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.

Moon is a global enterprise accelerator for Mitsui & Co. Our vision is to accelerate Mitsui & Co. through emerging global technologies to create brighter futures everywhere. Our global multidisciplinary team connects the right people technologies and opportunities to deliver impact at scale.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

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

Moon Creative Lab is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race color religious creed sex national origin citizenship status age physical or mental disability sexual orientation marital parental veteran or military status unfavorable military discharge or any other status protected by applicable federal state or local law.