User Research Assistant

About the Role

A multinational media and entertainment client seeking a User Research Assistant passionate about gaming and research methodology. This role involves moderating test sessions with 4 to 24 participants across console, PC, and mobile platforms to gather data on games. The assistant observes participant behavior and effectively communicates findings to the research team. Training for core skills is provided, yet understanding research practices involving human participants is essential. The position is hybrid based in Burbank, California.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out research studies efficiently.
• Assist lead researchers in analyzing gameplay behaviors to reveal valuable insights.
• Support operational needs such as lab setup and procedure management.
• Facilitate each playtest impartially and professionally.
• Help develop comprehensive research reports combining qualitative and quantitative data to offer actionable recommendations for product, design, and engineering teams.
• Contribute to expert evaluations including heuristic assessments, UX audits, and competitive analyses to detect usability problems and improvement opportunities in game features and flows.
• Process and categorize data for detailed analysis.
• Create, manage, and distribute surveys using appropriate tools.
• Utilize databases for participant recruitment, scheduling, and communication.
• Recruit participants matching study requirements.
• Maintain and update lab inventory, managing stock needs.
• Participate in special assignments such as data entry, recruitment events, game teardown analysis, and documentation tasks.

Candidate Requirements

• Completed college degree in relevant areas such as experimental psychology, human-computer interaction, or human factors.
• Confident public speaker capable of leading group sessions authoritatively.
• Experience moderating group research such as focus groups, playtests, or workshops.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Office 365, survey tools, data analysis software, and participant databases.
• Experience with design and collaboration tools like Mural or Figma.
• Comfortable handling technology setups, including lab hardware installation and troubleshooting device connectivity issues.
• Solid knowledge of research design, qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Understanding of video game design principles and the development lifecycle.
• Adaptability and quick learning in diverse problem-solving contexts.
• Passion for playing games across all types.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills in using AI transcription technologies for converting audio/video recordings into searchable text to aid research.
• Experience configuring or deploying AI agents via platforms like Microsoft Copilot to automate workflows and research tasks.
• Familiarity with quantitative research analysis, statistics, and reporting.
• Ability to troubleshoot PC or console hardware, software, and game builds to ensure smooth testing experiences.
• Demonstrated rapid learning and effective application of new technologies and research tools in dynamic environments.

Additional Information

This is an Equal Opportunity position welcoming veterans, disabled individuals, and other protected groups.

Compensation: Up to $32 per hour.

Location: Hybrid work setup in Burbank, California.