🌟 We're Hiring: Design Researcher (12-Month+ Contract | Toronto | 4 Days In-Office | 1 Day Remote)
We’re on the lookout for a passionate Design Researcher to join a high-impact digital team within one of Canada’s most respected institutions. If you love diving deep into user needs, uncovering powerful insights, and shaping digital experiences that make a difference in people’s lives, this role could be the perfect fit.
You’ll be embedded directly within a cross-functional product team, working alongside designers, developers, and product leads to guide the creation of seamless and human-centered digital products. This isn’t a role where research is an afterthought - your work will directly shape strategy and influence key product decisions from the ground up.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead and conduct end-to-end research initiatives - from scoping and planning through to fieldwork, synthesis, and delivery.
- Proactively identify upcoming decisions and propose thoughtful, strategic research approaches to inform them.
- Work closely with stakeholders to ensure research is collaborative, participatory, and integrated throughout the product lifecycle.
- Facilitate usability testing, interviews, workshops, and other qualitative methods to build a deep understanding of user behaviors and motivations.
- Translate findings into actionable insights that help shape product strategy, design direction, and roadmap prioritization.
- Help foster a research-minded culture, supporting product and design peers in learning how to think and work like researchers.
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Experience in UX research, human-centered design, or related fields.
- A strong understanding of a range of research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) and when to apply them.
- Experience collaborating with designers, product managers, and developers in agile environments.
- The ability to clearly synthesize and communicate insights to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- A curious mind, strong storytelling abilities, and a natural talent for connecting the dots.
Bonus points if you have:
- A degree in Psychology, Anthropology, HCI, Information Studies, Design, or a related field.
- Experience working in large organizations or complex digital ecosystems.
- Comfort moderating live sessions that cover high-complexity or sensitive topics.
- Familiarity with design thinking principles and facilitation techniques.
Why you’ll love this role:
- You’ll help shape products used by millions of people across the country.
- You’ll join a design-led team that values collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning.
- You’ll be part of a workplace that supports research as a core part of product development - not just a checkbox.
________________________
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use
At Creative Niche Inc., all hiring decisions are made by qualified recruitment professionals. Automated tools or AI-assisted systems may be used to help screen, assess, or match applicants to open roles. These systems are designed to support, not replace, human judgment.
Equal Opportunity & Experience
Canadian experience is not required for consideration. Equivalent international experience is valued equally.
Vacancy
This is a general posting to connect with talent for current and future opportunities.
