Usability Researcher

Usability Researcher at Microsoft (Contract)

This is a contract role providing services to Microsoft through external staffing partners of Allegis Global Solutions. If you are selected for this role, you will be employed by AGS and will not be an employee of Microsoft.

We are seeking a highly skilled Usability Researcher to join a dynamic team focused on understanding and enhancing user experiences for cutting-edge productivity and AI-powered tools. This fully remote opportunity requires someone who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and can seamlessly blend qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to generate actionable insights. You will play a critical role in designing and executing research studies that directly influence product development, working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to identify opportunities and evaluate competitive positioning. The ideal candidate is a hands-on researcher who excels at project management, can quickly synthesize complex data from multiple sources, and possesses strong communication skills to present findings that drive data-informed decisions. This role demands flexibility with working hours to accommodate collaboration with international stakeholders, with most meetings occurring between 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM PST. If you are passionate about translating user needs into rigorous research questions and creating compelling research outputs that maximize impact, this opportunity offers the chance to shape the future of innovative technology products.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and execute mixed-methods research studies to identify and evaluate product opportunities and competitive positioning.
• Conduct qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research to generate insights for product development and enhancement.
• Analyze and synthesize diverse data sources, prioritize findings, and clearly summarize project work into actionable recommendations.
• Coordinate with multiple research partners, study recruitment vendors, panel management teams, and research operations to advance projects.
• Perform hands-on research execution including study design, interview facilitation, survey creation, and comprehensive analysis.
• Execute research and compile insights rapidly to maximize impact on product decisions.
• Create research assets such as videos, presentations, and documents that effectively communicate findings.
• Scope research studies and track the impact of research initiatives on product outcomes.
• Conduct competitive analysis to inform strategic product positioning.
• Incorporate accessibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations throughout the research process.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience conducting UX benchmark research.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in project management, organizing, and planning.
• Minimum 8 years of qualitative research experience combined with quantitative skills.
• 2-4 years of related experience in user research or market research.
• Experience working in fast-paced technology environments.
• Experience conducting research involving accessibility and DEI considerations is highly desirable.
• Experience with generative AI and large language models is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Design, Market Research, User Research, or related fields required.
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Social Science, or other data or research-centric field required.
• Advanced degree in Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, or related fields is highly desirable.
• UX research and design research methodologies.
• Mixed-methods research including both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Project management, organizing, and planning with exceptional attention to detail.
• Data analysis and synthesis across multiple sources.
• Insight generation and sensemaking from complex datasets.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency with research tools including Figma for journey mapping and problem space scoping.
• Product feature and usability testing.
• Study design and execution including interviews and surveys.
• Competitive research and benchmarking.
• Experience with AI tools and applications, particularly generative AI.

Key skills/competency

• UX Research
• Mixed-Methods Research
• Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Insight Generation
• Competitive Analysis
• Accessibility (DEI)
• Generative AI
• Figma
• Usability Testing