We are seeking a skilled and adaptable Intermediate Design Researcher to join our client's team-oriented Human-Centered Design (HCD) team. In this role, you will be instrumental in identifying user needs, defining research opportunities, and translating complex data into actionable insights that drive innovation and product strategy.
Working closely with cross-functional POD leaders, designers, developers, and business stakeholders, you will oversee end-to-end research initiatives—from protocol creation to data analysis and strategic reporting. This opportunity is ideal for a dedicated researcher looking to leverage qualitative and quantitative methodologies to influence human-centered product development.
This role is a 6-month contract with potential to extend beyond the initial contract term, and requires the talent to work onsite at our client's office in downtown Toronto 4 days per week.
Responsibilities
- Conduct End-to-End Research: Define research questions, construct actionable research plans, create participant screeners, and recruit target audiences. Execute data collection using diverse methods (interviews, usability testing, ethnography, diary studies, card sorting) and analyze quantitative/qualitative data to create clear deliverables like personas, experience maps, and usability reports.
- Enable & Strategize: Partner directly with POD leaders, service design directors, engineers, and stakeholders to identify research needs and build comprehensive research roadmaps. Participate in strategic planning to integrate HCD research models into core innovation processes.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a bridge between design, engineering, product, and marketing research teams.
Promote research methods and build awareness across internal and external partner groups.
- Vendor & Mentorship Management: Oversee external research vendors as required and provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and interns assigned to your projects.
Requirements
- Deep expertise in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
- Proven experience leading research projects from inception to completion, either independently or as part of a small team.
- Comprehensive expertise across all stages of the research lifecycle: preparation (screeners, protocols), data collection (testing, interviews), analysis (qualitative/quantitative), and dissemination (framing key outcomes and actionable insights).
- Prior experience in finance or working within financial institutions.
- A keen interest or demonstrated capability in AI integration within research or products.
- Experience working in blended research roles that encompass strategy alongside design-related tasks.
- Strong familiarity with the broader design process and a track record of creating research champions within an organization.
If you are a passionate research expert looking to drive user-centric innovation and collaborate with high-performing teams, we want to hear from you. Apply today to this time sensitive opportunity by submitting your resume! Note: This posting is for existing and upcoming vacancies.
Cella by Randstad Digital uses artificial intelligence to help our recruiters screen, assess and select qualified talent for this role and others within our database. Although Cella by Randstad Digital uses A.I. as a tool, candidate selection and hiring decisions are made by our employees.
📌 User Experience Researcher (Toronto)
🏢 Cella
📍 Toronto