity to shape research practices within the organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Design, Ethnology, Sociology, Psychology, or a comparable qualification.

Experience: Proven experience in User Research and Usability Testing, with a demonstrated ability to derive requirements for digital products from research findings. Practical experience in agile team collaboration and understanding how research adds value in agile processes.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a broad spectrum of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Proficiency in designing and conducting user interviews, field studies, and usability tests.

• Skill in creating and utilizing research artifacts such as Personas, Jobs-to-be-done, and Customer Journey Maps.

• Strong understanding of agile methodologies and their integration with the research lifecycle.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills for conveying complex insights to diverse audiences.

• Ability to analyze trends and generate valuable user insights.

• Empathy and curiosity to connect qualitative and quantitative data into a coherent narrative. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific analytics tools for correlating user behavior data with research findings.

• Familiarity with UX/UI design principles to better inform design recommendations.

• Experience in moderating workshops for ideation and result synthesis.

• Ability to manage external research vendors or service providers.

• Fluency in German and English (though German is primary for this role).

📝 Enhancement Note: While a specific number of years isn't stated, the description implies a mid-level researcher who can independently design and execute studies, create advanced research artifacts, and influence product decisions. The "comparable qualification" suggests that extensive practical experience in lieu of a specific degree may be considered.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of qualitative research studies, including research questions, methodologies employed, and key findings.

• Case studies showcasing the creation and application of personas, Jobs-to-be-done, or Customer Journey Maps to influence product development.

• Evidence of conducting usability and UX testing, including test plans, participant recruitment, execution, and resulting recommendations.

• Examples of how research insights have been translated into concrete product requirements or design improvements.

• Documentation of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., UX/UI, Product Management, Analytics) to integrate research into the product lifecycle. Process Documentation:

• Showcase a clear process for defining research objectives and selecting appropriate methodologies based on project goals.

• Provide examples of how research findings are synthesized, analyzed, and communicated effectively to stakeholders.

• Illustrate experience with managing the research lifecycle from planning and execution to reporting and actionability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a User Researcher role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just list skills but visually and narratively demonstrate the researcher's ability to uncover user needs, translate them into actionable insights, and influence product direction. The emphasis on "insight-led development" means showing the impact of research on product outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on German market standards for a User Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in a major city like Dortmund or Hamburg, an estimated annual gross salary range would be €55,000 - €75,000. This estimate considers the temporary nature of the contract and the specific industry (Insurance/Financial Services).

Benefits:

• Employee Discounts on insurances and corporate benefits.

• Sports and Health Offers.

• Unique SIGNAL IDUNA company honey.

• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.

• Opportunities for mobile working (hybrid arrangement).

• Active support for personal and professional development.

Working Hours: The role likely involves a standard German work week, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the company's commitment to flexible working hours and mobile work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is an estimation based on typical compensation for mid-level User Researchers in Germany, considering location and industry. The temporary nature might influence the exact salary negotiation. The benefits are directly extracted from the provided text, highlighting aspects attractive to professionals seeking work-life balance and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Insurance), specifically within a large, established organization undergoing digital transformation. This context suggests a blend of traditional corporate structures with a growing emphasis on agile, user-centric product development.

Company Size: SIGNAL IDUNA is a large enterprise, indicated by its broad scope and multiple locations. This means operations professionals can expect structured processes but also opportunities to influence change within a significant organization.

Founded: SIGNAL IDUNA has a long history (founded in 1907), implying stability and a deep understanding of its core business, now augmented by a drive for innovation and digital product enhancement.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will be embedded within a "product team," suggesting a cross-functional structure comprising developers, designers, product managers, and potentially analysts.

• This role acts as the "voice of the user," indicating a central, influential position within the team's decision-making process.

• Collaboration is key, with a direct interface to UX/UI Design and Analytics, and broader engagement with stakeholders. Methodology:

• The role is deeply rooted in an "insight-led development" approach, emphasizing data-driven decision-making through user research.

• Agile methodologies are explicitly mentioned, indicating iterative development cycles and close team collaboration.

• A focus on continuous improvement through ongoing user feedback and testing is a core operational principle.

Company Website: https://www.signal-iduna.de/ (General Company Website, specific job portal is jobs.signal-iduna.de)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be evolving, balancing established practices with a forward-looking approach to digital product development. The "transformation project" and "own ideas" suggest an environment where proactive individuals can make a significant impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level User Researcher, responsible for independent execution of research projects and contributing to strategic product decisions. It's a crucial, specialized role within the product development operations.

Reporting Structure: While specific details aren't provided, the User Researcher is embedded within a "product team" and acts as its "voice of the user." They likely report to a Product Lead or a Head of UX/Product, with strong day-to-day collaboration with UX/UI Designers and Analytics specialists.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's impact is direct and significant, shaping the direction of product and digital service development by ensuring they meet user needs and expectations. This role directly influences customer satisfaction, adoption rates, and ultimately, the success of digital initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific qualitative or quantitative research methods, or specialize in areas like generative research, evaluative testing, or service design research.

• Leadership in Research: Contribute to building and shaping SIGNAL IDUNA's internal research community, potentially mentoring junior researchers or leading research initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Transition into Product Management, UX Design leadership, or specialized roles within Digital Transformation teams, leveraging deep user understanding.

• Project Leadership: Take on lead roles in larger research projects or across multiple product initiatives during the contract period.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature of the contract (18 months) suggests it's part of a defined project. Growth opportunities will likely be within the scope of this project or by demonstrating significant impact that leads to further opportunities within SIGNAL IDUNA's ongoing digital transformation efforts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with the expectation of working from either the Dortmund or Hamburg office on certain days. This indicates a need for collaboration and in-person interaction, balanced with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Dortmund and Hamburg, Germany. Candidates are expected to be willing to travel between these locations, suggesting a need for flexibility and comfort with business travel.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Working within a product team implies a dynamic, collaborative space where ideas are exchanged freely.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary research tools, software, and potentially a dedicated UX lab or testing facilities, depending on the specific setup at each location.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with UX/UI Designers, Product Managers, Developers, and Analytics specialists, fostering a holistic approach to product development.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with the benefit of flexible working hours and mobile working options, allowing for better integration of personal and professional life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement to travel between Dortmund and Hamburg is a key aspect of the work environment, suggesting that candidates must be comfortable with this travel commitment. The hybrid model underscores a modern approach to work that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, focusing on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the user research role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Nora Gebauer, likely focusing on research philosophy, experience with specific methodologies, and understanding of agile environments. This is also where your portfolio might be initially discussed.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with members of the product team (e.g., UX/UI Designer, Product Manager) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and research approach.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A key stage involving presenting a selection of your best work, demonstrating your research process, insights, and impact. This may be a formal presentation or an in-depth discussion.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential within the project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your range of skills (qualitative, quantitative, generative, evaluative) and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your research approach, key findings, the insights derived, and the resulting actions taken or recommendations made. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to a X% improvement in task completion").

• Showcase Artifacts: Include examples of personas, journey maps, usability test reports, interview transcripts (anonymized), or other relevant outputs.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with cross-functional teams and translated research into actionable product decisions.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss your methodology, rationale for choices, and how you handled challenges or unexpected findings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential task-based exercise or a hypothetical research scenario to assess your problem-solving skills and approach to formulating research questions.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when discussing how you would tackle a new research problem or interpret ambiguous data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for a User Researcher. Candidates should prepare to not just show what they've done, but why they did it, how they did it, and what the outcome was. Demonstrating impact and a clear, repeatable research process is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote interviews and usability tests (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Zoom/Teams with screen sharing).

• Prototyping/Design Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers to understand prototypes and user flows (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Survey Tools: For quantitative data collection (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform, Qualtrics).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Experience interpreting data from web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to complement qualitative findings.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to use or interpret data visualizations for reports (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets).

• Reporting & Documentation: Proficiency in tools for creating clear, concise reports and presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Confluence, Notion).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding how user feedback and research can inform CRM data and customer understanding (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365, though direct use may not be required).

• Collaboration Tools: Essential for team communication and project management (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific tools aren't listed, the role description implies a need for proficiency in standard qualitative and quantitative research tools, as well as comfort working with data from analytics platforms and collaborating via common project management and communication software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, ensuring all product decisions are driven by a deep understanding of user needs and behaviors.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional communication, and shared ownership of product success.

• Curiosity & Empathy: A drive to understand users deeply, fostering an environment where empathy is a core competency.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform hypotheses and validate solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to iterating on products and processes based on user feedback and research insights.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Research: Research is not a separate silo but an integral part of the product development lifecycle, working closely with design and product management.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, feedback exchange, and constructive debate within the product team.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in the research community and sharing of insights across teams to foster a learning organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values described align with modern product development practices, emphasizing user needs, collaboration, and a data-informed approach. This is crucial for operations professionals who need to drive efficiency and effectiveness through understanding and serving end-users.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Effectively synthesizing insights from diverse research methods into a cohesive narrative that drives action.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Communicating complex research findings persuasively to diverse audiences, including those less familiar with research methodologies.

• Balancing Project Demands: Managing multiple research projects simultaneously within an agile development cycle, ensuring timely delivery of insights.

• Adapting to a Large Organization: Navigating the processes and culture of a large, established company while driving user-centric innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement more sophisticated qualitative or quantitative methods.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gaining deeper insights into UX/UI design, product management, and analytics through close collaboration.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest advancements in user research methodologies and tools.

• Internal Community Contribution: Developing leadership and mentorship skills by contributing to the research community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented often become growth opportunities. For instance, the challenge of "influencing stakeholders" can be overcome by developing stronger presentation and storytelling skills, which are valuable career assets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to convince a skeptical stakeholder of your research findings. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses persuasion, stakeholder management, and impact articulation.)

• "How do you decide which research methodology is most appropriate for a given product question?" (Assesses methodological understanding and strategic thinking.)

• "Imagine we want to launch a new feature for our mobile app. How would you approach researching user needs and validating the concept?" (Assesses problem-solving, research design, and process application.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about SIGNAL IDUNA's digital transformation efforts, and how do you see user research contributing to them?" (Assesses company research and strategic alignment.)

• "How do you see the role of a User Researcher fitting into an agile product team at a large insurance company?" (Assesses understanding of context and collaboration.)

• "Describe your experience working with UX/UI designers and product managers. How do you ensure effective collaboration?" (Assesses team dynamics and communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation: Problem -> Your Role -> Methodology -> Process -> Findings -> Insights -> Recommendations/Impact.

• Focus on the "Why" and "So What": Clearly explain your rationale for choosing specific methods and the actionable insights derived from your findings.

• Be concise and visual: Use clear visuals, charts, and examples from your artifacts. Avoid dense text.

• Engage your audience: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, challenges, and decision-making.

• Tailor to SIGNAL IDUNA: If possible, highlight how your past work aligns with the challenges or opportunities faced by a financial services company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will look for not just technical research skills but also your ability to integrate research into a business context, communicate effectively, and collaborate within a team. Demonstrating an understanding of how research drives business value is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this user researcher position:

• Submit your application through the SIGNAL IDUNA careers portal, including your CV, cover letter, and any other requested documents.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to showcase 3-5 impactful user research projects, clearly detailing your process, findings, and the resulting product improvements or business impact.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "User Research," "Usability Testing," "Qualitative Research," "Quantitative Research," "Agile," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your research philosophy, methodologies, and experience with specific examples. Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your insights clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SIGNAL IDUNA's business, its digital initiatives, and the broader financial services industry to demonstrate your understanding of their context and challenges.

⚠️ 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.