Senior Design Researcher - User Science

About the Role

Canonical is seeking a Senior Design Researcher to join our growing User Science team. This role goes beyond traditional UX research, focusing on integrating user needs end-to-end into development processes and quality standards across the company. You will report to the User Science Manager and play a key role in shaping our data-informed culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct User Research: Develop insights in diverse formats and champion user needs across product areas.
• Communication: Share findings concisely through well-matched presentations and clear documentation.
• Data-Informed Culture: Collaborate with process, product, and engineering teams to integrate research into decision-making flows.
• Research Ops: Build scalability and interoperability by making methodologies accessible, actionable, and repeatable.
• Learning & Development: Foster a learning culture through user-centered training and resource development.

What We Are Looking For

• Academic Excellence: Exceptional track record from high school and university.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Design, HCI, Engineering, or a compelling narrative of an alternative path.
• Research Expertise: Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methodologies (interviews, usability testing, A/B testing, surveys, data analysis).
• Technical Curiosity: Interest in open-source culture and ability to engage with technical stakeholders.
• Visual Communication: Ability to translate complex data into convincing, accessible visuals.
• Storytelling: Outstanding narrative skills to resonate with diverse audiences.
• Organization: Meticulous archivist skills to transform scattered findings into structured knowledge systems.
• Portfolio: A robust portfolio demonstrating actionable insights that influenced product strategy or organizational change.

Benefits

• Fully remote working environment (remote-first since 2004).
• Personal learning and development budget of $2,000 USD per annum.
• Annual compensation review and recognition rewards.
• Parental leave and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunity to travel to international locations for team 'sprints'.
• Priority Pass for travel and upgrades for long-haul company events.