User Researcher Contract

Blenderbox is seeking a seasoned User Research Strategist to lead a discovery engagement for one of our public-sector clients. This role will drive the research, facilitation, analysis, and strategic recommendations that inform the direction of a complex digital platform. You'll work closely with our Project Manager, UX/UI Designer, and Technical Product Manager to ensure the discovery work is rigorous, user-centered, and grounded in organizational realities. This is a US-based remote contract position with an anticipated timeline of 6-8 weeks in Q1 2026.What You'll LeadThis role is responsible for the core discovery activities that require deep expertise in research, facilitation, and strategy. Your primary focus will be: Stakeholder Engagement & User Research (Majority of the Scope) Plan and conduct stakeholder interviews across multiple teams and roles Facilitate cross-functional sessions to uncover needs, workflows, gaps, and areas of opportunity Conduct user interviews or evaluative research as applicable Analyze inputs to identify themes, insights, and problem areasSynthesis & Strategic FramingDevelop clear findings, insights, and opportunity areas Map workflows, journeys, and service touchpoints Translate research into frameworks that support decision-makingWorkshops & Alignment ActivitiesDesign and facilitate workshops to validate findings, refine direction, and align stakeholders Prepare materials, run the sessions, and synthesize outcomes Partner with the Project Manager and UX/UI designer on facilitation planning and outputsDiscovery DeliverablesYou'll play a central role in preparing key outputs, including: A findings + insights report Strategic recommendations and rationale Early conceptual direction and prioritization A roadmap-style view of next steps A synthesized presentation deck for leadershipAudit Participation (As Needed)The project includes content, workflow, UX, and accessibility audits that are supported by internal team members. You may: Assist in reviewing and interpreting audit findings Contribute to synthesis when audit insights intersect with research themes Lead specific audit activities if relevant to your experienceEarly Alignment Support (As Needed)While the Project Manager will lead most early alignment activities, you may support: Clarifying research questions Defining user groups and stakeholder dimensions Shaping the discovery planWho We're Looking ForSignificant experience leading UX research and strategic discovery initiatives Strong portfolio of complex, multi-stakeholder research projects Demonstrated ability to synthesize ambiguity into clarity and document findings Excellent facilitation skills — especially remote workshops Strong writing and communication abilities for client-facing deliverables Experience with public-sector, nonprofit, or large institutional environments is a plus Comfortable partnering collaboratively with UX, PM, and technical rolesUS Citizen or authorized to work in the US.Tools + CollaborationExperience using and creating deliverables in tools such as: Figma / FigJamMiroZoom-based remote facilitationairtablegoogle suite Standard research documentation workflows You'll be embedded in our cross-functional team and supported by a dedicated Project Manager throughout the engagement.How to ApplyIf this seems like a good fit for you, please apply via the link. Please share: Your resume or portfolio A summary of your relevant experience Please include your hourly rate__No Recruiters, please.