ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Research Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Brown University

Research Scientist

Providence, RI · On-site

Description The Research Scientist will support a body of work related to shared measures of ... to identify how PL design features and the enabling conditions of PL improve teachers ...

Brown University

Research Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The incumbent will develop and implement study materials, help in design of online and lab experiments, recruit and research participants, schedule and test participants, monitor human subject ...

Brownhealth

Research Assistant

Providence, RI

$41K - $68K/yr

Research literature to assist in the design of new experimental protocols if needed for further evaluation of the most active compounds. May assist in writing up research results for publication.

Brown University

Research Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The incumbent will develop and implement study materials, help in design of online and lab experiments, recruit and research participants, schedule and test participants, monitor human subject ...

Brown University

Research Scientist

Providence, RI · On-site

Description The Research Scientist will support a large-scale evaluation of the Massachusetts ... to identify how PL design features and the enabling conditions of PL improve teachers ...

Brownhealth

Research Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$41K - $68K/yr

Develop and apply machine learning tools to analysis genomic and MRI datasets. Assist in the design and implementation of computational and experimental protocols to support laboratory research ...

Brown University Health

Research Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$41K - $68K/yr

Develop and apply machine learning tools to analyze genomic and MRI datasets. Assist in the design and implementation of computational and experimental protocols to support laboratory research ...

Brown University Health

Research Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$41K - $68K/mo

Develop and apply machine learning tools to analysis genomic and MRI datasets. Assist in the design and implementation of computational and experimental protocols to support laboratory research ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in Rhode Island

Design Research information

See Rhode Island salary details

$36.2K

$103.8K

$139.6K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Rhode Island is $103,819.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,800.00 and $101,800.00 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 Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Design Research jobs in Rhode Island are:

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

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

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

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

Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,819 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Senior Instructional Systems Designer

Frontier Technology Inc.

Newport, RI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

FTI is seeking a Senior Instructional Systems Designer to support curriculum development efforts for Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) in Newport, Rhode Island. 

This position develops, designs, and implements academically rigorous training materials supporting officers, enlisted engineers, and other fleet professionals. The role applies instructional design methodologies and educational best practices to ensure alignment with Navy Education and Training Command (NETC) guidance and operational fleet requirements. 


Curriculum Development & Design 

  • Research, design, develop, and implement instructor-led, web-based, and multimedia training materials using digital and print platforms. 
  • Write, edit, and maintain technical documentation and instructional content. 
  • Collaborate with Fleet Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), training supervisors, instructors, curriculum developers, and graphic artists to develop instructional materials. 
  • Conduct training needs analysis and job task analysis to determine competency requirements and address performance gaps. 
  • Develop lesson plans, instructor guides, course schedules, and supporting documentation in accordance with Navy Education and Training Command Technical Manuals (NAVEDTRAs). 
  • Align instructional materials with measurable learning objectives and competency-based outcomes. 

Assessment & Evaluation 

  • Develop formative and summative evaluation strategies to assess training effectiveness. 
  • Create and maintain valid test banks to measure learner performance. 
  • Apply industry-standard instructional design methodologies and adult learning theory principles. 

Research & Technical Content Support 

  • Research Navy technical publications and authoritative references to ensure curriculum accuracy. 
  • Remain current with evolving instructional methodologies and best practices in technical training. 
  • Create and utilize graphics and multimedia tools to enhance instructional effectiveness and learner engagement. 
  • Explain complex technical information to non-technical audiences. 

Innovation & Technology Integration 

  • Leverage approved Department of Defense and FTI artificial intelligence platforms in the creation, analysis, and delivery of training materials, as authorized. 
  • Support publication and dissemination of instructional materials as required. 

Additional Duties 

  • Perform additional tasks supporting curriculum development efforts within the scope of the contract. 

Required Qualifications 

  • Must be located within a commutable distance to report full-time onsite in Newport, RI. 
  • U.S. Citizen. 
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance (active clearance highly preferred). 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Systems Design, or related field; OR prior enlisted Navy SWSC ratings; OR prior Surface Warfare Officer / LDO / CWO experience; OR equivalent relevant experience and certification such as U.S. Navy Master Training Specialist (MTS). 
  • Demonstrated experience developing and revising training materials throughout the full instructional lifecycle. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); Adobe experience required. 
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound professional judgment. 
  • Occasional travel may be required (up to 25%). 
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience. 

Apply