Position Title:UX Researcher - Faculty Research AssistantFunctional Title:UX ResearcherPosition Number:Job Description:The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) invites applications for a User Experience (UX) Researcher. The successful candidate will work with an established and dynamic Web Team at the Chesapeake Bay Program. The position is based in Annapolis, Maryland, and offers a remote, hybrid, or in-person work schedule.
Areas of Responsibility
● Design and implement user research plans, administering various research methods to collect both qualitative and quantitative data to gain insight into user needs, challenges, and pain points throughout all phases of the product development lifecycle.
● Convey research findings, analytics data, and actionable insights to the Web Team, clients, and stakeholders.
● Collaborate with designers, developers, and content specialists to integrate user insights into the product development process, including but not limited to content development, design reviews, and quality assurance reviews.
● Demonstrate a deep empathy for users and an ability to advocate for their needs, preferences, and experience to the Chesapeake Bay Program.
FTE:1.0Unit:Integration and Application NetworkLocation:Annapolis, MDJob Category Status:FacultyMinimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience
● A bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional experience in a relevant role.
UX Research
● Strong understanding of a wide range of human-centered research and design-thinking methodologies, techniques, principles, and best practices.
● Proven track record designing and implementing user research studies, administering various research methods tailored to project requirements and research participants, and presenting research findings, test results, and actionable insights.
● Proficiency in tools that support research, data analysis, prototyping, and testing.
● Experience including disabled users in the research process and implementing accessible and inclusive solutions a plus.
Analytics
● Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and synthesize data from analytics tools.
● Experience setting up new tracking mechanisms and familiarity with statistical analysis methods are a plus.
UX Design and Evaluation
● Strong desire to iteratively improve product design and development in order to create exceptional user experiences.
● Working knowledge of design principles and ability to evaluate user interfaces and inform the design and development process.
Communication and Collaboration
● Strong observational, interviewing, and written and verbal communication skills.
● Experience creating compelling reports, presentations, data visualizations, and other client-ready deliverables.
● Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications:Physical Demands:EEO Statement:
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Director of Human Relations, Center Administration, P.O. Box 775, Cambridge, MD 21613.
FLSA:ExemptSalary Range:$55,000 - $90,000 per yearUniversity Information:
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science unleashes the power of science to transform the way society understands and manages the environment. By conducting cutting-edge research into today’s most pressing environmental problems, we are developing new ideas to help guide our state, nation, and world toward a more environmentally sustainable future through five research centers—the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, the Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore, and the Maryland Sea Grant College in College Park. www.umces.edu
Additional Information:
Please apply on-line at https://umces.peopleadmin.com/postings/1717 and include a letter of interest, resume, and link to your portfolio. Applications received prior to July 14, 2023 will be fully considered. Your portfolio should:
● Be comprehensive and well-organized.
● Showcase previous research projects and methodologies used, and demonstrate how your research insights influenced design decisions and improved user experiences.
● Contain samples of research reports, presentations, and any other relevant artifacts that highlight your research and analysis skills and contributions.
The successful candidate is entitled to University benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience. The funding for this position is from a federal grant which may require a background check. UMCES is an AA/EOE. Individuals with disabilities, veterans, minorities, and women are encouraged to apply.
