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Design Research Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Continuous research and adoption of emerging technologies * Prioritize safety in all design considerations and activities * Act as a key knowledge leader by training others on best practices, tools ...

New

UX Director

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$130 - $178/hr

Establish and evolve scalable practices for research, design, analytics, experimentation, and validation. * Establish and maintain company-wide UX practices and ways of working while enabling project ...

Clinical Research Navigator (Oncology) Contract-to-Hire | Hybrid Schedule We are seeking a Clinical ... We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Research information

See Indiana salary details

$35.2K

$100.9K

$135.6K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Indiana is $100,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,000.00 and $99,000.00 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 Indiana?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,877 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Sr. Research Scientist, Chemical Research

The Heritage Group

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Heritage Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned business focused on construction and materials, environmental services and specialty chemicals. Over the last 90+ years, the Heritage portfolio has grown to include more than 50 companies that employ more than 6,000 people. What unites this diverse group of businesses and individuals is our commitment to create a safer, more enriching, and sustainable world by harnessing the power of family.

The Heritage Research Group assists The Heritage Group companies, customers, and partners in evolving and adapting to an ever-changing marketplace. Heritage Research Group provides innovative products, processes, and training that constantly improve the way The Heritage Group companies serve their clients and deliver solutions to address the myriad of challenges their clients face. It also creates new technologies that fuel further business opportunities for The Heritage Group.


A Sr. Research Scientist in Chemistry Research in the Heritage Research Group is expected to utilize advanced knowledge in chemistry, materials science and other relevant disciplines as well as knowledge of emerging technologies to solve a diverse and complex array of problems, develop creative, innovative solutions, integrate best practices, and identify new areas for value creation for customers. They stimulate others to generate new ideas and develop creative solutions, coaching them in proper experimental design, implementation and data analysis. They work with and through others to influence research direction and assume accountability for results. They role model safe conduct in the laboratory and hold team members accountable for proper documentation and knowledge management. They are adept at customizing technical communication for various audiences, building relationships, leading others to adapt to change, seeking and incorporating feedback, and resolving conflict.***This position is based on-site in Indianapolis, IN. Qualified candidates must currently be located in the Indianapolis, IN area or be willing to relocate.***
Essential Functions
  • Understand customer needs and partner with them to design solutions.
  • Design and develop innovative products and processes leveraging a data-driven approach, deep technical insight, and creative problem-solving.
  • Brainstorm and contribute to the generation of new ideas and solutions that enhance technical capabilities and drive innovation.
  • Perform wet-bench chemistry procedures and collaboration with cross-functional teams to advance projects.
  • Maintain high standards of scientific rigor while also demonstrating flexibility to respond to changing priorities and research direction.
  • Coach project team members in scientific best practices, data interpretation, and experimental execution.
  • Complete timely and high-quality reports describing in detail findings and methods used to inform future experiments.
  • Adapt presentation content and style of delivery for different internal and external audiences.
  • Continuously learn and explore diverse scientific fields that apply to current projects and/or generate new ideas.
  • Maintain a safe and organized work environment, consistently following all safety protocols, handling materials properly, and complying with regulatory and legal requirements.
  • Foster a collaborative and adaptable team environment, encouraging others to embrace change and contribute to continuous improvement.
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, including but not limited to continuously growing in alignment with the Company's core values, competencies, and skills.

Education Qualifications
  • Required Bachelor's Degree or MS with 15+ years experience
  • Preferred PhD with 8+ years epxerience

Experience Qualifications
  • Preferred disciplines in Chemistry or Materials Science

Skills and Abilities
  • Experience across multiple chemistry and/or materials science disciplines.
  • Demonstrated track record of innovation in the development of new materials.
  • Outstanding organizational, problem solving and creative thinking skills.
  • Experience working in cross-functional teams offering expertise and insights to advance projects.
  • Excellent knowledge of complex data analysis.
  • Effective communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to learn new skills quickly to contribute to evolving research needs.
  • Proactively seeks to understand customer needs and respond to needs or issues.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands
  • Ability to sit/stand in both an office and lab environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions in the field.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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