Senior UX Researcher

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and autonomous Senior UX Researcher to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role is essential for augmenting our staff and driving user-centered design principles across a portfolio of new IT projects. The Senior UX Researcher will be responsible for leading end-to-end research activities, from planning and execution to analysis and presentation of insights. This position is integral to our initiative to embed UX and change management more deeply into our project lifecycle, ensuring that user needs and behaviors inform critical business decisions and product development. The ideal Talent will operate with significant independence, advocating for the value of UX and influencing project outcomes.

About the Company:
Our client is a global leader in the energy sector, committed to innovation and operational excellence. This role will be based in their Houston Studio, working within a collaborative team that integrates UX, change management, and communications. The team fosters a culture of proactive problem-solving and user advocacy, striving to deliver impactful solutions that enhance user experience across various business functions, including corporate and downstream operations. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional IT organizations, product owners, project managers, and end-users, contributing to a forward-thinking environment focused on continuous improvement and strategic growth.

Responsibilities:
* Lead end-to-end UX research activities for multiple IT projects, operating as the primary researcher.
* Design and execute mixed-methods research studies, including qualitative (e.g., user interviews, ethnographic research, usability testing) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, data analysis) approaches.
* Analyze research data to identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities, translating findings into actionable insights.
* Proactively advocate for user-centered design principles and the value of UX research to project teams and stakeholders.
* Collaborate closely with visual and interaction designers, change management representatives, project managers, product owners, and architects.
* Present research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, influencing product strategy and design decisions.
* Manage a minimum of two projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality research outcomes.
* Conduct remote testing and research activities as required.
* Operate autonomously within existing project frameworks, taking ownership of research initiatives.

Qualifications:
* 5+ years of dedicated UX research experience, with a strong emphasis on senior-level leadership and autonomy.
* Demonstrated expertise in designing and conducting mixed-methods research (qualitative and quantitative).
* Proven ability to lead research projects independently, from planning to execution and reporting.
* Experience in advocating for UX value and influencing stakeholders and project outcomes.
* Proficiency with remote testing methodologies and tools.
* Strong analytical skills and ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills.
* Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
* Familiarity with design tools like Figma is a plus.
* Experience in the oil and gas or energy domain is a nice-to-have but not required; strong UX technical skills are paramount.