Research Manager - Telecommute

Combine two of the fastest-growing fields on the planet with a culture of performance, collaboration and opportunity and this is what you get. Leading edge technology in an industry that is improving the lives of millions. Here, innovation is not about another gadget; it is about making health care data available wherever and whenever people need it, safely and reliably. There is no room for error. If you are looking for a better place to use your passion and your desire to drive change, this is the place to be. It's an opportunity to do your life's best work.(sm)

As a Research Manager for the growing United Design research team, you will serve as an expert in usability engineering methods and HCI principles. Primary responsibilities include identifying user needs and goals, designing and conducting research using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, and analyzing and reporting data gathered for Optum products while leading a team of researchers, ultimately reporting into the Chief Design Office through the director of research.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design, conduct, analyze, and report data gathered from qualitative and quantitative research techniques including keystroke level modeling (KLM), usability testing, contextual inquiry / field studies, surveys, interviews, heuristic evaluations, focus groups, card sorts, ethnography and persona development, and rapid iterative testing within an Agile environment
• Work with assigned product teams to identify and prioritize user research requirements; create research timelines, scope, and define appropriate methodologies
• Assist in developing remediation plans for issues identified from research as appropriate
• Advocate that established user-research principles be followed
• Collaborate with product teams to develop research goals, identify tasks and scenarios, and establish a test environment
• Create and deliver test result reports including statistical analysis
• Establish research and usability metrics strategies for project teams
• Perform reviews, provide leadership, and deliver people-managing skills appropriate to an emerging leader

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience
• 5 years of experience as a usability research practitioner
• 5 years of demonstrated experience delivering user research, including but not limited to developing user personas, conducting field studies / contextual inquiry, and usability testing
• Proven ability to deliver research on time while working on multiple projects
• Experience working on a PC running Windows 10
• Experience working in a team environment or with an application team

Preferred qualifications:

• Eye-tracking experience
• Experience with Cogulator or equivalent 
• Experience with Nvivo or similar tool
• Experience mentoring junior researchers in best practices for conducting UX research
• Experience with tools such as UserZoom, UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop and other industry standard tools 
• Agile experience
• Healthcare Industry experience 
• Preference for commercial software experience or enterprise applications
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills; the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively across different audiences and varying levels of the organization
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent organization, leadership and relationship building skills
• Attention to detail
• High level of customer focus

To protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients and communities we serve, UnitedHealth Group and its affiliate companies require all employees to disclose COVID-19 vaccination status prior to beginning employment. In addition, some roles and locations require full COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as an essential job function. UnitedHealth Group adheres to all federal, state and local COVID-19 vaccination regulations as well as all client COVID-19 vaccination requirements and will obtain the necessary information from candidates prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Failure to meet the vaccination requirement may result in rescission of an employment offer or termination of employment.

Technology Careers with Optum. Information and technology have amazing power to transform the health care industry and improve people's lives. This is where it's happening. This is where you'll help solve the problems that have never been solved. We're freeing information so it can be used safely and securely wherever it's needed. We're creating the very best ideas that can most easily be put into action to help our clients improve the quality of care and lower costs for millions. This is where the best and the brightest work together to make positive change a reality. This is the place to do your life's best work.(sm)

Colorado, Connecticut or Nevada Residents Only: The salary range for Colorado residents is $97,300 to $176,900. The salary range for Connecticut / Nevada residents is $97,300 to $176,900. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.