Job Title

Design Researcher (12-Month Contract) Hybrid Toronto (3 days in-office, 2 days remote) Were on the lookout for a passionate Design Researcher to join a high-impact digital team within one of Canadas most respected institutions. If you love diving deep into user needs, uncovering powerful insights, and shaping digital experiences that make a difference in peoples lives, this role could be the perfect fit. Youll 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 isnt a role where research is an afterthought your work will directly shape strategy and influence key product decisions from the ground up. What youll 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. Were 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 youll love this role: Youll help shape products used by millions of people across the country. Youll join a design-led team that values collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning. Youll be part of a workplace that supports research as a core part of product development not just a checkbox. Its a 12-month contract with the possibility of extension or longer-term opportunities. Sound like your kind of challenge? Apply now wed love to hear from you.