Human Centered Design (HCD) Researcher IV

Job Summary:

The Human Centered Design (HCD) Researcher IV is responsible for driving the research strategy and execution across our Human-Centered Design practice, ensuring that user insights inform and elevate the design of our enterprise solutions. This role bridges the gap between research rigor and design action, translating complex user behaviors and needs into clear, actionable findings. They will play a critical role in establishing research standards, building team capability, and advocating for the voice of the user at all levels of the organization.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the planning, execution, and synthesis of mixed-methods research studies including generative, evaluative, and strategic research initiatives.
• Define and maintain research standards, methodologies, and documentation practices-including standards for the responsible use of AI-assisted and generative tools in discovery and analysis that ensure consistency, rigor, and reusability across the HCD team.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights, design recommendations, and opportunity frameworks that inform product and experience strategy.
• Partner with product design, digital accessibility, and design systems disciplines to embed research at every phase of the product development lifecycle.
• Facilitate co-design sessions, journey mapping workshops, and participatory design activities with cross-functional stakeholders and end users.
• Build, maintain, and evolve a research repository or insights library—including AI-powered and agentic tools that enable stakeholders to query and engage directly with research findings— that supports organizational knowledge management and cross-team learning.
• Develop and steward research participant recruitment strategies, screeners, consent processes, and ethical research protocols.
• Advocate for underrepresented and vulnerable user populations, ensuring equity and accessibility considerations are embedded in all research activities.
• Stay current with emerging research methods, tools, and industry trends, including AI-assisted and agentic research technologies; incorporate relevant advances into team practice while safeguarding methodological rigor and data integrity.
• Mentor junior and mid-level researchers, including in the critical evaluation of AI-assisted research tools and outputs; model high standards for craft, curiosity, and communication.
• Collaborate with EPMO, clinical, and operational stakeholders to scope research that aligns with strategic business priorities.
• Co-define measures of success, test assumptions against user evidence, and help teams iterate based on feedback.
• Perform any other job related duties as requested.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Anthropology, Information Science, Design, or a related field is required
• Equivalent years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of required education
• Eight (8) years of professional UX research experience, including primary research in complex or enterprise-level product environments, is required
• Eight (8) years Experience conducting research in regulated or high-stakes domains (healthcare, financial services, government) is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading research strategy and mentoring researchers is preferred

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills:

• Expert in a broad range of qualitative and quantitative research methods: contextual inquiry, usability testing, diary studies, surveys, card sorting, tree testing, and more
• Strong ability to synthesize ambiguous, multi-source data into clear insights and strategic recommendations
• Proficiency with research and analysis tools such as Dscout, MUiQ, Dovetail, Optimal Workshop, UserZoom, Qualtrics, or equivalent platforms
• Working knowledge of AI-assisted qualitative analysis and synthesis tools (e.g., pattern detection, thematic coding acceleration), with the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs for bias, accuracy, and validity
• Comfortable operating at both the strategic and tactical level — able to shape a research roadmap and conduct a study independently
• Strong facilitation skills
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams, set research priorities, and advocate for user-centered outcomes in a matrixed organization
• Comfortable and confident presenting findings and recommendations to senior and executive leadership
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of professionalism and collaborative spirit
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to write research reports, executive summaries, and presentations
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive research design practices
• Knowledge of the healthcare and/or managed care ecosystem is a plus

Licensure and Certification:

• Certification in UX Research, Human Factors, or a related discipline is strongly preferred
• Training or certification in equity-centered or trauma-informed research methods is preferred
• Training or familiarity with responsible/ethical AI use in research practice is preferred

Working Conditions:

• General office environment; may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Travel is not typically required

Compensation Range:

$113,000.00 - $197,700.00

CareSource takes into consideration a combination of a candidate’s education, training, and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required for the role, and other external and internal data when establishing a salary level. In addition to base compensation, you may qualify for a bonus tied to company and individual performance. We are highly invested in every employee’s total well-being and offer a substantial and comprehensive total rewards package.

Compensation Type (hourly/salary):

Salary

Organization Level Competencies

• Fostering a Collaborative Workplace Culture

• Cultivate Partnerships

• Develop Self and Others

• Drive Execution

• Influence Others

• Pursue Personal Excellence

• Understand the Business

 

This job description is not all inclusive. CareSource reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. CareSource is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of belonging that welcomes and supports individuals of all backgrounds.

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