Assessment and User Experience Researcher

Description

The Assessment and User Experience (AUX) Researcher conducts research to learn about and improve the experience of Duke University Libraries users as they interact with web platforms, physical spaces, and library services. The AUX Researcher assists in planning and coordinating user research broadly across the Libraries, including collecting, analyzing, and documenting data useful for evaluating library operations and understanding user needs. They contribute user experience research expertise to project teams tasked with designing or improving user interfaces, both public-facing and staff-facing. They bring experience in and passion for equitable and ethical user research (e.g., a current understanding of best practices for inclusive and privacy-protecting user research, as well as research methods that respect underrepresented and vulnerable populations).

Responsibilities

Assessment Projects (40%)

• Initiates, collaborates, and advises on cross-departmental quantitative and qualitative user and research studies, including studies that focus on understanding the specific needs of underrepresented or marginalized groups

• Generates analysis and translates insights into written reports to inform organizational decision-making; advocates strongly for changes that would improve the experience of library users, including members of underrepresented or marginalized groups

• Maintains a tight connection between the Libraries and student needs by helping to organize the Libraries’ student advisory boards

User Experience Research (40%)

• Develops and leads User Experience (UX) research projects, including designing and coordinating usability studies
• Partners with AUXS staff to maintain user recruitment lists and conduct outreach for studies
• Contributes user experience research skills to platform development project teams; supports and consults on various phases of UX research – e.g., information architecture, user flows, visual design, accessibility, usability testing
• Advises student employees or volunteers on UX research

Additional Responsibilities (20%)

• Leads project teams where appropriate
• Consults regularly with counterparts at Duke University’s professional school libraries and within the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN)
• Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations, and service to the library, University, or community in a professional capacity
• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity of perspective, background, and experience.

Education:

Required: Knowledge of assessment and user experience research practices generally acquired through completion of a degree in a social sciences-related field. Specific training or coursework in user experience research, assessment, and/or program evaluation.

Preferred: Master’s degree in User Experience Research, Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, HCI/Computer Science, Information or Library Science with an emphasis in assessment or user experience research, or other related fields.

Experience:

Required:

• Skills in and experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, such as focus groups, usability studies, user interviews, and surveys
• Knowledge of current technologies for UX data collection, manipulation, analysis, and reporting

Preferred:

• Skills in and experience with accessibility testing, web analytics, and/or user experience design (e.g., journey mapping, content strategy, information architecture, prototyping, visual design)
• Prior experience working in an academic research library or higher education institution
• Experience with effective project management tools and techniques
• Experience coordinating multiple user research projects simultaneously
• Experience with user testing research platforms and remote, online testing
• Experience with quantitative analysis and data visualization methods and tools such as OpenRefine, Tableau, advanced Microsoft Excel, or statistical programming languages

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This description is subject to change at any time.

Salary and Benefits

Salary dependent on qualifications and experience; the anticipated range is $60,000-$75,000. Comprehensive benefits package includes 20 days vacation, 14 holidays, 12 days sick leave;  health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training.

Environment

Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and ideas. The Libraries consist of the Perkins Library, Bostock Library, Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lilly Library, and Music Library, and the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort. Duke's library holdings of 6.2 million volumes are among the largest of private universities in the United States.

Duke is a diverse community committed to the principles of excellence, fairness, and respect for all people. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. We believe that when we understand, celebrate, and tap into our uniqueness to creatively solve problems and address shared goals, our possibilities are limitless. Duke University Libraries value diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and background and are actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect.

Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters. Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to do business.

Duke offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement, as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/index.php.

Application

An electronic resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references should be submitted at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27565. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The Duke University Libraries have a strong commitment to Affirmative Action and is actively seeking to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of our staff.