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Design Research Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Project Architect

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

EskewDumezRipple (EDR) is a nationally recognized group of architects, designers, and thinkers operating within the fields of architecture, interior design, research, and urban strategies with ...

Research Assistant II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

In the Georgiev laboratory, we use computational and structure-based protein design approaches to ... This is an on-site role working at VUMC Medical Research Building IV (MRB IV), 2215 Garland Ave., ...

Research Assistant II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

In the Georgiev laboratory, we use computational and structure-based protein design approaches to ... This is an on-site role working at VUMC Medical Research Building IV (MRB IV), 2215 Garland Ave., ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Research information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$96.2K

$129.3K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Tennessee is $96,219.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,400.00 and $94,400.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Tennessee 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 $96,219 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Imaging Research Specialist I

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Perform, collect, evaluate, and analyze imaging research data under supervision.

  • Assist in designing studies, developing protocols, and implementing quality control measures.

  • Contribute to research publications and assist in preparing reports, graphs, and tables of research findings.


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 257 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health:With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniquenesscelebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization:

VU Inst. of Imaging Science

Job Summary:

JOB SUMMARY
Runs imaging experiments, recording results and participating in the development and implementation of imaging research studies with some guidance. Implements basic analysis strategies for imaging data. Performs chemical syntheses and analyses, molecular biological analyses, histology and specimen preparations.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Under supervision, perform, collect, evaluate, and analyze imaging research data Operation of wide variety of scientific experiments involving detailed protocols. Assist in the design of the study including procedures, protocols and quality control measures Conduct experimental design/analysis. Write imaging protocol and oversee its implementation. Informed Consent. Obtain informed consent and follow IRB guidelines. Assist in the design of study or survey tools. Assist in the development of data collection methods and/or databases Contribute to research publications. Assist in developing reports of results, graphs, charts, tables, etc. of research findings. Assist principal investigator in preparation of grant applications and contract proposalsTECHNICAL CAPABILITIES Scientific Instrumentation (Novice): Demonstrates knowledge and use of scientific instrumentation in practical applications Anatomy & Physiology Knowledge (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate anatomy and physiology knowledge in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Regulatory Compliance (Novice): Demonstrates knowledge of the appropriate rules and regulations and apply them in difficult, stressful and complex situations. Able to interpret and explain rules and regulations that are ambiguous or unclear. Directs others in interpreting rules and regulations on the job and trains others in them. Image Analysis and Processing (Novice): Demonstrates familiarity with software packages and databases used for image analysis and processing. Able to apply image analysis programs to provide measurements of structure or physiological outputs using state-of-the-art software programs. Able to develop scripts and programs to modify image analysis software for customer applications. Imaging Development and Application (Fundamental Awareness): Demonstrates expertise in the utilization and modification of imaging technologies and relevant concepts in physics and engineering for diverse applications Laboratory Techniques (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in laboratory practices including chemistry and molecular biology Technical Writing (Fundamental Awareness): Possesses the ability to describe procedures and data in writing to communicate to readers of grants, papers, and other documents. Electronics (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in the design and fabrication of electronic devices, both digital and analog Communication (Novice): Clearly, effectively and respectfully communicates to employees or customers. Data Analysis (Novice): The ability to analyze data in an accurate manner.

Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation's longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.

World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.

Aligning with Vanderbilt Health'sStrategic Directions, the Office of Research providesshared research resources,administrative expertiseand professional guidance to enablethetrans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training forall the research faculty, trainees, students and staff.

    Core Accountabilities:

    Organizational Impact: Delivers job responsibilities that impact own job area/team with some guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Uses existing procedures, research and analysis to solve standard job related problems that may require some judgement. Breadth of Knowledge: Requires subject matter knowledge within a professional area to meet job requirements. Team Interaction: Individually contributes to project/ work teams.

    Core Capabilities :

    Supporting Colleagues: - Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas. - Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service. - Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns to supervisors in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Shows eagerness to learn new knowledge, technologies, tools or systems and displays willingness to go above and beyond. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively :- Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation: - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them.- Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

    Position Qualifications:

    Responsibilities:

    Certifications :

    Work Experience :

    Relevant Work Experience

    Experience Level :

    Less than 1 year

    Education :

    Bachelor's

    This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

    Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.


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