Microsoft Looking For Senior Design Researcher at New York, NY

Do you have a passion to work with customers on their most forward-looking AI initiatives? We are seeking someone interested in researching the impact of, and designing for the human experience in solutions supported by machine learning.

The Commercial Software Engineering (CSE) team is a global engineering organization that works directly with customers looking to leverage the latest technologies to address their toughest problems. We are lucky enough to research, design & develop with customers to collaboratively innovate solutions tailored to their business needs. In the process, we help shape the future of our own platforms by partnering with our product groups to improve Microsoft product experiences. Our diverse skillsets and curious natures help us foster innovation with our customers and with each other. Fresh perspective is part of how we create meaningful impact in our work and inclusive day-to-day experiences. We want every team member to feel a part of and reflect the communities we serve and live in.

We are looking for a Senior Design Researcher with strong human factors, research and design skills to join our expanding Data, Intelligence & Design team. The ideal candidate not only knows how to inject the best design and research approaches into projects which ultimately result in digital experiences, but is also comfortable working in spaces where data science is a significant part of the solution. In addition to collaborating directly with customers, you will be working with our cadre of Microsoft Data Scientists, Program Managers, & Engineers to drive human-first outcomes. Our work on projects is often changing and ambiguous, so knowing how to work with flexibility is needed.

This role is instrumental in driving consensus with customers, Data Scientists and Engineering teams on project direction and ideal experience outcomes. You will need to have the business acumen to understand customer business problem spaces across the varied industries we work in and be proactive in research for the purpose of uncovering unstated needs that help define customer solutions and strategy. The Research & Design function is integral in building and executing a data-driven, customer first strategy.

Responsibilities

As a Design Researcher in Data, Intelligence & Design, you will have the following responsibilities:

Represent Design, Research and Human Experience in Data Science projects

Co-shape the direction of digital and hybrid solutions through evidence-based design and research to inform decisions

Conceptualize the big picture as well as drive detailed design for user experiences by using design techniques to illustrate concepts and foster new ideas

Design and conduct both qualitative and quantitative research to understand customer needs, discover pain points, and evaluate experiences

Produce impactful artifacts including visualizations of findings & insights which are visually rich and bring clarity to the space being studied

We value design research because we know it gives us a holistic view of how business goals, and human experiences are affected by interactions between data, algorithms, context, logic and interfaces.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

5-8 years of industry experience including conducting analysis applicable to product stages from conception to release, thorough knowledge of a range of UX research approaches and methodologies and driving tangible outcomes with product teams

Preferred qualifications

Proven ability to articulate the implications of research finding in compelling ways; ability to translate research data and findings into insights and actionable recommendations

Evidence in translating complex concepts into aesthetically appealing visual and interactive collateral

Able to excel in cross-disciplinary collaboration evangelizing the human experience throughout the product development process

A minimum of MA/MS in Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction or a related field, OR significant industry experience

Track record of collaborating across disciplines (e.g. planning, data science, product management and engineering) to drive solutions

We are seeking someone who wants to grow, and define new ways of working. If you enjoy being a part of a diverse team, embrace a growth mindset, have a track record of delivering results, and thrive when collaborating with others, then this is the team for you.

At Microsoft, we are seeking people who have a passion for the positive impact technology can have on communities and for making a difference in the world. Within CSE, you will find a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, personal and cultural experiences which are vital to our success with our customers. It’s an informal, flexible work environment where you’ll be welcome to work from home, our offices, customer sites– wherever is best for you to get your job done. We invest in your health, wellness, and financial future by offering a competitive package including a wide range of benefits built around your personal needs and those close to you.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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