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Design Research Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indiana University

Research Associate

Bloomington, IN · On-site

Posting Details Position Details Title Research Associate Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track ... design, and PCR. Department Contact for Questions For inquiries, please contact David Merritt ...

Kratos Defense

Senior Systems Engineer

Crane, IN

$104K - $142K/yr

Conducting trade studies and performing design research of engineering concepts and explorations to determine optimal requirements and system architecture * Developing system/subsystem design ...

80/20, LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Columbia City, IN · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Conduct research to support design and product development activities. * Present design concepts and recommendations to managers and stakeholders. * Test, evaluate, and refine products through ...

80/20, LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Columbia City, IN · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Conduct research to support design and product development activities. * Present design concepts and recommendations to managers and stakeholders. * Test, evaluate, and refine products through ...

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All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in Indiana

Design Research information

See Indiana salary details

$35.2K

$100.9K

$135.6K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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.

Is UX a high paying job?

User Experience (UX) design is generally considered a well-paying profession, especially for those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or certifications in tools like Figma or Adobe XD. Salaries vary by industry, location, and level of expertise but tend to be above average compared to many other design roles.

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.

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 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 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 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. Proficiency in research tools and data analysis is essential for this role.

What jobs can DT get you?

A career in design research can lead to roles such as User Experience (UX) researcher, product researcher, or design strategist. These positions involve gathering user insights, conducting usability testing, and informing design decisions, often requiring skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as familiarity with tools like surveys and analytics platforms.

Who gets paid more, UX designer or UX researcher?

Typically, UX designers tend to have higher salaries than UX researchers due to their broader scope of responsibilities, including design and prototyping skills. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and company size, with specialized researchers sometimes earning comparable or higher wages in certain markets or industries.
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:
What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs in Indiana are:
Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,877 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Research Associate

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Research Associate Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Genomics And Bioinformatics Location Bloomington Position Summary
Research Associate - Indiana University (Bloomington, IN). Assist in the conduct of research, including isolating nucleic acid samples for quantification and analysis, PCR, library construction for next-generation sequencing; provide technical support and services for scientists working in fields such as biology, biochemistry, and health sciences; performance and documentation of bench experiment, organization and maintenance of lab space, and other lab assignments.
Basic Qualifications
Requires Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or closely related field plus 2 years' experience as a Research Associate, Science Associate, Research Engineer, or related role. Requires demonstrated proficiency with isolating nucleic acid samples for quantification and analysis, DNA fragmentation, molecular cloning, primer design, and PCR.
Department Contact for Questions
For inquiries, please contact David Merritt (davmerri@iu.edu).
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 08/03/2026 Expected Start Date Posting Number IU-101578-2026

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