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Ethnographic Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pillar Technology

Experience Architect

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

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

Aquent

Design Researcher

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$77.53 - $86.14/hr

Working knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, with deep expertise in ethnographic, semiotic, co-design, and design research methods. * Ability to travel internationally to ...

Hired Recruiters

User Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

Design and conduct studies across key product areas, utilizing methods such as ethnographic/field research, diary studies, surveys, usability testing (remote and in-person), and any other methods you ...

Photon

UX Researcher | Onsite

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Use qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, ethnographic studies, diary studies, contextual inquiry, and field research. * Support creative discovery phases by uncovering insights that ...

Photon

UX Researcher | Onsite

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Use qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, ethnographic studies, diary studies, contextual inquiry, and field research. * Support creative discovery phases by uncovering insights that ...

Photon

UX Researcher - Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX · On-site

Role Overview We are seeking a strategic UX Researcher to lead the discovery and definition phases ... Proficiency in ethnographic field studies, task analysis, and hardware-software interaction testing.

Photon

UX Researcher - Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX · On-site

Role Overview We are seeking a strategic UX Researcher to lead the discovery and definition phases ... Proficiency in ethnographic field studies, task analysis, and hardware-software interaction testing.

Apple

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Design research methods (contextual inquiry, diary studies, participatory design, ethnographic research, survey design), Qualitative research and synthesis for experience strategy, Interaction design ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$19 - $26/hr

Exposure to quantitative methods (statistics, data analysis) or qualitative methods (ethnographic research, content analysis) * Experience with Excel, R, Python, or GIS tools (not required ...

Citigroup, Inc.

UX Research Strategist

Tampa, FL · On-site

$114K - $148K/yr

Design and execute lean, agile research methodologies (e.g., rapid qualitative studies, ethnographic research, usability testing, surveys, data analysis) to generate timely hypotheses and actionable ...

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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 12, 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.
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What cities are hiring for Ethnographic Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Ethnographic Researcher job openings:
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Ethnographic Researcher jobs near you
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.

Experience Architect

Pillar Technology

Detroit, MI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Pillar Technology is looking for an Experience Architect to add to our growing team.  The Experience Architect will collaborate with software developers, experience designers, product managers as well as a variety of stakeholders, to research, design and develop compelling digital experiences for our clients. Pillar Technology prides itself on being the premier provider of Digital Experience consulting and development.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Advocate on behalf of the end user throughout research, design and development, working alongside developers, product managers, delivery leaders, analysts and other stakeholders who, may or may not have experience with a user-centered product development approach.
  • Plan, conduct and moderate user research for clients, both qualitative and quantitative, and utilize research data generated from both primary and secondary sources.
  • Synthesize research results into actionable insights and drive concept development including such methods as contextual inquiry, ethnographic research, persona and scenario development, and structured ideation.
  • Work alongside software developers to use research to define and prioritize product requirements.
  • Develop mockups, wireframes, and clickable prototypes for rapid, iterative design, using iterative testing methods to enhance usability and customer value during both design and development.
  • Work alongside Experience Designers and Delivery Leaders to give direction and lead the planning of the experience team. Provide high-level direction for the development of a world-class digital experience.
Required Skills/Knowledge/Experience:
  • Bachelor's in Interaction Design, Graphic Design, HCI, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Human Factors, or equivalent.
  • 5+ years as a key member of a DX, UX or design team participating in the complete product development lifecycle of successfully launched digital products or applications.
  • Knowledge and experience in ethnographic user research (contextual inquiry), usability, and UX design methods with a focus on human-computer interaction for digital products.
  • Success in working with end-users, customers, product management, and developers.
  • Ability to guide experience development with a multifunctional team and to adapt to changes in business, product, organization, or individual needs.
  • Clear understanding of usability and web standards.
  • Experience working with and conducting remote user testing, survey research, usability testing, task analysis, and heuristic reviews.
  • Strong portfolio of work demonstrating experience planning for mobile apps, web applications or software, ability to turn data into knowledge, and communicating in multifunctional team projects
  • Demonstrated experience with design thinking, white board facilitation, research planning, prototyping, and user research.
  • Competency with UI design standards, heuristic analyses/expert review, prototyping, and wireframing.
  • Experience planning and conducting user research, including usability testing.
  • Experience working with Agile teams, and creating artifacts such as personas, story maps, user stories, etc. and working within an iterative, agile culture.
  • Experience with tools like Axure, Sketch, InvisionApp and other research, prototyping and/or information architecture tools desired.
  • Portfolio with examples of user experience artifacts, creative process, user research and examples of end products and experiences desired.
Pillar Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We strongly support diversity in the workplace. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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