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    

• 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.