Design Research Associate Jobs

McDougald Research is a team of creative and strategic qualitative researchers and designers based in Columbus, OH.Our clients range from startups to multi-national corporations. We aim to uncover the unmet needs of the customer through evaluative and generative research practices. Rooted in empathy, our approach to research is often fully immersive and allows us to reveal opportunities for product and service design and inspire innovation.

You can expect your day-to-day to include more sticky notes than you’ve ever encountered (real or virtual!), plenty of tea and coffee, in-depth conversations about human nature, laughs, and ever evolving challenges and opportunities. We are a woman-owned and operated company, and we encourage a balanced approach to work and life, led by the strong belief that creativity and passion grows when creatives are given autonomy, treated with respect, and have a voice at the table.

Responsibilities

The Design Researcher roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

·Helping to conduct qualitative research.

·Note taking to collect data during qualitative research, including ethnographic and contextual, as well as virtual research environment.

·Assisting and/or leading with research methodology building.

·Analyzing and synthesizing data.

·Communicating and telling stories with data, leveraging narrative writing, and visual & verbal communication.

·Project management and potential to support client management.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Considers no job "too small.” Often, light administrative work is needed as well (booking travel, sending meeting invites, organizing office materials).
• Is willing to participate in tasks they may have little to no experience with, but are willing to learn.
• Can handle high pressure situations.
• Is willing to travel as needed (no more than 10% of the time).
• Is comfortable working with extroverts (we have quite a few in the office!).
• Can multi-task.
• Is flexible and can work in a flexible environment.
• Thinks ahead of how they might be helpful in a situation. Is proactive and does not wait for "tasks."
• Is willing to show "footprints" of work and revise based on feedback.
• Is comfortable in front of clients (client ready appearance, personality, and communication).
• Is curious and open minded.
• Is comfortable with ambiguity and is excited to make sense of chaos.
• Takes feedback seriously and with an open mind.
• Lives in Columbus or willing to relocate.
• Is able to work without constant supervision; capable of holding down the fort if/while the team is on the road.
• Is the type of person to jump in and help (no matter what!).

Qualifications:

Years of experience is dependent on open role. Junior Design Researcher should have related experience via education and/or an internship in a related field to be considered. Senior and above positions require 5+ years experience in research, design, strategy or other related behavioral sciences.

Preferred proficiency in creative suite tools, Excel, and virtual research platforms.