Senior User Researcher

Activision Blizzard; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Activision Publishing in Sherman Oaks, CA is seeking a Senior User Researcher to lead research for Call of Duty multiplayer experiences. You will plan, execute, and synthesize studies, providing actionable insights to development teams across studios.

You will mentor junior researchers, coordinate with internal partners, and travel to studios as needed to support research efforts. A strong background in game UX and telemetry is highly valued.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience conducting or overseeing user experience research.
• Experience researching video games or multiplayer experiences is a plus.
• Experience designing and leading studies with cross‑functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform user research activities for Call of Duty titles, delivering insights to partners.
• Lead user research engagements with teams on multiplayer gameplay and collaborate with studios.
• Conduct and oversee studies onsite at Activision User Research Center, from planning to execution.
• Use methods such as playtesting, usability testing, balance testing, focus groups, interviews, surveys and field studies.
• Integrate qualitative, quantitative, and telemetry data to develop actionable insights.
• Develop and maintain strategic research plans for projects.
• Communicate summarized results directly to development teams.
• Mentor and train junior researchers; contribute to methodology and practice.
• Manage and develop personnel within the user research organization; travel occasionally for meetings.

Skills

User research

Usability testing

Qualitative analysis

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field

Tools

Telemetry data analysis

Job description

Senior User Researcher – Activision Publishing

Reporting To: Manager, User Research

Department: User Research

Location: Sherman Oaks, California

Mission

As a senior user researcher leading Call of Duty Premium Multiplayer Research, you will join a hard‑working and diverse team of researchers to plan and perform research and evaluation efforts on the largest gaming franchises in the world.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform user research activities for Call of Duty title(s), delivering insights to partners.
• Lead user research engagements with teams working on Call of Duty’s multiplayer gameplay and collaborate with partners at Treyarch, Infinity Ward, and Sledgehammer Games.
• Conduct and oversee research studies onsite at the Activision User Research Center, covering all stages from planning to execution.
• Conduct research using methods such as playtesting, usability testing, balance testing, focus groups, interviews, surveys, heuristic evaluations, card sorts, exploratory research, and field studies.
• Integrate multiple sources of truth—qualitative, quantitative, and telemetry—to develop robust, actionable insights.
• Develop and maintain strategic research plans for assigned projects.
• Communicate summarized research results directly to development teams.
• Mentor and train junior researchers; contribute to methodological knowledge and professional practice.
• Manage and develop personnel within the user research organization (permanent responsibility).
• Travel occasionally to studio or other sites to meet team members or support research.

Player Profile & Experience

• Deep knowledge and experience designing and completing user research studies.
• 6+ years of experience conducting or overseeing user experience research; experience testing multiplayer shooter games is a plus.
• Experience with and passion for video games is a must.

Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required (psychology, human-computer interaction, human factors, communications, anthropology, or related field); higher-level degrees preferred.
• Deep understanding of conducting scientific studies with participants in a laboratory.
• Experience with remote user research testing and familiarity with quantitative research methods.

Key Attributes

• Entrepreneurial approach; seeks opportunities to expand research impact through relationship building and methodological innovation.
• Passion for video games, especially FPS or PvP multiplayer games.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal communication skills (written and verbal).
• Pro‑actively educates, trains, and mentors junior researchers.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodation

Activision is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings/health reimbursement, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching.
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave.
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and other voluntary benefit programs (supplemental life & disability, legal services, ID protection, rental insurance, etc.).
• Relocation assistance if required.