UX Researcher – Mid-Level

Job Description

Turnitin is a pioneer in education technology with its roots in academic integrity, delivering flexible assessment solutions to higher education institutions, high schools, and graduate programs. With the broadest and deepest applications of AI for education, Turnitin is building innovative new products for the next decade of education. We are seeking an experienced researcher to help us increase our velocity to deliver knowledge, products, and capabilities to help educational institutions empower student outcomes with academic integrity. As a UX Researcher, you will be responsible for planning and executing end-to-end research projects. You will collaborate closely with product and engineering partners as well as the cross-functional UX team. 

To succeed in this role, you must have a solid foundation in research practices and can tie insights to tangible business results. You thrive in a highly ambiguous, fast-paced environment. Our environment requires discernment in research approaches, understanding when to prioritize speed for timely insights and when to apply thorough rigor to ensure depth and accuracy.  

A day in the life:

The UX Researcher will be working with each team member as well as product and engineering stakeholders on a day-to-day basis. The researcher will also spend time designing, planning, and conducting user research, translating findings into actionable insight to guide product development and iteration. They will work closely with the UX Research team, where every work day is full of fun, engagement, and building meaningful connections with each other.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently spearhead both small-scale and mid-sized research projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to clarify and define research objectives
• Equip designers, product managers, and other stakeholders with insights into user needs
• Contribute to streamlining and enhancing the operational efficiency of the research team
• Identify and employ the optimal channels for disseminating research findings
• Plan and actively engage in participatory workshops
• Champion and advocate for best practices in UX research across the organization
• Present and communicate research insights to key decision-makers and stakeholders
• Continuously seek feedback on research endeavors and actively provide feedback to peers

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human-computer interaction (HCI) or equivalent professional experience.
• Knowledge and skills equivalent to 2-5 years of industry experience in  UX research or related field (such as UX design and market research)
• Proven expertise in collaborating with diverse, cross-functional product teams
• Demonstrated ability to transform research insights into actionable product improvements
• A strong research portfolio that demonstrates multiple methods and approaches to research along with the tangible outcomes and impact of the work

Desirable 

• Prior experience conducting research specifically within the education sector
• Experience researching AI-related topics
• Proficiency in presenting complex data in a clear and compelling manner
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a knack for building relationships and influencing cross-functional teams
• Proven track record of collaborating effectively in a diverse team environment
• Proficiency in quantitative research methodologies, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights for informed decision-making
• Experience conducting user research for products or services that cater to diverse user personas within the same product ecosystem

Personal Attributes:

Essential

• Focused Prioritization - Skillfully managing multiple tasks, identifying and concentrating on key deliverables, even when faced with competing demands.
• Curiosity - Has a growth mindset and leads with questions vs. assumptions. Unleashes creativity and possibility by actively seeking new experiences, information, and knowledge; embraces challenge, takes risks, learns fast and welcomes change.
• Articulate Communication - Possesses an outstanding aptitude for both written and verbal communication, with an innate ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Accountability - Holds oneself responsible for required actions, and ensures that team members/colleagues/peers also own responsibility for their designated tasks while meeting collective team and company goals. All in service of creating a high performing environment.
• Collaboration & Influencing - Effectively communicates and cooperates with peers, partners, leaders & customers to achieve outcomes. Builds relationships and fosters an environment wherein people can naturally work together for the good of the company and our customers.
• Diversity & Inclusivity - Encourages and celebrates diversity at every level within the organization. Understanding that many cultures, traditions, beliefs, languages, thoughts and lifestyles are prevalent in both the workforce as well as the customer populations, and are respected without judgment. Works to create an environment of belonging.
• Resourcefulness - Possesses a mindset of abundance and redefines what’s possible; creates and advances ways of achieving results in new or difficult situations either by appropriating additional resources, or by doing more with less.
• Adaptability - The ability to encounter unexpected obstacles with flexibility, recalibrating strategies based on emerging challenges, ensuring a consistent focus on primary objectives.