Lead UX Researcher

About Us We are Moral Agency, a full-service technology consulting firm building inclusive products and services for all. We offer a complete process from discovery, branding, design, launch to post-release optimization and testing. We collaborate with leaders from enterprise companies and emerging businesses to address real human needs by utilizing our bespoke Moral design process and inclusive collaboration. Our international team of researchers, strategists, creatives, and engineers then deploy efficient processes to overcome organizational challenges and shape the brands of the future. Key Responsibilities Set the research strategy: Define the learning agenda, hypotheses, and research roadmap across product pillars; align stakeholders on questions, methods, and success criteria. Lead mixed-methods programs end-to-end: Plan, scope, and execute generative, descriptive, and evaluative studies (interviews, field studies, surveys, diary/longitudinal, concept/usability tests, card sort/tree tests, A/Bs, behavioral analytics). Drive business impact: Synthesize insights into opportunity frameworks, JTBD, user needs hierarchies, and decision briefs that influence roadmaps, OKRs, and investment choices. Coach and elevate the craft: Mentor UX Researchers and Designers; review study plans, guides, and reports; establish quality bars for rigor, representation, and reliability. Operationalize research: Mature Research Ops (recruiting, consent, incentives, PII handling), maintain repositories/taxonomies, standardize templates, and scale best practices. Champion inclusive, ethical research: Ensure representative sampling, accessible protocols, and culturally sensitive approaches; uphold privacy and regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA/IRB considerations where applicable). Partner cross-functionally: Collaborate with Product, Design, Data/Analytics, Engineering, and Compliance to triangulate qual + quant signals and define measurable user and business outcomes. Communicate with influence: Deliver crisp exec summaries and compelling readouts; facilitate decision-making workshops; create artifacts stakeholders return to (insight maps, service blueprints, opportunity solution trees). Measure and iterate: Establish baselines/benchmarks (task success, SUS/UMUX-LITE, funnels, time-to-task), monitor post-launch outcomes, and guide continuous improvement. Required Skills and Experience Bachelor’s degree in HCI, Psychology, Anthropology, Information Science, or related field, with 10+ years leading UX research for digital products (including several years mentoring or managing researchers). Proven track record driving strategic, multi-method research that resulted in clear product decisions and measurable outcomes—supported by strong case studies. Mastery of research planning, sampling, moderation, analysis, and synthesis; fluency connecting qualitative insights with product analytics/experimentation. Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills; adept at aligning diverse teams in fast-paced, iterative environments and managing multiple complex workstreams. Proficiency with leading research/analysis platforms (e.g., Lookback/UserTesting, UserZoom, Qualtrics/Typeform, Dovetail/Aurelius, GA4/Mixpanel, basic SQL or spreadsheet skills). Preferred Qualifications Experience operating in global, cross-functional organizations; comfort working across time zones and regulatory contexts. Deep familiarity with research in regulated domains (healthcare/pharma) including IRB processes, risk mitigation, and privacy/security best practices. Expertise in accessibility evaluation (WCAG) and inclusive research practices. Experience establishing or scaling Research Ops (repositories, tagging, panel management, incentive compliance). Ability to pair discovery research with experimentation (e.g., hypothesis-driven A/Bs) to de-risk decisions from concept through launch. Thought leadership: contributions to frameworks, playbooks, training, or community of practice that elevates the research discipline. Compensation We offer a competitive hourly rate based on experience and expertise. This contract role provides the opportunity to shape high-impact products alongside a fast-moving, mission-driven team. Who We Are And What We Believe In Our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity ensures every team member can bring their authentic self to work. We foster a supportive environment where ideas flourish and every voice is heard—free from harassment or discrimination. We welcome applicants who meet most, if not all, qualifications; diverse perspectives drive better innovation. We are an equal-opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable laws, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process, please let us know. How To Apply If you’re excited to lead rigorous, human-centered research that shapes exceptional digital experiences, please submit your resume and 1–2 research case studies (including research plans, samples of synthesis, and decision outcomes) to View email address on click.appcast.io Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or support. #J-18808-Ljbffr