UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Ipsos

Location: Chicago, IL; Culver City, CA; or San Francisco, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Market Research Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-18T13:44:42

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute core user experience research activities, including preparation, data collection, analysis, and reporting, with a focus on delivering actionable insights for product and service development.

• Actively mentor and train fellow UX Researchers, fostering a collaborative environment and contributing to team knowledge sharing and thought leadership initiatives.

• Manage project financials, including team time and budget accountability, ensuring efficient project execution under senior oversight.

• Support client engagements through effective communication, relationship building, and contributions to new business initiatives like proposal development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX Researcher, requiring hands-on execution of research tasks while also demonstrating leadership potential through mentoring and contributing to broader team initiatives. The emphasis on "core project activities with autonomy and accuracy" and "increasingly able to lead interactions with clients" indicates a progression path beyond junior execution. The inclusion of "supporting design teams with engagements" and "wireframing" suggests a blend of traditional research and early-stage design input.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Skillfully execute core project activities such as logistical planning, screener development, recruiting and vendor management, discussion guide creation, and data collection piloting with a high degree of autonomy.

• Conduct data collection and analysis, including moderating various session types (e.g., interviews, usability tests) and accurately recording data aligned with research objectives.

• Write comprehensive reports with guidance from senior leaders, supporting insightful recommendations and producing/presenting final deliverables that inform design and strategy.

• Actively contribute to team growth by training and mentoring Researcher colleagues on project work and internal initiatives, sharing expertise in UX activities.

• Lead projects with senior oversight, managing project financials, team member time, and budget accountability in collaboration with project managers or senior leadership.

• Support client new business initiatives, such as drafting proposals and assisting in bidding processes, under the direction of a Director or senior leader.

• Proactively identify opportunities to add value to the UX team beyond assigned project work, contributing to thought leadership and internal operational improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on independent project execution and team development. The inclusion of "wireframing" and "supporting research-based recommendations for design" suggests a role that bridges research findings directly into the design process, requiring an understanding of design principles and user-centered design workflows. Managing project financials and team time indicates a need for strong organizational and project management skills within the research context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Behavioral Sciences, or a related field. Equivalent experience, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), will also be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in user experience (UX) research or a related field (e.g., qualitative or quantitative research).

• 3+ years of experience in user experience research or design is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability in team leadership, including training and mentoring junior researchers.

• Experience in client management and building strong client relationships. Required Skills:

• Proficient in core UX research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative).

• Skilled in discussion guide development and moderation of various session types.

• Strong data collection and analysis capabilities, with the ability to synthesize findings into actionable insights.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for reporting and client interaction.

• Adept at logistical planning and vendor management for research projects.

• Proficient note-taking and data recording skills aligned with research objectives. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with wireframing and supporting design recommendations.

• Familiarity with market research concepts beyond UX, such as concept testing, product testing, price and line optimization, and volumetric forecasting.

• Demonstrated ability to manage project financials, including budget accountability and team time management.

• Experience supporting new business initiatives, including proposal development.

• Understanding of user-centered design principles and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2+ years required, 3+ years preferred" for UX research experience, coupled with a Bachelor's degree in specific fields, sets a clear baseline. The emphasis on both "qualitative or quantitative research" and "user experience research or design" indicates a well-rounded research background is valued. The inclusion of "wireframing" and "supporting design teams" suggests a more integrated role than pure research, requiring some understanding of design outputs. The mention of "market research" and specific services like "concept testing" and "volumetric forecasting" points to the broader context of Ipsos's business and the potential for cross-pollination of skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX research projects, highlighting your specific contributions and impact.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, methodologies employed, key findings, and actionable recommendations.

• Showcase examples of how your research directly informed design decisions or product improvements, ideally with visual evidence of wireframes or design iterations.

• Present projects that illustrate your ability to manage research logistics, recruit participants, and conduct data collection and analysis effectively.

• Quantify the impact of your research where possible, demonstrating ROI or improvements in user satisfaction, task completion rates, or conversion metrics. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of structured discussion guides, screeners, and other research instruments you have developed.

• Showcase how you document research findings, including reporting templates or methods for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data.

• Illustrate your approach to managing project timelines, resources, and communication throughout the research lifecycle.

• Highlight any experience with creating research-based design recommendations or contributing to wireframing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio requirement" isn't explicitly stated in the raw job description, the responsibilities and qualifications strongly imply the need for a portfolio that showcases research execution, analysis, reporting, and client interaction. The mention of "wireframing" and "supporting design teams" suggests that a portfolio demonstrating an understanding of design output and how research feeds into it would be highly beneficial. The expectation of mentoring implies that candidates should be able to articulate their processes clearly.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $85,000 - $95,000 annually.

• This range is estimated based on the provided information for New York, Colorado, California, and Washington state laws, and may vary by location and other factors. Benefits:

• Career Development opportunities.

• Exceptional benefits package including generous Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Comprehensive healthcare plans.

• Wellness benefits.

• Flexible workplace policy.

• Strong collaborative culture. Working Hours:

• The role is listed as full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid work arrangement suggests flexibility in scheduling and location, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $85,000-$95,000 is explicitly stated for specific US states, indicating a baseline for mid-level UX Researchers in high-cost-of-living areas. The benefits listed are standard for a large research firm, with "Career Development" being a key draw for professionals in this field. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a structured approach to in-office presence, likely involving specific days for collaboration and team meetings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Market Research & Data Analytics. Ipsos is a global leader in this sector, providing data-driven solutions to help major companies solve complex problems related to markets, brands, and behaviors.

Company Size: Large. Ipsos operates in 90 markets with over 75 data-driven solutions, indicating a significant global footprint and a large employee base. This size offers opportunities for diverse project involvement and career progression.

Founded: Ipsos has a long history, with its mission dating back over 40 years, indicating stability and established expertise in the research industry.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher is part of the "User Experience (UX)" subdivision within the broader "Customer Experience (CX)" team.

• This role reports to senior UX team members, such as a Senior Lead Specialist or Project Leader, indicating a hierarchical structure with clear reporting lines.

• Collaboration is expected with design teams and other internal stakeholders, suggesting a cross-functional operational environment. Methodology:

• Ipsos emphasizes user-centered design informed by UX research throughout the entire product development process, not just at the end.

• The company utilizes a blend of thematic and technical experts to deliver high-quality research and insights.

• Their approach involves conducting research on users, their expectations, activities, and interactions to inform design decisions.

Company Website: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Ipsos is characterized by a strong research-driven ethos, a global presence, and a commitment to client success. The "UX" team operates within the "CX" division, suggesting a focus on the holistic customer journey. The emphasis on "user-centered design" and "research throughout the process" aligns with modern product development practices, and the "Great Place to Work Certification" indicates a positive internal environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Researcher role is positioned as a mid-level professional. It requires demonstrated ability to execute core research tasks independently, mentor junior colleagues, and manage project responsibilities, including financial aspects. It is a step towards leadership within the UX research function.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to senior UX team members (Senior Lead Specialist or Project Leader), indicating a clear path for guidance and development. This structure allows for learning from experienced professionals while taking on increasing responsibility.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work directly impacts client success by providing crucial insights that inform product and service development, innovation, and problem-solving. This role contributes to Ipsos's mission of helping clients understand their target markets and make informed strategic decisions, ultimately driving client growth and Ipsos's revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Progress to Senior UX Researcher or Project Leader roles, taking ownership of larger, more complex projects and client relationships.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, gain exposure to new tools and techniques, and develop advanced client management and mentoring skills.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Potentially move into broader CX roles, innovation consulting, or specialized areas within Ipsos's diverse service lines.

• Thought Leadership: Contribute to internal initiatives, publish research, and present at industry conferences, building personal brand and company reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear trajectory from execution to leadership, with opportunities to refine both technical research skills and client-facing competencies. The emphasis on mentoring and contributing to internal initiatives suggests a company that values employee development and encourages proactive engagement. The broad scope of Ipsos's services means there's potential for exposure to various industries and research challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The specific locations (Chicago, Culver City, San Francisco) are major metropolitan hubs.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL; Culver City, CA; or San Francisco, CA. These are key business centers, offering access to talent and client bases.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model promotes a flexible and collaborative work environment, balancing focused individual work with team synergy.

• Expect access to standard office amenities and potentially dedicated research labs or collaboration spaces within Ipsos offices.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior researchers, project leads, and cross-functional teams will be integral to the hybrid model.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week) with flexibility inherent in the hybrid arrangement. The specific in-office days will likely be determined by team needs and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a significant aspect of this role, offering flexibility while maintaining the benefits of in-person collaboration. The choice of major cities for locations suggests a dynamic work setting with access to diverse professional networks. The expectation is a structured hybrid approach, not fully remote, requiring proactive engagement during in-office days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and potentially a brief call to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss specific UX research projects.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you will likely present a selection of your work. Focus on 2-3 impactful projects that demonstrate your research process, analytical skills, and ability to drive insights.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with other UX researchers or cross-functional team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and technical proficiency.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, career aspirations, and overall fit with Ipsos.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Diverse Projects: Choose projects that showcase a range of methodologies (qualitative/quantitative), project types (e.g., foundational research, evaluative testing), and impacts.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methods used, key findings, your recommendations, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased user satisfaction scores by Y points").

• Showcase Process: Detail your research process, from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting. Include examples of discussion guides, screeners, or reporting snippets if appropriate.

• Address Design Integration: If possible, include examples showing how your research informed design decisions or wireframes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical research scenarios or problems.

• Prepare to explain your approach to complex research challenges, stakeholder management, and data synthesis.

• Practice articulating your research strategy and its alignment with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize a portfolio review. Candidates should prepare to not only present their work but also articulate the "why" behind their methodological choices and the "impact" of their findings. The hybrid nature of the role means demonstrating strong remote communication skills alongside in-person collaboration capabilities will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Proficiency with common UX research tools such as UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or similar platforms for remote usability testing and participant recruitment.

• Qualitative Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools like Dovetail, NVivo, or similar software for organizing, coding, and analyzing qualitative data.

• Quantitative Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) and basic statistical analysis tools or software (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel for data analysis).

• Wireframing/Prototyping Tools: While not a primary design role, familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for understanding design outputs and potentially creating basic wireframes or mockups to support research recommendations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or advanced Excel charting for creating clear and impactful data visualizations in reports.

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating and delivering compelling research presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM systems, understanding how UX research integrates with customer data platforms and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) to inform customer experience strategies is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are not listed, but based on the responsibilities, a strong command of standard UX research platforms, qualitative and quantitative analysis software, and presentation tools is expected. The mention of "wireframing" suggests that some familiarity with design tools like Figma or Sketch would be advantageous, even if not for primary design work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user in all research and design decisions.

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis on rigorous research methodologies to generate reliable, actionable data that drives strategic business outcomes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that values shared knowledge, mutual support, and cross-functional teamwork to achieve collective goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive for excellence, encouraging learning, process optimization, and adaptation to evolving research techniques and industry trends.

• Client Focus: Dedication to delivering high-quality research and insights that directly address client needs and contribute to their success.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be highly collaborative, working closely with senior researchers, project leads, and potentially design, product, and client teams.

• Active participation in team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and mentorship activities is encouraged.

• Communication is key, both within the internal team and with external clients, requiring clear, concise, and professional interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ipsos's emphasis on being "primarily managed by researchers" suggests a culture that values deep expertise and a scientific approach. The "Great Place to Work Certification" implies a positive and supportive work environment. The core values will likely revolve around delivering impactful insights, fostering strong client relationships, and promoting continuous learning within the research community.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Rigor with Project Timelines: Effectively managing research projects to deliver timely, actionable insights within client deadlines can be demanding.

• Synthesizing Complex Data: Integrating diverse qualitative and quantitative data points into coherent, compelling narratives that drive strategic decisions requires strong analytical and storytelling skills.

• Client Management & Expectation Setting: Navigating client needs, managing expectations, and translating research findings into business impact requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Methodologies: Staying current with new UX research techniques, tools, and best practices in a rapidly changing field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodology Deep Dives: Opportunities to specialize in specific research techniques (e.g., advanced qualitative methods, complex quantitative analysis, generative AI in research).

• Client Leadership Training: Developing skills in client presentations, strategic consultation, and proposal development.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship from senior researchers to guide career progression and skill development.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Support for attending relevant conferences and professional development events to stay abreast of industry trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a mid-level UX researcher, requiring a blend of technical skill, project management, and client-facing abilities. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with a career path in UX research, focusing on deepening expertise, enhancing leadership capabilities, and staying current with industry advancements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder needs or research findings. How did you manage it?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and data-driven decision-making.)

• "Walk me through a UX research project where your insights led to a significant product or design change. What was your process, and what was the impact?" (Prepare a detailed case study highlighting your contribution.)

• "How do you approach designing a research study when you have limited time or resources?" (Showcase your ability to adapt methodologies and prioritize effectively.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Ipsos and this specific UX Researcher role?" (Research Ipsos's mission, recent work, and values. Connect your skills and aspirations to their goals.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior team members or sharing your knowledge?" (Highlight your experience and philosophy on team development.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity?" (Be prepared to discuss your strategies for remote and in-office work.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, methodology, key findings, recommendations, and impact. Use a consistent template.

• Visuals are Key: Incorporate relevant visuals (e.g., personas, journey maps, wireframes, key quotes, charts) to make your presentation engaging and easier to understand.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, provide metrics demonstrating the success of your research or the impact of your recommendations.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, challenges encountered, and how you would approach similar problems in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. The portfolio presentation is critical; focus on clear storytelling and demonstrating the direct impact of their research on business outcomes. Understanding Ipsos's broader market research context beyond just UX will also be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Researcher," "user experience," "data collection," "data analysis," "discussion guide development," "moderating," and "client management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX research projects that showcase your end-to-end process, analytical skills, and impact. Ensure clear articulation of the problem, your role, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely and engagingly, focusing on storytelling and demonstrating the value of your research. Be ready to discuss your process and answer in-depth questions.

• Research Ipsos: Understand Ipsos's mission, values, recent projects, and their position in the market research industry. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team, culture, and the role.

⚠️ 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.