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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 ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Rogers, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Elm Springs, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Decatur, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Springdale, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Lowell, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Gravette, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Pea Ridge, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Bella Vista, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Tontitown, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Elkins, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Noel, MO

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Johnson, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Centerton, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Farmington, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Cassville, MO · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Greenland, AR

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance design research practices that drive customer and business value. This role oversees qualitative and quantitative research ...

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All JobsDesign Research Jobs

Design Research information

See salary details

$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 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.

Is UX a high paying job?

User Experience (UX) design is generally considered a well-paying profession, especially for those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or certifications in tools like Figma or Adobe XD. Salaries vary by industry, location, and level of expertise but tend to be above average compared to many other design roles.

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.

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.

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 does a design researcher do?

A design researcher studies user behaviors, needs, and preferences to inform the development of products, services, or interfaces. They use methods such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing, often working closely with designers and product teams to ensure user-centered solutions. Proficiency in research tools and data analysis is essential for this role.

What jobs can DT get you?

A career in design research can lead to roles such as User Experience (UX) researcher, product researcher, or design strategist. These positions involve gathering user insights, conducting usability testing, and informing design decisions, often requiring skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as familiarity with tools like surveys and analytics platforms.

Who gets paid more, UX designer or UX researcher?

Typically, UX designers tend to have higher salaries than UX researchers due to their broader scope of responsibilities, including design and prototyping skills. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and company size, with specialized researchers sometimes earning comparable or higher wages in certain markets or industries.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% 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 15 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