The posting
Job Description
Senior UX and Human Factors Researcher
Who We Are:
Ipsos is one of the world’s largest research companies and currently the only one primarily managed by researchers, ranking as a #1 full-service research organization for four consecutive years. With over 75 different data-driven solutions, and presence in 90 markets, Ipsos brings together research, implementation, methodological, and subject-matter experts from around the world, combining thematic and technical experts to deliver top-quality research and insights. Simply speaking, we help the biggest companies solve some of their biggest problems, serving more than 5000 clients across the globe by providing research, data, and insights on their target markets. And we’re proud to share we’ve received our Great Place to Work Certification for 2023!
About User Experience and Human Factors (UX & HF):
At Ipsos, UX & HF covers all aspects of the end-user’s interaction with a company and its products. UX & HF research is at the heart of user-centered design, grounded in the belief that design decisions should be informed by evidence, research about users, their expectations, their activities, and their interactions. We believe the most impactful experiences come from integrating research throughout the design process, not just evaluating finished concepts.
Our UX & HF researchers work across industries, from healthcare and medical devices to digital products and complex systems, to ensure products are safe, effective, and meet real user needs.
What makes this role important at Ipsos?
The Senior UX & Human Factors Researcher plays a critical role in leading research studies that inform product design, usability, and safety, particularly within regulated industries such as medical devices and pharmaceuticals. This position requires FDA regulatory expertise, strong analytical thinking, and the ability to translate research findings into actionable design recommendations.
Senior UX & HF Researchers at Ipsos work collaboratively with cross-functional teams while managing projects independently, from study design to client delivery, ensuring that every engagement meets the highest standards of quality and compliance.
What you can expect to be doing:
- Lead UX and human factors research projects across all study phases (planning, execution, analysis, and reporting).
- Develop protocols and documentation aligned with industry and regulatory standards (e.g., FDA guidance, ANSI/AAMI HE75, IEC 62366-1:2015).
- Conduct formative and validation usability testing for medical devices and combination products to identify critical tasks and potential use-related risks.
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform risk management, design improvements, and regulatory submissions.
- Produce clear, high-quality deliverables, such as usability study reports, HF validation summaries, and risk analyses, to support clients’ product development and regulatory objectives.
- Present insights and recommendations effectively to diverse stakeholders, including client teams, engineers, and regulatory reviewers.
- Collaborate across internal and client teams to ensure research outcomes drive evidence-based design and business decisions.
- Engage in client business development work by supporting a Director or senior leader.
- Lead/support bids and proposals with oversight of a Director or senior leader.
- Manage set budget with senior lead, including time management of their project team members and budget accountability with their project manager or senior leader.
- Produce thought leadership pieces, internal trainings and support Senior Leadership in executing internal initiatives.
This might be the job for you if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Factors, HCI, Psychology, Industrial Engineering, Behavioral Sciences, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree required).
- 3+ years of experience conducting UX and Human Factors research or design within regulated industries.
- 5+ years of experience in User Experience research or design is highly preferred. Agency/consulting experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of human factors principles, user research methodologies, and usability evaluation techniques.
- Practical experience applying regulatory standards (FDA guidance, ANSI/AAMI HE75, IEC 62366-1:2015).
- Experience executing complex research programs for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or other safety-critical products.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging senior-level clients with clarity and confidence.
- Ability to manage multiple projects autonomously, balancing quality, timelines, and client needs.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced consulting environment.
- Open to all locations but living in or near Chicago is preferred, to collaborate with teams at our state-of-the-art Ipsos User Experience Lab.
If you don’t meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage all who feel they might be a fit for the opportunity to apply. We may consider a variety of backgrounds for a particular role and are also committed to considering candidates for available positions throughout our organization, not just the one you’re applying to!
In accordance with NY/CO/CA/WA law, the estimated base salary range for this role is $95,000 to $120,000 Your final base salary will be determined based on several non-discriminatory factors which may include but are not limited to location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications.
What’s in it for you:
At Ipsos you’ll experience opportunities for Career Development, an exceptional benefits package (including generous PTO, healthcare plans, wellness benefits), a flexible workplace policy, and a strong collaborative culture.
To find out more about all the great reasons to work at Ipsos, how we’re making an impact around the world, and more about our benefits and employee programs, please visit: Why Work at Ipsos | US
Commitment to Diversity
Ipsos recognizes the necessity of building an inclusive culture that values each employee’s individuality and diverse perspectives. For more than 40 years, our mission has been to generate and analyze data about society, markets, brands, and behaviors to provide our clients with the insights that elevate their understanding of the world. This could not be fulfilled without Ipsos’ diverse employees who compile and analyze this data—they are the essence of who we are and what we do.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, creating an environment that promotes inclusion, and enabling employees from all walks of life to flourish. Ipsos encourages our employees to act in a respectful and responsible manner, in line with code of best practices concerning diversity and inclusion, human rights, equality, and civility for every individual.
Ipsos is An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other protected class and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
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About Us
Ipsos is one of the world’s largest research companies and currently the only one primarily managed by researchers, ranking as a #1 full-service research organization for four consecutive years. With over 75 different data-driven solutions, and presence in 90 markets, Ipsos brings together research, implementation, methodological, and subject-matter experts from around the world, combining thematic and technical experts to deliver top-quality research and insights. Simply speaking, we help the biggest companies solve some of their biggest problems, serving more than 5000 clients across the globe by providing research, data, and insights on their target markets. And we are proud of our continuous efforts in making Ipsos the best place to work!
The Innovation Service Line guides clients throughout the innovation journey as they develop and launch new or improved products and services spanning a range of verticals. We help our clients develop the initial idea for a product/service, ensure the fully-articulated description of the product/service resonates with consumers, confirm that prototypes of the product/service properly deliver on consumer expectations, and finetune the full mix prior to launch. This is accomplished using best-in-class services, including idea screening, concept testing, product testing, price and line optimization, package testing and volumetric forecasting.
