User Experience Researcher (USER EXP DESIGNER 3)

Risk and Safety Solutions founded to support the University of California, one of the world’s leading research institutions. Meeting the challenges presented by the institution’s vast breadth of EH&S and Risk Management activities required a creative spirit and new ways of thinking. Today that spirit continues as we expand our expertise to new activities and a wider range of business needs in the public and private sector.

Since 2017, that entrepreneurial spirit has continued as RSS has expanded its clientele by offering innovative business solutions and expertise to a comprehensive range of business clients in the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally. You can learn more about RSS by visiting https://www.riskandsafety.com/

Located within the Information and Educational Technology (IET), and reporting directly to the Office of the President, the scope of operations supported by this role includes $20 million in annual expenditures and approximately 130 FTE.

THIS POSITION IS NOT A VISA OPPORTUNITY

Under general supervision of the Associate Director of DevOps, the User Experience Researcher serves as a pivotal member of the Risk & Safety Solutions (RSS) team, with the primary goal of making our web applications more useful for end users. Working in conjunction with the User Experience Lead and cross-functional product teams, this role will pinpoint key research areas that align with business goals and user needs. The User Experience Researcher is required to understand user behaviors, needs, and motivations through a variety of research methods, influencing product design and strategy. This role will also synthesize insights from data analysis, trends detection, and industry best practices to advocate for user-centric design, informing and inspiring the UX Design team. This role’s contributions will enhance user satisfaction and drive the overall success of RSS’ platform.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

•           Mental Demands: Verbal Communication, Written Communication
•           Physical Demands: Sitting
•           Noise Conditions: Moderate Noise Conditions
•           Additional Physical Demands:
•          Work on a personal computer for extended periods of time.
•          Work and maintain concentration in a busy office with constant interruptions and distractions, and constant traffic and noise from telephone conversations, visitors, staff, etc.
•          Occasional travel to locations on and off campus.
•          Adhere to workplace safety practices, read information communicated about workplace safety, complete required safety training on time, and report any workplace safety issues promptly to their supervisor or the designated safety coordinator.
•          Use a keyboard and computer equipment to work on designs for extended periods of time.
•          Distinguish colors to create customer pleasing web sites and support accessibility guidelines.
•          Proofread very small print, ability to distinguish colors in the full color spectrum when proofing designs, and ability to proofread electronic documents.
•          Work with clients for extended periods of time.
•           Equipment Used to Perform the Duties: Computer and Peripheral Equipment
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Occasional overtime, including weekends and evenings may be necessary to meet reporting, budget, and fiscal close deadlines.
• Vacation may be limited during fiscal close process (May-July). Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license.
• This position is eligible for hybrid-working arrangements.
• Adhere to workplace safety practices, read information communicated about workplace safety, complete required safety training on time, and report any workplace safety issues promptly to their supervisor or the designated safety coordinator.
• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

•           Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
•           Minimum of 2+ years’ experience in User Experience research, including all aspects of the research process (study design, recruiting, moderation, analysis, reporting) and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
•           Experience in survey design (questionnaire design) and statistical analysis.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

•           Knowledge of user experience design best practices, trends and researching & prototyping design tools.
•           Strong ability to synthesize and communicate complex, high-volume, high-variety information to a variety of audiences and to clearly articulate design decisions & the rationale behind them.
•           Demonstrated understanding of different user research methods, including when and how to apply them during each product phase.
•           Ability to develop research plans, work independently, effectively manage time and make tradeoffs between priorities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:  

•           2+ years’ experience in User Experience Research within the technology industry in a mid to senior capacity.
•           1+ years’ experience with remote testing tools.
•           1+ years’ experience in Agile/Scrum development processes.
•           1+ years’ experience working with enterprise software platforms.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

•           Ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here.

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.