Senior Ux Researcher

We are hiring a Senior UX Researcher to join the user research team! As the Senior UX Researcher, you are a highly motivated individual who possesses both qualitative and quantitative skills. You will lead human-centered design (HCD) research initiatives that inform decision-making at multiple levels. You are comfortable leading research sprints, identifying insights, problems and gaps, and building a narrative that directly informs program, policy, and product roadmaps and features. The Senior UX Researcher exhibits a high degree of independence, judgment, and initiative, is creative and strategic in approaching research, passionate about helping people, and highly collaborative. The Senior UX Researcher reports to the Research Manager.
ODI is a human-centered-design (HCD) department. We look at people, policy, products, and services with a goal to uncover the "why" behind the "what." Our goal is to show how the practice of continuous user research and discovery is essential, effective, and impactful for any government agency. Our user research team is a group of curious, creative, kind, and fun individuals from a multitude of backgrounds. We work for the government because we know that we can help people. We're conscientious, thorough, and intentional in our work and focused on improving government across the board.
What you'll do:

• Combine quantitative and qualitative research skills that influence the planning, design, and development of government products, tools, and services.
• Develop a deep empathetic understanding of users, their needs, actions, motivations, and goals, and identify gaps in systems and services.
• Collaboratively build, maintain, or contribute to the research goals and plan for projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, developers, and product managers, to ensure human-centered design principles are applied throughout government.
• Lead cross-functional research projects that involve qualitative and quantitative methodologies, such as user interviews, usability testing, surveys, focus groups, user journey mapping, design thinking sprints, and A/B testing.
• Evangelize research insights with stakeholders and senior executives, to drive decision-making.
• Create research materials and use these materials to listen and discuss with Californians the challenges and opportunities surrounding a digital product.
• Help build the future of digital services for all Californians.

The employee's workstation is located in Sacramento, CA. Travel to the Sacramento headquarters may be required as needed. This position provides telework opportunities in accordance with agency telework policies.
Need help understanding the hiring process or have questions about ODI? We'd love to talk to you! Before applying, read through our civil service application guide , or contact us at odi-talent-team@innovation.ca.gov . Please include the position title in the subject line.
ODI encourages people with disabilities to apply for jobs with us. The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) can help people with disabilities get jobs with the State of California. It is an alternative to the regular civil service exam for a job. You explain your knowledge, skills, and abilities through on-the-job testing. Using LEAP is optional. Learn more about LEAP and find available exams on CalHR's LEAP page .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-409650
Position #(s):
374-100-5758-001
Working Title:
Senior UX Researcher
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II $7,201.00 - $9,013.00 A
Shall Consider:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III
$7,911.00 - $9,902.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information The California Office of Data and Innovation helps deliver better services to the people of California through technology and design. In close partnership with our colleagues in other state departments, we reimagine and deliver more equitable and effective programs and products. We listen to Californians who use a program now or may do so tomorrow and hear about what they need. We build tools and products, create and enhance digital services, conduct research, identify data solutions and offer training. We are a cross-discipline staff with blended backgrounds in design, engineering, product, operations, data, research, policy and strategy. If you can imagine joining this growing, and inclusive team, please apply!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ODI
Diversity, equity, and inclusion help us deliver better government services to Californians. Fostering diversity inspires better ideas and more innovative thinking. Feeling included nurtures a shared sense of community. This drives us to take collective action on challenging problems. Prioritizing equity ensures we build solutions for people whose needs are often overlooked. We acknowledge our history and present of implicit and structural injustice, bias, and discrimination. We see, hear, and accept each other and the lived experiences we bring to our work. We support each other in learning and developing so we can help all Californians thrive. We understand this work is never done. That's why we commit to constant improvement.
Department Website: https://innovation.ca.gov/
Special Requirements All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). You must provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Each individual response must be numbered and include the full text of the numbered items prior to your response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. Limit your SOQ to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.
1. Share a case study of a project where you used both quantitative and qualitative methods to create insights that drove product development. How did you choose your methodology and why? What were the impacts?
2. Share an example of a typical research project in which you partnered with and led multiple stakeholders. What were their disciplines? How did you bring them along on the research journey? What are your best-practices for cross-team partnership and project management?
Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 1/12/2024
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Office of Data and Innovation
Attn: Human Resources Office - Stephanie Lopez
1515 S Street
North Building, Suite 500
Sacramento , CA 95811
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Office of Data and Innovation
Human Resources Office - Stephanie Lopez
1810 16th Street
Sacramento , CA 95811
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - If you are basing your eligibility on education, provide your transcripts. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts will be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers. If you are not basing your eligibility on an educational requirement, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File).
• Statement of Qualifications - A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS IS REQUIRED. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
We encourage you to apply regardless of whether you think you meet 100% of the desirable qualifications.

• 5-7+ years of experience in applied UX research, with a focus on qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Familiarity with statistical survey methods and tools such as SPSS, Tableau, R, Qualtrics.
• Proven track record of leading end-to-end cross-functional research initiatives that inform strategic decision-making at multiple levels.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively articulate complex research findings and insights to stakeholders and leadership.
• Ability to lead research projects with multiple stakeholders from end-to-end while landing actionable results.
• Bachelors or Masters Degree in human behavior related fields (human-computer interaction, psychology, sociology, anthropology, business and design, science and technology studies, change management, or related field).
• Experience working in government, technology, or other large organizations is preferred.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://innovation.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Stephanie Lopez
(916) 926-0230
stephanie.lopez@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
ODI Talent Team
(916) 398-5858
odi-talent-team@innovation.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
RA Coordinators
(916) 324-3235
RACoordinators@calhr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Application Information
Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your social security number, birthdate, student identification number, driver license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of the application submitted online through your CalCareers account will be redacted automatically upon submission.
Using the online application system as specified in this announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel deliver or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
Applications must be complete and include a description of the duties performed for each position held; reference to a resume ("See Resume") in place of a description of the du...