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Contract Design Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Design Tutor

Skokie, IL ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Business Contracts Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Use workflows and software systems to securely store documents, track key contract obligations, and ... Experience with in-depth research and maintenance of business licenses and compliance documents

Business Contracts Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$104K - $126K/yr

Use workflows and software systems to securely store documents, track key contract obligations, and ... Experience with in-depth research and maintenance of business licenses and compliance documents

Graphic Design Tutor

Schaumburg, IL ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Evanston, IL ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Graphic Design Tutor

Des Plaines, IL ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Design Researcher information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$116.5K

$169.5K

How much do contract design researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract design researcher in Chicago, IL is $116,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract design researcher?

A Contract Design Researcher is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to conduct research that informs and improves design decisions. They gather insights about users, markets, and competitors through methods like interviews, surveys, and usability testing. Their findings help design teams create more user-friendly and effective products or services. Unlike full-time employees, contract researchers typically work for a set period or on specific projects, offering flexibility to both the employer and the researcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract design researcher?

To thrive as a Contract Design Researcher, you need a solid background in user research methodologies, design thinking, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools such as Figma, Miro, UserTesting, and qualitative/quantitative research platforms is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and stakeholder management skills help you collaborate effectively and translate insights into actionable design recommendations. These skills are crucial for delivering research-driven solutions that inform design decisions and meet client objectives within project timelines.

What are the typical challenges faced by contract design researchers when integrating into new teams or projects?

Contract design researchers often join projects with established teams and tight timelines, which can make it challenging to quickly build rapport and understand the project's context. They are expected to adapt rapidly, learn new organizational processes, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders who may have differing expectations. Successful contract researchers proactively communicate, clarify project goals early, and leverage their fresh perspective to provide valuable insights while remaining flexible to evolving project needs.

What is the difference between Contract Design Researcher vs User Experience Designer?

AspectContract Design ResearcherUser Experience Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Design, Psychology, or related fields; research certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, client sites, or remote; focus on user insightsDesign studios, tech companies, or remote; focus on product interfaces
Industry UsageMarket research, product development, consultingWeb, app, and software development, tech industry
Common Search IntentUnderstanding research roles, project scope, skills neededDesign processes, portfolio building, career paths

The Contract Design Researcher primarily focuses on gathering user insights through research methods, while the User Experience Designer concentrates on creating and optimizing user interfaces. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and employers find the right fit for their project needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Design Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Design Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Contract Design Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Contract Design Researcher job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,511 per year, or $56 per hour.

Quantitative Researcher - Prediction Markets

Akuna Capital

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker - meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.
Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm's first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world - Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.
What you'll do as a Quantitative Researcher at Akuna:
Akuna's Prediction Markets team is looking to add a Quantitative Researcher focused on sports related contracts. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing Akuna's sports pricing capabilities, working closely with development and trading teams to refine and deploy these models alongside our strategies. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on an exciting new desk at Akuna. The ideal candidate will possess strong programming and analytical skills, a creative mindset, and a passion for sports. In this role you will:
  • Design and develop data capture pipelines to enable the pricing of a variety of sports contracts (match outcomes, player props, in-game events)
  • Develop and calibrate pricing models using historical data in service of in-play quoting of sports contracts.
  • Build and maintain internal tooling to facilitate all aspects of the research pipeline
  • Work closely with trading and development to deploy models into production trading strategies, bridging the gap from research to production with an ownership mentality

Qualities that make great candidates:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in a technical field, such as Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics (or a related subject)
  • Proficient programming skills in Python (C++ is a plus)
  • 1+ years of experience in a quantitative or programming role, preferably within the trading sector.
  • Deep understanding of fields such as Linear Algebra, Numerical Methods, Statistics, Optimization, and Machine Learning
  • Strong interest in sports and quantitative modeling.

We are especially interested in high agency individuals who have practical experience in financial markets and see the recent rise in prediction markets as an opportunity to ply their trade to a new domain they find more dynamic and exciting: sports. If you are a working quant and a sports data nerd, we want to hear from you!
In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!
In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.