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Design Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Think Company

Manager, Design Research

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

As Manager, Design Research , you'll lead and evolve our research practice while guiding a team of experienced researchers working across complex client engagements. This role blends leadership ...

Whoop

Senior Research Manager, Design Research

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

This role will oversee Design Research, shaping how early-stage insights inform product innovation. As a people-first leader, you will balance strategic direction, team development, and hands-on ...

Whoop

Senior Research Manager, Design Research

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

This role will oversee Design Research, shaping how early-stage insights inform product innovation. As a people-first leader, you will balance strategic direction, team development, and hands-on ...

Asurion

Director, Service Design & Research Location: Nashville, San Francisco or Remote Reports to VP, Design As Director, Service Design and Research, you will be responsible for how Asurion delivers ...

Asurion

Director, Service Design & Research

Director, Service Design & Research Location: Nashville, San Francisco or Remote Reports to VP, Design As Director, Service Design and Research, you will be responsible for how Asurion delivers ...

MAPFRE

CXUX Design Research & Program Manager

Webster, MA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

The CXUX Design Research Program Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and evolving MAPFRE's Customer Experience & User Experience (CX/UX) Design Research program. This role ensures ...

DLR Group

Senior Design Researcher

Dallas, TX · On-site

All members of the Design Research team can participate in and grow to leadership; Design Researchers can explore various project types and specialize in areas that interest them as they gain ...

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Design Research information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Researcher, you need a solid understanding of research methodologies, user experience principles, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like UserTesting, Qualtrics, and data visualization software is commonly required. Strong communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills help researchers effectively interpret insights and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that research findings directly inform user-centered design solutions, leading to better products and experiences.

How does a Design Researcher typically collaborate with designers and product teams throughout a project?

Design Researchers work closely with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure user insights are integrated at every stage of the development process. Early in a project, they help define user needs and pain points by conducting interviews, surveys, or usability tests. As the project progresses, they facilitate workshops, share findings through presentations or reports, and recommend design improvements based on research data. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are essential, as researchers often act as the bridge between users and the product team.

What is design research?

Design research is a field that focuses on understanding users’ needs, behaviors, and experiences to inform and improve the design process. It combines methods from social sciences, such as interviews and observations, with design thinking principles to gather insights that help create user-centered products, services, or systems. Design researchers work closely with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure that solutions are both innovative and practical, ultimately enhancing the user experience.

What is the difference between Design Research vs User Experience Designer?

AspectDesign ResearchUser Experience Designer
Primary FocusUnderstanding user needs and behaviors through research methodsDesigning and improving user interfaces and interactions
Required SkillsQualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, user interviewsWireframing, prototyping, visual design, usability testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field studies, collaborative teamsDesign studios, product teams, cross-functional collaboration
Common UsageGathering insights to inform design decisionsCreating user-centered designs based on research findings

While both roles focus on improving user experiences, Design Research primarily involves understanding user needs through research, whereas User Experience Designers apply those insights to create and refine digital interfaces. Both roles often collaborate closely within product teams to ensure user needs are effectively addressed.

More about Design Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Design Research jobs? Cities with the most Design Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Research jobs? The most popular types of Design Research jobs are:
What states have the most Design Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Design Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs are:
Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Manager, Design Research

Think Company

Conshohocken, PA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description:

At Think Company, research plays a central role in shaping thoughtful digital products and services. As Manager, Design Research, you’ll lead and evolve our research practice while guiding a team of experienced researchers working across complex client engagements.


This role blends leadership, consulting, and practice development. You’ll help define how research creates impact at Think, ensuring our teams deliver meaningful insights, influence product decisions, and strengthen our relationships with clients.


If you enjoy mentoring research leaders, shaping modern research practices, and helping teams connect evidence to business outcomes, this role offers an opportunity to influence both how we work and how we grow.


Quick Facts
  • Location: Remote-first (U.S. – East Coast preferred)
  • Employment type: Full-time, Exempt
  • Travel: Occasional travel for client engagements, workshops, and company gatherings, including periodic in-person meetings in Philadelphia
  • Salary range: $120,000 – $160,000
Requirements:What You’ll Do
  • Guide the evolution of Think Company’s Design Research practice, shaping standards, frameworks, and methodologies
  • Lead and mentor researchers and senior practitioners, supporting their growth as both researchers and consultants
  • Ensure research engagements are high-quality, client-centered, and aligned with business outcomes
  • Partner with Delivery leadership to identify risks, support complex engagements, and strengthen project outcomes
  • Collaborate with Business Development teams on proposals, pitches, and research scoping for new opportunities
  • Develop reusable frameworks, playbooks, and tools that improve research consistency and efficiency
  • Promote responsible use of AI-enabled tools and emerging research methods to enhance research impact
What You Bring
  • A track record of leading complex design research initiatives that inform product, service, or strategy decisions
  • Experience managing and mentoring researchers, including supporting professional growth and performance development
  • Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and when to apply them effectively
  • A consultative mindset and the ability to advise senior stakeholders using evidence-based insights
  • Ability to connect research strategy to measurable product, service, or business outcomes
  • Strong communication skills and comfort navigating complex client environments
  • Curiosity about evolving tools and technologies, including AI and how it can enhance research workflows
Nice-to-Haves
  • Background in consultancy or agency environments, leading client-facing research teams
  • Practice development experience, including building or scaling a research discipline
  • Participation in business development, such as shaping proposals or contributing to client pitches
  • Ability to grow research within existing client relationships, identifying opportunities to expand engagement
  • Thought leadership contributions, such as speaking, writing, or participating in industry conversations
About Working at Think Company

Think Company is a design and technology consultancy that helps organizations solve meaningful problems through thoughtful strategy, design, and delivery.


We’re a remote-first company built around collaboration, curiosity, and clear communication. Our teams bring together designers, researchers, strategists, and technologists to tackle complex challenges across industries.


You’ll work alongside thoughtful, supportive colleagues while continuing to grow your craft, expand your influence, and shape how we work as a company.


We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing opportunities for professional development.


Interested?

If this role sounds like a meaningful next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your resume, and feel free to share a bit about your experience and what excites you about leading design research at Think Company.

Apply