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Human Computer Interaction Research Jobs in California

Elevate the research craft of the team. * Embody our culture and values. Qualifications Required Qualifications: * Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science ...

... Factors and Clinical Research Engineering. This full-time on-site position is based in our ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or equivalent ...

... computer interaction. 3 years of relevant research work experience managing human factors projects and driving research programs cross-functionally and independently. Expertise in creating rigorous ...

... AI research and tangible enterprise innovation. Your impact will be defined by your ability to ... human-computer interaction-by translating complex AI methodologies into scalable, real-world ...

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, or equivalent Preferred Skills and Experience * Demonstrated expertise across the full design lifecycle ...

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, or equivalent Preferred Skills and Experience * Demonstrated expertise across the full design lifecycle ...

We are the Human Factors team, focusing on designing and conducting research to understand our ... computer interaction. 5 years of relevant work experience managing projects and driving research ...

Minimum Qualifications MS or PhD in Human Factors Engineering, Design Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or related field 7+ years of industry experience applying design ...

... computer interaction or related discipline * Minimum of 2+ years of professional product design ... Demonstrated experience of Human Factors studies, Ergonomics analysis and user research. $101,000 ...

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... computer interaction or related discipline * Minimum of 2+ years of professional product design ... Demonstrated experience of Human Factors studies, Ergonomics analysis and user research. $101,000 ...

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Human Computer Interaction Research information

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$25K

$111.7K

$202.7K

How much do human computer interaction research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for human computer interaction research in California is $111,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,379.00 and $139,540.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is human computer interaction research?

A Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Research job involves studying how people interact with computers and designing systems that enhance user experience. Researchers analyze user behaviors, usability, and accessibility to improve technology interfaces. They often conduct experiments, user studies, and prototype testing to develop intuitive and efficient digital products. HCI researchers work in academia, industry, or tech companies, contributing to fields like UX design, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in human computer interaction research?

A typical day in Human Computer Interaction Research often involves designing and conducting user studies, analyzing user interactions with digital systems, and synthesizing data to identify usability issues and improvement opportunities. Professionals in this field regularly collaborate with designers, engineers, and product managers to translate research findings into actionable design recommendations. You may also create prototypes, prepare detailed research reports, and present results to stakeholders. This dynamic role requires balancing hands-on research with cross-functional teamwork to ensure products and systems meet user needs effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in human computer interaction research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Human Computer Interaction Research, you need a strong background in user-centered design, psychology, computer science, and typically a relevant graduate degree such as HCI, cognitive science, or a related field. Experience with usability testing tools, prototyping software (such as Figma or Axure), and familiarity with programming languages like Python or JavaScript are valuable, along with knowledge of research methodologies. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills are essential for conveying research findings and working effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial to designing intuitive interfaces and improving user experiences based on data-driven insights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Computer Interaction Research jobs in California?

The most popular types of Human Computer Interaction Research jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Human Computer Interaction Research jobs in California?

For Human Computer Interaction Research jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Human Computer Interaction Research jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Human Computer Interaction Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Human Computer Interaction Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most Human Computer Interaction Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Human Computer Interaction Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,700 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Principal UX Researcher

Microsoft

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Microsoft AI Monetization is a customer-first organization dedicated to building the next generation of AI-powered products that serve our customers' business goals. Our Design, Research & Content team is a creative community on a mission to create and deliver holistic experiences for Advertisers, Content Creators, Sellers and Consumers. By leveraging our deep understanding of the user and our business acumen, we drive the future of advertising and monetization in the AI era. Our diverse team works collaboratively to develop products and ideas that empower us to move swiftly, creating seamless and delightful experiences that impact billions of customers worldwide.
We're a friendly, diverse and a fast-moving team, supporting one another to do the best work of our lives, always looking to break new ground with an unshakeable dedication to the user. We are proud of what we build, how we build it, and that our products define the AI era while earning the trust of our users. We prioritize quality, meaningful innovation and polish, and always root our decisions in research and evidence. We ship regularly, so your work will have real and immediate impact.
We are seeking a Principal UX Researcher to help us set the path for our next generation of AI-powered experiences focused on monetization. For this role we're looking for someone who can move between exploratory, generative research to rapid evaluations of prototyped ideas. Someone who works across organizational roles to uncover the unspoken questions and beliefs and answers them with precision, detail, and durability. Someone who always puts people first and centers their needs, problems, goals, and aspirations for the team. Someone who is energized by direct, tangible product impact. A solid mixed methods researcher comfortable in interviews and with deep data analysis. If this sounds like you, please apply!
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) employees who live within a 50- mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S., country-specific location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.
Responsibilities
  • Understand the behaviors, motivations, needs, and aspirations of our customers to create a differentiated advantage in our ability to build relevant and impactful experiences for people across the world.
  • Drive product strategy through rigorous programs of multi-stage research executed to the highest standards.
  • Balance rigor with scrappiness and the ability to push with a fast-moving team.
  • Drive cross-team collaborations among all disciplines from early product stages to final implementations.
  • Guide teams in creative new directions and help set ambitious goals that stand out from the crowd.
  • Identify new opportunities and generate innovative ideas to improve our processes, culture, and influence our approach to research (e.g. mindsets, methodologies).
  • Lead research on highly visible products or set of business initiatives with notable risk and complexity.
  • Regularly influence at the highest levels of organizations.
  • Elevate the research craft of the team.
  • Embody our culture and values.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years User Experience Research experience
    • OR Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 4+ years User Experience Research experience
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years User Experience Research experience
    • OR equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 5+ years user experience research experience
    • OR Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 8+ years user experience research experience
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 10+ years user experience research experience
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • Expertise in advanced quantitative methods such as SEM and multivariate modeling.
  • Experience conducting pricing and preference research using conjoint, MaxDiff, or choice-based methods.
  • 8+ years experience working in UX research or a related field.
  • High level research skills across methods, qualitative and quantitative (i.e. a Mixed Methods researcher).
  • Excellent communication and presentation / storytelling skills, with the ability to energize and activate teams.
  • Experience working in B2B and B2C product spaces.
  • Experience working on AI products.
  • Demonstrated championing of fundamentals of user experience, including accessibility and inclusive design.
  • Experience with commonly used research tools.

#MicrosoftAI
UX Research IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

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Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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