Design Researcher (Contract, Palo Alto)
About The Position
Moon is hiring a Design Researcher (Contractor) who is passionate, self-driven, and open to deepening their skills within Design/UX Research as well as expanding their skills in different areas within Design (e.g. Strategic Design, UX/UI, Product Design, etc.). The ideal candidate is infinitely curious, analytical, creative and experienced enough to adapt research methods to a new industry context quickly. As a contractor, you will work with the Project Manager to define/refine and execute the scope of research across different stages of new initiative development for the project(s) at Moon. This is a part-time contract role based in Palo Alto for an initial term of 3 months, requiring 20-28 hours per week. This role may require travel as and when necessary to perform project tasks. There is a possibility of contract extension based on the business needs and performance. Rate is $90 - 115 an hour.
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience with Design Research or UX Research background, with demonstrated qualitative methods.
- A degree with course work relevant to Design, the Scientific Process/Methodology, the Human Condition (e.g. Product/Service Design, Psychology, Sociology, etc) OR relevant experience in Design Research, Strategic Design, or UX Research.
- Ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, decision ready outputs.
- Proactive, self-driven, comfortable working closely with a Project Manager in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
- B2B research experiences
- Proficiency in Google tools, Slack, Notion, Figma.
- Business level English
Nice To Haves
- Experiences in heavy industries (mining, energy, manufacturing, supply chain or similar) - domain knowledge is a plus but not a requirement.
- Previous experience with Exploratory Research in early stage product development/new business creation.
- Experience in proof of concept prototyping and iteration.
- Experience with Quantitative Research Methodologies / Synthesis.
- Experience experimenting AI tools effectively to conduct research.
- Experience working in deep-tech / AI.
- Experience working with a cross-cultural/international organization.
- Experience in/understanding of other design areas (e.g. Solution/Product Design, Service Design, Brand Design, etc.).
- Business level Brazilian Portuguese and/or Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Project Manager to define and execute research scope across new initiatives stages, for heavy industry-focused partnerships and collaborations.
- Assist with/execute various aspects of research planning to address project goals, and business/product decisions.
- Plan and execute desktop and market research, including but not limited to: trend analysis, competitive landscape, steeple/pestle analysis, etc.
- Plan and run qualitative research with key stakeholders, and subject matter experts to surface real operational, safety and commercial unmet needs.
- Synthesize research and findings, identify key insights, and collaborate with the team to define implications for key project decisions.
- Plan and run concept testing with key stakeholders, including validating emerging concepts against user/stakeholder needs and identifying industry constraints.
- Join brainstorming sessions as needed, and be a thought partner to the team - expanding your thinking into different areas but bringing your unique POV/experience to the table (as both a researcher and beyond).
- Assist in defining innovation opportunities based on the research for potential projects and working with the team to prioritize what can/should be done.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
