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Design Research Consultant 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 ... This role blends leadership, consulting, and practice development. You'll help define how research ...

KJT Group

Research Consultant

$75K - $85K/yr

The Research Consultant will contribute to or lead the design, execution, and analysis of healthcare-focused research studies for assigned client accounts while also contributing to corporate ...

LIMRA AND LOMA

Senior Research Consultant

Windsor, CT · On-site

This role is client-facing and will lead end-to-end custom research engagements, from design, to ... Provide strategic consultation to help clients understand the research questions and methodologies ...

Numerator

$117K - $160K/yr

The Principal Survey Consultant will manage complex conversations regarding project design ... Understand client's strategic business and research needs; ensure project success by working toward ...

Numerator

$117K - $160K/yr

The Principal Survey Consultant will manage complex conversations regarding project design ... Understand client's strategic business and research needs; ensure project success by working toward ...

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Design Research Consultant information

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How much do design research consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for design research consultant in the United States is $29.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design consultant do?

A design research consultant analyzes user needs, behaviors, and preferences to inform the development of products, services, or experiences. They conduct user interviews, usability testing, and market research, often using tools like surveys and analytics, to guide design decisions and improve user experience.

Is UX a stressful job?

A UX Design Research Consultant role can involve tight deadlines, client expectations, and the need for detailed user insights, which may contribute to stress. However, many professionals find the work rewarding and manageable with good time management and communication skills.

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

AspectDesign Research ConsultantUser Experience Researcher
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Design, Psychology, or related fields; research certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or related fields; research certifications
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, design agencies, corporate innovation teamsTech companies, digital agencies, product teams
Industry UsageDesign and innovation projects, client-facing rolesProduct development, user-centered design
Common Search IntentComparing roles in design research and consultingUnderstanding UX research careers and roles

While both roles focus on understanding user needs, a Design Research Consultant typically works across multiple clients or projects, providing strategic insights to inform design. A User Experience Researcher usually works within a specific company or product team, focusing on user testing and usability studies to improve digital products.

How does a Design Research Consultant typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Design Research Consultants work closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and marketing teams to ensure that user insights are integrated throughout the design process. They often facilitate workshops, present research findings, and translate user needs into actionable recommendations. Regular communication and collaboration help align stakeholders on user-centered goals, resulting in solutions that are both innovative and practical. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring that research drives meaningful design decisions.

What does a Design Research Consultant do?

A Design Research Consultant helps organizations understand users’ needs, behaviors, and experiences to inform the design process. They use a variety of research methods, such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights that guide the development of products or services. Their role is crucial in ensuring that solutions are user-centered, effective, and meet business goals. They often work with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to translate research findings into actionable recommendations.

What jobs can DT get you?

A Design Research Consultant can pursue roles such as user experience researcher, product designer, or innovation strategist. These positions often require skills in user research, data analysis, and design tools, and may involve working in tech, healthcare, or consumer goods industries.

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

To thrive as a Design Research Consultant, you need expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, a background in fields like design, psychology, or anthropology, and often a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like user testing platforms, data analysis software (such as SPSS or NVivo), and design prototyping tools is commonly required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and empathy are vital soft skills for engaging stakeholders and understanding user perspectives. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering actionable insights that inform effective, user-centered design solutions.

How much do UX researchers get paid?

UX researchers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start around $60,000, while senior positions can exceed $130,000. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and professional development opportunities.
More about Design Research Consultant jobs
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Design Research Consultant jobs near you

Manager, Design Research

Think Company

Conshohocken, PA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 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