User Experience Specialist

Description:

The Ohio State University is seeking a Senior User Experience (UX) Specialist to join its Research Information Technology team. This role focuses on driving user-centered research, design, and validation processes for next-generation digital applications, systems, tools, and services that advance health sciences research.

The specialist will conduct both generative and evaluative UX research to elicit, synthesize, and contextualize insights. They will collaborate closely with research faculty, hospital administration, clinicians, and research participants to shape user experiences across diverse digital platforms. The role involves balancing user and business requirements with regulatory compliance, accessibility standards, and research/clinical best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, execute, analyze, and synthesize UX research activities, including front-end research and UX validation for digital applications, systems, and tools.

• Engage stakeholders to gather and align on user experience requirements and goals.

• Co-author UX specification documents for development teams with senior guidance.

• Serve as an embedded UX professional, providing advocacy and support throughout the software development lifecycle.

• Lead and manage small UX projects independently and contribute to larger initiatives under senior guidance.

• Promote UX best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches within the Research User Experience and Design core.

• Maintain and present a digital UX portfolio for evaluation and consideration.

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Design Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Co-Design, Usability Testing, User Testing, Computer & Information Science, or related field.

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in UX or related IT fields.

• Strong understanding of digital systems, UX research methods, and software development lifecycle (both waterfall and agile).

• Proven ability to develop and advocate user requirements effectively.

• Access to a UX portfolio is mandatory for application consideration.

Desired Qualifications:

• UX generalist with knowledge across UX research, prototyping, and validation domains.

• Experience in healthcare and/or working with college faculty is preferred.

Work Environment:

• On-site position at Bevis Hall, Columbus, OH.

• Standard first-shift schedule (40 hours per week).

Additional Information:

• Final candidates will undergo a background check; a drug screen or physical may be required post-offer.

• The Ohio State University promotes equality of opportunity for all, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.