Design Researcher (Contract, Palo Alto)

Moon is hiring a Design Researcher (Contractor) who is passionate, self-driven, and open to deepening their skills within Design/UX Research as well as expanding their skills in different areas within Design (e.g. Strategic Design, UX/UI, Product Design, etc.). The ideal candidate is infinitely curious, analytical, creative and experienced enough to adapt research methods to a new industry context quickly.

As a contractor, you will work with the Project Manager to define/refine and execute the scope of research across different stages of new initiative development for the project(s) at Moon.

This is a part-time contract role based in Palo Alto for an initial term of 3 months, requiring 20-28 hours per week. This role may require travel as and when necessary to perform project tasks. There is a possibility of contract extension based on the business needs and performance. Rate is $90 - 115 an hour.

What You’ll Do at Moon

• Work closely with the Project Manager to define and execute research scope across new initiatives stages, for heavy industry-focused partnerships and collaborations.
• Assist with/execute various aspects of research planning to address project goals, and business/product decisions.
• Plan and execute desktop and market research, including but not limited to: trend analysis, competitive landscape, steeple/pestle analysis, etc.
• Plan and run qualitative research with key stakeholders, and subject matter experts to surface real operational, safety and commercial unmet needs.
• Synthesize research and findings, identify key insights, and collaborate with the team to define implications for key project decisions.
• Plan and run concept testing with key stakeholders, including validating emerging concepts against user/stakeholder needs and identifying industry constraints.
• Join brainstorming sessions as needed, and be a thought partner to the team - expanding your thinking into different areas but bringing your unique POV/experience to the table (as both a researcher and beyond).
• Assist in defining innovation opportunities based on the research for potential projects and working with the team to prioritize what can/should be done.

The Must-Haves

• 7+ years of experience with Design Research or UX Research background, with demonstrated qualitative methods.
• A degree with course work relevant to Design, the Scientific Process/Methodology, the Human Condition (e.g. Product/Service Design, Psychology, Sociology, etc) OR relevant experience in Design Research, Strategic Design, or UX Research.
• Ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, decision ready outputs.
• Proactive, self-driven, comfortable working closely with a Project Manager in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• B2B research experiences.
• Proficiency in Google tools, Slack, Notion, Figma.
• Business level English.

The Nice-to-Haves

• Experiences in heavy industries (mining, energy, manufacturing, supply chain or similar) - domain knowledge is a plus but not a requirement.
• Previous experience with Exploratory Research in early stage product development/new business creation.
• Experience in proof of concept prototyping and iteration.
• Experience with Quantitative Research Methodologies / Synthesis.
• Experience experimenting AI tools effectively to conduct research.
• Experience working in deep-tech / AI.
• Experience working with a cross-cultural/international organization.
• Experience in/understanding of other design areas (e.g. Solution/Product Design, Service Design, Brand Design, etc.).
• Business level Brazilian Portuguese and/or Spanish.

Sounds Fun, Right?

If you identify with Moon's values and would like to contribute to our work, please submit your resume and optionally, a cover letter.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER