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Design Research Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Minneapolis, MN · 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

Minneapolis, MN · 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 ...

Staff Product Designer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$197K/yr

Research & Design Excellence * Guide and conduct design research efforts, leveraging qualitative and quantitative insights to inform decision-making. * Synthesize user feedback, business objectives ...

Senior Research Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$95K - $120K/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 ...

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 ...

$121K - $121K/yr

You seek information while also balancing a "just enough" approach when it comes to research and analysis * You've potentially worked as a Producer or Program Manager of a design, product, or design ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Research information

See Minnesota salary details

$36.2K

$103.8K

$139.6K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Minnesota is $103,830.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $101,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in Minnesota? For Design Research jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Design Research jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Design Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $103,830 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Research Associate

Murphy Research

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 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.