UX Research Lead

Summary

Join our team as a UX Research Lead for a 3-month contract engagement focused on enhancing the usability and accessibility of a data product. Lead qualitative research with diverse audiences to inform product decisions, managing the entire research process from stakeholder alignment to presenting findings. This role demands strong experience with complex data products, stakeholder engagement, and navigating the needs of specialized and general audiences. You will design and conduct qualitative research, synthesize results, and deliver strategic recommendations. Collaborate with internal and client teams, own project timelines, and present findings effectively. The ideal candidate possesses 6+ years of experience in qualitative UX research and experience working with complex digital products.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience conducting qualitative UX research, including in-depth interviews, usability testing, and workflow studies
• Experience working on complex or data-heavy digital products, such as dashboards, data portals, or research tools
• Demonstrated success conducting research with specialist professional audiences
• Strong synthesis and communication skills—able to turn findings into frameworks, themes, and product opportunities
• Experience running concept validation and usability studies for new or evolving features
• Excellent client and stakeholder management skills, including experience leading engagements independently
• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Cognitive Science, Journalism or a related field

Responsibilities

• Lead research with a mix of professionals and general audiences to uncover their workflows, goals, and unmet needs
• Design and conduct qualitative research, including 1:1 interviews, task-based usability testing, workflow observation, and concept testing
• Understand how data-literate audiences work with complex information and datasets
• Evaluate the user experience of dashboards and web data products, identifying barriers to comprehension, usability, and data accessibility
• Synthesize results systematically and deliver clear, strategic recommendations to help evolve the product for both expert and non-expert users
• Collaborate with internal and client teams to align on goals, drive insight adoption, and shape the roadmap
• Own project timelines, manage recruitment, coordinate internal resourcing, and ensure research is delivered on time and on budget
• Present research findings with clarity, executive presence, and persuasive storytelling

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with climate, environmental, or economic datasets or platforms

Benefits

Starting at 60/HR