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Professional Researcher Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Esri

Sr. UX Researcher - ArcGIS Apps

Portland, OR · On-site

$112K - $176K/yr

Your work will directly influence how professionals around the world use critical ArcGIS ... Lead exploratory and evaluative research across the development lifecycle to guide product ...

Esri

Sr. UX Researcher - ArcGIS Apps

Portland, OR · On-site

Your work will directly influence how professionals around the world use critical ArcGIS ... Lead exploratory and evaluative research across the development lifecycle to guide product ...

Cushing Terrell

Design Professional

Portland, OR

Design Professional Position Description A Design Professional with some experience in the position ... Perform necessary research for the design of a complete project * Inspect work to ensure compliance ...

Cushing Terrell

Design Professional

Portland, OR

$70K - $90K/yr

Design Professional Position Description A Design Professional with some experience in the position ... Perform necessary research for the design of a complete project * Inspect work to ensure compliance ...

Headlands Research

PRN Research Nurse

Portland, OR · On-site

PRN Research Nurse At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery ... A high level of professionalism is a key differentiator at Headlands. Type: PRN Employee Location:

Headlands Research

PRN Research Nurse

Portland, OR · On-site

A high level of professionalism is a key differentiator at Headlands. Type: PRN Employee Location ... Headlands Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race ...

Perkins Coie LLP

Research Librarian

Portland, OR · On-site

Research Librarian Drive Operational Excellence At Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP , our people are our ... Library professionals are confident communicators who excel at presentations, navigate challenging ...

Headlands Research

PRN Research Nurse

Portland, OR

Join Us in Improving Lives through Clinical Research At Headlands Research, we're not just building ... A high level of professionalism is a key differentiator at Headlands. Type: PRN Employee Location:

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All JobsProfessional Researcher JobsProfessional Researcher Jobs in Portland, OR

Professional Researcher information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.8K

$119.9K

$174.5K

How much do professional researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional researcher in Portland, OR is $119,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $163,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional researcher?

A Professional Researcher is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support decision-making in various fields such as academia, business, science, or government. They use various research methods, including data collection, literature reviews, and qualitative or quantitative analysis. Their work often involves synthesizing findings into reports, presentations, or publications. Professional Researchers must have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

What does a professional researcher do?

A Professional Researcher typically engages in designing and conducting studies, gathering and analyzing data, and synthesizing findings into reports or presentations. They may collaborate closely with other researchers, subject matter experts, or stakeholders to shape research questions and ensure the validity of results. Daily tasks often include literature reviews, data collection (such as interviews or surveys), drafting grant proposals, and presenting outcomes at team meetings. This role combines independent work with frequent collaboration, offering variety and opportunities to build deep expertise in a chosen field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional researcher?

To thrive as a Professional Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, expertise in data collection and analysis, and a relevant advanced degree, such as a master's or Ph.D., depending on the field. Proficiency with research databases, statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), and familiarity with citation management tools or industry-specific certifications are often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail help researchers excel in compiling and reporting their findings. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous, high-quality research and effectively disseminating insights to stakeholders.

Do I need a PhD to be a professional researcher?

A PhD is not always required to be a professional researcher, as many roles value relevant experience, analytical skills, and subject matter expertise. However, certain research positions, especially in academia or specialized fields, may prefer or require a doctoral degree. Skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and familiarity with research tools are also important for success in this role.

What kind of professional researcher makes the most money?

Senior-level research positions such as market research directors, data science researchers, or scientific research managers tend to earn the highest salaries among professional researchers. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills in data analysis or scientific methods, and leadership responsibilities, which contribute to higher compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Portland, OR are:

Professional Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Researcher job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,945 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Sr. UX Researcher - ArcGIS Apps

Esri

Portland, OR • On-site

$112K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Esri rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

Overview
Join Esri as a Senior UX Researcher - ArcGIS Apps, where you'll focus primarily on ArcGIS Business Analyst and ArcGIS Instant Apps while supporting research across a broader suite of ArcGIS applications. In this role, you'll collaborate with designers, product managers, software engineers, and domain experts to conduct impactful foundational and directional research across a variety of SaaS applications. You'll partner with multiple product teams to carry out agile research in a fast-paced environment, supporting projects in active development as well as research that informs strategic product decision-making. Your work will directly influence how professionals around the world use critical ArcGIS applications to tackle complex geographical challenges.
Responsibilities
  • Lead exploratory and evaluative research across the development lifecycle to guide product direction and decision-making on ArcGIS Apps, including identifying user problems & research opportunities to exploring new audiences & testing product iterations
  • Align research with agile development processes, ensuring user insights are proactively represented in standups, sprint planning, retrospectives, GitHub issues, and release cycles
  • Build strong relationships and manage research projects across multiple product teams, acting as a trusted partner and embedding deeply in cross-functional workflows
  • Partner with product and design leadership to prioritize research needs, develop plans, and deliver actionable insights tailored to designers, engineers, and product managers
  • Synthesize findings from multiple data sources into clear problem statements, actionable recommendations, and proposed next steps that reflect product priorities
  • Champion inclusive research practices, ensuring participants, data, and recommendations reflect the diversity of our users, their environments, and use cases
  • Contribute to research operations that improve rigor, efficiency, and scalability including mentoring team members & helping maintain a diverse participant pool
  • Serve as a trusted subject matter expert for designers and cross-functional partners working across the ArcGIS suite

Requirements
  • 5+ years of experience leading user experience research on complex enterprise software
  • Expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research methodologies (including usability testing) across remote and in-person formats
  • Expert-level knowledge of design patterns and common usability challenges for enterprise software or data-focused applications
  • Demonstrated experience conducting agile UX research and collaborating closely with cross-functional product teams
  • Ability to adapt research methodologies to the needs, opportunities, and constraints of each project and deliver insights and recommendations on time
  • Ability to deeply understand ArcGIS software and the field of GIS, including proactively learning product workflows and engaging with internal subject matter experts
  • Proven ability to plan, organize, and manage time effectively, with a strong focus on scoping and managing collaborative research projects
  • Experience recruiting participants from specialized technical and B2B audiences, including international users
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex ideas actionable and easy to understand
  • Bachelor's degree in human-computer interaction, information science, anthropology, psychology, sociology, or a related field
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this posting. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Recommended Qualifications
  • Knowledge of GIS technologies, data visualization tools, and analytical workflows
  • Familiarity with accessibility standards and software localization practices
  • Experience applying quantitative methods to software telemetry data
  • Familiarity with development and product management tools such as GitHub, Confluence, and Productboard
  • Master's degree in human-computer interaction, information science, anthropology, psychology, sociology, or a related field

#LI-OH1
#LI-Onsite
Total Rewards
Esri's competitive total rewards strategy includes industry-leading health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance for employees (and their families), 401(k) and profit-sharing programs, minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Base salary is one component of our total rewards strategy. Compensation decisions and the base range for this role take into account many factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
A reasonable estimate of the base salary range is
$112,320-$176,592 USD
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri's Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.

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About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969

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