Design Researcher

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.

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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.