Staff Design Researcher

Position Overview

This senior-level research role centers on guiding strategic direction for a new initiative focused on intelligent content discovery and organizational knowledge. The position involves leading long-range research efforts that uncover emerging challenges, shape future vision, and spark innovation across multiple teams.

The work is geared toward identifying opportunities that enhance usefulness, reach, and adaptability of a digital tool designed for navigating complex information environments. The researcher's influence will extend beyond individual product features, helping define how the tool evolves and delivers meaningful, intuitive experiences for professionals working with large volumes of content.

The role combines leadership in research craft with strategic partnership across disciplines. The researcher will collaborate closely with teams in design, engineering, product, and go-to-market functions, contributing to both tactical execution and high-level decision-making. The goal is to ensure the product delivers experiences that are grounded in real-world needs and feels both reliable and transformative.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-phase research programs that shape product and organizational strategy across the initiative and related areas.

• Drive strategic alignment across design, product, and leadership through insight-driven visioning and planning.

• Surface foundational and emerging research questions that support long-term innovation and organizational priorities.

• Advance research practices by mentoring peers, promoting methodological rigor, and raising the quality bar across the team.

• Deliver actionable insights through synthesis of qualitative, quantitative, and behavioral data.

• Influence leadership decisions through compelling storytelling and evidence-based narratives.

• Build strong cross-functional relationships to foster shared understanding and alignment.

• Represent the research function externally, contributing to thought leadership and helping attract top talent.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in user-centered research, with a record of shaping product and strategy at scale.

• Expertise in a wide range of research methods across the product lifecycle, from early exploration to validation.

• Experience influencing product direction in complex systems or enterprise environments.

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in early-stage initiatives.

• Strong communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence diverse audiences.

• Active contributor to team development, mentoring, and hiring.

Preferred Background

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as human-computer interaction, psychology, cognitive science, or similar.

• Familiarity with emerging approaches to research, including AI-enhanced methods and simulation-based testing.

• Experience building research functions or leading strategy in fast-growing or experimental settings.

• Exposure to domains such as intelligent systems, information management, software platforms, or data infrastructure.

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting HR-InfoImpellamNA@impellam.com or fill out this form to request accommodations.