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Design Research Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Murphy Research is a full-service custom market research firm known for our innovative research design and consultative approach. We produce groundbreaking qualitative and quantitative research ...

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Murphy Research is a full-service custom market research firm known for our innovative research design and consultative approach. We produce groundbreaking qualitative and quantitative research ...

Relevant experience in research or insights, including experience in a consultative environment * Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Design or a related ...

Relevant experience in research or insights, including experience in a consultative environment * Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Design or a related ...

Background in consulting, UX research, or design research-experience in the furniture industry * Formal training or certification in design thinking or related methodologies Design your future with ...

Design and execute end-to-end primary research studies, including: * Questionnaire development ... consulting * Experience managing or contributing to end-to-end custom research projects

Design and execute end-to-end primary research studies, including: * Questionnaire development ... consulting * Experience managing or contributing to end-to-end custom research projects

Relevant experience in research or insights, including experience in a consultative environment * Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Design or a related ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Research Consultant information

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$29

$70

How much do design research consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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.

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 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.

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.

More about Design Research Consultant jobs
Infographic showing various Design Research Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,236 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Research Associate

Murphy Research

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Murphy Research is a full-service custom market research firm known for our innovative research design and consultative approach. We produce groundbreaking qualitative and quantitative research through our focus on creative design, rigorous execution, and enduring insights. Our team thinks out of the box, follows a steady execution process, and is empowered to produce the highest quality research product that truly matters to our clients. At Murphy Research, we make difficult decisions easy.

We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team. In this role, you will assist in the development, execution, and analysis of projects for a diverse range of Fortune 500 companies. All of our consulting researchers work across industries on diverse projects with clients like Gatorade, Disney, Visa, Door Dash, and Waymo. This is an exciting opportunity to launch your research consulting career as you support some of the world’s most prominent brands with market assessment, brand strategy, product development, customer loyalty and engagement, and communications research.

About You:
  • You have a background in the social sciences: degree or lab experience in psychology, sociology, or anthropology preferred; you’re familiar with quantitative and qualitative research methods from coursework, internships, or work experience
  • You’ve made the decision not to pursue a career in academic research. Instead, you’re eager to apply your knowledge of research methods toward business strategies and help our clients make difficult decisions easier
  • You put client-service first while maintaining high expectations for quality work under fast-paced, ever-changing, and stressful circumstances
  • You delight the clients you serve and thrive when challenged by changes and new opportunities
  • You understand the importance of time management and the need to prioritize as you work on several projects simultaneously
  • You love teamwork and collaboration just as much as working independently
  • You are skilled at engaging with colleagues and clients in a virtual environment and you don’t shy away from asking a question or adding your voice to the conversation on zoom
  • Your communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are points of strength
  • You possess an ambitious curiosity and are self-motivated to take initiative
  • You’re excited about pursuing a career working with top-notch brands in an ever-changing and dynamic environment that will be as challenging as it is rewarding
What You'll Be Doing:
  • In a fast-paced and deadline-driven consulting environment, you will utilize strong strategic thinking and analytic skill
  • You will collaborate with a team of researchers to execute study progress against tight project deadlines
  • With strong support from senior leadership, you’ll receive on-the-job training and mentorship in project management, data processing, questionnaire design, report writing, and research methodology to ensure research is of the highest quality
  • Utilizing our rigorous project process you will manage vendor relationships, oversee data collection, address quality control issues with online programs, data tables, reports, and develop PPT report charts
  • You will work with large data sets, so an eye for detail is key; your proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a must!
  • You will trust that career growth stems from the challenge inherent to custom market research designs - never doing the same thing twice; doing so, you’ll launch and develop your career as a strong analyst, project manager, and research consultant
What We Offer:
  • Daily opportunity for variety, challenge, and growth
  • Great training, career advancement, and mentorship opportunities
  • A collaborative, team-oriented, and high-performing atmosphere
  • Starting Salary Range: $50,000 - $52,000
  • Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid time off, in-person and virtual social activities
  • A commitment to a hybrid work model (all new hires must live within commuting distance of our Century City or downtown Minneapolis co-working spaces and join the team Tuesdays & Thursdays in-office); all team members also retain the support structure and flexibility to work remotely on non-office days.

Application Details:

    • Applying to this posting means you are available to start between now and May. If you are in a full-time academic program and looking to start this Summer, please apply to our other RA listing.
    • Applying to this posting means you are located in CA or MN.
    • Relocation is not offered; Murphy Research can only hire in the states of CA or MN at this time. In your application, please indicate which city you plan to work/reside.
    • Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and will remain open until all current positions are filled.