User Study Researcher

Pinnacle Technical Resources; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) contributions

Paid time off

Sick leave

Job summary

PTR Global is hiring a User Study Researcher II in Culver City, California, to independently manage complex research projects and contribute to product strategy, interaction design, and user experience in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires 2-5 years of hands-on user research, expertise in diverse methods, and the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations for product teams. The position is contract-based with hourly compensation depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HCI, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Design, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 2-5 years of hands-on user research experience in industry, academic, or agency settings.
• Experience with usability testing, interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, card sorting, and A/B testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct user research (usability tests, interviews, surveys, diary studies, concept evaluations).
• Work with product managers, designers, engineers to define research questions, objectives, success criteria.
• Prepare research plans, screeners, discussion guides, and test protocols.
• Recruit and schedule representative participants aligned with study goals.
• Moderate remote and in-person sessions to gather high-quality insights.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data; synthesize findings; develop practical recommendations.
• Present research outcomes through reports and visualizations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Partner with product and design teams to refine concepts based on findings.
• Promote user-centered design and inform product roadmaps with evidence-based insights.
• Maintain research documentation and repositories for reuse.
• Improve research processes, practices, and toolkits across the organization.
• Ensure research complies with ethical standards, privacy requirements, and regulations.

Skills

Usability testing

Interviews

Contextual inquiry

Surveys

Card sorting

A/B testing

Data synthesis

Stakeholder communication

Agile collaboration

Presentation skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Remote testing platforms

Survey tools

Video conferencing

Documentation tools

Job description

Salary: $114,400 - 124,800 per year

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in HCI, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Design, or a related field; an advanced degree or equivalent practical experience is preferred.
• 2-5 years of hands-on user research experience in an industry, academic, or agency setting.
• Experience with research methods such as usability testing, in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, card sorting, and A/B testing.
• Ability to plan, scope, and prioritize research projects in line with product timelines and business goals.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency with common research and collaboration tools, such as remote testing platforms, survey tools, video conferencing, and documentation tools.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills, including the ability to present findings to stakeholders at different organizational levels.
• Experience collaborating with product, design, and engineering teams in an agile or iterative development environment.
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively, and giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Familiarity with basic statistics and quantitative analysis is a plus.
• Experience researching diverse user populations and incorporating accessibility considerations is highly desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, design, and conduct user research, including usability tests, interviews, surveys, diary studies, and concept evaluations.
• Work with product managers, designers, engineers, and other stakeholders to define research questions, objectives, and success criteria.
• Prepare research plans, participant screeners, discussion guides, and test protocols for product and user needs.
• Recruit and schedule representative participants, ensuring their backgrounds align with study goals.
• Moderate remote and in-person sessions to support participants and gather high-quality insights.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, synthesize findings, and develop practical recommendations.
• Present research outcomes through reports, presentations, and visualizations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Partner with product and design teams to refine concepts, prototypes, and features based on findings.
• Promote user-centered design and inform product roadmaps with evidence-based insights.
• Maintain research documentation and repositories so teams can find and reuse insights.
• Improve research processes, practices, and toolkits across the organization.
• Ensure research complies with ethical standards, privacy requirements, and applicable regulations.

Technologies:

• AI
• Support
• Security

More:

We are hiring a User Study Researcher II for a contract role in Culver City, California. In this role, you will independently manage complex research projects while contributing to a collaborative, fast-paced environment and helping inform product strategy, interaction design, and user experience. PTR Global provides information technology and workforce solutions, with more than 5,000 professionals serving clients across the U.S. and Canada. The pay range is $55-$60 per hour; compensation depends on factors including role scope, location, and candidate qualifications. We may use AI tools to assist with reviewing job-related application information, but qualified hiring personnel make final employment decisions.

• Our full-time consultants have access to benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, sick leave, and other benefits required by applicable state or local law.

last updated 41 week of 2026