Usability Researcher 2

Job#: 3024541

Job Description:

We are looking for a UX Researcher with the ability to conduct a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods impacting both product direction and detailed experience design. You will work with and receive mentorship from a supervising Senior UX Researcher. You will be joining 20+ talented UX researchers whose charter is to influence product direction, determine what to build, and design end-to-end experiences for all developers that are useful, usable, and desirable. In this role, you will work in a highly collaborative environment with engineering, design, product management, and business teams across the division to help make customer-driven decisions. Your work will happen in the context of a lean or agile development environment supporting the release cadence of teams as well as helping define the strategic direction of products. You will have access to a state-of-the-art, modern research lab facility equipped for a variety of research types located in a central hub area on campus. You will use remote tools incorporating the latest technology to collaborate with a distributed team and to execute research on a global customer base.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and apply a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to all product stages from conception to release, including lab-based usability tests, interviews, surveys, focus groups, and field research
• Collaborate closely with engineering, design, product management, and business partners during all steps of research
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations and deliver them in compelling ways
• Triangulate multiple data sources into integrated insights
• Communicate and evangelize research results to engineering and business teams
• Evangelize UX research as an essential aspect of product development
• Coach other roles on UX research best practices and methods

REQUIREMENTS

• A degree in human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, behavioral science, or related field or equivalent experience
• Thorough knowledge and experience of a range of UX research approaches and methodologies
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills with a proven ability to turn research results into product insights
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence a range of audiences
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• The ability to work independently and be flexible to rapidly changing schedules and demands
• The ability to get up to speed with a new area quickly
• Familiarity with modern developer platforms and ecosystems and/or strong aptitude for learning new technologies
• Value diversity and inclusivity in the workplace

Typical Day in the Role

• Purpose of the Team: The purpose of this team is conducting research to best deliver AI-first tools and platforms that help developers move faster across the end-to-end lifecycle, from AI-assisted coding to deploying and operating intelligent applications in any language and on any platform. The UX Research Team brings a world-class UX to Visual Studio, Azure, GitHub Copilot, and .NET. Millions of developers rely on these products every day, and adoption continues to accelerate as teams incorporate copilots and agentic workflows into daily development. The applications built span AI-powered experiences, cloud and edge, web, mobile, desktop, data and machine learning, gaming, and Internet of Things.
• Key projects: This role will contribute to UX research for building out the development tool infrastructure using both quantitative and qualitative methods
• Typical task breakdown and operating rhythm: The role will consist largely of designing and applying qualitative and quantitative UX research methods to all product stages from conception to release, including lab-based usability tests, interviews, surveys, focus groups, and field research, then translating research findings and data into actionable recommendations. A small amount of time will be spent communicating these findings to leadership and ad hoc work.

Compelling Story & Candidate Value Proposition

• What makes this role interesting? - This role provides the opportunity to have a big impact on some of the most-used development products all over the world! The role will also foster the growth of the candidate's career, as many members of this team have moved up into higher positions.

Candidate Requirements

• Years of Experience Required: 2-4 overall years of experience in the field.
• Degrees or certifications required: A degree in human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, behavioral science, or related field or equivalent experience is required for this role.
• Disqualifiers: Candidates must have a technical background, preferably working on research for product development in the tech industry for this role.
• Best vs. Average: The ideal resume would contain a good mix of experience in both qual and quant methods, as well as a strong technical understanding (preferably in coding/development) to better understand the customer and collaborate with technical teams.
• Performance Indicators: Performance will be assessed based on the impact of their work, and feedback gathered from coworkers/collaborators and their mentor.

Top 3 Hard Skills Required + Years of Experience

1. Minimum 4 years experience with both Qualitative and Quantitative research methods

2. Minimum 4 years experience with a technical background/experience in a technical industry

3. A Portfolio/previous work samples: The ideal portfolio shows off the candidate's previous work and describes the candidate's impact and role on the project.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.