UX Researcher & Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher & Designer

Company: IQVIA

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Drive the application of user-centered design principles within the IQVIA Applied Data Science Center, focusing on complex clinical and operational workflows.

• Operate within an emerging 'Tiny Teams' structure leveraging the IQVIA Agentic Operating Model for rapid experimentation and delivery.

• Translate intricate clinical, operational, and AI-assisted workflows into intuitive, trustworthy, and scalable product experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior practitioner within a specialized Applied Data Science Center, indicating a focus on innovation and the application of advanced technologies like AI and LLMs. The emphasis on "Tiny Teams" and an "Agentic Operating Model" suggests a dynamic, agile environment where independent leadership and rapid iteration are paramount. The role requires deep expertise in both UX research and product design, with a specific emphasis on translating complex technical concepts into user-friendly solutions for the healthcare and life sciences sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

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

• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights, clear recommendations, and precise design direction that align with business objectives, technical constraints, and user outcomes.

• Develop and validate user experiences specifically for AI-powered products, including those leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), agentic systems, complex automation workflows, and human-in-the-loop decision support tools.

• Produce a range of UX artifacts, including but not limited to journey maps, detailed workflow models, user personas, service blueprints, wireframes, interactive prototypes, comprehensive usability findings reports, and detailed design specifications.

• Foster strong partnerships with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, data science, clinical experts, and business stakeholders, to align priorities, navigate trade-offs, and guide teams toward effective, user-centric solutions.

• Actively contribute to and collaborate within fast-paced "Tiny Teams" utilizing the IQVIA Agentic Operating Model, engaging in rapid cycles of experimentation, product delivery, performance measurement, and iterative improvement.

• Provide senior-level UX leadership by establishing structure in ambiguous situations, facilitating critical decision-making processes, and influencing product strategy and direction through compelling, evidence-based arguments.

• Mentor and guide junior UX colleagues and cross-functional team members by exemplifying best practices in research methodologies, design thinking, validation techniques, and collaborative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution. The focus on AI-enabled products and agentic systems indicates a need for specialized knowledge in designing for emerging technologies. The emphasis on rapid cycles, experimentation, and working within "Tiny Teams" suggests a need for adaptability and strong self-management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in UX research, product design, usability evaluation, and user-centered product development for complex digital products. Demonstrated ability to independently lead and execute end-to-end UX initiatives from discovery through delivery and ongoing iteration.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of qualitative and quantitative UX research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, rigorous usability testing, and detailed workflow analysis.

• Proficient in synthesizing complex research data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Strong command of interaction design principles, information architecture best practices, and effective prototyping techniques.

• Expertise in creating compelling visual communication artifacts to convey design concepts and findings.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including product management, engineering, data science, clinical operations, and business functions.

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

• Proficiency with essential UX research, design, and prototyping tools, with specific emphasis on industry-standard software like Figma, and familiarity with AI-assisted productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Cursor, and various AI synthesis platforms. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing, researching, or evaluating AI-enabled products, Large Language Model (LLM)-powered workflows, agentic systems, intelligent automation solutions, or advanced decision-support tools.

• Prior experience within the healthcare, life sciences, or clinical research industries, particularly in regulated or data-intensive environments.

• Familiarity with agentic operating models, principles of rapid experimentation, systems thinking, and the nuances of AI-assisted product development lifecycles.

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

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

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

• Prior experience working within agile, fast-paced small teams is considered a strong asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior-level practitioner with a strong foundation in core UX principles and a demonstrated ability to lead independently. The preferred qualifications highlight the company's focus on emerging technologies, particularly AI and LLMs, and domain expertise in healthcare. The mention of specific tools like Figma, Copilot, and Cursor indicates the expected technology stack.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX ownership across multiple complex digital products, with a clear emphasis on the discovery, design, validation, and delivery phases.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating the application of both qualitative and quantitative research methods to solve user problems and drive business outcomes, including specific examples of research synthesis and insight generation.

• Examples of interaction design, information architecture, and prototyping for complex systems, illustrating the ability to translate intricate requirements into intuitive user flows and interfaces.

• Evidence of designing for AI-enabled products or complex workflows, highlighting the thought process for integrating AI capabilities and addressing user concerns related to AI.

• Documentation of how user feedback and validation were incorporated into the design process, showcasing iterative improvements and a commitment to evidence-based design. Process Documentation:

• Showcase expertise in defining and optimizing UX research and design processes within agile and potentially ambiguous environments.

• Illustrate experience in creating and refining workflows for AI-assisted product development, including human-in-the-loop systems and agentic models.

• Demonstrate methods for measuring and reporting on the impact of UX initiatives, linking design decisions to tangible business and user outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and the focus on AI-enabled products, the portfolio should strongly emphasize the candidate's ability to lead complex UX initiatives independently and demonstrate measurable impact. Case studies involving AI, complex workflows, and cross-functional collaboration will be highly valued. The ability to articulate and refine UX processes within an agile, innovative framework is also critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Researcher & Designer with 10+ years of experience in a major European capital like Madrid, and considering the specialized nature of AI and clinical technology, the estimated annual salary range is €70,000 - €95,000. This estimate accounts for the high demand for senior UX talent, the specific technical skills required, and the cost of living in Madrid.

Benefits:

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

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

• Retirement savings plan with potential company matching contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including access to training, conferences, and certifications relevant to UX, AI, and healthcare technology.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Flexible working arrangements, though this specific role is on-site.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While this role is on-site, IQVIA may offer some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and business needs, allowing for efficient management of research and design cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimates based on market research for senior UX roles in Spain, considering the specialized skills in AI and healthcare. Specific benefits packages can vary and should be confirmed with the employer. The on-site nature of the role is noted, but standard professional flexibility may apply.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare, Life Sciences, Clinical Research, Data Analytics, and Technology. IQVIA operates at the intersection of these fields, providing essential intelligence and services to accelerate healthcare innovation and improve patient outcomes globally. This context means the UX work is highly impactful, dealing with sensitive data and critical decision-making processes.

Company Size: IQVIA is a large, global enterprise, listed among Fortune 500 companies, with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale offers resources, stability, and broad market reach, but also necessitates navigating corporate structures and processes.

Founded: IQVIA was formed in 2016 through the merger of Quintiles and IMS Health, bringing together over 50 years of combined experience in clinical research and healthcare data analytics. This heritage signifies deep industry expertise and a long-standing commitment to advancing healthcare.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher & Designer will be part of the Applied Data Science Center, working within agile "Tiny Teams." These teams are cross-functional, comprising individuals from product management, engineering, data science, clinical operations, and business strategy.

• The role likely reports into a UX Lead or Head of Product Design within the Applied Data Science Center or a related product organization, with potential dotted-line reporting for project-specific guidance.

• Collaboration is highly emphasized, with frequent interaction across product, engineering, and data science disciplines to integrate UX insights into AI-enabled solutions. Methodology:

• The team utilizes an "Agentic Operating Model," a derivative of the Delta-Echo / FDE process, emphasizing rapid experimentation, iterative development, and data-driven decision-making.

• UX research and design activities are integral to this model, ensuring that solutions are grounded in user needs and validated rigorously throughout the development lifecycle.

• A strong focus on translating complex AI and clinical workflows into usable, trusted, and scalable product experiences is central to the team's approach.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: IQVIA's position as a global leader in healthcare data and clinical research provides a unique context for UX work. The emphasis on AI and the "Agentic Operating Model" suggests a forward-thinking culture focused on innovation and agility within a large corporate structure. Understanding this blend of scale and agility will be key for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior UX Researcher & Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position with significant autonomy and responsibility. It requires a practitioner who can lead complex projects independently, mentor others, and influence product strategy, operating beyond execution to strategic problem-solving.

Reporting Structure: The role operates within a "Tiny Team" structure within the Applied Data Science Center. While direct reporting lines might be to a UX Lead or Product Design Manager, the emphasis is on collaborative work within the cross-functional team, with significant interaction with product managers, data scientists, and engineers.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher & Designer will have a direct and substantial impact on the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of AI-enabled clinical technology solutions. By ensuring these complex tools are user-centered, the role will contribute to improving clinical trial efficiency, accelerating drug development, and ultimately enhancing patient care outcomes. This involves translating complex data science and clinical workflows into actionable tools for healthcare professionals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for AI and emerging technologies, becoming a go-to specialist within IQVIA for LLM-based tools and agentic systems.

• Leadership: Progress into UX Lead or Management roles, overseeing multiple projects, mentoring a team of UX professionals, and shaping UX strategy for larger product portfolios.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of data science, clinical research operations, and product management, enabling a more holistic approach to product development and potential transitions into product management or strategy roles.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the future of UX in healthcare and AI through internal best practice development and potentially external speaking engagements or publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior level of this role suggests a path towards leadership or deep specialization. The unique domain of AI in clinical technology offers significant opportunities for growth and impact, particularly for those who can navigate complex technical and regulatory environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment. However, given IQVIA's focus on innovation and the "Tiny Teams" model, the workspace likely supports collaboration, with dedicated areas for focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Madrid, Spain. This location offers access to a vibrant tech and life sciences ecosystem in Europe, with opportunities for networking and professional engagement within the region.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration among cross-functional "Tiny Teams," likely featuring shared project spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially informal collaboration zones.

• Access to modern technology and tools, including the specified UX software (Figma, etc.) and AI productivity tools, is expected to support efficient research and design processes.

• Opportunities for close interaction with data scientists, engineers, and clinical experts will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, IQVIA often supports professional flexibility, allowing for some adjustment in daily start and end times to accommodate personal needs and optimize workflow, provided business requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Madrid suggests a structured work environment, but the "Tiny Teams" and "Agentic Operating Model" imply a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere within that structure. Candidates should be prepared for hands-on collaboration in a physical office setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications for basic qualifications and experience, followed by a brief introductory call.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: This interview will focus on your experience, approach to UX research and design, leadership capabilities, and understanding of AI-enabled products. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review & Deep Dive: A dedicated session to walk through selected case studies from your portfolio. Focus on your role, process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work. Expect detailed questions about your decision-making.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential team members from product, engineering, and data science to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, cultural fit, and overall alignment with IQVIA's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 complex case studies that best represent your end-to-end UX ownership, particularly those involving AI, complex workflows, or healthcare/life sciences if possible.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the research and design process you followed, key challenges and how you overcame them, the solution, and crucially, the measurable impact (user outcomes, business results).

• Highlight AI & Complexity: Emphasize your approach to understanding and designing for AI-enabled features, LLMs, or agentic systems. Detail how you handled ambiguity and translated complex technical concepts for users.

• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you partnered with engineers, data scientists, and product managers, and how you influenced their decisions through your UX expertise.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, rationale for design decisions, and how you measured success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical problem-solving exercise, potentially involving a complex clinical workflow or an AI feature. Focus on your structured approach, research methods, and ideation process.

• Design Challenge: You might be asked to critique an existing design or propose solutions for a given UX problem. Demonstrate your critical thinking and ability to apply UX principles.

• Communication & Influence: Practice articulating your UX strategy and recommendations clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders who may not have a UX background.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both strategic UX leadership and practical application, especially concerning AI and complex domains. A well-prepared, impactful portfolio presentation is crucial for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in creating complex interactive prototypes, design systems, and collaborative workflows is expected.

• AI-Assisted Productivity Tools: Specific mention of Microsoft Copilot and Cursor suggests an expectation for candidates to leverage AI for research synthesis, code assistance (if applicable to design system development), content generation, and general productivity.

• AI Synthesis Tools: Likely refers to tools that help process and summarize large amounts of research data, identify patterns, or generate insights from qualitative or quantitative inputs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, expect to use or collaborate with teams using tools for analytics and reporting, such as Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics, or specialized clinical data analytics platforms, to inform design decisions and measure impact. CRM & Automation:

• While the role is UX-focused, understanding how UX integrates with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing/sales automation platforms can be beneficial for understanding the broader business context and user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Copilot, and Cursor indicates the core technology stack. Candidates should be comfortable not only with standard UX tools but also with leveraging AI-powered tools to enhance their research and design processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Outcome Orientation: A strong focus on delivering tangible results and measurable impact, ensuring that UX efforts directly contribute to business objectives and improved patient outcomes.

• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: A commitment to grounding all design and research decisions in data, user insights, and rigorous validation.

• Collaboration & Influence: Valuing teamwork and the ability to effectively communicate and influence stakeholders across diverse disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Learning & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, methodologies (like agentic operating models), and feedback to constantly improve processes and product experiences.

• AI Fluency & Responsible Technology: A forward-thinking mindset towards AI, with an emphasis on ethical considerations, user trust, and the responsible application of these powerful technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The "Tiny Teams" model fosters tight-knit collaboration with product, engineering, and data science. UX is seen as an integral partner, not an afterthought.

• Open Communication & Feedback: An environment where constructive feedback is encouraged, facilitating iterative design and problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of research findings, design patterns, and best practices across the team and potentially wider UX community within IQVIA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize impact, data-driven approaches, and collaboration, particularly in the context of cutting-edge AI technologies within healthcare. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Ambiguity: Navigating the inherent complexity and often ambiguous nature of AI-enabled clinical technology, translating abstract concepts into concrete user experiences.

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Operating within the healthcare and life sciences sector requires adherence to strict regulations and standards, which can sometimes conflict with rapid innovation cycles.

• User Trust in AI: Building and maintaining user trust in AI-powered tools, especially in critical clinical decision-making scenarios, requires careful design and transparent communication.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively bridging the gap between highly technical data science/AI concepts and the practical needs of clinical users.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & ML Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in designing for advanced AI/ML applications, LLMs, and agentic systems within a real-world, high-impact context.

• Healthcare Domain Expertise: Developing a profound understanding of clinical workflows, research processes, and the healthcare ecosystem, which is highly valuable and transferable.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior colleagues, lead strategic UX initiatives, and contribute to shaping the UX function within IQVIA's Applied Data Science Center.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to engage with industry conferences, workshops, and best practice communities focused on UX in AI and healthcare technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but offer substantial growth opportunities. Candidates who thrive in complex, innovative environments and are eager to develop expertise in AI and healthcare UX will find this role particularly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led end-to-end UX research and design for a complex digital product. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your independent leadership, problem-framing, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing a user experience for an AI tool that assists clinicians in diagnosing rare diseases? What research methods would you prioritize, and how would you build user trust?" (Assess your AI fluency, research strategy, and understanding of user trust in healthcare AI.)

• "Walk us through how you would translate a complex, multi-step clinical workflow into a simplified and efficient user experience. What artifacts would you create, and how would you validate your designs?" (Demonstrate your workflow analysis, design process, and validation techniques.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about IQVIA's work in Applied Data Science and AI? How do you see your UX skills contributing to our mission?" (Showcase your research into the company and its strategic priorities.)

• "Describe your experience working in agile, cross-functional teams. How do you ensure UX is effectively integrated and influential?" (Highlight your collaboration skills and understanding of agile methodologies like the Agentic Operating Model.)

• "How do you stay current with advancements in UX, AI, and the healthcare industry?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select for Impact: Choose case studies that best showcase your seniority, ability to handle ambiguity, AI/complex system design experience, and measurable results.

• Structure for Clarity: Use a consistent structure: Problem -> Your Role/Process -> Solution -> Impact. For AI projects, specifically detail the AI's role and your approach to designing around it.

• Quantify Outcomes: Whenever possible, present metrics on user satisfaction, efficiency gains, adoption rates, or business impact. If exact numbers aren't available, describe the qualitative impact and how it would be measured.

• Be Ready to Defend Decisions: Anticipate questions about why you made certain design choices, what alternatives you considered, and how you handled conflicting feedback from stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on your ability to demonstrate practical application of UX principles in complex, AI-driven scenarios within the healthcare domain, supported by strong portfolio evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher & Designer position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, specific achievements in UX research and design, and any experience with AI, LLMs, or the healthcare/life sciences industry. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that exemplify end-to-end UX ownership, complex problem-solving, AI/emerging technology design, and quantifiable impact. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link in your application).

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the results achieved, especially for AI-related projects.

• Research IQVIA: Familiarize yourself with IQVIA's mission, its Applied Data Science Center, and any recent news or initiatives related to AI and clinical technology. Understand their "Agentic Operating Model" and "Tiny Teams" concept.

⚠️ 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.