UX Research Assistant (Hourly)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Assistant (Hourly)

Company: Austin Community College

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research Operations

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting user experience research initiatives within a higher education setting, emphasizing data collection and analysis for web redesign and marketing projects.

• The position involves collaborating with UX/UI leadership to conduct user research, organize findings, and contribute to the documentation and refinement of digital assets.

• Key responsibilities include assisting with survey design, analyzing results, and preparing presentation materials to communicate insights to cross-functional teams.

• This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring UX professional to gain practical experience in a community-focused educational environment, contributing to user-centered digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under UX Research Operations, highlighting the operational aspects of gathering and processing user data to inform design and development, rather than pure design execution. The "Hourly" nature and part-time hours (up to 19/week) indicate a support function, suitable for individuals early in their UX careers or seeking flexible work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Lead UX/UI Manager to design, distribute, and analyze user surveys, translating raw data into actionable insights for web initiatives.

• Assist in documenting and organizing digital assets within Figma, ensuring consistency, adherence to brand guidelines, and maintainability of design resources for ongoing projects.

• Support web design and development teams by preparing research materials, facilitating usability testing sessions, and contributing to the ideation phase of current and upcoming web projects.

• Develop and refine presentation decks that effectively communicate research findings, methodologies, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and leadership.

• Contribute to the ongoing development of UX practices within Austin Community College by helping to build new processes and workflows for user research and design.

• Ensure research methodologies and findings consider the diverse multicultural student, faculty, and staff populations, aligning with the college's mission of equitable access.

• Maintain foundational knowledge of accessibility and usability principles to inform research and design recommendations.

• Manage multiple project tasks simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of research execution, data organization, and communication. The focus on "higher education audiences" and "multicultural students, faculty, and staff" is a critical differentiator for this role, requiring empathy and an understanding of diverse user needs within an academic context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• 1+ year of experience in UX research, usability testing, user interviews, or related roles. Internships, volunteer work, and academic projects demonstrating relevant experience will be considered.

• Familiarity with research and data analysis tools such as Useberry, Microsoft Clarity, or Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundational understanding of core UX research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, surveys, interviews, card sorting, journey mapping).

• Demonstrated ability to adapt research methods to specific project goals and target audiences, particularly within a higher education context.

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable design insights.

• High level of adaptability and initiative, with a proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements in processes and workflows.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate research findings, methodologies, and recommendations clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

• Genuine curiosity and empathy for the experiences of multicultural students, faculty, and staff, ensuring a user-centered approach.

• Foundational knowledge of accessibility (WCAG) and usability principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a higher education institution or a non-profit organization.

• Familiarity with specific analytics platforms like GA4 for website user behavior analysis.

• Basic proficiency in design tools such as Figma for asset documentation and light design tasks.

• Experience with survey platforms beyond basic tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1+ year of experience" combined with the preference for a Bachelor's degree and consideration for internships/volunteer work suggests this role is positioned as an entry-level to junior position within the UX field. The emphasis on adaptability and process building is key for a growing UX practice.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one project demonstrating the application of core UX research methods (e.g., usability testing, survey analysis) to solve a specific problem.

• Include examples of how research findings were documented and communicated to stakeholders, ideally through presentation decks or reports.

• Demonstrate familiarity with organizing and documenting digital assets, potentially including examples of work done in Figma or similar tools.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of research workflow design, from initial planning and participant recruitment to data analysis and reporting.

• Be ready to explain how they approach ensuring research is inclusive and considers diverse user needs.

• Familiarity with documenting processes, such as creating user journey maps or outlining usability testing protocols, is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio expectations are likely focused on demonstrating foundational understanding and practical application through academic or internship projects, rather than extensive professional work. The emphasis should be on the process and the candidate's thinking, not just the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• While specific benefits for part-time hourly positions can vary, Austin Community College typically offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Retirement Plans (e.g., TMRS, 403(b))
  • Short-term Disability
  • Long-term Disability
  • Paid Time Off (accrual may vary for part-time roles)

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, with a maximum of 19 hours per week. The specific schedule will be determined in collaboration with the Lead UX/UI Manager, with potential for flexibility to accommodate research activities and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed benefits are typical for full-time employees at many institutions. For a part-time hourly role, eligibility and the extent of benefits may differ. Candidates should inquire directly with HR about the specific benefits package available for this position. The $29.60/hour rate aligns with entry-level to junior UX research roles in higher education in a major metropolitan area like Austin, TX.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Community College)

Company Size: Austin Community College is a large institution, serving approximately 41,000 credit students each Fall and Spring semester, indicating a significant number of employees and a complex organizational structure. This size implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact within specific departments.

Founded: Austin Community College was founded to provide accessible higher education and workforce training opportunities to the diverse population of its service area.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research Assistant will report to the Lead UX/UI Manager within the Office of Communications and Marketing.

• This team likely collaborates closely with web designers, content strategists, developers, and potentially other marketing specialists.

Methodology:

• The team's methodology will be centered around user-centered design principles, leveraging UX research to inform decisions.

• Data analysis and insights from user research (surveys, usability testing) are critical for driving web redesign and content strategies.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be a continuous effort as the college's UX practice evolves.

• Automation and efficiency practices may be explored to streamline research and documentation processes.

Company Website: https://www.austincc.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes community, equitable access, and student success. This means the UX team's work should reflect these values, focusing on creating inclusive and accessible digital experiences that support diverse learners. The "developing UX practice" suggests an environment where the candidate can contribute to shaping processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior UX Research Assistant. It offers a foundational stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in UX research, design operations, or digital accessibility within the higher education sector. The focus is on learning and applying core research skills under mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Lead UX/UI Manager. This close reporting line suggests strong mentorship and direct guidance, crucial for skill development in a growing UX practice.

Operations Impact: The UX Research Assistant's work directly impacts the college's digital presence by ensuring websites and digital content are user-friendly, accessible, and meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff. This contributes to improved student engagement, academic success, and overall institutional effectiveness by enhancing the digital user experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen understanding and practical application of various UX research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and documentation in Figma.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like usability testing, survey design, accessibility research, or UX analytics as the college's UX needs evolve.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, there may be opportunities to take ownership of smaller research projects or lead specific research tasks.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to other areas within the Office of Communications and Marketing, such as content strategy, web development, and digital marketing.

• Higher Education UX: Developing expertise in UX within the unique context of higher education, which can be a specialized and valuable niche.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined within UX research, with opportunities to expand skills and take on more responsibility within the college's digital initiatives. The environment of a "developing UX practice" offers a unique chance to influence and grow with the function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based on-site at Austin Community College's Highland Campus. This suggests a traditional office or campus-based work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the Highland Campus in Austin, Texas. This campus is a central hub for many college operations and academic programs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact daily with the Lead UX/UI Manager and other members of the Communications and Marketing team.

• Access to standard office technology, computers, and potentially shared design software licenses (Figma) will be provided.

• The environment will likely foster open communication and teamwork, essential for a developing UX practice that requires input from various stakeholders.

Work Schedule: The role is part-time, up to 19 hours per week. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in scheduling hours, especially given the part-time nature, to accommodate research activities and project timelines, to be discussed with the manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key aspect of this role, indicating a preference for direct collaboration and in-person engagement. This is common in educational institutions where campus presence and interaction are valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to identify candidates with the most relevant qualifications and experience.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a short exercise or present a case study from their portfolio demonstrating their understanding of UX research methods, data analysis, or presentation skills. This could involve analyzing a provided dataset or outlining a research plan.

• Interview with Hiring Manager: A discussion with the Lead UX/UI Manager to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, understanding of UX principles, and cultural fit.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Potentially meet with other members of the Communications and Marketing team or key stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style and communication effectiveness.

• Final Decision: Based on overall performance across all stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, research methodology, and how you arrived at your findings and recommendations. For academic or internship projects, highlight the learning journey.

• Data Visualization: If presenting survey data or analytics, use clear and effective visualizations to communicate key insights.

• Communication: Be prepared to walk through your projects and explain your contributions, challenges, and outcomes concisely. Practice your presentation skills.

• Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to highlight experiences most relevant to UX research, user-centered design, and working with diverse user groups.

• Figma/Tools: If you have experience with Figma or other UX tools, be ready to discuss how you've used them for documentation, wireframing, or prototyping.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Methods: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of different research methods and when to apply them.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare examples of how you've used research to identify a user problem and propose solutions.

• Stakeholder Communication: Think about how you would explain complex research findings to non-UX professionals.

• Higher Education Context: Consider how UX research might be applied differently in an educational setting compared to a commercial one.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the entry-level nature, the interview process will likely focus on assessing potential and foundational knowledge. The portfolio review will be key to understanding how a candidate thinks and applies UX principles, even if their experience is primarily academic.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for documenting and organizing design assets, contributing to a centralized design system. Proficiency in basic Figma functions for asset organization is expected.

• Survey Platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms): Used for designing, distributing, and collecting data from user surveys.

• Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics 4 - GA4, Microsoft Clarity): For understanding website user behavior, tracking traffic, and identifying user pain points. Familiarity is a plus.

• User Testing Platforms (e.g., Useberry, UserTesting.com): Potentially used for conducting remote or moderated usability tests. Familiarity is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• GA4: For website analytics and understanding user flow.

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets): For organizing, cleaning, and performing initial analysis of survey data.

• Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides): For creating and delivering research findings to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data collected through web interactions might feed into broader college systems (e.g., student information systems, marketing automation) is beneficial.

• Basic understanding of workflow automation principles could be useful for streamlining research processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a blend of design collaboration, data collection, and analysis tools common in UX research. The emphasis on Figma and analytics platforms highlights the operational and data-driven aspects of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Success: All efforts are geared towards improving the digital experience for students, directly supporting their academic journeys and outcomes.

• Equitable Access: A commitment to creating digital experiences that are accessible and inclusive for all members of the diverse college community.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, valuing input from various departments to achieve common goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research findings and analytics to inform design and content strategies, moving beyond assumptions.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of iterating and refining processes and digital assets based on user feedback and performance data.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a collaborative environment where open communication and feedback exchange are encouraged.

• Expect to work closely with the Lead UX/UI Manager, sharing insights and receiving guidance.

• Collaboration with web developers, content creators, and other marketing professionals will be integral to project success.

• A culture of sharing knowledge and best practices within the UX/design team is likely present or developing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team's values are deeply rooted in the college's mission, emphasizing student-centricity, inclusivity, and data-informed strategies. This sets a clear expectation for how operations and UX work should be conducted.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Developing UX Practice: As part of a developing UX practice, there may be ambiguity in processes and a need to establish best practices. This presents an opportunity to contribute to shaping the function.

• Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders across a large educational institution can be complex.

• Resource Constraints: As a part-time, hourly role, managing workload effectively and prioritizing tasks within limited hours will be crucial.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of UX research on student success or institutional goals can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• UX Methodologies: Gaining hands-on experience with a range of UX research methods and learning how to apply them effectively in a real-world context.

• Higher Education UX: Developing specialized knowledge in UX for educational environments, which has unique user needs and design considerations.

• Tool Proficiency: Enhancing skills in tools like Figma, GA4, and survey platforms.

• Presentation & Communication: Improving the ability to present research findings and advocate for user needs to diverse audiences.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the development and refinement of UX research processes within the college.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, particularly in contributing to the development of the UX function and navigating the complexities of a large educational institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research to identify a problem and how you proposed a solution." (Focus on your process, not just the outcome.)

• "How would you approach designing a survey for students about their experience with the college website?" (Consider target audience, question types, and potential biases.)

• "Imagine you've found conflicting data from user interviews and website analytics. How would you reconcile these findings?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Austin Community College specifically?" (Connect your values to the college's mission.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX research trends and tools?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal working relationship with a manager and team members." (Assess collaboration style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the methods used, key findings, your recommendations, and the outcome (if known).

• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize your thinking, decision-making, and how you adapted methods.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, discuss potential impact or how findings could lead to improvements.

• Visuals are Key: Use clear screenshots, diagrams, or mockups to illustrate your work.

• Practice Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a given timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe your understanding of UX fundamentals, your ability to think critically, and your enthusiasm for contributing to a mission-driven organization like a community college.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Austin Community College Workday portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific UX research methodologies you've used, tools you're familiar with (Figma, GA4, survey tools), and any experience in higher education or similar environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-3 projects that best demonstrate your UX research skills, problem-solving approach, and communication abilities. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., PDF, personal website, Bechance).

• Prepare for Case Studies: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and potentially tackle a small UX research-related problem during the interview process.

• Research ACC's Mission: Understand Austin Community College's commitment to student success, equitable access, and community development, and be prepared to articulate how your UX skills align with these values.

⚠️ 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.