User Experience Researcher, Specialist

In this role, You Will:

• Mentor and train others in the development and practice of user experience research techniques, processes and methods

• Work closely with product teams to identify and prioritize research topics and questions

• Move quickly and efficiently in an agile product development cycle, delivering continuous insights through lean research practices

• Provide counsel to product teams on the appropriate research strategy needed to answer critical questions

• Conduct research using a wide variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as human-centered design principles leveraging support from other research disciplines (i.e. data analytics) as appropriate

• Work cross-functionally with software development, design, content strategy, data science, and marketing

• Represent the voice of the user and communicate research insights and recommendations in compelling and creative ways with team members and senior leadership

• Facilitate research debriefs, brainstorming exercises, and/or other workshops that utilize design thinking approaches to fuel ideation and evaluate product design

What It Takes:

• MA/MS/PhD in a related field or the equivalent combination of training and experience, with degree in HCI, Psychology, Sociology, Human Factors, Usability, or Information Science

• 5+ years relevant research experience

• Track record of thought leadership and demonstrated ability to prioritize initiatives to influence strategic decisions

• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead others through ambiguity

• Strong business acumen; an understanding of business goals, strategies, and pressures while being aware of industry trends and competitive actions as a context for doing research

• Demonstrated mastery in using design thinking techniques for product design and research

• Command a broad set of qualitative and user-centered design research methods (e.g., usability testing, client interviews, diary study, surveys)

• Proficient knowledge of quantitative research methods

• Experience working across mobile and desktop web and apps required

• Ability to ask, as well as answer, meaningful and impactful questions

• Compelling communication and presentation/storytelling skills

• Ability to facilitate group meetings and workshops

• Experience using a wide range of user experience research software and tools (e.g., Usertesting.com, Medallia, Qualtrics)

• Strong project management skills and experience guiding multiple projects simultaneously

• Specific or highly related experience in one of our lab topic areas: onboarding, investing, tax management, cash management, robo-advice, human advice, mobile app, secure site, security, help, search, or conversational UI, a plus

A design experience that delivers

Vanguard, a recognized employer of choice, is a leading investment management firm driven by a low cost, 100% client focused model. Vanguard believes that Client Experience is core to continued growth and success in the marketplace. As such, we are focused on delivering world-class experiences and investor outcomes at speed through multidisciplinary lab teams fully organized around client journeys.