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Manager Ethnographic Design Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Think Company

Manager, Design Research

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

As Manager, Design Research , you'll lead and evolve our research practice while guiding a team of experienced researchers working across complex client engagements. This role blends leadership ...

Conifer

Design Researcher Openings

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

DESIGN RESEARCHER People are endlessly fascinating, don't you think? We do. Conifer Research is ... Through an ethnographic approach to research, we help our clients embed their creativity into an ...

Conifer

Design Researcher Openings

Chicago, IL · Remote

DESIGN RESEARCHER People are endlessly fascinating, don't you think? We do. Conifer Research is ... Through an ethnographic approach to research, we help our clients embed their creativity into an ...

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 ...

RUN Studios

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 ...

RUN STUDIOS LLC

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 ...

Whoop

Sr. Research Manager, Design Research

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

WHOOP is hiring a Senior Research Manager, Design Research to lead and scale critical research efforts across WHOOP Labs. This role will oversee Design Research, shaping how early-stage insights ...

Conifer

Design Researcher - Contractor

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

DESIGN RESEARCHER People are endlessly fascinating, don't you think? We do. Conifer Research is ... Through an ethnographic approach to research, we help our clients embed their creativity into an ...

Conifer

Design Researcher - Contractor

Chicago, IL · Remote

DESIGN RESEARCHER People are endlessly fascinating, don't you think? We do. Conifer Research is ... Through an ethnographic approach to research, we help our clients embed their creativity into an ...

Walmart

(USA) Director, Design Research

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user experience and ... The director ensures alignment with organizational goals by managing research processes ...

Jobtailor

Manager, Experiential Design

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Integration of design research and "Return On Experience"; Liaison with external agencies, Ford ... Hard Skills * design coordination * project management * design concepts * technical solutions ...

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 ...

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Manager Ethnographic Design Research information

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How much do manager ethnographic design research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager ethnographic design research in the United States is $120,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a manager ethnographic design research, and how can they be addressed?

A Manager in Ethnographic Design Research often faces challenges such as balancing the need for deep, qualitative insights with project deadlines and stakeholder expectations. Navigating diverse cultural contexts and ensuring participant comfort and trust can also be demanding. To address these challenges, it is essential to maintain clear communication with both research participants and cross-functional teams, set realistic timelines, and foster an environment of empathy and respect. Leveraging strong project management skills and building a collaborative team culture helps ensure that research findings are both timely and actionable.

What is a manager ethnographic design research?

A Manager of Ethnographic Design Research leads teams in conducting qualitative research to understand user behaviors, needs, and motivations through observation and interviews. They oversee the design and execution of ethnographic studies, ensuring that insights are translated into actionable strategies for product or service development. This role often involves collaborating with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to create user-centered solutions. Managers also mentor research staff and ensure research methods are ethical and effective.

What is the difference between Manager Ethnographic Design Research vs User Experience Research Manager?

AspectManager Ethnographic Design ResearchUser Experience Research Manager
Primary FocusIn-depth cultural and contextual insights through ethnographic methodsUsability, user behavior, and overall user experience optimization
Required SkillsQualitative research, ethnography, cultural analysisUser testing, survey design, data analysis
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, immersive research settingsDesign labs, user testing facilities, digital platforms
Industry UsageDesign firms, consumer research, product developmentTech companies, digital products, app development

While both roles involve research to improve products, the Manager Ethnographic Design Research specializes in cultural and contextual insights through ethnography, whereas the User Experience Research Manager focuses on usability and user behavior to enhance digital experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager ethnographic design research?

To thrive as a Manager Ethnographic Design Research, you need expertise in qualitative research methods, human-centered design, and a relevant degree such as anthropology, design, or psychology. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose), design thinking frameworks, and experience managing research projects are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and cultural sensitivity help you build trust with participants and guide interdisciplinary teams. These skills ensure authentic insights and actionable recommendations that drive user-focused innovation.

How to become a Manager Ethnographic Design Research?

To become a Manager of Ethnographic Design Research, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in anthropology, sociology, design, or a related field, along with several years of experience conducting qualitative research and ethnographic studies. Developing strong skills in research methods, storytelling, and user-centered design, as well as proficiency with tools like NVivo or Atlas.ti, is essential. Progressing into management often requires leadership experience and a demonstrated ability to oversee research teams and projects.
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Manager Ethnographic Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Ethnographic Design Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,088 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Manager, Design Research

Think Company

Conshohocken, PA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:

At Think Company, research plays a central role in shaping thoughtful digital products and services. As Manager, Design Research, you’ll lead and evolve our research practice while guiding a team of experienced researchers working across complex client engagements.


This role blends leadership, consulting, and practice development. You’ll help define how research creates impact at Think, ensuring our teams deliver meaningful insights, influence product decisions, and strengthen our relationships with clients.


If you enjoy mentoring research leaders, shaping modern research practices, and helping teams connect evidence to business outcomes, this role offers an opportunity to influence both how we work and how we grow.


Quick Facts
  • Location: Remote-first (U.S. – East Coast preferred)
  • Employment type: Full-time, Exempt
  • Travel: Occasional travel for client engagements, workshops, and company gatherings, including periodic in-person meetings in Philadelphia
  • Salary range: $120,000 – $160,000
Requirements:What You’ll Do
  • Guide the evolution of Think Company’s Design Research practice, shaping standards, frameworks, and methodologies
  • Lead and mentor researchers and senior practitioners, supporting their growth as both researchers and consultants
  • Ensure research engagements are high-quality, client-centered, and aligned with business outcomes
  • Partner with Delivery leadership to identify risks, support complex engagements, and strengthen project outcomes
  • Collaborate with Business Development teams on proposals, pitches, and research scoping for new opportunities
  • Develop reusable frameworks, playbooks, and tools that improve research consistency and efficiency
  • Promote responsible use of AI-enabled tools and emerging research methods to enhance research impact
What You Bring
  • A track record of leading complex design research initiatives that inform product, service, or strategy decisions
  • Experience managing and mentoring researchers, including supporting professional growth and performance development
  • Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and when to apply them effectively
  • A consultative mindset and the ability to advise senior stakeholders using evidence-based insights
  • Ability to connect research strategy to measurable product, service, or business outcomes
  • Strong communication skills and comfort navigating complex client environments
  • Curiosity about evolving tools and technologies, including AI and how it can enhance research workflows
Nice-to-Haves
  • Background in consultancy or agency environments, leading client-facing research teams
  • Practice development experience, including building or scaling a research discipline
  • Participation in business development, such as shaping proposals or contributing to client pitches
  • Ability to grow research within existing client relationships, identifying opportunities to expand engagement
  • Thought leadership contributions, such as speaking, writing, or participating in industry conversations
About Working at Think Company

Think Company is a design and technology consultancy that helps organizations solve meaningful problems through thoughtful strategy, design, and delivery.


We’re a remote-first company built around collaboration, curiosity, and clear communication. Our teams bring together designers, researchers, strategists, and technologists to tackle complex challenges across industries.


You’ll work alongside thoughtful, supportive colleagues while continuing to grow your craft, expand your influence, and shape how we work as a company.


We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing opportunities for professional development.


Interested?

If this role sounds like a meaningful next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your resume, and feel free to share a bit about your experience and what excites you about leading design research at Think Company.

Apply