We’re looking for a UX Researcher + Design Strategist to join a team focused on shaping future-facing experiences through deep qualitative insight and strategic thinking. This remote contract role supports innovation research for emerging technologies and next-generation device experiences, helping translate complex findings into clear, compelling frameworks and actionable ideas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and synthesize qualitative research to uncover human needs, cultural shifts, and innovation opportunities.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative inputs and turn them into insights, recommendations, and durable strategic frameworks.
• Create visually engaging presentations, reports, and research artifacts using design tools and AI-enabled platforms.
• Facilitate workshops, working sessions, and presentations to share findings and activate research across teams.
• Partner with design and product stakeholders to translate long-term research insights into near-term concepts and actions.
• Collaborate with research peers to extend existing work into new questions and future research roadmaps.
• Contribute to speculative concepts, design briefs, and other creative outputs that help inform innovation efforts.

Skills

• 7+ years of experience in research, with a strong focus on early-stage, generative design research.
• Deep expertise in qualitative methods, including ethnographic, semiotic, co-design, and design research approaches.
• Ability to translate research into strategic narratives, scenarios, principles, and actionable frameworks.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Comfort working with visual design tools such as Figma and other creative or AI-supported platforms.
• Experience conducting in-context, in-person research when needed, including travel as required.
• A portfolio that demonstrates research impact, strategic influence, and innovation-focused work.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working on innovative products, new concepts, or future-facing initiatives.
• Background in devices, digital products, or other technology-driven environments.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI or XR.
• Experience with multimodal interactions, including touch, voice, and mediated control.
• Ability to develop immersive materials such as scenarios, design provocations, or workshop content.
• Strong collaborative mindset and comfort working across cross-functional teams.

Horizontal is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace where different perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and are dedicated to creating a welcoming hiring experience.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.