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Design Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UCLA Health

Staff Research Associate 3

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $121K/yr

Ability to exercise independent judgement and optimize research and independently design research strategies, experimental workflows, and validate assays. * Experience with flow cytometry and cell ...

Apollo.io

Executive Assistant, CPO

San Francisco, CA

You will partner closely with Product, Design, Research, and Engineering leaders to keep the CPO's time, attention, and follow-through aligned with the organization's highest priorities. The ideal ...

Apple

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications MS or PhD in Human Factors Engineering, Design Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or related field 7+ years of industry experience applying design ...

Mercor

Senior Design Expert - UX Focus

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$150 - $250/hr

Senior Design Expert - Paid AI Design Research Study Type: Contract Compensation: $150-$250/hour Location: Remote Role Responsibilities * Conduct structured, recorded remote sessions to capture ...

Flowserve

Specialist R&D Engineer

Temecula, CA

The Specialist Research and Development (R&D) Engineer for Pumps and Seals is responsible for ... Drive innovation by generating new designs, design methods, and technical solutions for pump and ...

Flowserve

Specialist R&D Engineer

Temecula, CA · On-site

The Specialist Research and Development (R&D) Engineer for Pumps and Seals is responsible for ... Drive innovation by generating new designs, design methods, and technical solutions for pump and ...

Flowserve US Inc

Specialist R&D Engineer

Temecula, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Drive innovation by generating new designs, design methods, and technical solutions for pump and ... Ensure compliance with R&D policies and best practices, maintaining rigorous evaluation standards.

TSMC

SRAM Design Engineer (7820)

San Jose, CA · On-site

Step into a pivotal role within our San Jose Design R&D team and position yourself at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry. As a SRAM Design Engineer, you will leverage industry-leading ...

TSMC

SRAM Design Engineer (7820)

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

Step into a pivotal role within our San Jose Design R&D team and position yourself at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry. As a SRAM Design Engineer, you will leverage industry-leading ...

Matteo LLC

DESIGN ASSISTANT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Design Research: The Design Assistant will study the homewares category to learn what people want, not just what other brands are offering. They will also pull references from other textile driven ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in California

Design Research information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$104.6K

$140.6K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in California is $104,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 much do design researchers make?

Design researchers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start around $60,000, while senior positions can exceed $130,000, especially in tech or large organizations. Skills in user research, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like Sketch or Figma can influence compensation.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Research jobs in California?

The most popular types of Design Research jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in California?

For Design Research jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Design Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Research job openings:

Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,624 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Staff Research Associate 3

UCLA Health

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$75K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

UCLA Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

General Information
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Work Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Onsite or Remote
Fully On-Site
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Posted Date
07/20/2026
Salary Range: $75439.44 - 121333.68 Annually
Employment Type
2 - Staff: Career
Duration
Indefinite
Job #
31906
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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The Department of Medicine is seeking a Staff Research Associate 3 to support leading translational and clinical research through advanced flow cytometry, cell sorting, and microscopy operations. The successful candidate will manage and maintain state-of-the-art instrumentation, perform quality control and data analysis, and oversee essential laboratory operations such as inventory management, reagent procurement, regulatory compliance, and equipment maintenance. Working closely with faculty, researchers, trainees, and external collaborators, the SRA III will contribute to the development of innovative assays, generation of high-quality research data, and advancement of scientific publications and grant-funded projects. This position plays a key role in supporting the Department of Medicine's research mission and fostering scientific excellence and collaboration.
Annual range: $75,439.44-$121,333.68
Job Qualifications
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Required:
  • Ability to use a personal computer and basic computer applications.
  • Ability to organize and present results in an appropriate format.
  • Ability to maintain complete and accurate records.
  • Ability to work independently and exercise expert judgment.
  • Ability to read and understand scientific protocols and demonstrated knowledge of scientific research principals.
  • Ability to work in an aseptic environment.
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgement and optimize research and independently design research strategies, experimental workflows, and validate assays.
  • Experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting equipment (BD Symphony 6 sorter, BDFACSDiscovery A8 and related instruments). (Required)
  • Experience independently developing and optimizing ultra-high-parameter assays.
  • Experience managing and maintaining light and fluorescent microscopes.
  • Ability to serve as a technical expert and advise collaborators and PIs on experimental design.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgement in planning and executing research and experimental design.
  • B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or comparable field or equivalent experience.
  • 3-5 years prior experience working in BSL2 laboratory environments

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.

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About UCLA Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UCLA Health, operating within the healthcare industry, is significantly recognized for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people through the integration of patient care, research, and education. Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA Health was founded and associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, entrenching its roots in quality healthcare service provision. Through a broad range of medical services, UCLA Health significantly stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services, specialized treatments, and wellness checks. Notable for pioneering an integrated, comprehensive medical approach, UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the US and world.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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