Lead Design Researcher

Accountabilities:

Lead and manage comprehensive design research programs throughout the product development lifecycle, from initial discovery and strategic exploration to prototyping, testing, and implementation.
Conduct current-state research and competitive benchmarking to understand existing user experiences, identify pain points, and uncover opportunities for improvement across specific customer journeys.
Develop research-driven service and product concepts using storyboarding, wireframing, and other visual communication methods to illustrate and explore future-state experiences.
Design and execute research plans, interview guides, and testing frameworks tailored to specific business objectives and user needs.
Recruit and screen appropriate research participants to support user interviews, concept evaluations, and usability testing.
Apply a broad range of UX and design research methodologies to gather actionable insights and validate product concepts.
Synthesize research findings into clear insights, strategic recommendations, and actionable opportunities in collaboration with product managers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Translate research outcomes into product backlog items, refined requirements, and updated experience vision documentation.
Train and coach team members to independently plan and conduct research initiatives and concept testing activities.
Collaborate with customers, operational teams, business partners, and senior leadership to identify and recommend innovative experience improvements aligned with strategic priorities.
Facilitate workshops and co-creation sessions with product teams and business stakeholders to develop and evaluate new experience concepts.
Communicate research findings through compelling storytelling, ensuring insights are translated into meaningful business recommendations and measurable impact.
Partner with product and business teams to assess and quantify the potential value of proposed concepts and experience improvements.
Develop communication materials and visual artifacts that clearly document current-state journeys and proposed optimized future-state experiences.
Support an agile test-and-learn approach, continuously gathering feedback and refining solutions based on research findings and evolving consumer needs.
Collaborate with Product Design, Content Design, Product Management, Analytics, and Engineering teams to deliver differentiated, user-centered healthcare experiences.
Requirements:
Master's degree or higher in a research-related discipline, such as Design Strategy, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Human Factors, Psychology, Anthropology, or Cognitive Science.
At least 8 years of experience leading design research initiatives within innovation, human-centered design, digital product development, or related fields.
Minimum of 5 years of experience independently managing and delivering design research programs.
Extensive understanding and practical experience with a variety of UX and design research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Demonstrated experience leading research activities across discovery, concept development, prototyping, usability testing, and product implementation.
Strong knowledge of design thinking principles and agile product development methodologies.
Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex research findings into clear insights and actionable business recommendations.
Excellent problem-solving, coaching, and leadership abilities, with experience guiding and empowering cross-functional teams.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify patterns, understand user behavior, and connect research insights to business objectives.
Ability to independently manage multiple research initiatives, prioritize competing demands, and deliver high-quality outcomes within established timelines.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate collaboration, and build alignment around user-centered solutions.
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively with customers, operational teams, product specialists, and senior leadership.
Previous experience in the health insurance or broader healthcare industry is highly preferred.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Employment sponsorship is not available for this position, including H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1, STEM OPT, or other work authorizations requiring employer-sponsored government documentation.
Ability to work remotely from a dedicated, secure workspace that protects confidential member and healthcare information in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
Reliable home internet connection with minimum download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps.
Availability to primarily work during Eastern Time business hours.
Willingness to travel occasionally to company offices for meetings, training, or other business activities.
Benefits:
Annual base salary: $126,300–$173,700, depending on geographic location, qualifications, education, skills, and professional experience.
Eligibility for a performance-based bonus incentive plan tied to individual and/or company performance.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Paid time off to support personal and professional well-being.
Paid company holidays and personal holidays.
Paid parental leave.
Paid caregiver leave.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance coverage.
Flexible remote working arrangements, with the opportunity to work from anywhere in the United States.
Opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to meaningful healthcare innovation.
A supportive work environment focused on employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance.