#159851-1
Job Title: UX Researcher
Location: HYBRID 3X/ week onsite - Redmond, WA
Rate: $58-$60/ hour
Duration: Through 6/30/26 - expected to extend to 18 months based on budget and performance
Purpose of the Role
The UX Researcher supports the delivery of AI‑first development tools and platforms used by millions of developers worldwide. This role contributes to the research foundation behind products such as Visual Studio, Azure, GitHub Copilot, and .NET. The researcher designs and executes qualitative and quantitative studies that shape product direction, enhance developer experiences, and guide decisions across the full product lifecycle.
Purpose of the Team
The UX Research Team conducts research that informs the creation of intelligent tools enabling developers to build, deploy, and operate applications across any language, platform, or environment. The team influences product strategy, drives customer‑centric design, and supports a wide ecosystem spanning AI‑powered experiences, cloud and edge development, web, mobile, desktop, IoT, gaming, and machine learning.
Key Responsibilities
• Design and apply a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods across all product stages, from concept through release
• Conduct usability tests, interviews, surveys, focus groups, and field studies
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable recommendations
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product management, design, and business teams
• Triangulate multiple data sources to create integrated insights
• Present and evangelize research findings to leadership and partner teams
• Promote UX research best practices and guide collaborators on research methods
• Support product teams working in lean or agile environments
• Contribute to both strategic direction setting and rapid‑cycle product development
Typical Day in the Role
• Lead and execute qual and quant studies across multiple projects
• Analyze data and synthesize insights into meaningful guidance
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to align on scope, goals, and recommendations
• Share results through presentations, written reports, and collaborative sessions
• Conduct ad hoc research to address urgent product questions
• Work onsite using advanced research facilities and remote tools to reach global users
Performance Measurement
• Impact and adoption of research insights
• Quality of collaboration and communication
• Feedback from peers, cross‑functional partners, and mentor
• Contribution to product strategy and experience quality
Unique Selling Points
• Influence products used by millions of developers worldwide
• Direct impact on AI‑first tools shaping the future of software development
• Opportunity for career growth within a large, experienced UX Research organization
• Work within a modern, fully equipped research facility using advanced tools and global research platforms
• Join a collaborative, technically sophisticated environment working across AI, cloud, developer platforms, and cutting‑edge experiences
Required Skills and Qualifications
Education
• Degree in human‑computer interaction, cognitive psychology, behavioral science, or relevant field, or equivalent experience
Experience
• Applied experience conducting both qualitative and quantitative UX research
• Background in a technical environment, ideally supporting software or platform development
• Experience collaborating with engineering, design, and product teams
• Demonstrated ability to translate research findings into product‑impacting insights
Core Skills
• Expertise across a broad range of UX research methodologies
• Strong analytical and synthesis capabilities
• Excellent communication skills tailored to varied audiences
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
• Ability to rapidly learn new technical domains
• Familiarity with modern developer tools and ecosystems or strong aptitude for technical learning
• Commitment to diversity and inclusive practices
Candidate Requirements
• Technical background suitable for supporting developer‑focused products
• Portfolio demonstrating prior research work, impact, and role clarity
• Strong mix of qualitative and quantitative project experience
• Ability to collaborate with highly technical teams and understand developer workflows
• Comfort working onsite with specialized equipment and in fast‑changing environments
Candidate Preparation
• Bring portfolio examples
• Be prepared to discuss methodology, decisions, insights, and personal impact on prior projects