Senior Researcher

2K•Los Angeles, CA

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 2005, the 2K label includes some of the most talented game development studios in the world today including: Firaxis Games, Visual Concepts, Hangar 13, 2K Czech and Cat Daddy Games. Their world-class team of engineers, developers, graphic artists and publishing professionals are stewards of a growing library of critically acclaimed franchises such as Battleborn, BioShock, Borderlands, The Darkness, Mafia, NBA 2K, Sid Meier’s Civilization, WWE 2K, and XCOM. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, sports, casual, and family entertainment. Their vision at 2K is to create a diverse and inclusive environment to “Come as You are and Feel Equipped to do Your Best Work!” They are dedicated to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and equality in all that they do. Their communities are focused on increased access and personal growth, and their greatness depends on a diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and perspective. They are an equal opportunity employer. 2K is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Researcher to join the Research & Insights team. You will play a critical role in bringing the voice of the player to the forefront of the organization, providing player insights and recommendations that inform every phase of development - from game concept through launch. A successful candidate will have a consistent track record of designing and executing primary research at multiple phases of development, working cross functionally, and advising key decisions around product, marketing and commercial strategy. This role will work onsite in a hybrid capacity out of either the Novato, CA, Los Angeles, CA or Montreal, Canada location. The team goes into the office usually 3 days a week.

Requirements

At least 4-6 years of experience in user research, market research or consumer insights, either client-side or at a research agency
A consistent track record of impact (not research for the sake of it)
Experience personally conducting qualitative and/or quantitative primary research (meaning you did the research as opposed to managing a vendor / 3rd party who did it)
Strong analytical and statistical skills, with bonus points for experience with quantitative / statistical software (e.g. SPSS, SAS, R, Q, Python, Tableau)
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), comfort presenting information in groups or 1:1
Strong interpersonal skills; able to work with a variety of personalities, skills, geographies, and seniority levels
Comfortable with ambiguity and change, ability to operate with minimal direction / supervision when needed
Independent thinking; ability to take direction and gather input from multiple sources, and chart a path with a mix of conviction, humility, and openness to evolution
Ability to travel, both domestically and internationally

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree (MA, PhD or other advanced degree) in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
Expertise in accessibility, inclusion, and representation in games
Experience working in a global, enterprise-scale organization and/or in a client-facing or B2B role, with a customer service mentality
Exceptional emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams through the product lifecycle
Eagerness to learn and connect the dots between consumer insights and UX

Responsibilities

Contribute to holistic research strategy for 2K’s portfolio of core franchises
Build strong cross-functional partnerships, own methodological rigor and deliver product impact
Build and cultivate relationships with diverse groups, from the more analytically minded to more creative professionals, and teams with varying levels of experience working with insights professionals
Identify, design, and complete qualitative and quantitative consumer insights and/or user research studies
Use innovative research methods to uncover deep insights into current and prospective players, helping us understand their needs, behaviors, and motivations
Hire and manage 3rd party research vendors to ensure a high quality of work
Integrate insights from multiple studies and sources into a cohesive narrative with clear implications and recommendations
Present research findings and recommendations to senior teams in a clear and compelling manner
Collaborate closely with partner organizations including User Research (UXR), Data Science, Business Strategy and Community