UX/UI Designer (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer (Contract)

Company: Zymo Research Corporation

Location: Tustin, California

Job Type: Contract

Category: Digital Product Design / User Experience Operations

Date Posted: August 31, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Architect and design intuitive, goal-driven user experiences for Zymo Research's digital platforms to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

• Translate marketing and commercial strategies into actionable user journeys and effective design concepts, directly supporting business objectives.

• Develop and maintain a robust design system, including a style guide and component library in Figma, ensuring brand consistency and efficient implementation.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, web development, and commercial teams to ensure seamless integration of user-centered design principles into product development and ongoing improvements.

• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing user engagement metrics and identifying opportunities for UX/UI enhancements to optimize product adoption and brand perception globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is UX/UI Designer, the responsibilities heavily lean into operations-focused aspects of digital product development, such as process efficiency, system consistency, and data-informed decision-making. This role is crucial for the operational effectiveness of Zymo Research's digital presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate marketing strategies and business objectives into clear, user-centered journeys and intuitive design concepts.

• Conduct light user research, analyze website analytics, and test interactions to inform and validate design decisions, ensuring a data-driven approach.

• Design responsive web pages, layouts, and interactive components with a keen eye for visual hierarchy, clarity, and accessibility standards.

• Create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using Figma, effectively communicating design structure and user flow.

• Maintain and evolve the company's comprehensive style guide and component library within Figma, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and usability standards.

• Partner with the web development team to ensure accurate and efficient implementation of designs, including version control and quality assurance.

• Document design patterns, use cases, and technical specifications to foster long-term design consistency and scalability across digital platforms.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery, effective stakeholder communication, and alignment with project priorities.

• Monitor user engagement and usability metrics to evaluate the performance of implemented designs and identify areas for iterative improvement.

• Stay abreast of emerging UX/UI trends, best practices, and design technologies to introduce innovative solutions and enhance operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process optimization and system management, which are core tenets of operations roles. The requirement to "Document design patterns, use cases, and specifications" and "Contribute ideas to enhance workflow, from intake to design handoff and QA" are particularly indicative of an operations-centric mindset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, digital product design, or a closely related role, with a proven track record of delivering user-centered design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma, including advanced capabilities with components, variants, prototyping, and collaborative design systems.

• UX Strategy: Ability to translate business requirements and user needs into effective user journeys and intuitive interaction designs.

• UI Design Execution: Strong skills in visual design, including layout, typography, color theory, and iconography, with a focus on hierarchy and aesthetic appeal.

• Responsive Design: Deep understanding of responsive design principles and experience creating adaptive layouts for various screen sizes and devices.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Proficiency in creating detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts and user flows effectively.

• User Research & Analysis: Ability to conduct light user research, analyze website analytics, and synthesize feedback to inform design decisions.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG guidelines and experience designing for accessibility to ensure inclusivity.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• HTML/CSS Fundamentals: Working knowledge of HTML and CSS to facilitate effective collaboration with web developers and understand implementation constraints.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design and prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch).

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and their application in design optimization.

• Experience working within an Agile/Scrum development environment.

• Understanding of SEO principles as they relate to website design and content structure.

• Experience in the biotechnology or scientific research industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, design systems, and collaboration with development teams, alongside the requirement for HTML/CSS knowledge, positions this role as a critical intersection of design and operational implementation, typical of GTM or digital operations functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing end-to-end design projects, highlighting your role, the problem addressed, design process, and quantifiable outcomes.

• UX/UI Process Documentation: Include examples of your design process, such as user journey maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving.

• Design System Contribution: Provide examples of contributions to or creation of design systems, style guides, or component libraries, illustrating your understanding of consistency and scalability.

• Impact & Metrics: Clearly articulate the business impact and user success metrics achieved through your designs, demonstrating your ability to drive results and ROI.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate how you approach designing user flows and information architecture to ensure intuitive navigation and task completion.

• System Implementation: Provide examples of how you ensure design consistency and accurate implementation through collaboration with development teams and documentation.

• Performance Analysis: Showcase how you use data and user feedback to analyze design effectiveness and iterate on solutions for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating process-driven design, system thinking, and measurable results is paramount for this role, aligning with the operational expectation of delivering tangible business value through design. This is a key differentiator for operations-focused candidates.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35 - $50 per hour (based on contract duration of 6 months to 1 year). This range reflects the estimated hourly rate for a contract UX/UI Designer in the Tustin, California area, considering the stated experience level and the nature of the contract role. Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as specific experience, skills, and the final negotiated terms of the contract.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Sessions

• Accrued Vacation Time and Paid Company Holidays

• Paid Sick Leave

• Generous 401(K) Retirement Plan with company matching

• On-site Perks:

  • Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages

  • Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays

  • Complimentary Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging stations Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with the expectation of focused, on-site work. Flexibility may be available based on project needs and team coordination, but the role is primarily defined by its on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided based on the input data. For a more precise estimate, one would research typical contract UX/UI Designer rates in Orange County, CA, factoring in the specific skills (Figma, design systems) and the contract duration. The benefits are listed as provided, with a focus on those relevant to a contract employee.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Life Sciences / Scientific Research Tools. Zymo Research operates at the forefront of scientific advancement, providing essential tools for researchers globally. This context means the digital platforms must be reliable, informative, and user-friendly for a discerning scientific audience.

Company Size: Zymo Research is a recognized "Top Workplace," suggesting a medium to large organization with established processes and a focus on employee satisfaction. The "growing company" aspect implies opportunities for impact and evolution.

Founded: 1994. With a history spanning over two decades, Zymo Research has established a strong reputation and a stable operational foundation, while continuing to innovate.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will be part of a growing Design Team, working on a contract basis.

• Close collaboration is expected with Marketing, Web Development, and Commercial teams, indicating a cross-functional operational structure.

• The role requires working with various internal stakeholders to gather requirements and communicate design solutions, highlighting the importance of effective interdepartmental operations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using analytics, user research, and feedback to inform design decisions and measure effectiveness.

• Process Optimization: Focus on enhancing workflows from intake to handoff and QA, and maintaining a component library for efficiency.

• User-Centricity: Commitment to creating intuitive, goal-driven user experiences that support both user needs and business objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on scientific innovation and its "Top Workplace" accolades suggest a culture that values precision, quality, and employee well-being, which will influence the operational dynamics and design priorities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This contract role is positioned at a Mid-Level (3-5 years experience). It offers the opportunity to take ownership of key design initiatives within a specific domain (digital platforms), contributing directly to operational efficiency and user experience improvements.

Reporting Structure: While specific reporting lines aren't detailed, the role involves close collaboration with Marketing, Web Development, and Commercial teams, suggesting a matrixed or project-based reporting structure typical in operations. The Design Team itself may have a lead or manager.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's work will have a direct impact on how users (scientists, researchers) interact with Zymo Research's digital presence, influencing product adoption, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, brand perception and commercial success. This role operationalizes the company's digital strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in Figma, design systems, and user-centered design methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working across different departments, understanding their operational needs and how design integrates with them.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with impactful case studies demonstrating end-to-end design ownership and measurable results, which can lead to future opportunities.

• Contract-to-Hire Potential: While a contract role, successful performance and business needs could potentially lead to extensions or full-time opportunities within Zymo Research.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, "growth" often translates to skill acquisition, portfolio building, and gaining experience within a specific industry. The operations focus means demonstrating efficiency and process improvement skills will be key to potential future engagements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully On-site at Zymo Research Operations in Tustin, CA. This indicates a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): 2961 Dow Ave. Tustin, CA 92780. Located in Orange County, California, this site offers accessibility for local talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature facilitates direct interaction and spontaneous collaboration with marketing, development, and commercial teams, crucial for efficient design handoffs and feedback loops.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Figma) and potentially other company-provided hardware and collaboration tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and team meetings, fostering a cohesive working dynamic.

Work Schedule: The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week. While on-site, there might be some flexibility, but the expectation is consistent presence for team integration and project momentum. This schedule supports the operational need for reliable availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site, collaborative environment is key. For operations roles, this often translates to better communication, faster problem-solving, and more integrated workflows compared to fully remote setups.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against job requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key case studies. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale, challenges, and the impact of your work.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This might include specific questions about Figma, design systems, or a small design challenge to evaluate your practical skills and problem-solving approach.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with members of the Marketing, Web Development, or Commercial teams to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within the broader operational structure.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: A final discussion to confirm alignment with team goals and assess overall suitability for the contract role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select case studies that best showcase your UX/UI process, problem-solving abilities, and impact on business goals, particularly those involving digital platforms or system design.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the constraints, your design process (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), the solution, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your designs improved efficiency, user satisfaction, conversion rates, or other key operational metrics. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Showcase Figma Expertise: Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency with Figma, including your use of components, variants, and prototyping features.

• Accessibility & Responsiveness: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your understanding and application of accessibility standards and responsive design principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the core problem, making reasonable assumptions, and clearly articulating your thought process and proposed solution within the given timeframe.

• Process Explanation: Be ready to explain your design process, why you chose certain methods, and how you would collaborate with developers and stakeholders.

• Figma Familiarity: Practice using Figma efficiently, as you may be asked to demonstrate your skills in real-time or discuss specific features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process will heavily scrutinize your ability to demonstrate not just design skills, but also operational thinking – how you approach problems systematically, collaborate effectively, and deliver measurable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and managing the design system and component library. Proficiency is essential.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): May be used for asset creation or specific graphic design tasks.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are key, but familiarity with other prototyping tools can be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms (e.g., Google Analytics): Understanding how to interpret data from these platforms to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Heatmapping/User Recording Tools (e.g., Hotjar, Crazy Egg): Useful for understanding user behavior and identifying usability issues.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user interactions on digital platforms feed into CRM systems and marketing automation workflows is advantageous for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma as a primary tool and the need to interpret analytics data point to the operational aspect of this role. The ability to work with tools that support data-driven decision-making and efficient workflow management is critical for a UX/UI Designer in an operations context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Quality: Reflecting Zymo Research's commitment to high-quality scientific tools, designs must be precise, reliable, and error-free.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A focus on streamlining workflows, maintaining design systems, and improving processes to deliver value quickly and effectively.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing teamwork and clear communication across departments to ensure designs meet diverse stakeholder needs and are implemented seamlessly.

• User-Centricity & Data-Informed Decisions: Prioritizing the user experience and grounding design choices in data and research to achieve optimal outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing, web development, and commercial teams to ensure design aligns with broader business and technical strategies.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive feedback from peers, developers, and stakeholders, using it to refine designs and improve processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the design system and documentation, and sharing best practices to elevate the team's overall capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Top Workplace" status and focus on scientific rigor suggest a culture that balances innovation with professionalism and a commitment to excellence, influencing how operational tasks are approached and executed.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively navigating and prioritizing competing requirements from marketing, commercial, and development teams to create cohesive user experiences.

• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring brand and UI consistency across a growing digital footprint, especially when working with external developers or on legacy systems.

• Data Interpretation: Translating complex analytics and user feedback into actionable design improvements requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Contract Duration: Working within a defined contract period (6 months to 1 year) requires efficient execution and clear deliverable management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Figma Skills: Opportunity to master advanced features of Figma, including complex auto-layout, variants, and collaborative workflows.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the biotechnology and scientific research industry, understanding the unique needs of this user base.

• Process Improvement Contribution: Contribute to the refinement of Zymo Research's design intake, workflow, and handoff processes.

• Portfolio Building: Develop strong case studies that highlight operational impact and sophisticated design problem-solving, enhancing future career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed within an operational context, emphasizing problem-solving, efficiency, and strategic contribution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new feature or improving an existing one on a website. How do you incorporate user feedback and business goals?" (Focus on process, data, and stakeholder alignment)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining a design system or component library? What are the operational benefits?" (Highlight efficiency, consistency, and scalability)

• "Walk us through a challenging UX/UI project. What was the problem, your approach, the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Emphasize problem-solving, impact, and reflection) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Zymo Research and our industry? How would your design approach cater to our scientific audience?" (Show research and industry understanding)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from stakeholders?" (Assess collaboration and adaptability)

• "Describe a time you identified a need for process improvement within a design workflow. What did you do?" (Demonstrate initiative and operational thinking) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the quantifiable results. Use visuals effectively to support your story.

• Highlight Figma Use: Be prepared to discuss specific Figma features you utilized (components, variants, auto-layout, prototyping) and how they contributed to efficiency or design quality.

• Quantify Impact: Focus on metrics – e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved task completion times, higher user satisfaction scores.

• Showcase Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with developers, marketers, and other stakeholders, emphasizing clear communication and effective handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also a systematic, operations-minded approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and driving measurable business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on app.trinethire.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience with Figma, design systems, responsive design, and a user-centered approach to problem-solving, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3-5 years of experience in UX/UI or digital product design, highlighting proficiency in key tools like Figma and any experience with HTML/CSS or analytics interpretation.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design process, focusing on how your work drives business objectives and operational efficiency. Prepare to discuss your collaborative approach.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Zymo Research's products, mission, and company culture, and consider how your design skills can best serve their scientific audience and operational goals.

⚠️ 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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