UX Researcher

Posted:
10/17/2024, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Maryland, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
UI/UX & Design

Workplace Type:
Remote

UX Researcher

Office Of Student Affairs

Stateside, Exempt, Grade 2.2

Location: Remote

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is seeking a dedicated, data-driven, and empathetic UX Researcher to join our team and report directly to the Director of UX Research. This role is critical in helping us understand and enhance the experiences of our diverse student body. While focused on all students, this role is especially focused on the experiences of our underrepresented populations like low-income and underserved students.

The UX Researcher will conduct user research, document student journeys, analyze data, generate key trends and insights, and make recommendations in collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure that student voices are heard and integrated into our design and development processes.

The User Experience Researcher role is funded through a grant from the Gates Foundation. The grant lasts 4 years and funding for this role is tied to that grant. In addition, this role will contribute to the cohesiveness and integration of the (VOS) grant project initiative and teams with one another and ensuring their integration and connectivity to the university’s other DEI and strategic projects.

Primary Duties:

  • Conduct user research studies, including interviews, surveys, usability tests, and ethnographic studies, to gather insights into student needs, behaviors, and pain points.
  • Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improving the student experience.
  • Collaborate with the Director of UX Research and cross-functional teams to curate research findings that can be used throughout the university within the design and development of products and services.
  • Present research findings and actionable recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner. Advocate for students, through the development of narratives and visualizations, particularly for low-income and underserved student populations. Foster a culture of empathy within the team by sharing impactful user stories and insights.

Required Education and Experience:

  • 4-year college degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Human Factors, Interaction Design, Information Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, Data Science, User Experience Design, Design Research,
  • 1 to 3 years in Customer Experience, Voice of the Customer, Student Experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficiency in collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data. Capability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative research findings to inform strategic decisions. Strong research skills, including interviewing, surveying, and usability testing. Excellent skills in interpreting complex data sets and extracting actionable insights. Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation. Proficiency in using UX research tools and software. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Experience:

Awareness of issues and challenges faced by low-income and underserved student populations. Understanding of user-centered design principles and practices.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC’s Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at [email protected]. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

  • Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 15 paid holidays (16 during general election years). Time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date. Contingent II employees who work on average 30 or more hours per week (130 hours per month) are eligible for subsidized state of Maryland medical and prescription benefits. Contingent II employees who work on average less than 30 hours per week but at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a stipend to assist in the purchase of a health plan.

  • Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. NOTE: C2 Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.

  • Retirement Stipend:  Contingent II employees receive a retirement stipend equal to 7.25 percent of their base salary and are eligible to contribute to a supplemental retirement account (SRA).

  • Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide subsidies or matching funds.

  • Tuition Remission:  CII employees are eligible immediately for Tuition Remission at UMGC or at University of Maryland College Park.  Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

SS Contingent II_2020.pdf (umgc.edu)

Hiring Range:

$80,000.00 - $85,000.00