UX Researcher (d/f/m)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher (d/f/m)

Company: DEPT®

Location: Hamburg, Germany (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time (Implied by benefits and role description)

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (1-2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives to inform product strategy and development within a client-facing agency environment.

• Drive customer-centered decision-making by uncovering user needs, motivations, and behaviors through diverse research methodologies.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Designers, Developers) to translate research insights into actionable product enhancements and new features.

• Contribute to the evolution of research practices by refining methods, advocating for best practices, and championing user advocacy across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Researcher," the description emphasizes its role in a "Growth Invention company" and working at the "intersection of technology and marketing." This suggests a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) operations, particularly in understanding customer adoption of new technologies like AI and driving product-market fit through user-centric insights. The role will likely involve close collaboration with product marketing and GTM strategists.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute a range of user research studies, including exploratory discovery, usability testing, concept validation, and in-depth interviews.

• Frame key research questions to guide product teams in exploring problem spaces and validating hypotheses before solution design.

• Synthesize complex research data into clear, concise, and actionable insights, presenting findings effectively to product managers, designers, and other stakeholders.

• Facilitate research-related workshops and sessions to foster a shared understanding of user needs and drive consensus on product direction.

• Champion an evidence-based and journey-driven approach to product development, ensuring user needs are at the forefront of strategic decisions.

• Develop and refine research standards, methodologies, and tooling to improve efficiency and scalability across multiple client projects.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in UX research, AI technologies, and product development methodologies, bringing innovative perspectives to the team.

• Actively contribute to the research community within DEPT®, sharing knowledge, mentoring junior team members, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "frame research questions and help teams explore problem spaces before jumping into solutions" is critical for GTM success. This implies a need to understand market opportunities and potential customer segments, linking UX research directly to early-stage product strategy and market validation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field is typically expected for UX Researcher roles.

Experience: Several years of hands-on experience in user research, preferably within an agency setting or in agile, product-focused environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in planning and conducting a variety of user research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, card sorting, concept validation).

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills to derive actionable insights from qualitative and quantitative data.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including non-researchers.

• Proficiency in facilitating research sessions and workshops, effectively guiding discussions and capturing key information.

• Familiarity with journey mapping and experience frameworks, and the ability to integrate them into practical product development workflows.

• Experience working collaboratively within cross-functional teams (product management, design, engineering).

• Proactive and self-directed work ethic, with a demonstrated ability to bring structure and drive continuous improvement in research practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI technologies and their user adoption challenges/opportunities.

• Knowledge of A/B testing and experimental design principles.

• Familiarity with advanced statistical analysis for research data.

• Experience in agency environments with multiple client projects.

• Understanding of product lifecycle management and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "agency and in agile, product-focused environments" suggests a need for adaptability, speed, and the ability to manage multiple projects with varying client requirements. The "several years of experience" points towards a mid-level role where candidates are expected to operate with a degree of autonomy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a range of research projects, highlighting the problem, methodology, key findings, and impact on product decisions.

• Include examples of how research insights directly informed product strategy, design iterations, or feature prioritization.

• Showcase experience with various research methods, from generative discovery to evaluative testing.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented research plans, methodologies, and findings to ensure clarity and reproducibility.

• Illustrate your process for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into cohesive insights and user stories.

• Showcase your approach to presenting research outcomes in accessible formats (e.g., reports, presentations, workshops) that drive understanding and action.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role in an agency like DEPT®, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only detail past projects but also articulate a candidate's research philosophy, their process for tackling ambiguous problems, and their ability to adapt methodologies to specific client needs and project constraints. The ability to show how research directly influenced product outcomes and business goals will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Mid-Level UX Researcher (2-5 years of experience) in Hamburg, Germany, the estimated annual salary range is €55,000 - €75,000. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, the agency environment, and the need for bilingual proficiency.

Benefits:

• Company pension scheme.

• Lease bike options / JobRad with a 25% subsidy for the Deutschlandticket.

• Occasional breakfast/lunch at the office and "Smoothie Tuesdays."

• Contribution to health through the OpenUp platform.

• €50 personal monthly allowance via benefits apps for daily expenses and lifestyle perks.

• Access to "Future Bens" for sustainable, healthy products at attractive deals.

• Regular social events and opportunities to connect with colleagues.

• Support for professional development, including training, certifications, and opportunities to attend industry events.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are implied to be around 40 hours per week, with a flexible, hybrid working policy allowing 1-2 days in the office, depending on location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in Hamburg. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering a mix of traditional perks and modern lifestyle support, which is attractive to professionals seeking work-life balance and personal well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Agency / Technology / Marketing Services. DEPT® operates at the intersection of technology and marketing, focusing on digital transformation, creative solutions, and data-driven growth.

Company Size: DEPT® is a significant global agency, often listed as having over 3,000 employees worldwide, operating across numerous locations. This "large agency" context implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for specialization and cross-team collaboration.

Founded: DEPT® was founded in 2015. Its rapid growth and acquisition strategy indicate a dynamic, forward-thinking, and ambitious organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated UX/Design or Product team, potentially embedded within specific client project teams.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Head of UX, Design Director, or a similar senior leadership role within the agency's creative or product disciplines.

Methodology:

• DEPT® emphasizes a data-driven, evidence-based approach, aligning well with UX research principles.

• Agile methodologies are prevalent, requiring researchers to be adaptable, iterative, and integrated into development sprints.

• Focus on "Growth Invention" suggests a culture that encourages experimentation, innovation, and a proactive pursuit of client success through technological and marketing advancements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a B Corp®, DEPT® likely fosters a culture that values social and environmental responsibility alongside business success. This could influence research topics and company-wide initiatives, offering a unique context for a UX Researcher. The "Growth Invention" motto implies a fast-paced, results-oriented environment where innovation is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Researcher (2-5 years of experience). This implies a need for independent execution of research projects, a solid understanding of core methodologies, and the ability to contribute to strategic discussions. The role is beyond entry-level but not yet senior leadership.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a senior member of the UX/Design or Product team, who will provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight. They will also work closely with Product Managers and Designers on specific client projects.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is crucial for ensuring that digital products and services developed by DEPT® for its clients are user-centric, effective, and meet market needs. By providing critical user insights, they directly influence product strategy, design decisions, and ultimately, the success of client initiatives, contributing to DEPT®'s reputation as a "Growth Invention company."

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, AI-related research, or particular industries DEPT® serves.

• Leadership: Potential to progress to Senior UX Researcher, Lead UX Researcher, or even Head of UX roles, managing research teams and strategic initiatives.

• Skill Development: Access to DEPT®'s training programs, certifications, and mentorship to expand skills in areas like product strategy, design thinking, and advanced analytics.

• Client Exposure: Working with a diverse range of clients offers broad experience and the chance to tackle complex, high-impact challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "opportunity for possibility" mentioned in the company description suggests a culture that supports individual growth and career development, making this role attractive for ambitious operations professionals looking to advance their careers within a leading digital agency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: DEPT® offers a hybrid working model, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The office environments are likely designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation, typical of modern digital agencies.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Hamburg, Germany, with hybrid expectations (1-2 days in the office). DEPT® has multiple offices globally, including in Germany.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will encourage collaboration through open-plan areas, meeting rooms equipped for brainstorming, and informal gathering spaces.

• Access to necessary research tools, software, and technology will be provided to support effective UX research activities.

• Opportunities for informal and formal interaction with colleagues across various disciplines will be abundant, fostering a connected and knowledge-sharing environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. This allows operations professionals to balance project demands with personal needs, facilitating focused work and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility while retaining the benefits of in-person collaboration crucial for creative agencies like DEPT®. This setup is designed to support the dynamic nature of agency work and the need for both focused individual work and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review your application and resume, focusing on relevant experience and skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess your experience, research approach, and cultural fit. This may include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A crucial stage where you present a selection of your best research projects. Be prepared to discuss your process, the challenges faced, the insights generated, and the impact of your work.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: You may meet with designers, product managers, or other team members to evaluate your collaboration skills and how you integrate research into product development workflows.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your diverse skill set, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Tailor your selection to the DEPT® context (agency, client-facing, growth invention).

• Structure Your Narratives: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your research objectives, the methods used and why, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting impact (e.g., improved user satisfaction, increased conversion, informed product strategy).

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with product managers, designers, and developers to translate insights into action.

• Showcase Process: Detail your research process, from planning and recruitment to synthesis and reporting. Explain your rationale for methodological choices.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your research.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential "mini-case study" or a discussion around a hypothetical research problem relevant to DEPT®'s clients or their focus areas (e.g., AI adoption, digital transformation).

• Practice articulating your thought process for approaching such a challenge, outlining potential research methods and key questions you would ask.

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of DEPT®'s values and how you would contribute to their "Growth Invention" culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for a UX Researcher. Candidates should be ready to not only present their work but also to articulate their strategic thinking behind the research and its tangible impact on product development and business outcomes. Demonstrating an understanding of agency dynamics and client service will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, Hotjar, FullStory for remote usability testing, session recording, and analytics.

• Survey Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms for quantitative data collection.

• Prototyping/Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for collaborating on design iterations and usability testing of prototypes.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural for remote brainstorming, journey mapping, and synthesis sessions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior on live products.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (or similar) for presenting research data alongside other business metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX insights can feed into CRM strategies or marketing automation for personalized user journeys might be beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Marketo from a user perspective could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong candidate will be proficient with a range of qualitative and quantitative research tools. Given DEPT®'s focus on digital products and technology, familiarity with tools that facilitate remote research and integrate with design/development workflows is essential. The ability to connect UX insights to broader marketing and sales operations via CRM data would be a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Together: Emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and collective problem-solving within client teams and across DEPT®.

• Relentlessly Curious: Fosters a culture of continuous learning, exploration, and a proactive approach to understanding user needs and emerging technologies.

• Get Sh*t Done: Highlights a proactive, results-oriented mindset, focusing on execution, efficiency, and delivering tangible outcomes for clients.

• Growth Invention: The overarching company ethos, encouraging innovation, ambition, and a drive to help clients grow faster through pioneering solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative and cross-functional, with researchers working closely with designers, product managers, developers, and strategists.

• Emphasis on open communication, constructive feedback, and shared ownership of project success.

• A culture that values sharing knowledge and best practices, both within research teams and across the wider agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT®'s values are deeply embedded in their operational approach. A UX Researcher must be able to embody "Relentlessly Curious" by actively seeking user insights, "Better Together" by collaborating effectively, and "Get Sh*t Done" by delivering actionable findings that drive client success. This synergy is key to their "Growth Invention" model.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Research Rigor: Navigating client demands for speed and specific outcomes while ensuring research remains scientifically sound and user-advocating.

• Integrating AI Research: Tackling the unique challenges of researching user interaction with emerging AI technologies, which may be less predictable than traditional interfaces.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring that research insights are consistently understood, adopted, and acted upon by diverse stakeholders across different client projects.

• Measuring Research Impact: Quantifying the ROI of UX research efforts in a tangible way that resonates with business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and master advanced research techniques, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis, experimental design, and behavioral economics.

• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of UX research, AI, and digital product development through workshops, conferences, and internal knowledge sharing.

• Client Strategy: Developing a deeper understanding of client business goals, market dynamics, and Go-To-Market strategies to enhance the strategic value of research.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced researchers and leaders within DEPT® for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for agency-based UX researchers but are amplified by DEPT®'s focus on innovation and emerging tech like AI. Growth opportunities are tied to developing strategic thinking and demonstrating measurable impact, moving beyond execution to influence product direction.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach researching user adoption challenges for a new AI-powered feature in a client's existing product?" (Focus on problem framing, method selection, and potential insights).

• "Describe a time you had to persuade a stakeholder who was resistant to user feedback. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, influence, and evidence-based advocacy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about DEPT®'s 'Growth Invention' approach, and how do you see UX research contributing to it?" (Focus on understanding company values and articulating your role within them).

• "How do you stay curious and keep your research methods up-to-date with industry trends?" (Focus on continuous learning and proactivity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study with a clear narrative arc: the challenge, your approach, the findings, and the impact.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If direct metrics aren't available, describe the qualitative impact on decision-making or product direction.

• Be Conversational: Treat it as a discussion, not just a presentation. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your process and rationale.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, key quotes) to make your findings more compelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only research proficiency but also strategic thinking, collaborative ability, and an understanding of DEPT®'s unique agency model and values. The ability to connect research findings to business outcomes and client growth is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the DEPT® careers portal, ensuring your resume and any attached documents are tailored to highlight your UX research expertise and agency experience.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio (e.g., personal website, PDF) that showcases 3-4 impactful UX research projects. Focus on projects demonstrating your ability to conduct end-to-end research, synthesize findings, and influence product decisions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific research methodologies employed, tools used, and quantifiable achievements. Integrate keywords such as "User Research," "Usability Testing," "Journey Mapping," "Agile," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral questions and practice articulating your research process and project outcomes. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, impact, and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with DEPT®'s website, B Corp® status, "Growth Invention" philosophy, and recent work to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.