Job Description

Microsoft Lists is a smart, flexible tool that helps teams track information and manage workflows within Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and beyond. With features like customizable templates, rules, views, and powerful integrations with Forms, Document Libraries, and AI-driven suggestions, Lists enables individuals and organizations to bring structure and clarity to their work.

As Lists evolves with AI-first experiences, deeper Teams integration, and data-informed evaluation strategies, UX Research is at the core of how we shape meaningful, intuitive, and scalable solutions for knowledge workers worldwide.

We are looking for a

Senior Design Researcher

who can bring clarity to complexity, foresight to ambiguity, and depth to product thinking.This is a high-impact role where your insights will directly inform product planning, design execution, and strategic decisions. You will collaborate closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and data scientists across geographies, with a particular focus on bridging research input from Hyderabad to Redmond partners.

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

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Define and lead strategic research roadmaps that align with Lists' business priorities and product vision. Conduct mixed-methods research (generative and evaluative), synthesize across data sources, and deliver recommendations that shape both near-term design and long-term strategy. Work hand-in-hand with PM, Design, Engineering, and Data Science to influence roadmap decisions and success metrics. Enable frequent concept testing and validation for AI, Forms, and Doc Library workstreams using Elite panels and internal tools. Collaborate on defining ethical and effective evaluation signals with Data Science, particularly for new AI experiences. Guide junior researchers, share best practices, and champion the voice of the user across the product and org.

Qualifications

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Required Qualifications:

Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 1+ year(s) User Experience Research experience + OR Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years User Experience Research experience
+ OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 4+ years User Experience Research experience
+ OR equivalent experience.
Fluency in qualitative and quantitative methods (e.g., interviews, usability studies, surveys, card sorting, analytics). Solid storytelling and communication skills; ability to influence decisions with clarity and empathy. Experience working across cross-functional product teams in fast-paced environments. Deep commitment to accessibility and inclusive design.

Preferred Qualifications:

Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years user experience research experience + OR Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years user experience research experience
+ OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 8+ years user experience research experience
+ OR equivalent experience.
3+ years relevant domain experience within technology sector. 3+ years experience in research methods impacting both product direction and detailed experience design. Fluency in qualitative and quantitative methods (e.g., interviews, usability studies, surveys, card sorting, analytics). Solid storytelling and communication skills; ability to influence decisions with clarity and empathy. Experience working across cross-functional product teams in fast-paced environments. Deep commitment to accessibility and inclusive design.

#ODSP #ONEDRIVE #SHAREPOINT #RESEARCH
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.