UX Researcher CDI (F/H)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher CDI (F/H)

Company: Scalian

Location: Lyon, France

Job Type: Temps complet (Full-time)

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Design Operations

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

Experience Level: Confirmed Experience (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on conducting in-depth user research to inform strategic product development within a major banking client's digital transformation initiatives.

• You will be instrumental in defining research objectives, designing research protocols, recruiting participants, and executing qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• As a UX expert within the product team, you will champion UX research methodologies and collaborate closely with UX/UI designers, UX writers, and legal designers.

• This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring 3 days per week in the Lyon office, blending focused individual work with collaborative team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Researcher," the responsibilities and context (large accounts, strategic projects, collaboration with other designers, acting as an expert) suggest this is a senior-level role with significant autonomy and potential for mentorship. The focus on "Operations Excellence" within Scalian's broader offerings also implies a structured approach to research execution and impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive user research studies, including behavioral design, user interviews, usability testing, and surveys.

• Define clear research objectives and develop detailed research protocols aligned with project goals and business requirements.

• Identify and recruit appropriate participant panels for research studies, ensuring diverse representation relevant to the target user base.

• Facilitate and conduct user research sessions, expertly managing participant interactions and data collection.

• Analyze research findings to extract actionable insights, synthesize data, and present clear, compelling results to product teams and stakeholders.

• Act as a subject matter expert in UX research, providing guidance and challenging methodologies for other designers within the team.

• Contribute to the evolution of user experience within the banking sector, with a particular focus on digital products and emerging technologies like AI.

• Work effectively within an agile product development environment, delivering high-quality research outputs under tight project timelines.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including UX/UI designers, UX writers, legal designers, and product managers, to ensure research informs design and development decisions.

• Maintain a strong understanding of evolving user behaviors and consumption patterns driven by AI and digital advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Design comportemental" and "Définition du panel de testeurs" highlights a rigorous, methodical approach to research, suggesting the need for candidates with a strong grasp of research design principles and participant recruitment strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific educational requirements are not detailed, but a degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Design, or a related field is typically expected for UX Research roles.

Experience: Confirmed experience in UX Research, ideally gained with large accounts ("grands comptes"). Experience in mobile applications and within an agile/product environment is preferred. Knowledge of the banking or fintech sector is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in UX Research, with a strong portfolio demonstrating applied methodologies.

• Expertise in defining research objectives and developing detailed research protocols.

• Proficiency in conducting user testing, interviews, and other qualitative research methods.

• Strong analytical skills for synthesizing research data and deriving actionable insights.

• Experience working within agile development methodologies and product teams.

• Excellent communication, empathy, and active listening skills.

• Ability to work autonomously while maintaining a collaborative approach.

• Capacity to work from a vision and established guidelines.

• Curiosity and a strong desire for continuous learning.

• Rigorous and organized approach to research execution.

• Effective communication within a team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with mobile applications.

• Experience in the banking or fintech sector.

• Familiarity with AI-driven user behavior trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Expérience confirmée en UX Research auprés de grands comptes" indicates a need for candidates who can navigate complex organizational structures and deliver research impact in large-scale projects, typical of enterprise environments. The mention of "Profil très opérationnel, orienté recherche utilisateur" emphasizes a hands-on, execution-focused approach over purely theoretical contributions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of UX research projects, detailing the research problem, methodology, participant profiles, and key findings.

• Include examples of research protocols, interview guides, or usability test plans.

• Demonstrate how research insights directly influenced design decisions and product improvements, ideally with measurable outcomes.

• Highlight experience with user segmentation and defining target user personas based on research.

• Present case studies that illustrate your ability to manage research projects from initiation to completion within project constraints. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of defining and documenting research processes, including participant recruitment and consent procedures.

• Examples of how research findings were synthesized and communicated effectively to diverse stakeholders (designers, product managers, developers, business leaders).

• Documentation of iterative research cycles and how feedback loops were established within product development.

• Showcase familiarity with maintaining research repositories or knowledge bases to ensure continuity and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on being an "expert" and "guarant des méthodes du chapitre UX," the portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also demonstrate a deep understanding and articulation of UX research best practices and methodologies. The ability to "challenge their methods, deliverables, and syntheses" suggests a need to showcase critical thinking and methodological rigor.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a confirmed UX Researcher with 5-10 years of experience in a major French city like Lyon, and considering the hybrid work model and the seniority implied by "grands comptes" and "expert," the estimated annual gross salary range is €50,000 - €70,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, negotiation, and the exact scope of responsibilities within the banking client's project.

Benefits:

• Contract: CDI (Permanent Contract)

• Working Hours: Annualization of working time (9 to 10 RTT days)

• Remote Work: Telework agreement (hybrid model, 3 days in office)

• Health & Insurance: Mutuelle Groupe & Prévoyance (Group Health & Provident Insurance)

• Financial Incentives: Prime vacances (Vacation bonus), Accord de participation (Profit-sharing agreement), Épargne salariale & retraite (PEE / PERECOL - Employee Savings & Retirement Plan), Compte Épargne Temps (Time Savings Account)

• Family Support: Accompagnement parentalité (Parental support, including nursery places and occasional childcare)

• Commuting: Financement vélo électrique (Electric bike financing) & Indemnités kilométriques vélo (Bicycle mileage allowance)

• Referral Program: Programme cooptation & apport d'affaires (Referral bonus of €1000 to €1500 gross)

• Daily Perks: Tickets restaurants (Meal vouchers)

• Employee Benefits (CSE): Chèques vacances (Holiday vouchers), Tarifs préférentiels (Preferential rates), Subventions trimestrielles (Quarterly subsidies), Chèques cadeaux (Gift vouchers)

Working Hours: The job description mentions an "Accord d'annualisation du temps de travail" leading to 9 to 10 days of RTT (Réduction du Temps de Travail - Reduction of Working Time), implying a standard French working week (e.g., 35-39 hours with RTT to compensate for longer periods). The specific weekly hours are not explicitly stated but are likely around 35-39 hours on average.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for Senior UX Researcher roles in France, specifically Lyon, considering the company's size and the consulting industry. The provided benefits list is extensive and competitive, reflecting Scalian's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, as evidenced by their Great Place to Work certifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Scalian operates in the Consulting and Engineering Services sector, with a strong focus on Operations Excellence, Digital Solutions, and Systems & Software Engineering. They serve strategic industries like Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Life Science, Mobility, Banking, Insurance, Industry, and Services. This diverse industry exposure means operations professionals can expect varied project challenges.

Company Size: Scalian is a large organization, with over 5500 employees globally and 15 locations in France. They are experiencing significant growth, with a 20% annual increase, indicating a dynamic and expanding work environment.

Founded: Founded in 1989, Scalian has a long-standing history in the consulting and engineering space, combined with a modern approach to innovation and growth.

Team Structure:

• Operations Excellence Unit: This specific unit within Scalian focuses on optimizing organizations and processes, suggesting a structured approach to operational efficiency and improvement.

• Digital Solutions Unit: The UX Researcher will likely be embedded within or closely collaborating with this unit, which handles digital transformation, data, AI, and software development.

• Project-Based Teams: The role is described as being within a "strategic project" for a major banking client, implying project-based team structures where specialists like UX Researchers collaborate with designers and product teams.

• Chapter UX: The mention of "méthodes du chapitre UX" suggests a community of practice for UX professionals within Scalian, providing a support network and ensuring methodological consistency.

Methodology:

• Agile & Product-Centric: The role is situated within an agile/product environment, requiring adaptability and a focus on iterative development and user feedback.

• Data-Driven Insights: UX Research inherently relies on data (user behavior, feedback) to drive decisions, aligning with Scalian's broader emphasis on data and AI.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes collaboration with various design disciplines and product teams, reflecting a holistic approach to product development.

• Client-Focused Delivery: As a consulting firm, Scalian's methodology is client-focused, requiring the UX Researcher to deliver impactful research that meets client needs within strategic projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Scalian's positioning as a "TOP10 des Sociétés de Conseil en Ingénierie en France" and its significant revenue (€550 million) indicate a mature, established firm with substantial client engagements. The focus on growth and certifications like Great Place to Work suggests a culture that values both performance and employee well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Confirmed Experience" (Senior) UX Researcher. It involves not only executing research but also acting as an expert, defining methodologies, and potentially mentoring or guiding other designers. This level implies a significant degree of autonomy and responsibility for the quality and impact of research outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will integrate into the "research team" and collaborate with "product teams" for a specific banking client project. They will also be part of Scalian's broader "Chapter UX," suggesting a dual reporting or community of practice structure: functional reporting within Scalian's UX chapter and project-based reporting within the client's product team.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's primary impact will be on the success of strategic digital products within the banking sector. By ensuring user-centric design, they will contribute to improved user adoption, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, business objectives like increased conversion rates, reduced support costs, and enhanced brand loyalty for the client. Their role in challenging and guiding other designers amplifies their impact across multiple product initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, industry sectors (banking, fintech), or emerging technologies like AI's impact on user behavior.

• Leadership: Progress to a Lead UX Researcher role, managing research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and shaping research strategy for larger accounts or multiple projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Development: Gain exposure to other design disciplines (UI, UX Writing, Legal Design) and product management, broadening skill sets.

• Consulting Career Progression: Advance within Scalian's consulting framework, potentially moving into roles with more strategic client engagement, team management, or specialized consulting areas within Operations Excellence or Digital Solutions.

• Mentorship: Benefit from Scalian's comprehensive 1-year onboarding program and personalized training, as well as potentially mentoring junior members of the UX chapter.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly states the candidate will be "sollicité(e) en renfort par les autres designers pour confirmer, réorienter ou challenger leurs méthodes, livrables et synthèses." This indicates a significant growth opportunity for those who excel at mentorship and strategic design guidance, moving beyond execution to influence and leadership within the design community.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days per week in the Lyon office. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused work, complemented by remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Lyon, France. Scalian has multiple offices in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (Lyon, Grenoble, Annecy, Valence, Chalon), offering potential for internal mobility or varied client engagements across the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office days are intended for team collaboration, allowing for face-to-face interaction with designers, product teams, and potentially client representatives.

• Access to Tools: Employees will have access to necessary office resources and technology, including the specified software (Figma, Figjam, Lookback, Optimal Workshop).

• Community Building: The hybrid model facilitates participation in internal Scalian events and community building activities, fostering a sense of belonging and professional connection within the company's UX chapter and project teams.

Work Schedule: The "Accord d'annualisation du temps de travail" suggests flexibility in how working hours are managed throughout the year, with a target of 9-10 RTT days. This is common in French consulting firms to accommodate project demands while ensuring work-life balance. The hybrid model (3 days in office) also provides flexibility in structuring the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model (3 days in office) is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and client presence with the flexibility of remote work, a common expectation for many operations and design professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical process for such a role at a consulting firm like Scalian would likely involve:

• Application Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio.

• Initial HR/Recruitment Call: Assessment of general fit, experience, salary expectations, and understanding of the role and company.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: Deeper dive into UX research experience, methodologies, and problem-solving skills. This is where your portfolio will be critically reviewed.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This might involve a practical exercise or a detailed discussion of past projects to assess your research design, analysis, and communication capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or client representative, focusing on strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each project, detail: the problem statement, your specific role, the research methodology used, participant demographics, key findings, and – crucially – how your insights led to tangible design or product improvements. Quantify impact where possible.

• Methodological Rigor: Clearly articulate why you chose specific research methods and tools. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the strengths and limitations of each approach.

• Tool Proficiency: Showcase projects where you effectively used tools like Figma/Figjam (for ideation/collaboration), Lookback (for remote testing), and Optimal Workshop (for information architecture testing), explaining their role in your process.

• Client Context: If possible, highlight projects with large clients or in similar sectors (banking, fintech) to demonstrate your ability to navigate complex environments and deliver relevant insights.

• Storytelling: Present your work as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to translate user needs into actionable recommendations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design Exercise: Be prepared to design a research plan for a given scenario (e.g., a new feature for a banking app, improving a customer onboarding process). This includes defining objectives, choosing methods, outlining participant criteria, and planning analysis.

• Data Interpretation: You might be presented with raw research data (e.g., interview transcripts, survey results) and asked to synthesize findings and present recommendations.

• Methodological Debate: Be ready to discuss and defend your choice of research methods and tools, and to discuss alternatives.

• Agile Integration: Understand how UX research integrates into agile sprints and product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's senior nature and the "expert" designation, interviewers will likely probe deeply into your decision-making process, your ability to handle ambiguity, and your strategic thinking in applying UX research to business challenges. Expect questions that test your understanding of how research drives business value.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma / Figjam: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and ideation, likely used for sharing research findings and co-creating with designers. Proficiency in using these for research synthesis and presentation is key.

• Lookback: A dedicated platform for remote user testing and moderated/unmoderated sessions, crucial for gathering qualitative feedback efficiently.

• Optimal Workshop: A suite of tools for information architecture testing (tree testing, card sorting) and content analysis, valuable for understanding user navigation and content structure.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, expect to use data analysis tools to process quantitative research data (e.g., survey platforms like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or built-in tools within Lookback).

• Proficiency in creating clear, data-driven reports and presentations is paramount. This may involve tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or dedicated data visualization software. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX Research function, but understanding how user insights feed into CRM strategies or product roadmaps for automated features might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma/Figjam, Lookback, and Optimal Workshop indicates that hands-on experience with these specific tools is highly desirable, if not mandatory. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and preferred use cases for each.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the importance of evidence-based insights derived from research to guide product strategy and development.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and cross-functional teams work together effectively.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to iterative design and research processes, always seeking to optimize user experience and product outcomes.

• Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in dynamic project environments, quickly adapting research approaches to meet evolving project needs and timelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with UX/UI designers, UX writers, legal designers, and product managers, ensuring research is integrated into the entire product lifecycle.

• Expert Guidance: As a senior member, you are expected to proactively share expertise, provide constructive feedback, and help elevate the UX capabilities of the entire team.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in the "Chapter UX" implies a culture of sharing best practices, learnings, and insights within the wider UX community at Scalian.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, active listening, and transparent communication to ensure alignment and effective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Scalian's "Great Place to Work" certifications suggest a culture that prioritizes employee well-being, professional development, and a positive work environment. This is likely reflected in how teams collaborate and support each other.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Large Organizations: Working within a major banking client's complex structure can present challenges in accessing users, gaining approvals, and driving change. Preparation involves understanding client stakeholder management.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Project Pace: Agile environments demand quick insights, which can sometimes conflict with the time needed for deeply rigorous research. Developing the ability to scope research effectively for different project phases is key.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Translating research findings into compelling arguments that influence decision-makers, especially in a traditionally conservative sector like banking.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in AI and their implications for user behavior and digital product design requires continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge UX research methodologies and tools.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of the banking and fintech sectors, understanding their unique user needs and regulatory landscapes.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Develop leadership skills by guiding junior designers and contributing to the strategic direction of UX research within Scalian and for client projects.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to UX writing, legal design, UI design, and product management principles.

• Professional Networking: Engage with Scalian's extensive network of consultants and clients, broadening professional horizons.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "challenges" section highlights the practical realities of senior-level consulting roles. Successful candidates will demonstrate not only their technical skills but also their adaptability, strategic thinking, and ability to overcome these common obstacles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to convince a stakeholder who was resistant to UX research findings. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, data persuasion, and stakeholder management).

• "How would you design a research study to understand user adoption challenges for a new AI-powered feature in a banking app?" (Assess research design, methodology selection, and understanding of AI's user impact).

• "Walk me through a complex UX research project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, the key findings, and the impact on the product?" (Requires structured storytelling and demonstration of the full research lifecycle). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Scalian's approach to Operations Excellence and Digital Solutions, and how do you see your UX research expertise contributing?" (Demonstrate research into Scalian's business model and values).

• "How do you see UX research fitting into an agile product development team, particularly within a large banking institution?" (Assess understanding of agile processes and industry context).

• "Given Scalian's focus on growth and innovation, how do you stay current with evolving user behaviors and technologies like AI?" (Highlight continuous learning habits and curiosity). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, the user problem, your specific contribution, the research outcomes, and the tangible impact (e.g., improved conversion, reduced errors, increased satisfaction). Use metrics where possible.

• Methodological Justification: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methods and tools for each project. Discuss alternatives considered and why they were not chosen.

• Visual Clarity: Use clear visuals (screenshots, diagrams, key quotes) to illustrate your findings and recommendations. Ensure your presentation is well-organized and easy to follow.

• Interactive Element: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your process and decision-making. Engage in a dialogue rather than just presenting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that assess your ability to not only perform research but also to strategically apply it to achieve business goals within a consulting context. Your understanding of how research drives ROI will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your CV and cover letter: Highlight your confirmed experience in UX Research, specifically mentioning any work with "grands comptes," agile environments, mobile applications, or the banking/fintech sector. Quantify your achievements with relevant metrics where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and showcases diverse UX research projects with a clear emphasis on methodology, findings, and impact. Be ready to present 2-3 key case studies in detail.

• Research Scalian: Familiarize yourself with Scalian's services (Operations Excellence, Digital Solutions, Systems & Software Engineering), their industry focus, and their company culture (Great Place to Work certifications, RSE policy).

• Practice your pitch: Prepare to articulate your experience, your approach to UX research, and why you are a strong fit for this senior role and Scalian's consulting environment. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, Figjam, Lookback, and Optimal Workshop.

⚠️ 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.

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