At AKQA, we ignite imagination through the bold application of art and science, creating transformative ideas, products, and services. Our culture champions an entrepreneurial spirit, empowering individuals to challenge conventions and pioneer new approaches. As we design adaptive digital experiences, we seek those who are driven to not only deliver but to innovate the very methods by which we understand and serve human needs.   Researchers at AKQA uncover the human truths that shape these experiences. Combining rigor and curiosity, they design and conduct studies that reveal how people think, feel, and behave, translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights for our teams and clients. Working alongside designers, strategists, technologists, and product owners, they ensure our work is grounded in real customer needs and delivers measurable impact.   We are seeking a Researcher with a strong foundation in UX research for complex digital product systems. This is an exciting opportunity to not only execute but also to actively shape and elevate our research practice. In this role, you will help define and drive the end‑to‑end research methodology and delivery for marquee brands, working across multi-step, multi-lane journeys that impact millions of people. You will be instrumental in proactively framing the right questions, pioneering the most effective methods, and championing innovative approaches to turn evidence into compelling stories that inspire exceptional design and confident decision‑making.     ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• 3–5 years of experience conducting UX research for digital products, services, or platforms
• Proven expertise in independently planning, executing, and synthesizing a full spectrum of generative and evaluative research (e.g., stakeholder interviews, in‑depth user interviews, contextual inquiry, concept testing, usability testing), championing innovative best practices and setting new standards.
• Demonstrated experience owning the end-to-end research lifecycle, from independently defining strategic objectives and crafting robust study plans, to managing recruitment and logistics with meticulous detail.
• Ability to strategically select, advocate for, and skillfully apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods, making informed tradeoffs to achieve project goals. A proactive desire to explore, integrate, and even pioneer novel research approaches is essential.
• Exceptional ability to synthesize complex research findings into clear, actionable insights, frameworks, and strategic recommendations (e.g., personas, journey maps, opportunity areas, insight decks) that directly drive significant product and design decisions and demonstrate tangible business value.
• Experience influencing and partnering strategically with UX/UI designers, product managers, strategists, and engineers in agile environments, effectively evangelizing research findings and user-centered approaches.
• Comfort working within complex systems (e.g., multi-channel journeys, enterprise tools, portals, or service ecosystems), with a focus on simplifying and humanizing the experience for users
• Ability to confidently lead and facilitate workshops and working sessions with stakeholders and cross‑functional teams (e.g., discovery sessions, assumption mapping, ideation, prioritization).
• Strong storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate and persuasively advocate for findings to different audiences—design teams, business stakeholders, and executives, driving consensus and action.
• Familiarity with common research and collaboration tools (e.g., UserTesting or similar platforms, survey tools, whiteboarding tools such as FigJam/Miro, and documentation tools), with an interest in exploring and proposing new tools to enhance our capabilities.
• Understanding of core UX and interaction design principles, and how research insights translate into flows, features, and UI decisions
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as HCI, psychology, anthropology, sociology, design, or related discipline), or equivalent practical experience
• Availability to work core business hours aligned to U.S. Eastern Time (ET), with flexibility for collaboration across additional time zones as needed

  QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Deep curiosity about people—motivations, behaviors, and contexts—and a passion for turning that understanding into better experiences
• A proactive and influential advocate for user‑centered thinking, able to strategically balance user needs with business goals and technical realities.
• Comfortable with ambiguity; demonstrating an entrepreneurial mindset by identifying opportunities, framing new challenges, and bringing structure, focus, and clarity to open‑ended problems.
• Exceptional written, visual, and verbal communication skills, with an ability to make complex information accessible and engaging
• Collaborative and inclusive, building trust with stakeholders and teammates while constructively challenging assumptions
• Methodical and detail‑oriented in research execution, while pragmatic about timelines and constraints, and continuously seeking ways to optimize and innovate our processes.
• An entrepreneurial innovator, you proactively identify knowledge gaps, propose strategic research opportunities, and champion the continuous evolution of our research methodologies. Eager to experiment with and integrate new tools, methods, and emerging technologies, you consistently elevate the quality, efficiency, and impact of research delivery across the organization.
• A team-first mindset, motivated by helping others succeed and by contributing to shared outcomes for clients and their customers

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.