Opportunity Snapshot

Technologies change, competitors become savvier, and customer expectations and needs are often a moving target. At AnswerLab, we discover and create research solutions to meet our client's evolving business needs.

Right now, AnswerLab's research teams are conducting custom user experience research to improve the latest websites, software and mobile applications for clients such as eBay, Yahoo!, Cisco, Microsoft, Intuit and Honda.

As our Director of Research, your mission will be to consult with our clients, design custom research projects, and then oversee a team of researchers through the project's execution, analysis and presentation to the client.

In addition to research and client relations, you will act as a mentor to several of our researchers, helping them to develop professionally and providing guidance in their careers, and also collaborate with the founders on the growth strategy for the company. Quick question for you - click here

Part consultant, part researcher and part manager, this role offers:

• Extensive client interaction and consultation.
• Exposure to a wide variety of interesting and challenging research projects and methodologies that will exercise both the analytical and creative sides of your mind.
• The opportunity to impact a rapidly growing company that is aiming to be the leading company in our space.
• A stimulating work environment comprised of intelligent and experienced research professionals who take a high energy and passionate approach to their work.
• Location! We are located right at the corner of Market and New Montgomery in the heart of San Francisco. We are a 1-minute walk from the Montgomery Street BART, and walking distance to countless restaurants and coffee shops.

Quick question for you - click here

Our Requirements

While specific experience is important, we are ultimately looking for candidates who have the personal characteristics to thrive in a growing client-focused business. The ideal candidate will likely have:

• College degree and preferably an educational background in Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors, Human Computer Interaction, or other related discipline with a solid foundation in research-based design using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Consulting experience, either in research (market or user experience) specifically or with a management consulting firm that uses analytical data to support conclusions. Experience to include:
  • Conducting quantitative and qualitative usability research and/or market research studies, particularly on large-scale websites or web-based applications
  • Conducting analysis using Excel, SPSS or other analytics tools
  • Designing and writing discussion guides, screeners, test protocols, and questionnaires
  • Moderating one-on-one usability sessions and conducting other types of usability studies
  • Using online/remote usability tools and survey software
  • Conducting presentations with senior-level business managers and executives
  • Experience building and leading a team of researchers

Quick question for you - click here

More About the Company

AnswerLab conducts both qualitative and quantitative research that provides actionable insights into customer experience with websites, software and mobile applications. AnswerLab works with clients at any phase of product development -- from concept testing to implementation to ongoing benchmarking and tracking. AnswerLab's research provides clients with the confidence needed to make important design decisions and offers detailed insights into the thoughts and attitudes of target customers. AnswerLab designs the appropriate methodology for each project, manages the project from start to finish and delivers the "a-ha moments". We are passionate about providing top-notch service to clients and offering a fun, rewarding work environment for our team members.

AnswerLab is a recognized leader in user experience research. In 2009 AnswerLab was the only research firm named to Inc Magazine's Inc 500 List of Fastest Growing Privately-Held Companies in America. The San Francisco Business Times also named the company to its list of 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area. Again, AnswerLab was the #1 research firm on the list. In addition AnswerLab recently received the Premier Partner Award from Honda for excellence in user experience research. AnswerLab's clients include industry-leaders such as FedEx, Yahoo!, eBay, Intuit, Wells Fargo, PayPal, Genentech, Cisco, Experian, ING Direct and Microsoft.

Here is where you will fit in. . .

More About Your Role

Our client's research needs are as varied as the myriad websites, software, and mobile applications that exist today. Many of their business challenges occur on the cutting edge of online and mobile technologies. Just about every single research project we carry out is unique, and our research methods include online customer experience evaluations (survey & web behavioral analysis), one-on-one website usability sessions (interviews), focus groups and mobile/iPhone studies.

As Director, you will design the appropriate methodology for each research project, manage it from start to finish and deliver the "a-ha moments" to the client. Specifically, you will:

• Develop a deep understanding of the business issues that are driving the client's need for research
• Help to define and creatively address client needs, including assisting with creating Statements of Work.
• Provide the most appropriate research methods and tools to meet each need
• Manage a team of researchers, partners and vendors associated with the project
• Oversee the analysis of study data
• Provide clients with high-quality, accurate information and business insights derived from customer input
• Respond quickly to client requests

Quick question for you - click here

Keys to Success

To be a success, you will embrace our four brand pillars: Trust, Quality, Responsiveness, and Flexibility. More specifically, you will:

• Engage on a highly consultative level with business and research managers in Fortune 500 companies.
• Leverage your interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients that will keep them coming back.
• Assume the role of trusted advisor, striking an appropriate balance between diplomacy and assertiveness.
• Fit in well with our culture, which is down to earth and attitude-free.
• Take pride in producing consistently excellent work.
• Effectively juggle multiple projects in varying stages of completion.
• Demonstrate a passion for technology, not just from our client's business perspective, but from a savvy user's perspective as well.

In summary, we view this as an excellent opportunity to assume a strategic role and have a direct and noticeable impact on an emerging market leader in user experience research. If this sounds like the right career move for you, and you meet the qualifications, we look forward to hearing from you.