UI​/UX - UX Researcher III

UI/UX - UX Researcher III

We are seeking a UX Researcher to support a new project advancing superhuman communication and connection. This role is embedded in a fast-moving prototyping effort where the system changes frequently. The position requires someone who can absorb scattered feedback from demos and working sessions and synthesize it into concise, actionable insights that keep pace with development. The core of this role is lightweight qualitative evaluation, focusing on narratives, patterns, and human reactions.

• Embed in the prototyping team and conduct rapid, lightweight qualitative research to guide the development of novel AI glasses user experiences focused on speech communication.
• Attend demos, working sessions, and design reviews to observe and capture structured notes on user reactions, usability signals, and team feedback.
• Design and conduct short evaluative sessions with small numbers of participants, heuristic walkthroughs, and conversational interviews on a quick-turn cadence.
• Synthesize scattered qualitative feedback into concise, actionable insights delivered weekly while design questions are still live.
• Evaluate and iterate on audio and communication features for AI wearables by understanding how users perceive, interact with, and benefit from device-based experiences.
• Evaluate how users perceive spatially rendered audio, including localization and the placement of virtual sound sources, and translate those perceptual reactions into design guidance.
• Translate research insights into interpretable findings and actionable recommendations for cross-functional partners and stakeholders.
• Work closely with engineers, designers, and research scientists to influence development direction in real time.
• Supplement qualitative work with quantitative methods such as surveys and descriptive statistics as needed to strengthen or validate findings.

• Education:
  
  An MA/MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences, Psychoacoustics, Audiology, Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Neuroscience, or a related UX field is required. Preference will be given to candidates whose training or research focused on auditory perception, speech intelligibility, or spatial hearing.
• Experience:
  
  A minimum of 2+ years of experience conducting applied qualitative research on consumer products is required, with an emphasis on methods such as interviews, contextual inquiry, and observational studies. Candidates must have experience with rapid-cycle research in fast-moving development environments and at least 1+ year of experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in conducting qualitative interviews, including conversational and semi-structured formats, is necessary. A demonstrated working knowledge of spatial audio (e.g., sound localization, binaural audio) is a central requirement for this role.

• A PhD in Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Speech and Hearing Sciences, or a related UX field.
• Experience embedding in rapid prototyping or agile research teams.
• 2+ years of experience conducting research with wearable technology like AI glasses or headphones.
• 2+ years of experience with quantitative research methods, including surveys and experimental design.
• Experience with heuristic evaluation and expert review methods.
• A background in psychoacoustics, hearing science, or audiology.
• Familiarity with speech communication and human-AI interaction.
• Proficiency in descriptive and inferential statistics using tools like R or Python.

Location:

Redmond, Washington (Onsite)

Compensation: $62 - $72 HOURLY

• Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection.
• We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure.
• Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on…