Intermediate Service Designer to enhance the research administration services through user-cent[...]

S I Systems; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking an Intermediate Service Designer to enhance research administration services through user-centered design. This role focuses on applying human-centered methodologies to identify service gaps and co-design solutions that improve processes related to grant applications, ethics reviews, and research finance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in service design, experience in complex organizational environments, and a passion for collaborative problem-solving. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of research services within a vibrant academic community.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Service Design or UX Design.
• Bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, Anthropology, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative user research.
• Create service blueprints and journey maps.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to improve service processes.

Skills

Service Design

UX Design

User Research

Journey Mapping

Service Blueprinting

Prototyping

Change Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Design

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Grants Management Software

Ethics Portals

Financial Systems

Job description

Intermediate Service Designer to enhance the research administration services through user-centered design and process innovation.

Our client is seeking an Intermediate Service Designer to enhance the research administration services through user-centered design and process innovation.

Must Have

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Service Designer, UX Designer, or similar role.
• Demonstrated experience applying service design methodologies and tools (e.g., user research, journey mapping, service blueprinting, prototyping).
• Experience designing or improving administrative or operational services within a complex organizational environment, such as a university or research institution.
• Proven ability to understand and map complex systems and processes involving multiple stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, Anthropology, Psychology, Business/Public Administration, or equivalent professional experience.

Nice to Have

• Direct experience designing services related to research administration.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working within a university Research Office or similar unit.
• Familiarity with Canadian research funding or advancement landscape (e.g., Tri-Agency policies/procedures).
• Experience with change management principles and practices.
• Experience designing both digital and non-digital service touchpoints.
• Familiarity with relevant university systems (e.g., grants management software, ethics portals, financial systems).

Description

The Service Designer will focus on enhancing the services that support the University of Alberta’s research community. This role will involve applying human-centered design methodologies to understand user needs, identify service gaps, and co-design solutions to improve processes related to grant application and management, ethics review, research finance, reporting, compliance, and knowledge mobilization. The position emphasizes collaboration across diverse stakeholders to develop innovative service solutions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative user research.
• Create service blueprints, journey maps, and ecosystem maps.
• Develop and test service prototypes.
• Translate insights into actionable service requirements and design specifications.
• Define KPIs and metrics for evaluating service design interventions.
• Advocate for human-centered design principles across the university.
• Collaborate with business consultants, project managers, IT developers, and research administrators.