UX115 VS: UX Research Methods I (Winter 2027)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX115 VS: UX Research Methods I (Winter 2027)

Company: Wilfrid Laurier University

Location: Unorganized Rainy River, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Part-Time, Contract

Category: Academic Instruction / User Experience Research

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Assumed based on Master's/PhD requirement and teaching experience)

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves instructing students in foundational User Experience (UX) research methodologies, with a strong emphasis on virtual synchronous delivery.

• Responsibilities include teaching critical concepts related to understanding user needs, behaviors, tasks, and goals before the design phase.

• Key duties involve imparting knowledge on methods for communicating research findings, such as data-driven personas, journey maps, and storyboards.

• The position requires ensuring students complete the TCPS course on research ethics and maintaining currency with industry best practices and tools in UX research.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title indicates "Other, CA" for location, the derived location is "Unorganized Rainy River, Ontario, Canada." Given the "Virtual Synchronous" mode of delivery and "Remote Solely" work arrangement, the physical location is less critical for the candidate, but it's important to note the university's administrative location. The role is a part-time, contract position for a specific academic term (Winter 2027).

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and informative lectures on User Experience (UX) research methods, covering formative stages of the research process.

• Guide students in techniques for understanding user needs, behaviors, tasks, and goals, laying the groundwork for effective design solutions.

• Educate students on creating and utilizing data-driven personas, journey maps, and storyboards as key communication tools for research outcomes.

• Ensure students successfully complete the mandatory TCPS (Tri-Council Policy Statement) course on research ethics.

• Stay current with emerging industry best practices, tools, and technologies relevant to UX research and communicate this knowledge to students.

• Foster a classroom environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are derived from the "Position Summary" and "Additional Course Requirements" sections of the job description, interpreted within the context of an academic teaching role. The emphasis is on imparting knowledge and practical skills in UX research methods.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Master's Degree is the minimum academic requirement.

• A PhD with an emphasis in User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Interaction Design, or an equivalent field is preferred. Experience:

• Applied qualitative research practice involving human subjects is required.

• Teaching experience at the college or university level, or equivalent experience providing training in UX qualitative research, is required. Required Skills:

• Expertise in UX Research methods (qualitative and quantitative).

• Proficiency in applied qualitative research involving human subjects.

• Strong teaching and curriculum delivery skills at the post-secondary level.

• Knowledge of research ethics, specifically the TCPS (Tri-Council Policy Statement).

• Familiarity with creating user personas, journey maps, and storyboards. Preferred Skills:

• PhD in a relevant field (UX, HCI, Human Factors, etc.).

• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational settings.

• Up-to-date knowledge of current industry best practices and tools in UX research.

• Experience with virtual synchronous teaching environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualifications are directly extracted from the provided text. The experience level is inferred based on the requirement for a Master's/PhD and teaching/applied research experience, typically aligning with a 2-5 year range for such roles in academia.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of UX research processes through their application materials, particularly the Candidate Application Form (CAF) and CV.

• Evidence of applied qualitative research practice involving human subjects should be clearly documented.

• The ability to teach and communicate complex UX research concepts effectively is paramount.

• Demonstrated commitment to ethical research practices, including TCPS compliance, is a key requirement. Process Documentation:

• The Candidate Application Form (CAF) serves as the primary document for detailing teaching experience, research practice, and pedagogical approach.

• Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV that highlights relevant research projects and teaching methodologies.

• Optional submission of a Sample Course Outline (max 2 pages) can further demonstrate an understanding of curriculum design and process flow for teaching UX research methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Portfolio Essentials" and "Process Documentation" sections are interpreted based on the application requirements. Since this is an academic teaching role, the "portfolio" is less about personal project work and more about demonstrated experience in teaching, research, and curriculum design, as evidenced by the CV, CAF, and optional course outline.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $9,913.75 CAD (for the Winter 2027 term)

Benefits:

• As this is a contract teaching position, standard university benefits typically do not apply in the same way as full-time faculty. Specific details regarding health, dental, or retirement plans would be governed by the WLUFA collective agreement for contract teaching faculty.

• The salary covers the instruction for the specified term (January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027).

• The role includes supplementary remuneration for marking and grading allowances, as per Article 28.2 of the collective agreement.

• Potential for coordination of large classes or multi-section courses with associated allowances as per Article 28.3.

Working Hours: 3 hours per week, totaling 36 hours for the term. This includes lecture time and associated preparation/follow-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated. Benefits are inferred to be governed by the collective agreement, as is common for Canadian university contract faculty. Working hours are also explicitly stated for the term. The salary is for the entire term, not an annual figure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: Large (Wilfrid Laurier University is a multi-campus institution with thousands of employees and tens of thousands of students).

Founded: 1911 (Wilfrid Laurier University has a long-standing history in Canadian higher education).

Team Structure:

• This instructor will be part of the User Experience Design department within the Faculty of Liberal Arts.

• The role reports to the Chair of the Part-time Appointment Committee for User Experience Design, Dr. Geoff Spurr.

• Collaboration will primarily be with other faculty members in the UX Design department and potentially across related departments in the Faculty of Liberal Arts, as well as administrative staff in Faculty Relations. Methodology:

• The course delivery will follow a "Virtual Synchronous" lecture format, requiring instructors to engage students remotely in real-time.

• Instructional methodologies should align with best practices in UX education and adult learning principles.

• Emphasis is placed on data-driven instruction, utilizing student feedback and performance metrics to inform teaching adjustments.

Company Website: https://www.wlu.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the university's general profile and the specific department mentioned. The "Methodology" section is inferred from the "Mode of Delivery" and the nature of academic instruction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a contract-based academic instructional role, not a typical "operations" role in the business sense. It represents a specific teaching opportunity within the user experience design field.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chair of the Part-time Appointment Committee, with administrative oversight from Faculty Relations.

Operations Impact: The primary impact is on student learning and the development of future UX professionals. Successful instruction contributes to the university's academic reputation and the employability of its graduates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for future contract teaching opportunities at Wilfrid Laurier University, contingent on course offerings, student registration, and budgetary funding.

• Development of curriculum design and advanced teaching methodologies in UX research.

• Networking with faculty and industry professionals within the UX field through university channels.

• Building a teaching portfolio and reputation within the academic UX community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section re-frames "operations" to "academic instruction" and "career growth" within that context. Growth opportunities are specific to contract faculty roles in higher education.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Virtual Synchronous. This means the role is fully remote, with instruction delivered online in real-time.

Office Location(s): While the university has physical campuses, this specific role is delivered virtually, meaning the instructor can work from any location with reliable internet access. The administrative campus is "Other, CA," with derived location Unorganized Rainy River, Ontario, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• The instructor will need a dedicated, quiet space conducive to delivering lectures and interacting with students online.

• Reliable high-speed internet, a functional computer, webcam, and microphone are essential for virtual synchronous delivery.

• Access to university-provided learning management systems (LMS) and communication tools will be necessary for course management and student interaction.

Work Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 PM – 6:50 PM (local time for the campus, presumably Eastern Time in Ontario), for the Winter 2027 term (January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" is characterized by the "Virtual Synchronous" mode of delivery, defining it as a remote role with specific technical requirements for online instruction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit all required documents electronically via the university's careers portal by the deadline. This includes the CV, Candidate Application Form (CAF), and any optional materials.

• Review of Application Materials: The Part-time Appointment Committee will review applications, focusing heavily on the CAF and CV to assess qualifications, teaching experience, and research practice.

• Assessment Rubric: Applications will be assessed using "Appendix H: Assessment of CTF Candidates under 13.6.1" and program-specific rubrics, as outlined in the collective agreement. Candidates should ensure their application clearly addresses these criteria.

• Potential Interviews: While not explicitly stated, interviews (likely virtual) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates to discuss teaching philosophy, research experience, and fit with the UX Design department.

• Offer: Successful candidates will receive an offer of appointment for the Winter 2027 term.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Candidate Application Form (CAF): This is your primary "portfolio" document. Complete it thoroughly, providing specific examples of your teaching experience, applied qualitative research, and how you promote DEI.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Ensure your CV clearly highlights your academic credentials, teaching roles, research publications or projects, and any relevant industry experience in UX research.

• Sample Course Outline (Optional): If submitted, this should be concise (max 2 pages) and clearly outline the course structure, learning objectives, weekly topics, and assessment methods for UX Research Methods I, demonstrating your pedagogical approach.

• Evidence of Good Teaching: For external applicants, official course evaluations are required, showcasing positive student feedback and teaching effectiveness.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy, particularly how you approach teaching UX research methods to students with varying levels of prior knowledge.

• Articulate specific examples of your applied qualitative research experience and how you would translate that into practical learning for students.

• Demonstrate your understanding of research ethics (TCPS) and how you integrate it into teaching.

• Be ready to discuss your familiarity with current industry best practices and tools in UX research and how you keep your knowledge current.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and review process is detailed in the job posting, including specific documents required and the assessment framework (collective agreement appendices). The advice is tailored to an academic application context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management System (LMS): Wilfrid Laurier University likely uses a system like Moodle or Blackboard for course delivery, assignment submission, and grade management. Familiarity with such platforms is essential.

• Virtual Conferencing Software: Proficiency with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex is critical for delivering "Virtual Synchronous" lectures and interacting with students in real-time.

• Presentation Software: Standard tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for lecture preparation and delivery.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Analytics: Understanding how to interpret student engagement data within the LMS (e.g., participation rates, assignment completion).

• Course Evaluation Data: Ability to review and analyze formal course evaluation results to assess teaching effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this instructional role, as it does not involve sales or revenue operations processes. The focus is on educational tools and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are those typically used in an academic, virtual teaching environment. The emphasis is on learning management systems and virtual collaboration platforms, rather than business operations software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: (Interpreted as Departmental/University Values for Instructors)

• Academic Excellence: Commitment to high-quality instruction and rigorous academic standards in UX research.

• Inclusivity & Equity: Promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

• Research Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in both research practice and teaching.

• Innovation & Currency: Staying abreast of advancements in UX research and integrating them into the curriculum.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: While primarily focused on the UX Design department, instructors may collaborate with other faculty within the Faculty of Liberal Arts on interdisciplinary initiatives.

• Student-Centric Approach: A collaborative style focused on supporting student learning and development through effective instruction and feedback.

• Adherence to Collective Agreement: Working collaboratively within the framework of the WLUFA collective agreement, respecting the rights and responsibilities of both faculty and the university.

📝 Enhancement Note: Values and collaboration style are inferred based on typical university culture, academic standards, and the specific mention of DEI and the collective agreement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Engaging Remote Learners: Keeping students engaged and motivated in a virtual synchronous environment requires dynamic teaching strategies and effective use of online tools.

• Diverse Student Backgrounds: Catering to a potentially diverse student body with varying levels of prior UX knowledge and experience in the classroom.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensuring seamless delivery of virtual instruction and troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise.

• Balancing Research and Teaching: For those with active research careers, balancing the demands of teaching a contract course with other academic responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Pedagogical Training: Access to university resources or workshops on effective online teaching strategies and curriculum development.

• UX Industry Insights: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of emerging UX research trends and tools through professional development or personal research.

• Networking: Building connections with faculty peers, department chairs, and potentially industry professionals through university events or departmental activities.

• Teaching Portfolio Enhancement: Gaining experience that can be added to a teaching dossier for future academic opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of academic instruction and remote learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Teaching Philosophy: "Describe your teaching philosophy, particularly as it applies to teaching UX Research Methods I in a virtual synchronous format. How do you foster student engagement and understanding of complex research concepts?"

• Research Experience: "Can you provide specific examples of your applied qualitative research practice involving human subjects? How would you translate this practical experience into actionable learning for students in this course?"

• Ethics in Research & Teaching: "How do you ensure students understand and adhere to research ethics, specifically the TCPS guidelines, in their academic work? How do you integrate ethical considerations into your teaching?"

• Industry Relevance: "How do you stay current with industry best practices and tools in UX research, and how would you incorporate this up-to-date knowledge into the course curriculum for Winter 2027?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about teaching at Wilfrid Laurier University, specifically within the User Experience Design department?"

• "How do you contribute to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment in your classroom?"

• "How do you envision collaborating with the department and adhering to the WLUFA collective agreement?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight CAF & CV: Be prepared to walk through key sections of your Candidate Application Form and CV, emphasizing your teaching experience, research practice, and relevant skills.

• Case Study Approach (Teaching Examples): Instead of a business case study, be ready to discuss a specific teaching challenge you've overcome or a successful pedagogical approach you've implemented in a similar course.

• Demonstrate Ethical Framework: Clearly articulate how you would address research ethics throughout the course, perhaps by referencing specific modules or assignments.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your familiarity with virtual teaching tools and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to an academic teaching role, focusing on pedagogy, research experience, ethics, and familiarity with the university's context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this academic instructional position:

• Submit your application electronically through the Wilfrid Laurier University careers portal by Friday, June 5, 2026.

• Curate your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your academic qualifications (Master's/PhD), teaching experience at the college/university level, and applied qualitative research practice involving human subjects.

• Thoroughly complete the Candidate Application Form (CAF): This document is critical for assessment. Provide detailed examples of your teaching methods, research experience, and any commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Prepare optional materials: If you choose to submit a Sample Course Outline, ensure it is concise (max 2 pages) and effectively demonstrates your instructional design for UX Research Methods I.

• Gather external applicant requirements: If you are an external applicant, ensure you have your evidence of good teaching (official course evaluations), names and contact information for referees, and verification of your highest degree ready for submission.

• Research the Collective Agreement: Familiarize yourself with the WLUFA Collective Agreement, particularly Appendix H (Assessment of CTF Candidates) and Appendix I (Guidance for CAF), to understand how your application will be scored.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to academic positions. All details, especially regarding the collective agreement and specific application scoring, should be verified directly with Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty Relations or the Part-time Appointment Committee.