Manager, Behavioral Science & UX Research - Hybrid (Boston only)

Who We Are

Escalent is an award-winning data analytics and advisory firm that helps clients understand human and market behaviors to navigate disruption. As catalysts of progress for more than 40 years, our strategies guide the world’s leading brands. We accelerate growth by creating a seamless flow between primary, secondary, syndicated, and internal business data, providing consulting and advisory services from insights through implementation. Based on a profound understanding of what drives human beings and markets, we identify actions that build brands, enhance customer experiences, inspire product innovation and boost business productivity. We listen, learn, question, discover, innovate, and deliver—for each other and our clients—to make the world work better for people.

Why Escalent? Once you join our team you will have the opportunity to...

• Access experts across industries for maximum learning opportunities including Weekly Knowledge Sharing Sessions, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
• Gain exposure to a rich variety of research techniques from knowledgeable professionals.
• Enjoy a remote first/hybrid work environment with a flexible schedule.
• Obtain insights into the needs and challenges of your clients—to learn how the world’s leading brands use research.
• Experience peace of mind working for a company with a commitment to conducting research ethically.
• Build lasting relationships with fun colleagues in a culture that values each person.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Manager, Behavioral Science & UX Research to join our strategic consulting team. This hybrid role is ideal for someone who sits at the intersection of behavioral science, user experience research, and strategic consulting, a researcher who understands not only what people do, but why they do it, and how to translate those insights into meaningful product, service, and business decisions.

You will apply behavioral science frameworks, UX research methodologies, and human-centered design principles to uncover deep insights, shape strategy, and guide clients toward more intuitive, effective, and human experiences.

The Salary Range for this position is $90,000 - $115,000. If this is not the right level for you, please check out our other postings. For this position, must be based in Boston area. This role will have up to 30% travel locally and non-locally.

Who You Are

A curious, rigorous, and empathetic researcher who loves understanding human behavior from multiple angles. You thrive in ambiguity, enjoy navigating complex client challenges, and bring clarity through structured thinking and compelling storytelling.

You are equally comfortable:

• Identifying and translating behavioral science principles into practical business applications
• Leading generative and evaluative UX research
• Partnering with cross functional teams to shape strategy
• Communicating insights to senior stakeholders with confidence and clarity

Key qualities:

• Strong communicator who can translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights
• Team oriented collaborator who builds trust and strong relationships
• Proactive problem solver who thrives with autonomy and can lead projects end to end
• Passionate about making business more human through evidence based design and strategy

What You’ll Do

Client Work (Primary Focus)

• Serve as a trusted advisor, bringing a behavioral science lens and UX research rigor to client engagements
• Lead the design and execution of research studies, generative, evaluative, and behavioral
• Develop research materials (discussion guides, surveys, test plans) that balance scientific rigor with business needs
• Analyze data and synthesize insights into compelling narratives and actionable recommendations
• Present findings to senior stakeholders, connecting behavioral principles, UX insights, and strategic implications
• Build strong client relationships and help them see around corners by connecting trends, competitive signals, and human behavior patterns
• Moderate qualitative interviews and usability sessions

Internal Development & Thought Leadership

• Create internal tools, frameworks, and training materials that scale behavioral science and UX best practices
• Explore and expand AI-powered applications, offerings, and best practices across behavioral science and UX engagements
• Lead or contribute to lunch and learns, workshops, and cross functional upskilling
• Bring a holistic perspective on consumer behavior, UX trends, and industry shifts

Business Development Support

• Identify opportunities to integrate behavioral science and UX research into proposals
• Contribute to scoping, methodology design, and thought starter content
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to elevate the strategic value of research

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioral economics, neuroscience, HCI, design research, or related field; advanced degrees a plus
• 5 - 7+ years of experience across behavioral science, UX research, consumer insights, or innovation consulting
• Strong foundation in behavioral biases, heuristics, and behavioral frameworks
• Deep experience with qualitative and quantitative UX research methods, including ethnography, interviews, surveys, usability testing, diary studies, heuristic evaluation, card sorting, and tree testing
• Experience working with cross functional design and product teams throughout the development lifecycle
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
• For this hybrid position, must be based in Boston area. This role will have up to 30% travel locally and non-locally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong command of both behavioral science theory and UX research practice
• Ability to translate insights into strategy, design implications, and business recommendations
• Experience in consulting, innovation, or customer experience environments
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Experience in regulated industries (healthcare, financial services is a plus)

Compensation, Benefits, and Culture

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - Large carriers on a national level (domestic partner coverage included)
• 401k with Company Match
• Flexible PTO - Feel no guilt in taking off a minimum of 3 weeks of “real” vacation time
• Paid Parental leave: 8 weeks
• Paid Sick Leave: up to 8 weeks
• 12 Paid Company Holidays
• Hybrid/Virtual Work - Virtual-first workforce with employees in most states
• Salary range for this role is $90,000 - $115,000

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.