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Design Researcher Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Support design research by gathering information and data on material, fabrication, regulatory requirements and user experience studies * Collaborate with studio team members to support project ...

The Opportunity Reporting to the Application Designer, the Design and Research Intern will support the preparation of artwork, renderings, and design research for brand implementation projects. This ...

Leverage regional research and market insights to inform design priorities and ensure products meet the needs of diverse legal systems and customer contexts. * Manage and mentor a talented group of ...

Support the design and delivery of social research and evaluation projects. * Contribute to literature reviews, evidence reviews and systematic reviews, with support from more experienced colleagues.

Senior Design Expert - UX Focus

Toronto, ON · Remote

CA$150 - CA$250/hr

Senior Design Expert - Paid AI Design Research Study Type: Contract Compensation: $150-$250/hour Location: Remote Role Responsibilities * Conduct structured, recorded remote sessions to capture ...

Senior Design Expert - Paid AI Design Research Study Type: Contract Compensation: $150-$250/hour Location: Remote Role Responsibilities * Conduct structured, recorded remote sessions to capture ...

New

About the Role You'll be the voice of our users inside Product and Design, running both formative research that shapes what we build and validation research that ensures we built it right. You won't ...

UX/Market Researcher

Toronto, ON

CA$83.78 - CA$87.28/hr

A research plan is already in place, so the researcher will be expected to hit the ground running ... Design, program, and field a large-scale quantitative survey to validate and expand on those ...

UX/Market Researcher

Toronto, ON

CA$83.78 - CA$87.28/hr

A research plan is already in place, so the researcher will be expected to hit the ground running ... Design, program, and field a large-scale quantitative survey to validate and expand on those ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Researcher information

See Ontario salary details

$24

$42

$74

How much do design researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for design researcher in Ontario is $42.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.13 and $45.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design researcher do?

A Design Researcher studies user needs, behaviors, and pain points to inform design decisions. They use qualitative and quantitative research methods—such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing—to gather insights. Their findings help teams create user-centered products and services that are both functional and enjoyable. Design Researchers collaborate closely with designers, product managers, and developers to refine and improve user experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by design researchers, and how do they overcome them?

Design Researchers often face challenges such as recruiting the right participants, balancing tight project timelines, and ensuring that research insights are integrated into the design process. Overcoming these hurdles typically involves collaborating closely with designers, product managers, and engineers, as well as advocating for the importance of user research within cross-functional teams. Being adaptable and maintaining strong organizational and communication skills can help navigate shifting priorities and ensure that research findings have a meaningful impact. Many organizations support ongoing learning and encourage Design Researchers to experiment with new research methods and tools, helping them grow in their 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 strong skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, user-centered design, and a relevant degree in fields such as design, psychology, or human-computer interaction. Experience with tools like usability testing platforms, survey software, and data analysis programs is highly valuable, and certifications such as UX Certification can enhance your profile. Exceptional communication, active listening, and problem-solving abilities set standout design researchers apart. These combined skills ensure that research findings effectively inform product decisions and result in solutions that truly meet user needs.

How much does a design researcher earn?

The average salary for a design researcher varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level roles may start around $50,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $120,000. Salaries often increase with proficiency in research methods, user experience tools, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

What is a design researcher?

A design researcher is a professional who investigates user needs, behaviors, 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 Researcher jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Design Researcher jobs in Ontario are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Researcher jobs in Ontario?

For Design Researcher jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Design Researcher job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,117 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Design Researcher - Fully Remote | Upto $250/hr

Mercor

Toronto, ON • Remote

CA$250/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Senior Design Expert - Paid AI Design Research Study
Type: Contract
Compensation: $150–$250/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Conduct structured, recorded remote sessions to capture expert design thinking.
  • Evaluate design quality and critique to differentiate strong craft from weak.
  • Decide when designs are ready to ship, providing insights into decision-making processes.
  • Participate in interviews as a design expert or run interviews, depending on fit.
  • Work independently to prepare and review each task/interview, totaling 4–5 hours.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • Senior-level design experience in product, UX, brand, or related disciplines.
  • A clear point of view on design quality, critique, and shipping standards.
  • A portfolio you can share publicly, preferably via a website link.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.