UX Researcher + Design Strategist

About the role

We’re looking for a UX Researcher + Design Strategist to join a team focused on shaping future-facing experiences through deep qualitative insight and strategic thinking. This remote contract role supports innovation research for emerging technologies and next-generation device experiences, helping translate complex findings into clear, compelling frameworks and actionable ideas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and synthesize qualitative research to uncover human needs, cultural shifts, and innovation opportunities.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative inputs and turn them into insights, recommendations, and durable strategic frameworks.
• Create visually engaging presentations, reports, and research artifacts using design tools and AI-enabled platforms.
• Facilitate workshops, working sessions, and presentations to share findings and activate research across teams.
• Partner with design and product stakeholders to translate long-term research insights into near-term concepts and actions.
• Collaborate with research peers to extend existing work into new questions and future research roadmaps.
• Contribute to speculative concepts, design briefs, and other creative outputs that help inform innovation efforts.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in research, with a strong focus on early-stage, generative design research.
• Deep expertise in qualitative methods, including ethnographic, semiotic, co-design, and design research approaches.
• Ability to translate research into strategic narratives, scenarios, principles, and actionable frameworks.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Comfort working with visual design tools such as Figma and other creative or AI-supported platforms.
• Experience conducting in-context, in-person research when needed, including travel as required.
• A portfolio that demonstrates research impact, strategic influence, and innovation-focused work.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working on innovative products, new concepts, or future-facing initiatives.
• Background in devices, digital products, or other technology-driven environments.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI or XR.
• Experience with multimodal interactions, including touch, voice, and mediated control.
• Ability to develop immersive materials such as scenarios, design provocations, or workshop content.
• Strong collaborative mindset and comfort working across cross-functional teams.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $51 - $89 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits