User Experience Researcher

The User Experience (UX) Researcher in Assessment & User Experience Strategy conducts research to learn about and improve the experience of Duke University Libraries users as they interact with web platforms, physical spaces, and library services. The UX Researcher assists in planning and coordinating user research broadly across the Libraries, including collecting, analyzing, and documenting data useful for evaluating library operations and understanding user needs. They contribute user experience research expertise to project teams tasked with designing or improving user interfaces, both public-facing and staff-facing. They bring experience in and passion for equitable and ethical user research (e.g., a current understanding of best practices for inclusive and privacy-protecting user research, as well as research methods that respect underrepresented and vulnerable populations). They serve as project manager for collaborative efforts related to user experience research or recommended improvements.

Responsibilities User Experience Research (75%)

• Initiates, collaborates, and advises on User Experience (UX) research projects, including designing and coordinating usability studies, focus groups, surveys, and interviews
• Coordinates with library staff stakeholders to establish research needs; follows best practices in the ethical design of studies and analysis of data
• Partners with AUXS staff to maintain user recruitment lists and conduct outreach for studies
• Synthesizes research findings into insights and recommendations to improve library platforms and inform organizational decision-making
• Generates written reports and other outputs to communicate results to stakeholders; advocates strongly for changes that would improve the experience of library users, including members of underrepresented or marginalized groups
• Contributes user experience research skills to platform development project teams; supports and consults on various phases of UX research – e.g., information architecture, user flows, visual design, accessibility, usability testing

Project Management (20%)

• Serves as team lead for collaborative projects related to UX research or the recommendations generated by previous research
• Writes project proposals, schedules and leads project meetings, coordinates work toward project outcomes, communicates project status, and leads project postmortem review of lessons learned

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Consults regularly with counterparts at Duke University’s professional school libraries and within the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN)
• Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations, and service to the library, University, or community in a professional capacity
• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity of perspective, background, and experience.

Education:

Required: Knowledge of assessment and user experience research practices generally acquired through completion of a degree in a social sciences-related field. Specific training or coursework in user experience research, assessment, and/or program evaluation.

Preferred: Master’s degree in User Experience Research, Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, HCI/Computer Science, Information or Library Science with an emphasis in user experience research, or other related fields.

Experience:

Required:

• Skills in and experience with multiple UX research methodologies, such as focus groups, usability studies, user interviews, and surveys
• Skills in and experience with effective project management tools and techniques
• Knowledge of current technologies for UX data collection, manipulation, analysis, and reporting

Preferred:

• Skills in and experience with accessibility testing, web analytics, and/or user experience design (e.g., content strategy, information architecture, prototyping, visual design)
• Prior experience working in an academic research library or higher education institution
• Experience coordinating multiple UX research projects simultaneously
• Experience with user testing research platforms and remote, online testing

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This description is subject to change at any time.

Application

Cover letter, detailed resume, and the names, addresses (mailing and e-mail), and telephone numbers of three references should be submitted to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28510 . Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Priority given to applicants who apply by October 7.

Applications that are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.

Salary and Benefits

We are committed to transparency and fairness in our hiring practice. The hiring range for this position is firm at $60,000 - $80,000.  Offers will reflect the candidate’s years of experience, rank at appointment, and internal equity.

Duke offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time, and retirement, as well as wide-ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at:  https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.