Are you passionate about new devices and technologies and how people use them? Do you want to be an integral part of the design and creation of innovative, new products? The Microsoft Surface Team focuses on building devices and accessories that fully express Microsoft’s vision. Creating these devices and accessories involves a close partnership between User Research, Hardware and Software Engineers, Designers, and Marketing. We are currently building the next generation and we need you!
This role will require you to work in the present and the future simultaneously, juggling research plans for shipping products, as well as future prototypes and concepts. To this end you will need a creative and agile approach to research as well as experience in a breadth in methodologies from generative to evaluative. You should also have the ability to make gut calls when necessary, leveraging knowledge of cognitive science, human factors, and interaction design. We strive to understand customers deeply, and so this role will challenge you to bring new methods to the team which inspire, and help us design great products. A successful candidate will also have the ability to work effectively with multiple disciplines to garner support for research plans and drive measurable improvements into our products.
The be successful in this role, these are the skills required:
At least 5 years of experience in industry conducting original experimental research on consumer products.
Experience with a broad range of research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative techniques).
Proven track record of moving beyond data, getting to insight and being able to effectively tell a story to inspire vision.
A track record of successful collaboration across disciplines (design, engineering, planning) leading to measurable product improvements.
Experience as a research lead on a product or feature area - creating schedules, defining and tracking user experience metrics, driving execution on projects, and managing the work of additional resources.
Strong aptitude for learning new technologies, and demonstrated agility and flexibility in decision making and the way you work.
Expect to do work. We want someone with a desire to get their hands dirty and do the work, not just manage vendors
Solid knowledge of the field of human-computer interaction, experimental design, observational and field methods and data analysis.
Demonstrated ability to visualize and present rich research data simply and clearly.
Strong oral and written communication skills; experience presenting to executive-level audiences.
Desired qualifications:
Either an MA/MS or PhD in human factors, psychology or related field, OR a BA/BS in one of the above fields with significant academic or industry experience.
Hardware, human factors or ergonomics research experience.
Experience with “front end” research - defining a target audience, understanding user behavior and needs, and inspiring a design vision.
Background in industrial design.
If you are ready for a new challenge and want to be on the research team with visibility and impact across the Surface organization, we need you!
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.