UX/UI Designer UX Research Focus

Direct Client

Job Title: UX/UI Designer UX Research Focus
Location : Mossville, Chillicothe, IL
Full Time
Mode of Work : Hybrid (2–3 days onsite,Must be local and open to full-time onsite if required)
Hybrid - go to the office,2-3 days in office, but must be local to surrounding areas, must be able to office - full time when needed  
 
Job Summary:

We are seeking a UX/UI Designer with a strong focus on UX Research to join a collaborative team environment.
This role is ideal for someone who can translate user insights into actionable design strategies and work closely with designers
and product owners to create meaningful, user-centered experiences.
Candidates must have a balanced background in both UX research and UI design—pure UX designers will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

Translate research findings and usability test results into actionable, prioritized UI/UX recommendations
Understand and clarify user, customer, and business needs, converting them into compelling interaction designs
Plan and facilitate user research using appropriate methodologies
Integrate research insights into product design and UX practices
Collaborate with designers to define prototype requirements and iterate based on feedback
Document UX goals, themes, interaction behaviors, and design elements for downstream UI teams
Create UX artifacts such as journey maps, user flows, and storyboards
Define and document overall UX strategy, including UI principles and design frameworks
Manage and prioritize research backlog aligned with product roadmap

Team & Collaboration:
Work within a team of 11 members and 2 interns supporting multiple workstreams
Collaborate closely with designers, product owners, and stakeholders
Strong stakeholder management is critical for success
 
Work Environment:
Hybrid work model (2–3 days onsite required)
Candidates must be local and flexible to transition into a full-time onsite role if needed

Required Qualifications:
5+ years of experience in UX Research with strong knowledge of UX best practices
Experience in corporate or B2B environments preferred
Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Technical Skills (Required):
Strong understanding of UI best practices, UI design, and graphic design principles
Proficiency in UI layout, prototyping, and design tools
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines
Portfolio demonstrating UX process, research integration, and design outcomes

Core Competencies:
Empathy: Ability to synthesize stakeholder and user insights and apply them effectively
Adaptive Thinking: Ability to pivot quickly, embrace change, and make informed decisions
 
Preferred Skills:
Project management experience

Soft Skills:
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Strong time management abilities
Exceptional data storytelling and presentation skills
 
Note Disqualifiers:
Frequent job changes or inconsistent tenure
Candidates with only UX design experience (without UX research expertise) will not be considered