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Ethnographic Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior UX Researcher

Lowell, MA · On-site

$85K - $159K/yr

... ethnographic observation, concept testing, and usability studies Conduct quantitative research (e.g., surveys, segmentation, MaxDiff, conjoint analysis) to inform positioning, targeting, and ...

UX Design Researcher (7225)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70 - $82.75/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 ...

UX Research Strategist

Tampa, FL · On-site

$125.60 - $188.40/hr

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 ...

UX Design Researcher (7225)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70 - $82.75/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 ...

Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with experience conducting research on complex, large-scale projects (e.g., longitudinal studies, diary studies, ethnographic research). • ...

As a part of the UX Design team, you'll help provide top-notch solutions for our clients through early ethnographic research to post-launch testing and tuning. You are... Passionate about design In ...

As a part of the UX Design team, you'll help provide top-notch solutions for our clients through early ethnographic research to post-launch testing and tuning. You are... Passionate about design In ...

... research methods(ethnographic research, personas, design games, etc.) -Ability to evaluate technology alternatives and make strategic technical decisions. Qualifications Experience & Skills ...

Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with experience conducting research on complex, large-scale projects (e.g., longitudinal studies, diary studies, ethnographic research). • ...

Showing results 41-60

Ethnographic Researcher information

See salary details

$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.
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.

Research Assistant

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$18.75 - $26/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Anthropology is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate research assistant to support active research projects centered on the human ecology of infectious diseases. The position is flexible and collaborative: specific tasks will be discussed and agreed upon with the student based on their interests, skills, and availability. The student will have opportunities to contribute to multiple complementary work streams, ranging from technical data tasks to substantive quantitative and qualitative analysis. The successful candidate will report to Dr. Sagan Friant and Christina Harden.
Responsibilities may include:
  • Data Annotation & Landscape Analysis
  • Annotating drone orthophotos using semantic segmentation tools (CVAT) to classify land cover types (e.g., agricultural fields, settlements, vegetation) that inform models of rodent habitat and human-rodent contact risk
  • Reviewing and quality-checking annotation outputs
  • Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Assisting with cleaning, coding, and analysis of rodent ecology datasets (trapping records, species composition, infection status)
  • Supporting statistical analyses of human subjects survey data, including household surveys and ecological momentary assessment
  • (EMA) data on human-rodent interaction
  • Working in R or similar tools to produce summaries, visualizations, and
  • Exploratory analyses Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Assisting with transcription, coding, and thematic analysis of qualitative data including focus group discussions and interviews on local knowledge, land use practices, and human-rodent interactions
  • Contributing to synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data streams
  • General Research Support
  • Literature review and background research as needed
  • Assisting with data organization, documentation, and research protocols
  • Contributing to lab meetings and presenting work-in-progress as experience develops

Qualifications Required:
  • Enrollment in a relevant undergraduate program (Anthropology, Biology, Public Health, Geography, Statistics, or related field)
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality
  • Ability to work independently and communicate proactively

Preferred:
  • Interest in infectious disease ecology, global health, or human-animal interactions
  • Exposure to quantitative methods (statistics, data analysis) or qualitative methods (ethnographic research, content analysis)
  • Experience with Excel, R, Python, or GIS tools (not required - willingness to learn is)

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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