Usability Researcher (Contract)
Please note that this is a contract role providing services to Microsoft through external staffing partners of Allegis Global Solutions. If you are selected for this role, you will be employed by AGS and will not be an employee of Microsoft.
Summary:
We are seeking a skilled and curious User Researcher to join a dynamic team focused on generating actionable insights that drive product strategy, design improvements, and user experience decisions. In this role, you will plan and execute qualitative and quantitative research studies, synthesize complex findings into clear recommendations, and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners across product, design, and engineering. A key aspect of this position involves exploring and applying AI-assisted research tools and methodologies to accelerate insight generation, support thematic analysis, and improve overall research efficiency — all while maintaining the highest standards of methodological rigor. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and passionate about translating user needs into meaningful product impact.
Job Responsibilities:
Design and execute user research studies using a variety of methods, including interviews, usability studies, surveys, diary studies, and observational research
Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns, opportunities, and actionable recommendations
Partner with product managers, designers, data scientists, and engineers to inform product direction and user-centered decision making
Develop research plans, discussion guides, survey instruments, and frameworks for collecting and evaluating user feedback
Communicate research findings through reports, presentations, workshops, and storytelling techniques that drive stakeholder alignment
Evaluate user experiences and product concepts to identify areas for improvement and innovation
Explore and apply AI-enabled research tools and methodologies to support participant analysis, synthesis, insight generation, and research operations while maintaining methodological rigor
Stay current on emerging research practices, AI-assisted research techniques, and industry trends to continuously improve research effectiveness
Balance hands-on research execution with strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement on a day-to-day basis
Requirements:
Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience planning and conducting qualitative and quantitative user research, with 2–4 years preferred
Demonstrated experience with usability testing, user interviews, surveys, concept evaluation, and mixed-methods research
Minimum 2 years of experience analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and translating findings into actionable insights and stakeholder-ready deliverables
1 or more years of experience using AI-powered tools to support research planning, synthesis, thematic analysis, or research operations preferred
Demonstrated curiosity and practical experimentation with emerging AI-enabled research methods while maintaining research quality
Experience working in agile product development environments alongside designers, product managers, and engineers
Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Market Research, or a related field required
Advanced degree in a relevant discipline preferred
Strong verbal and written communication, facilitation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
bility to independently plan, manage, and execute multiple research projects simultaneously
Deep knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including usability testing, surveys, interviews, and mixed-methods approaches
Experience synthesizing complex data from multiple sources into clear and actionable insights
Familiarity with AI-powered research and analysis tools, with a curiosity for experimenting with new approaches and technologies
Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to balance research rigor with speed and practical business needs
Collaborative mindset and experience working in cross-functional product teams in agile environments
Experience using AI-powered tools to support research planning, synthesis, thematic analysis, or insight generation
Understanding of the opportunities and limitations of generative AI within the research process
Familiarity with research repositories, insight management systems, and survey platforms is a plus
Experience supporting enterprise software, SaaS, data and analytics, or AI products is a plus
Additional Details:
Location: Remote
Duration: 10 months
Pay Range*: $44 - $49.50 per hour
Weekly Schedule: 40 hours
Job Status: Non-Exempt
Application Deadline: Apply within 72 hours of the posting date to ensure consideration.
This role is eligible for the following benefits:
Medical, dental & vision
Hospital plans
401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Company paid Basic Life and AD&D as well as voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Company paid short and long-term disability
Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA)
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave(PTO, Allegis Group Paid Family Leave, Parental Leave
Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.
AGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you require a reasonable accommodation related to the application or interview process due to a disability, please email [email protected]. This inbox is monitored solely for accommodation requests. For questions about open roles or to apply, please submit your application through the job posting, as this inbox is not monitored by recruiters and applications sent here will not be reviewed.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, employment is contingent upon verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States. All persons hired will be required to complete Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation as required by law.
Please note that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. These tools may analyze application materials and assist our team in identifying candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the role. If you have questions about our use of AI in the hiring process, or would like more information, please contact us.
We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to protected classifications.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
