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Design Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $28/hr

Assistin the design, planning, and execution of research studies or experiments. * Collect ... Supervise or mentor junior research assistants, interns, or students. * Assistwith participant ...

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: * Assist in the design and execution of research experiments, surveys, or data collection protocols * Collect, record, and maintain accurate research data in accordance ...

Design Research Lead - Manager Level

Mclean, VA · On-site

$168.80K/yr

Design Research Lead - Manager Level Capital One's Experience Design (XD) organization is focused ... specific UX metrics. Assist in developing mechanisms to collect/measure UX metrics, conduct ...

... design and execution of clinical trials. Our world-class PIs, advanced patient engagement ... With moderate oversight, the Research Assistant I provides direct support to Clinical Research ...

Research Assistant I

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$18.35 - $22.48/hr

... design and execution of clinical trials. Our world-class PIs, advanced patient engagement ... With moderate oversight, the Research Assistant I provides direct support to Clinical Research ...

Research Assistant I

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$18.35 - $22.48/hr

... design and execution of clinical trials. Our world-class PIs, advanced patient engagement ... With moderate oversight, the Research Assistant I provides direct support to Clinical Research ...

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 ... Drive research design, data collection, analysis, and consulting Preferred Research Audiences

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Showing results 1-20

Design Research Assistant information

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

A Design Research Assistant should have a solid background in user research methods, data analysis, and design principles, often supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research tools, survey platforms, and design software like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and critical thinking skills help them effectively collaborate and synthesize insights. These abilities are crucial for delivering actionable research that informs and improves design solutions.

How does a Design Research Assistant typically contribute to collaborative projects within a design team?

As a Design Research Assistant, you play a vital role in supporting collaborative projects by gathering user insights, conducting surveys or interviews, and synthesizing findings for the design team. You often work closely with UX/UI designers, product managers, and other researchers to ensure that user perspectives are integrated into the design process. Your ability to communicate research findings clearly and contribute to brainstorming sessions helps drive informed design decisions and fosters a user-centered approach throughout the project.

What are Design Research Assistants?

Design Research Assistants are professionals who support design teams by conducting research to inform and guide the design process. Their responsibilities typically include gathering user insights, analyzing data, assisting in usability testing, and preparing reports that help designers create user-centered products or experiences. They often use both qualitative and quantitative research methods and work closely with designers, researchers, and other stakeholders. This role is essential for ensuring that design solutions are based on real user needs and evidence.

What is the difference between Design Research Assistant vs User Experience Researcher?

AspectDesign Research AssistantUser Experience Researcher
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in design, psychology, or related fieldsUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in human-computer interaction, psychology, or design
Work EnvironmentAssist in research tasks within design teams, often in agencies or corporate settingsConduct user research to improve digital products, often in tech or software companies
Employer & IndustryDesign firms, product companies, agenciesTech companies, software developers, digital agencies

While both roles involve user research, a Design Research Assistant typically supports research activities within design projects, focusing on gathering insights to inform design decisions. A User Experience Researcher conducts in-depth user studies to enhance digital experiences, often taking on more independent research responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Design Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Design Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Design Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Research Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Design Research Operations Coordinator

Design Research Operations Coordinator

Coforma

North Bethesda, MD • Remote

$79.45K - $86.90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

We are looking for an organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Design Research Operations Coordinator to join our growing, distributed team at Coforma.

The Design Research practice at Coforma focuses on understanding, defining, and articulating individual, organization- and system-level needs and opportunities. Design research aims to ensure that design solutions are informed by and responsive to the lived experiences, expertise, and aspirations of a diverse range of human beings and communities.
As a Design Research Operations Coordinator, you'll follow and nurture operational recruitment strategies for one or more of our projects. You'll work across diverse and complex ecosystems and environments to recruit participants following an established process and best practices, in close collaboration with the Research Operations lead and project team(s). Your primary mission is to strip away the logistical friction, allowing researchers to focus entirely on gathering insights.
A typical day in this role might include:
  • Fielding recruitment requests from the client team
  • Recruiting participants for individual studies that match specific screening criteria identified during research planning
  • Following a set process for participant screen, recruiting, scheduling, and technological assistance activities
If you're passionate about improving lives through digital products and services, Coforma is a great company for you.

$79,452 to $86,900 Annual Salary + Benefits + Growth Potential
Placement within this range will be based on the competency level of the candidate. An offer will be made at one of the following tiers:
  • Tier 1 - $79,452.90: Meets stated qualification and experience requirements. May need guidance and training beyond onboarding to perform the more complex functions of the role.
  • Tier 2 - $83,176.92: Experienced and fully competent. Will be able to independently perform key responsibilities of the role once onboarding is completed.
  • Tier 3 - $86,900.94: Highly experienced and can perform all responsibilities of the role at a higher level than expected once onboarding is completed.
To honor our company-wide equitable pay system, the posted salary range and corresponding tier salaries are non-negotiable.
This is a US-based remote position open to applicants in the states listed below. Some travel may be required.

To ensure we remain compliant with all state, county, and local employment and tax regulations, applicants must currently reside in one of the following states to be considered for employment with Coforma. This list will be updated periodically as our PeopleOps team works to open up hiring in additional states.
  • Arizona
  • California
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
  • Targeted Participant Recruitment: Under the direction of the Research Ops Lead, you will support the end-to-end recruitment process by executing screening and scheduling tasks for various design studies, using online user research recruitment platforms and Coforma's existing partnerships with recruitment vendors. Your role will involve contributing to and implementing the recruitment plans and screeners, identifying qualified participants based on pre-defined criteria, and coordinating session timing and logistics to ensure a smooth handoff to researchers. You will work closely with the Research Ops Lead to refine your vetting techniques and ensure the participant pool accurately reflects the project's specific requirements.
  • Incentive Management and Support: Working within established protocols, you will handle the day-to-day administration of participant incentives to ensure timely delivery following session completion. You will serve as the first point of contact for participant inquiries regarding payments, resolving standard issues independently while escalating more complex financial or vendor hurdles to the Research Ops Lead. By maintaining this process, you will help the team uphold a professional and reliable reputation with all research participants.
  • Technology & Session Access Support: You will provide front-line technical assistance to ensure participants can successfully access and navigate research sessions. Following the Research Ops Lead's guidance on platform standards, you will help troubleshoot common audio, video, or login issues and confirm that participants are comfortable with the necessary tools before a study begins. By handling these immediate technical needs and "pre-flight" checks, you will help the broader team maintain a seamless schedule without technical delays.
  • Operational Excellence and Compliance: You will assist in maintaining accurate records of recruitment progress, attendance, and participant history. You will help prepare status updates for the Government research team and ensure that all administrative tasks align with the Research Ops Lead's data privacy and security standards. Your focus will be on the meticulous handling of participant information, ensuring all activities are documented and stored in strict compliance with team policies.

In Your First 30 Days, You Will:
  • Complete new hire orientation training and familiarize yourself with Coforma's onboarding Guide
  • Confirm proper access to internal and external systems, Google Drive folders, and attend regular meetings
  • Train on internal tools such as Slack, Mural, Confluence, Google Docs and Sheets, and Unanet
  • Begin onboarding and orienting to your new project and meet key project team members and key stakeholders

After 60 Days:
  • Complete work against established objectives as discussed or agreed upon with your manager and/or the Research Ops Lead
  • Support the recruitment and scheduling process
  • Confidently navigate tools and systems related to participant recruitment

After 90 Days:
  • Identify skills or knowledge gaps and establish a professional development plan for yourself in coordination with your manager
  • Identify opportunities to evolve and improve current research operations practices based on first-hand project experience, in partnership with the Research Ops Lead
  • A minimum of 1 year of experience recruiting for and supporting different types of qualitative and quantitative research (interviews, UX sessions, focus groups, surveys, etc.) for digital products or services
  • Experience protecting sensitive client and research participant data and ensuring security of technology systems, processes, and workflows
  • Prior experience working with creative teams embedded with cross-functional counterparts in Engineering, Product Management, and Delivery in a fast-paced studio or agency environment
  • Ability to cultivate strong working relationships across functions and teams and comfortable adapting to challenging or changing situations when new information is presented
  • Critical thinker who is not afraid to ask questions, question assumptions, and offer suggestions to help reinvent and improve established ways of working
  • Experience with a variety of user research recruitment platforms and tools and a willingness to learn new methods, technologies, and tools as needed
  • Full-time resident of the contiguous United States (must be legally authorized to work in the US now and in the future without sponsorship)
  • Must be able to successfully pass any applicable background and/or security checks related to project requirements
  • Internet: Will prioritize and maintain access to strong, reliable internet for the remote nature of our work, except when on vacation or holiday.
  • Security: Will keep the highest security practices to ensure privacy and security of Coforma and client information, given the nature of our work, even when on vacation.
  • Travel Flexibility: On request and with advanced notice, will attend in-person events such as meetings, workshops, and trainings as assigned for projects that require it.
  • Brand Representation: Will represent Coforma professionally and sincerely, modeling our Company Values in all interactions.