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

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Design Research Assistant information

What is a design research assistant?

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.

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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Design Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA?

For Design Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

NIST PREP Undergraduate Student in Nondestructive Defect Detection Metrology for Advanced Semiconduc

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Undergraduate research assistant
The work will entail: The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists working to advance nondestructive defect detection metrology for advanced semiconductor packaging by developing reference artifacts and benchmark datasets. The candidate will contribute to the design of CAD models, run X-ray computed tomography/laminography (XCT/XCL) simulations, and perform XCT reconstructions to generate datasets. The candidate will support the development of a Python package to help automate these processes. The candidate may contribute to improving the surface meshing and voxel image conversion processes. The datasets will be used to evaluate defect detection and image segmentation algorithms, including those based on deep learning principles.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Developing a Python package to help automate the creation of CAD models, generation of ground truth images, running XCT/XCL simulation software, and performing XCT reconstructions.
  • Updating and maintaining codes in a GitLab repository.
  • Using the software developed to create ground truth models and XCT reconstructions of them.
  • Optimizing XCT reconstructions through adjustment of image acquisition parameters in the XCT simulation software.

Qualifications
  • Current undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with Python modular programming and use of configuration files.
  • Experience with Git.
  • Experience with running X-ray simulation software (e.g., aRTist).
  • Experience with image processing and segmentation.
  • Able to quickly learn and adapt to new fields or techniques
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0005036