UX Researcher-Temporary Worker

Job Description:

John Fitz Job Description for UX Researcher

**TEMP Role, W2 on dentsu Payroll only

**5/4 – 8/31/2026

**40 hour/week

**Must be US based

About Merkle:

Merkle, a  dentsu company, powers the experience economy. For more than 35 years, the company has put people at the heart of its approach to digital business transformation. As the only integrated experience consultancy in the world with a heritage in data science and business performance, Merkle delivers holistic, end-to-end experiences that drive growth, engagement, and loyalty. Merkle’s expertise has earned recognition as a “Leader” by top industry analyst firms, in categories such as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management. With more than 16,000 employees, Merkle operates in 30+ countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.   

Job Description:

We’re looking for a TEMP UX Researcher to join our team. As a mid-level UX Researcher at an experience design agency, you're the bridge between user needs and strategic design decisions. Unlike an in-house role where you might focus on a single product, agency life gives the opportunity to pivot quickly across different industries, from healthcare to fintech. You’ll lead end-to-end research initiatives, translating complex business requirements into actionable insights that guide designers and satisfy high-stakes clients. 

In this role, you’re expected to be more than just a data collector; you’re a storyteller and a consultant. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams of UI/UX designers, strategists, and account managers to ensure the "voice of the user" is present at every stage of the design process. Your goal is to provide the evidence needed to de-risk design decisions and demonstrate the ROI of user-centered thinking to the agency’s partners. 

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Research Execution & Methodology

• Design and lead end-to-end studies using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, including 1:1 interviews, usability testing, card sorting, and diary studies.
• Recruit and manage participants with support of testing platforms and programs, across diverse demographics, ensuring ethical standards and data privacy (GDPR/CCPA) are maintained.
• Synthesize raw data via affinity mapping, thematic analysis, quant/qual triangulation into meaningful artifacts such as personas, journey maps, and service blueprints that align with client goals.
• Moderate remote and in-person sessions with a high degree of empathy and think-aloud expertise, uncovering latent user needs that go beyond surface-level feedback.
• Maintain a research repository to ensure insights are searchable and reusable across different phases of the client engagement. 

Client Strategy & Communication

• Translate business goals into research objectives, business analysis, KPI opportunities, or opportunity sizing, helping clients understand what they need to learn rather than just what they want to build.
• Create and Facilitate workshops and stakeholder interviews, including scripts and guides, and findings to align internal and external teams on the research roadmap.
• Deliver compelling presentations that use data storytelling and findings to influence executive-level stakeholders and justify design pivots.
• Act as a subject matter expert during pitch meetings, explaining the value of research to prospective agency clients.
• Collaborate with Design Leads to ensure that research findings are directly integrated into wireframes, prototypes, and final high-fidelity designs. 

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 3–7 years of professional experience in UX research, design research, or human-centered research, preferably within a fast-paced agency or consultancy environment.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Anthropology, Sociology, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
• Portfolio: A strong set of case studies demonstrating your research process, critical thinking, and the specific impact your insights had on a final product or client strategy.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with UI/UX designers, product managers, and engineers throughout the entire software development lifecycle.
• Communication: Exceptional storytelling skills and the ability to present complex research findings to senior executive leadership or non-design stakeholders with clarity and persuasion. 

Technical Skills

• Research Tools: Proficiency with modern research platforms and remote testing tools such as Dovetail, UserTesting, UserZoom, or Lookback.
• Collaboration & Prototyping: Proficiency in Figma (to review designs or build research prototypes) and Miro or Mural for synthesis and workshop facilitation.
• Data Analysis: Experience with quantitative analysis tools like Optimal Workshop (for card sorting/tree testing) and basic proficiency in analytics tools like Amplitude or Mixpanel.
• AI Integration: Familiarity with AI-assisted research tools for automated transcription and data tagging, such as Otter.ai or specialized features within research repositories.
• Methodological Breadth: Advanced mastery of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including ethnography, diary studies, survey design, and behavioral analysis. "

Additional Information:

At  dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office.  

  

The hourly pay range for this position is $45.28-$60.81. The hourly pay rate for the successful candidate is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law.  Temporary employees are eligible for paid holidays in accordance with dentsu policy, as well as safe and sick time. This position is not eligible for any other benefits or other compensation.   

To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.   

#LI-SG1  

#LI-REMOTE   #LI-HYBRID   

Location:

USA - Remote - Illinois

Brand:

Merkle

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Temporary