Contract Design Researcher: Ethnography to Strategy

Conifer; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Conifer Research is seeking a curious Design Researcher on a project/contractor basis to guide clients in understanding people and shaping strategy. You’ll run qualitative programs from planning to insights, including ethnography and remote studies, translating findings into practical opportunities for multiple industries.

Ideal candidates excel in storytelling, presenting user insights, and contributing to thought leadership within the design research community, with strong communication skills

Qualifications

• Experience in research or insights, including consultative environments.
• Bachelor's or Master's in Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Design or related field.
• Experience designing remote ethnography and online community research.
• Strategic, flexible, collaborative, and advocate for user needs.
• Confident presentation and ability to communicate user stories clearly.
• Active thought leadership in the design research community.
• Strong written and verbal communication; proficient with Keynote and remote tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualitative research projects from planning to insights and storytelling.
• Design and conduct ethnography and remote studies for clients.
• Translate findings into actionable recommendations and opportunities.
• Create narratives that frame business implications of insights.
• Produce deliverables and client presentations.
• Adapt methods for rigorous remote research and collaboration.

Skills

Qualitative research

Ethnography

Remote research

User insights

Presentation skills

Written communication

Public speaking

Thought leadership

Keynote

Remote tools

Education

Anthropology

Sociology

Psychology

Design

Tools

Keynote

Remote research software

Video editing software

Figma

Adobe Premiere

After Effects

Job description

Conifer Research is seeking a curious Design Researcher on a project/contractor basis to guide clients in understanding people and shaping strategy. You’ll run qualitative programs from planning to insights, including ethnography and remote studies, translating findings into practical opportunities for multiple industries.

Ideal candidates excel in storytelling, presenting user insights, and contributing to thought leadership within the design research community, with strong communication skills