Design Research Lead

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-Term until 31 st December 2026

Department: Enterprise Performance Group; Chief Operating Officer Portfolio

Salary: UOM 8 – $122,736 – $132,847 p.a. plus 17% super

• Influence strategic digital initiatives / Enhance student and staff experiences / Drive data-informed design decisions

• Apply now to lead user research that will transform digital experiences across a prestigious university landscape

• Brilliant benefits and a flexible hybrid work environment

About the role

As the Desi gn Research Lead at the University of Melbourne, you 'll pl ay a crucial role in shaping the digital experiences of students and staff across the institution. You 'll co nduct in-depth research to uncover user needs, translate complex insights into actionable recommendations, and influence strategic digital initiatives. This role offers you the opportunity to drive innovation in higher education, contribute to large-scale information architecture projects, and enhance the overall user experience in a world-class academic environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Insight Generation: Synthesize data to provide actionable recommendations aligned with broader university objectives .

• S takeholder Engagement: Facilitate workshops and collaborative sessions with diverse university stakeholders.

• Quantitative Research: Con ducting surveys in Qualtrics including Kano

• UX Research: usability testing, iterative fe edback and prototyping

• Journey Mapping: Create and maintain comprehensive user journey maps and service blueprints.

Who we are looking for

You are an experienced user researcher with a strong background in UX design, possessing excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate complex insights into strategic recommendations in a large, diverse organisation.

You will also:

• Hold a relevant tertiary degree with significant experience in UX or qualitative research.

• Demonstrate proven skills in planning and delivering user research projects to meet deadlines.

• Show strong analytical abilities for synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data.

• Have experience delivering cus tomer journey mapping a nd service b luepr inting

• Possess excellent interpersonal skills for engaging diverse stakeholders effectively.

• Have experience applying user research methods to across the technology product life cyc le

• Exhibit strong workshop facilitation and presentation skills.

• Have qu antitative research skills to support surveys in cluding Kano

• Demonstrate a growth mindset with empathy, curiosity, and resilience.

• Be willing to work occasional hours outside of normal business hours.

• Hold or be willing to obtain a Working with Children Check.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires the successful candidate to undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position . This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your new team – Enterprise Performance Group (EPG)

The Enterprise Performance Group (EPG) is a centre of excellence in business transformation and operational performance. We drive improved operational efficiency, effectiveness and experiences across the University by bringing together specialist skills and expertise in data asset management, reporting and analytical services with service improvement, design, project delivery and change management.

What we offer you

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses.

The University of Melbourne

We're tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .

Be yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods . To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Kim Groizard or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr- . You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture, and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information - Murmuk Djerring Indigenous Strategy

Join Us

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the .

Please ensure that you apply through the Apply Now button at the bottom of this advertisement. However, if you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Ethan Khamly via email at hr- , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address .

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the contact details listed on the .

: JR Design Research