UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Pluribus Digital

Location: Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (Approx. 2-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the planning and execution of qualitative and quantitative user research activities to inform product and service design for government clients.

• Collaborate with senior researchers and cross-functional teams to translate research goals into actionable plans and synthesize findings into clear, impactful insights.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of research operations, including documentation, repositories, and processes to scale research effectively.

• Partner with designers, product managers, and developers to ensure research insights are integrated throughout the product lifecycle, driving human-centered solutions.

• Develop foundational skills in user research methodologies, accessibility standards, and inclusive design practices within a mission-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a growth opportunity for an aspiring UX Researcher, emphasizing collaboration with senior staff and a structured approach to research operations. The focus on government clients and Public Trust Clearance indicates a need for candidates comfortable with regulatory environments and potentially sensitive data.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the planning and execution of qualitative and quantitative user research activities, including interviews, usability testing, surveys, and contextual inquiry.

• Collaborate with senior researchers and cross-functional team members to translate research goals into actionable research plans.

• Synthesize research findings into clear insights, artifacts, and recommendations that directly inform product and design decisions.

• Assist in developing comprehensive research deliverables such as research plans, discussion guides, reports, and presentations.

• Contribute to building and maintaining research repositories, documentation, and processes to scale research operations across teams.

• Partner with designers, product managers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure research insights are integrated effectively into the product lifecycle.

• Facilitate workshops, stakeholder discussions, and research readouts to share findings and drive alignment across teams.

• Ask thoughtful questions to clarify ambiguous requirements and ensure research efforts align with user and business needs.

• Continuously learn and apply best practices in human-centered design, accessibility (WCAG, Section 508), and inclusive research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution and foundational contributions to research operations. The emphasis on collaboration and communication with various stakeholders suggests a need for strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Approximately two (2) years of professional experience in Information Technology, focusing on user experience research or related work within product development teams.

Required Skills:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance.

• Proficiency in synthesizing research data into clear, actionable insights.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, Section 508) and inclusive research practices.

• Experience working with collaboration and project management tools such as Figma, FigJam, Zoom, Confluence, and Jira.

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional Agile teams.

• Comfort working with some ambiguity and a willingness to learn and grow within a structured research practice.

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present findings and support stakeholder discussions.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in government contracting.

• Exposure to research operations (e.g., organizing research repositories, maintaining documentation).

• Interest and/or familiarity with quantitative data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Public Trust Clearance is critical and should be a primary consideration for applicants. The blend of foundational research experience with a willingness to contribute to operations and learn new methods indicates a role geared towards professional development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two (2) distinct research projects that demonstrate the application of various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Clearly articulate the research goals, methodologies employed, participant recruitment strategies, data synthesis process, and key findings for each project.

• Highlight how research insights directly influenced product or design decisions and the resulting impact or outcomes.

• Include examples of research deliverables such as research plans, discussion guides, or synthesized reports.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples or descriptions of how research processes were documented or improved, if applicable (especially for preferred candidates with research operations experience).

• Illustrate an ability to contribute to the organization of research findings and the creation of shared knowledge repositories.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested as a mandatory item, the description strongly implies its importance for demonstrating practical experience. Candidates should prepare to discuss their past research projects in detail, focusing on their contribution to decision-making and their understanding of research operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive salary augmented with an opportunity to earn an annual bonus.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy.

• Company-paid life insurance.

• Robust 401k program with a generous company match.

• Additional wellness benefits.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The company culture emphasizes a "calm company" approach, suggesting a focus on sustainable work practices rather than artificial urgency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, allowing candidates to assess compensation expectations. The benefits package is comprehensive, with specific mention of an annual bonus, strong 401k match, and wellness initiatives, which are attractive to many professionals. The "calm company" culture implies a flexible and supportive work environment regarding hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Services Consultancy, Government Contracting, Technology. Pluribus Digital partners with government agencies to improve public services through digital transformation. This context implies a focus on mission-driven work, user-centricity, and adherence to government standards.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the description suggests a growing consultancy with a structured approach to research and product development.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the company emphasizes its mission and values.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will work closely with a senior researcher, indicating a mentorship dynamic.

• They will be part of cross-functional Agile teams, collaborating with designers, product managers, and developers.

Methodology:

• Modern best practices in digital product design and development are employed.

• Emphasis on human-centered design, accessibility, and inclusive research.

• Agile methodologies are utilized for project execution.

• A consultative approach is taken with government customers.

Company Website: https://pluribusdigital.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Pluribus Digital's focus on improving government services is a key differentiator. The company culture is described as "calm," emphasizing knowledge work, avoiding artificial urgency, and valuing quality over constant busyness. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values, as evidenced by their annual reporting and being a woman-owned and led company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-to-mid-level UX Researcher role, ideal for someone with foundational experience seeking to deepen their expertise in UX research and contribute to research operations. It's a stepping stone to more senior research positions or specialized roles in research operations.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a senior researcher, providing a direct mentorship and learning pathway. Collaboration is expected within cross-functional Agile teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's insights will directly influence the design and development of digital products for government agencies, aiming to improve public services. This role contributes to the operational efficiency and user-centricity of government systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in various qualitative and quantitative research methods, usability testing, and data synthesis.

• Research Operations Development: Gain experience in building and maintaining research repositories, documentation, and scalable research processes.

• Mentorship & Learning: Benefit from guidance from a senior researcher and continuous learning in human-centered design, accessibility, and inclusive research.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work closely with diverse teams (design, product, engineering) and government stakeholders, broadening understanding of the product development lifecycle.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance into Senior UX Researcher, Research Lead, or Research Operations Manager roles within Pluribus Digital or related government contracting firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly designed for growth, with opportunities to develop both core research skills and foundational research operations capabilities. The mentorship from a senior researcher is a significant aspect of this development path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This allows for flexibility and access to talent across geographical locations.

Office Location(s): Remote, with the implication of serving clients within the United States, given the Public Trust Clearance requirement.

Workspace Context:

• The remote setup necessitates strong self-discipline and effective asynchronous communication.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital tools like Zoom, Figma, FigJam, Confluence, and Jira.

• A "calm company" culture suggests a supportive environment that respects work-life balance and avoids a culture of overwork.

• The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters an equitable and respectful remote working environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, likely 40 hours per week. The emphasis on a "calm company" suggests flexibility and a focus on outcomes rather than strict adherence to being "online" for all hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature requires candidates to be self-motivated and proficient with remote collaboration tools. The company's culture promotes a healthy work-life balance, which is a significant perk for remote professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application, potentially with a focus on Public Trust Clearance eligibility and relevant experience.

• Technical/Skills Interview: Discussion with a senior researcher or hiring manager to assess UX research knowledge, methodologies, and problem-solving skills. This may include scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, detailing research projects, methodologies, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage for demonstrating practical application of skills.

• Cross-functional/Team Interview: Meeting with potential team members (designers, product managers) to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit within an Agile environment.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong projects that best showcase your research process, from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the challenges encountered, your specific contributions, the insights derived, and the resulting design or product decisions.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the positive influence of your research on the product or user experience.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, and how you communicated your findings effectively.

• Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your research planning, participant recruitment, data synthesis, and documentation methods.

• Accessibility Focus: If applicable, highlight any experience or considerations related to accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508) in your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to government services.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of Agile development and how UX research integrates within that framework.

• Practice explaining complex research findings in a concise and understandable manner for non-research audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely to be a significant component. Candidates should prepare to thoroughly explain their research process and its impact. The emphasis on government clients means understanding user needs in a public sector context will be valuable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Collaboration: Figma, FigJam (for wireframing, prototyping, collaboration, and workshop facilitation).

• Research Platforms: Zoom (for remote interviews and usability testing), potentially other video conferencing tools.

• Documentation & Project Management: Confluence (for documentation, knowledge sharing, research repositories), Jira (for tracking tasks, user stories, and project progress within Agile teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX Researcher role, but understanding how research integrates with product development pipelines managed through CRM and automation tools is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma, FigJam, Zoom, Confluence, and Jira is explicitly mentioned as a requirement. Experience with these tools is crucial for day-to-day collaboration and research execution in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to serving the public good and improving government services.

• Human-Centered: Prioritizing user needs and experiences in all product development.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve project goals.

• Quality & Sustainability: Emphasizing high-quality work and avoiding artificial urgency, fostering a "calm company" environment.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Actively promoting and valuing diversity across the team and in all aspects of work.

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging ongoing skill development and adaptation to best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Agile Teams: Working closely with designers, product managers, and developers in iterative cycles.

• Consultative: Partnering with government clients to understand their needs and guide them toward effective digital solutions.

• Mentorship-Oriented: Learning from and supporting senior researchers, and sharing knowledge within the team.

• Data-Informed: Using research insights to drive decisions and recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values, particularly the "calm company" approach and commitment to DEI, are significant cultural differentiators. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their work style aligns with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Government Client Complexity: Navigating the unique needs, regulations, and stakeholder landscapes of government agencies.

• Ambiguity in Requirements: Adapting to evolving project scopes and clarifying requirements through research.

• Scaling Research Operations: Contributing to building efficient and sustainable research processes in a growing consultancy.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and team cohesion in a fully remote environment.

• Public Trust Clearance: Successfully obtaining and maintaining the required clearance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Gaining hands-on experience with a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• Research Operations Expertise: Developing skills in organizing, documenting, and scaling research efforts.

• Accessibility & Inclusive Design: Deepening knowledge and application of WCAG, Section 508, and inclusive research practices.

• Government Sector UX: Understanding the nuances of designing for public services and government users.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Building: Learning from and collaborating with experts in design, product management, and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a structured environment for professional growth, particularly for those keen on developing both research and research operations skills within the government sector. The challenges are framed as opportunities for learning and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a research project where your findings significantly changed the direction of a product or design. What was your process, and how did you communicate your insights?"

• "How would you approach a research project for a government service where user needs might be complex or underserved? What methods would you consider?"

• "Imagine you're working on an Agile team and need to integrate user feedback quickly. How would you balance speed with research rigor?"

• "How do you ensure your research considers accessibility and inclusivity for all potential users?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with government clients and improving public services?"

• "How do you align with the 'calm company' culture and avoid artificial urgency in your work?"

• "How have you contributed to or experienced a diverse and inclusive team environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (project context), Problem Statement, Research Goals, Methodology, Participants, Process, Key Findings & Insights, Recommendations, Impact/Outcome, Lessons Learned.

• Visuals: Use compelling visuals to illustrate your process and findings (e.g., journey maps, personas, key quotes, screenshots).

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your research and your role.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills and the value you bring.

• Preparedness: Know your projects inside and out. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your methods, decisions, and contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely focus on practical application of research skills, understanding of government sector needs, collaborative abilities within Agile teams, and alignment with company values like DEI and a "calm culture."

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link (https://pluribusdigital.com/join/openings?gh_jid=7718552003).

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your ~2 years of relevant IT or UX research experience, emphasizing your foundational research skills, experience with required tools (Figma, Jira, etc.), and any exposure to accessibility standards or government projects. Clearly state your eligibility and willingness to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong research projects that showcase your process, insights, and impact. Be ready to discuss these in detail during an interview, focusing on your contributions and how your research influenced design decisions.

• Research Pluribus Digital: Understand their mission, values (especially DEI and the "calm company" approach), and the type of government clients they serve. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common UX research questions, behavioral questions related to collaboration and handling ambiguity, and questions about your career aspirations and interest in public sector work.

⚠️ 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.