----Job Description---- Usability Researcher 5 BCforward is currently seeking a highly motivated Usability Researcher 5 for an opportunity in Redmond, WA Position Title: Usability Researcher 5 Location: Redmond WA, Remote Anticipated Start Date: - ASAP Please note this is the target date and is subject to change. BCforward will send official notice ahead of a confirmed start date. Expected Duration: 3 Months Contract Job Type: Contract and Remote Pay Range: $60/hr. - $70/hr. Please note that actual compensation may vary within this range due to factors such as location, experience, and job responsibilities, and does not encompass additional non-standard compensation (e.g., benefits, paid time off, per diem, etc.). Requirements: * Minimum 10+ years experience with UX benchmark type research. * Minimum 8+ years experience with project management, organizing, and planning are critical for running a good benchmark. * Minimum 8+ years' experience with Qualitative research experience is necessary, in addition to quantitative skills, for a balanced approach to research. Job Responsibilities: * Research Planning and Execution: Design and execute research to evaluate the quality of MS Copilot compared with key competitors and track its evolution over time. * Generative and Evaluative Research: Conduct qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research to generate insights for MS 365 and Copilot. * Data Analysis and Synthesis: Analyze and synthesize diverse data sources, prioritize findings, and track the impact of your research. * Competitive Analysis: Perform competitive analysis to understand key user tasks, how competitors address user needs/goals and their effectiveness, existing pain points, and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in our products. * Rapid Insight Generation: Execute research and compile insights quickly to maximize impact. Skills & Experience (Required) * An advanced degree in Engineering, Social Science, or other data or research-centric field. * Proven experience in designing and executing UX benchmarking, evaluating user experiences against industry standards, competitors, and performance metrics. * Exceptional project management, organizing, and planning skills with keen attention to detail. * Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present and influence data-driven decisions. * Proficiency in qualitative research methods, insight synthesis, and generating insightful reports. * Experience conducting competitive analysis on multiple dimensions and translating insights into actionable product improvements. * Demonstrated industry experience in advocating for users and collaborating effectively with development teams to improve user experience based on research results or customer feedback. * A passion for translating ideas, needs, and requests into rigorous and valid research questions. Skills & Experience (Desirable) * An advanced degree in Human Computer Interaction, Human Factors, or related fields. * Experience and demonstrated skill with mixed research methods, usability, and benchmark research, including observing, understanding, and synthesizing human behavior into insights, to drive customer-focused product development. Benefits: BCforward offers all eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to major medical, HSA, dental, vision, employer-provided group life, voluntary life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and 401k. About BCforward: Founded in 1998 on the idea that industry leaders needed a professional service, and workforce management expert, to fuel the development and execution of core business and technology strategies, BCforward is a Black-owned firm providing unique solutions supporting value capture a To view the full job