User Researcher

Microsoft
$100,600.00 - $199,000.00 / yr
United States, Washington, Redmond
Mar 16, 2026
Overview Team Purpose You will join the Human Centered Design (HCD) team within Windows and Devices at Microsoft, a multidisciplinary group of researchers, designers, and human factors specialists working across Surface, Windows experiences, Xbox, and future hardware and AI-enabled device explorations. Our team brings together diverse perspectives to push beyond convention, shaping devices and experiences that meaningfully improve people's lives. Job Purpose As a User Researcher, you will support and execute human-centered research that informs the design of devices and end-to-end experiences. Working closely with senior researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers, you will help plan, run, synthesize, and drive impact with qualitative and quantitative studies across the product lifecycle, from early concept exploration to usability validation. This opportunity will allow you to accelerate your research craft, build fluency in device-focused research, and develop practical experience with AI-enabled research workflows. This is a hybrid role with regular on-site collaboration in Redmond. Company Culture Statement Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. Responsibilities Support mixed-methods research studies, including interviews, usability testing, surveys, diary studies, and evaluative research across devices and experiences. Assist with in-lab and in-field research, including preparation of study materials, session support, data capture, and participant coordination. Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, identifying patterns and translating findings into clear, actionable insights. Communicate research outcomes through presentations, reports, short videos, and internal readouts for cross-functional partners. Collaborate closely with designers, product managers, engineers, and human factors partners to ensure research insights inform product decisions. Apply ethical research practices, including participant privacy, consent, accessibility, and inclusive research considerations. Leverage AI-powered tools to accelerate research workflows such as study planning, transcription, note synthesis, tagging, analysis, and insight generation under guidance from senior researchers. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 1+ year(s) User Experience Research experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 2+ years User Experience Research experience OR equivalent experience. Preferred qualifications: Experience supporting research on hardware, devices, or complex end-to-end experiences. Exposure to Human Factors or ergonomics methods. Experience using AI-assisted tools for research tasks (e.g., transcription, coding, synthesis, insight summarization). Basic familiarity with data analysis tools such as R, Python, or similar. Effective storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to explain research findings clearly to non-research audiences. Other Requirements: Experience supporting research on hardware, devices, or complex end-to-end experiences. Exposure to Human Factors or ergonomics methods. Experience using AI-assisted tools for research tasks (e.g., transcription, coding, synthesis, insight summarization). Basic familiarity with data analysis tools such as R, Python, or similar. Effective storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to explain research findings clearly to non-research audiences. #W+DJOBS UX Research IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $131,400 - $215,400 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.