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Design Researcher Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

NVIDIA

Senior AI Security Researcher

Durham, NC · On-site

Translate research into usable outcomes for engineering and security teams, including proof-of-concept demonstrations, benchmarks, technical guidance, mitigations, and secure-by-design ...

Nvidia

Senior AI Security Researcher

Durham, NC

Translate research into usable outcomes for engineering and security teams, including proof-of-concept demonstrations, benchmarks, technical guidance, mitigations, and secure-by-design ...

Little

Fall Intern, Brand Experience

Durham, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This internship is designed to provide exposure to the full design process - from concept development and research through visualization, documentation, and implementation. Internships are paid.

Teleflex

Sr. Engineer, Design Dev, R&D

Morrisville, NC · On-site

Position Summary The Senior R&D Engineer plays a high impact role from concept to launch of innovative surgical products while leading project core teams through Design History File generation and ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to branding, marketing, user experience, and visual storytelling career applications. * Curriculum ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to branding, marketing, user experience, and visual storytelling career applications. * Curriculum ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Chapel Hill, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the design process from research through final execution and connects graphic design to branding, marketing, user experience, and visual storytelling career applications. * Curriculum ...

Analog Devices

Senior Design Evaluation Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Our team of IC designers, mask designers, and design evaluation engineers work in various sites across the globe with a growing concentration in the Research Triangle. In addition to power ...

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All JobsDesign Researcher JobsDesign Researcher Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Design Researcher information

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$29.2K

$109.9K

$159.9K

How much do design researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for design researcher in Raleigh, NC is $109,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $149,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Design Researcher position, 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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Design Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Design Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
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What job categories do people searching Design Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Design Researcher jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Design Researcher jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Design Researcher job openings:
Design Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Researcher job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,944 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Assistant or Associate Professor of Design Studies

Assistant or Associate Professor of Design Studies

NCSU

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

406th of 552 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194034EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Assistant or Associate Professor of Design Studies Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate upon experience ($78k for Assistant, $90k for Associate) Work Schedule Varies based on Teaching Schedule Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Art and Design About the Department
About the University
North Carolina State University is a well-established world-class research university with research expenditures exceeding $500 million annually and a focus on real-world solutions for real-world problems, with a population of nearly 40,000 students. NC State is ranked second in industry-sponsored research among all public US universities without medical schools and is in the top 1% of universities worldwide according to the Center for World University Rankings. NC State is a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution that is globally recognized for contributions to science and technology
About the College of Design and the Department
The College of Design offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate studies in architecture, graphic and experience design, industrial design, landscape architecture and environmental planning, and media arts, design, and technology through several degree programs, including the Ph.D. and Doctor of Design.

The Design Studies program in the Media Arts Design and Technology (MADTech) Department is a nationally recognized program known for its innovative interdisciplinary research and broad-based professional design education. The College of Design's mission is to educate students to become designers and thought leaders creating a community for designers, researchers, and scholars.
The Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies is a non-studio-based program that provides an interdisciplinary orientation to the history and theory of the design disciplines, material culture, and design thinking. Design Studies focuses on the social, historical, technological, and physical contexts in which design is produced. It presents the formative role of design in shaping human values and experiences. Design Studies is one of the largest growing programs in the College of Design with 158 undergraduate students.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. 
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Design Studies program in the Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) and Design Studies housed in the College of Design at North Carolina State University is seeking applicants for a full-time, tenured, or tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor of Design Studies. The successful candidate will be able to teach courses related to design research, theory, and criticism, including research methodologies, design thinking, design writing, and theory-based topical seminars. Additionally, the candidate will advise students in the undergraduate Bachelor of Design Studies Program and may serve on the graduate faculty servicing the Masters in Art and Design, the Ph.D. in Design, and/or the Doctor of Design students. We are also interested in candidates with robust industry experience in design research and/or criticism. Selected candidates will be considered for the additional responsibility of Director of Undergraduate Students in Design Studies.

Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for conducting and disseminating research scholarship while delivering lecture, studio, and seminar instruction at the undergraduate level. The Assistant or Associate Professor will provide leadership in recruiting, teaching, and mentoring undergraduate students, and advise students on academic and career choices. The Design Studies program has a structured curriculum where theory, criticism, and research-focused faculty contribute to students' learning experiences.

The position is responsible for developing a nationally competitive program relevant to the multidisciplinary field of Design Research, History, Theory, and Criticism. The program prepares students to deal with all issues related to design spanning the physical, social, and cultural environment, addressing issues of health and wellbeing, sustainability, and social justice. This position is expected to participate in department meetings and service, such as curriculum development, advising, and committee assignments. In addition, service to the college, university, and the profession is expected.

Essential duties for the position include:
  • Teach 18 credits per year (three 3-credit courses per semester)
  • Develop and maintain an active record of significant research
  • Participate in Design Studies admissions
  • Advise Design Studies students and students within the Design Studies Minor
  • Participate in Design Studies poster and paper reviews
  • Develop the curriculum with program faculty
Other Responsibilities
  • Serve on program, department, college, and university committees
  • Participate in select outreach activities
  • Participate in open-house events
  • Engage with Design Studies alumni
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Terminal Master's degree or PhD or equivalent in a field relevant to the specific area of instruction (i.e. Art, Design, other art-related course), or relevant master's degree with professional practice in that related field.
OR
  • A terminal degree in the broader field of design with at least one undergraduate or graduate degree from art + design, graphic design, interior design, industrial design, architecture and other allied fields is required.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Experience will be commensurate with the rank sought. All candidates must have proven success in conducting research and teaching appropriate for their stage of career.
  • Assistant professor candidates must have their degree at time of application, or official notification of completion of the degree by January 01, 2026 or July 01, 2026. Assistant professor candidates should have at least 3 years of post-graduate teaching experience in higher education, which could include instructing as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA). Associate professor candidates must possess experience and scholarly credentials that meet the tenure and professorial rank standards of the College of Design and of NC State University.
  • The ability to lead a research program that attracts external funding individually and/or through active collaboration, that actively attracts and engages graduate students, and that produces high-impact research and thought leadership.
  • The ability to teach Design Studies courses, seminar, and lecture courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels including, but not limited to, current knowledge on design research methods and a willingness to stay up to date.
  • Demonstrated experience at creating process-driven, research-based, human-centered design solutions for a range of design challenges at a level appropriate for grad/undergrad studio teaching.
  • An ability to work collaboratively with a cross-disciplinary faculty and students with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 3 years of professional practice in the field of Design.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 04/30/2025 Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to submit: (1) a letter of intent describing qualifications and interests; (2) a CV; (3) a digital research and/or professional portfolio (upload under "other document 1"); (4) a research statement that includes a plan for scholarly production; (5) a teaching portfolio (upload under "other document 2"); and (6) contact information for three references.
Review of applicants will begin October 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.  Please send inquiries to search committee chair, Bess Williamson (sewill32@ncsu.edu)
Position Details
Position Number 00107152 Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 9 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 120501 - Art and Design EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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