We seek an experienced UX Researcher to support VA’s Financial Management System (FMS), Human Capital Management (HCM), or Secretary of VA / Congressional / Legal Affairs (SCLA). This role is critical to understanding user needs, behaviors, and pain points for systems. You will conduct comprehensive user research that informs design decisions and ensures that VA systems truly meet the needs of personnel serving Veterans.
In this role, you’ll employ various research methodologies to gather insights about VA users, validate design decisions, and provide data-driven recommendations that improve user experience and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• User Research Planning: Design and execute comprehensive user research studies, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and observational studies.
• User Needs Analysis: Identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement across multiple VA applications and workflows.
• Usability Testing: Conduct usability testing sessions to evaluate design effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Data Analysis: Analyze qualitative and quantitative research data to derive actionable insights and recommendations.
• User Persona Development: Create and maintain user personas and journey maps that inform design and development decisions.
• Research Communication: Present research findings and recommendations to stakeholders, designers, and development teams.
• Research Repository Management: Maintain a repository of research findings and insights to inform ongoing design decisions.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, Anthropology, or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in UX research and user-centered design methodologies
• Proficiency in research methods, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and observational studies
• Experience with research tools and platforms for data collection and analysis
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present findings to diverse audiences
• Understanding of federal accessibility requirements and user needs
• Experience working in Agile development environments

Preferred Experience and Certifications

• Previous experience conducting research for VA systems or federal government applications
• Advanced degree in UX research, psychology, or related field
• Experience with quantitative research methods and statistical analysis
• Knowledge of human resources and supply chain management user workflows
• Understanding of federal employee and contractor user needs and constraints
• Experience with remote research methodologies and tools

Advanced Technical Skills:

• Advanced research methodology design and implementation
• Experience with research data analysis and synthesis techniques
• Understanding of accessibility research and compliance validation
• Knowledge of research ethics and federal research requirements

Job Type: Contract
Pay: $61.00 - $69.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• User Research Planning: 5 years (Preferred)
• Usability Testing: 5 years (Preferred)
• Data Analysis: 5 years (Preferred)
• Agile development environments: 5 years (Preferred)

Security clearance:

• Confidential (Preferred)

Work Location: Remot

• User Research Planning: Design and execute comprehensive user research studies, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and observational studies.
• User Needs Analysis: Identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement across multiple VA applications and workflows.
• Usability Testing: Conduct usability testing sessions to evaluate design effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Data Analysis: Analyze qualitative and quantitative research data to derive actionable insights and recommendations.
• User Persona Development: Create and maintain user personas and journey maps that inform design and development decisions.
• Research Communication: Present research findings and recommendations to stakeholders, designers, and development teams.
• Research Repository Management: Maintain a repository of research findings and insights to inform ongoing design decisions