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Ethnographic Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform market and ethnographic research * Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics * Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies * Advocate ...

Perform market and ethnographic research * Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics * Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies * Advocate ...

Perform market and ethnographic research * Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics * Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies * Advocate ...

Senior User Researcher

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $170K/yr

Be the in-house expert across all core research methods, including usability testing, ethnographic research, surveys, segmentation, message testing, brand tracking, and concept validation. * Coach ...

Deep understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods at scale, including usability evaluation, stakeholder interviews, surveys, focus groups, ethnographic research, diary studies, and ...

Senior User Researcher

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $170K/yr

Be the in-house expert across all core research methods, including usability testing, ethnographic research, surveys, segmentation, message testing, brand tracking, and concept validation. * Coach ...

Perform market and ethnographic research * Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics * Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies * Advocate ...

Perform market and ethnographic research * Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics * Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies * Advocate ...

Perform market and ethnographic research * Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics * Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies * Advocate ...

Perform market and ethnographic research * Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics * Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies * Advocate ...

Perform market and ethnographic research * Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics * Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies * Advocate ...

Innovation Lab Strategist

Washington, DC · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

... ethnographic research, including interviews, observation, and artifact analysis Support the design and facilitation of in-person and virtual collaborative workshops Analyze research findings and ...

Through an ethnographic approach to research, we help our clients embed their creativity into an understanding of the everyday lives of people they hope to engage - customers, workers, and end-users.

Execute user research activities, including but not limited to foundational research, usability testing, interviews, surveys, and ethnographic studies, to gather valuable insights into user behaviors ...

Synthesize research results into actionable insights and drive concept development including such methods as contextual inquiry, ethnographic research, persona and scenario development, and ...

Through an ethnographic approach to research, we help our clients embed their creativity into an understanding of the everyday lives of people they hope to engage - customers, workers, and end-users.

Through an ethnographic approach to research, we help our clients embed their creativity into an understanding of the everyday lives of people they hope to engage - customers, workers, and end-users.

Through an ethnographic approach to research, we help our clients embed their creativity into an understanding of the everyday lives of people they hope to engage - customers, workers, and end-users.

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Ethnographic Researcher information

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$29K

$117.6K

$227.5K

How much do ethnographic researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for ethnographic researcher in the United States is $117,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ethnographic Researcher vs User Experience Researcher?

AspectEthnographic ResearcherUser Experience Researcher
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Anthropology, Sociology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, immersive settings, cultural contextsOffice, labs, digital platforms, user testing environments
Industry UsageAcademic, cultural, market research, product developmentTechnology, software, app development, web design
Research FocusUnderstanding cultural behaviors, social practicesImproving user experience, interface usability

While both roles involve qualitative research methods, Ethnographic Researchers focus on cultural and social insights through immersive fieldwork, whereas User Experience Researchers concentrate on optimizing digital products by studying user interactions. Both roles require strong analytical skills and qualitative research expertise but serve different industry needs and environments.

How to become an ethnographic researcher?

To become an ethnographic researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in anthropology, sociology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Developing skills in qualitative research methods, participant observation, and data analysis, along with experience in fieldwork, is essential for success in this role.

What are some common challenges ethnographic researchers face when conducting fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Ethnographic Researchers often encounter challenges such as gaining trust and access within communities, managing personal biases, and adapting to unexpected changes in the field. Building strong relationships through transparency and respect is key to overcoming access barriers. To minimize bias, researchers should practice reflexivity and regularly consult with peers. Flexibility in research design also helps to accommodate unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the integrity and richness of the data collected.

What is an ethnographic researcher?

Ethnographic researchers are professionals who study people and cultures by observing and interacting with them in their natural environments. They use qualitative methods such as participant observation, interviews, and field notes to gather insights about behaviors, rituals, and social dynamics. The goal is to understand how individuals experience their world and the meanings they attach to their actions. Ethnographic researchers often work in fields like anthropology, sociology, market research, and user experience design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ethnographic researcher?

To thrive as an Ethnographic Researcher, you need a strong background in anthropology or social sciences, experience in qualitative research methods, and often a relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools like NVivo or Atlas.ti and training in ethical research practices are typically required. Exceptional observational skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build rapport with diverse communities make someone stand out in this role. These skills are essential for collecting authentic, meaningful insights and ensuring ethical, high-quality research outcomes.

What skills are needed for effective ethnographic researcher?

An ethnographic researcher needs strong observational skills, cultural competence, and the ability to conduct qualitative interviews. They should be proficient in data analysis, have good communication skills, and often use tools like field notes and recording devices to gather detailed insights. Critical thinking and adaptability are also essential for interpreting complex social behaviors.
What cities are hiring for Ethnographic Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Ethnographic Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ethnographic Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Ethnographic Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Ethnographic Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Ethnographic Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ethnographic Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,556 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Full-time

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Job description

Role: UX Researcher
Duration: 1+ Years
Location: Remote
Experiences Required for This Role
UX Research - At least 3 years of experience and use cases with the following:
  • Conduct primary and secondary user research
  • Conduct and evaluate quantitative and qualitative research
  • Perform market and ethnographic research
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and evaluate research topics
  • Plan and implement user research strategies and methodologies
  • Advocate research findings to diverse audiences through written and oral presentations
  • Mentor and coach junior UX researchers on the team
  • Perform usability studies with consumers
  • Ask questions, gather data, and analyze data
  • Use a diverse set of UX research tools

User Acceptance Testing - At least 3 years of experience and use cases with the following:
  • Building and running tests (ideally automated) to confirm the service or product meets user and stakeholder needs
  • Helping to discover problems while the service is being developed, not once it is live
  • Checking the operating environment to make sure test results are valid
  • Helping increase user and agency confidence in future service or product delivery
  • Helping reduce the risk of reputational damage
  • Recruiting and leading testing groups
  • Running research sessions with users
  • Understanding accessibility issues and engage with team to build with equality

Digital Platforms, Tools, & Discipline - At least 3 years of experience and use cases with the following:
  • Working with enterprise scale digital platforms and products
  • Using of productivity and analysis tools to manage iterative delivery, such as JIRA, Google Analytics, Git Repository, MS Teams, Confluence

Performance in Complex Situations - At least 3 years of experience and user cases with the following:
  • Communication and collaboration with state-wide partners
  • Encouraging of an interactive, cooperative, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment
  • Comfort in blazing a path through an ambiguous work environment
  • Judgement fitting to the ever-changing environment
  • Government-specific task management

Knowledge, Skills and Ability
UX Research & Testing
  • Ability to share research results quickly and effectively
  • Ability to perform all research-related tasks including research, planning, evaluating, and iteration
  • Ability to formulate specific, answerable, and practical questions
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and act as a strategic partner in product decisions
  • Experience with remote testing tools
  • A strong desire for creative problem-solving with a positive attitude
  • Excellent time-management skills
  • Knowledge of best practices for user experience research and testing
  • Willingness to participate ethnographic research and interviews

Performance in Complex Situations
  • Ability to distill complex concepts into simple ideas
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, handle and prioritize simultaneous requests, and manage laterally and upwards
  • Comfort in blazing a path through an ambiguous work environment
  • Prioritization, organization, and triage in an independent environment
  • Understanding of the Agile development process

Team Player
  • Supporting teammates' skills and behaviors development and delivery
  • Communication and collaboration with state-wide partners
  • Creative and analytical thinking with strong problem-solving skills
  • Judgement in dealing effectively and diplomatically with government staff
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Preferred Skills & Qualifications
Other Desirable Skills
  • A bachelor's degree or higher in graphic design, marketing, communications, or related field
  • 2 years professional experience in design, communications, management, or testing
  • 1 year of user-centered design
  • 1 year of user research and analytics