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Design Research Operations (Part Time)

Cambridge, MA; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA

Design Research Operations

Chicago, San Francisco, Cambridge MA eligible

At IDEO, we use design to create new products, services, experiences; tangible strategies; and creative capabilities.

IDEO is seeking a Design Research Recruitment & Operations specialist who will partner with design teams in San Francisco, Chicago, and Cambridge MA to support participant recruitment and research operations across multiple design research studies.

In a Nutshell:

Design research is the cornerstone of our human-centered approach to design thinking. 

The Design Research Operations team plays a critical role in helping shape research, empower teams, and find participants and experts to give our designers and clients unique perspectives on the problem we are designing for. This person’s ability to operationalize research systems for projects and resourcefully identify and hand-pick the right participants is crucial for fueling design inspiration. They hold a broad view of our global research efforts and are able to help the community build better processes that enable us to push the edges of human-centered research.

This is a temporary, part-time position (20 hours/week). We are especially excited to meet candidates with a background in fast-paced environments like creative agencies, large scale nonprofits, or startups. This position supports IDEO’s commitment to flexible work, while requiring proximity to one of our North American studios.

Once here you will:

  • Develop and implement participant recruitment strategies aligned to diverse industries & project goals.
  • Create and execute on a recruiting plan for bespoke projects. 
  • Readily utilize different ways of reaching people and screening for fit to each study, including targeted outreach via social channels; networking with relevant organizations; or working with external recruiting partners. 
  • Apply your strong intuition and instincts while screening respondents to ensure they are appropriate for a particular project.
  • Provide an exceptional & non-extractive experience for those we learn from.
    Meticulously manage logistics for a variety of research methods, including both  remote and in-person research sessions.
  • Uphold compliance with research ethics, privacy, and participant compensation protocols in accordance with industry best practices and the Little Book of Design Research Ethics.
    Partner with interdisciplinary design teams to ensure seamless research operations.

As you grow within our organization - you’ll help build the future of Design Research Operations at IDEO, support the design and creation of resources—tools, assets and relationships—and find great people to participate in research and inspire design.

Qualifications / Experience:

  • 1–4 years of experience in research recruitment, research operations, nonprofit operations, community management or participant management.
  • Proficiency with recruitment tools such as dscout, user Interviews, or similar platforms.
  • Strong organization, attention to detail, and communication skills.
  • Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Bonus: Knowledge of HIPAA guidelines and experience in health-related research.

What Makes a Great Fit:

We’re looking for someone who brings:

  • A collaborative, team-oriented approach to ambiguous work.
  • Clear, thoughtful communication and follow-through.
  • Demonstrated care for underrepresented populations and niche communities.
  • A proactive mindset — comfortable navigating ambiguity and finding creative solutions to tricky recruits.
  • Curiosity and openness to learning new tools and ways of working.

Payscale & Benefits:

IDEO is committed to paying its employees, contractors & vendors equitably, regardless of gender identity or race/ethnicity/cultural identity. 

The hourly rate for this role is $35–$40 USD. Final offers may vary based on candidate experience, location, and other factors.

As a part-time, temporary position, this role is not eligible for full-time employee benefits. However, this position offers meaningful collaboration with IDEO teams and integration into project work and studio culture and the potential for growth contingent on business needs.

Commitment to Diversity

At IDEO, we are committed to the work of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and in the world. Our purpose of having disproportionate, world-changing impact through design is directly connected to our ability to bring many different perspectives to the table. This applies to our candidates, the people we hire, the clients and customers we serve, and the communities we learn from in our research.

As a human-centered organization, we are committed to working with and designing for people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical ability or attribute, religion, national origin, or political belief. We recognize that this commitment requires ongoing work and sustained attention, as well as adaptation to new insights and best practices. We keep our diversity data public for the sake of accountability and transparency. These commitments will also be part of your journey at IDEO, so please feel free to read more about them here.

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