Research Operations Specialist

Overview:
We are looking for a Research Operations Specialist to streamline and support the operational needs of our UX research team. This contract role will ensure that our researchers can focus on delivering high-impact insights by managing the processes, tools, and logistics that support the research lifecycle. You will collaborate closely with the Director of Design Operations, researchers, and stakeholders to coordinate research activities across multiple projects, ensuring efficiency and smooth execution.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Prioritization and Logistics:
• Work with the UX research team to prioritize research projects based on business goals and team capacity.
• Track and document research project timelines, ensuring alignment with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate with design and product teams to manage dependencies.
2. Cross-Functional Liaison:
• Act as a point of contact for cross-functional teams (product, design, marketing) to ensure research requests are logged and addressed efficiently.
• Help route urgent research needs and ad-hoc insights requests to the right researcher or team member.
3. Process Optimization and Documentation:
• Work with the Director of Design Operations to improve the research operations processes for greater efficiency and scalability.
• Create and maintain documentation for research operations processes, ensuring clarity and ease of use for the entire team.
4. Tools and Platform Management:
• Oversee the management of research tools (e.g., survey tools, user testing platforms, collaboration tools).
• Ensure tools are up-to-date, troubleshoot issues, and onboard new team members as needed.
• Research and recommend new tools or platforms to improve research efficiency.
5. Interview Coordination:
• Schedule research interviews, usability tests, and focus groups across different time zones.
• Manage participant recruitment, including outreach, scheduling, and follow-ups.
• Coordinate with external recruitment agencies when necessary.
6. Payment and Incentive Management:
• Manage the payment process for research participants, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Track participant payments and maintain an organized system for processing and reporting on incentives.
7. Research Session Support:
• Record research sessions (in-person or remote), ensuring proper documentation.
• Take detailed notes during sessions, capturing key insights and observations.
• Organize and maintain a database of session recordings and notes for future reference.
8. Data Organization and Analysis Support:
• Help organize, clean, and prepare data for analysis, ensuring it is stored in accessible, secure locations.
• Assist in synthesizing research findings and creating summary reports when needed.
• Support the research team in creating and maintaining a repository of research insights for easy access by cross-functional teams.

Required Skillsets:

• Project Management: Strong organizational and time-management skills, with experience juggling multiple projects and deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to manage data, scheduling, and logistics with precision.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for liaising across teams and stakeholders.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency with research tools such as user testing platforms, collaboration software, and project management tools (e.g., Dovetail, Airtable, Miro, Zoom).
• Data Handling: Basic experience with organizing research data and insights, familiarity with data analysis tools is a plus.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, anticipate needs, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Collaboration: Experience working cross-functionally with design, product, and marketing teams to support research efforts.

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in a research operations or UX/Product design operations role.
• Familiarity with UX research methodologies and best practices.