Usability Research Manager
PayPal

About PayPal User Interface Design & User Research:

Do you have a creative eye for design? Do you often ponder what makes people do the things they do? If so, then we have a position for you! The design and research group here at PayPal is comprised of a multi-cultural, multi-talented team of individuals whose skills range from conceptual design to contextual inquiries. We are a passionate bunch of highly skilled user experience specialists - our focus is driving the goals of the business, by defining and creatively addressing the needs of our users. You could be one of us!

Usability Research Manager

The qualified candidate will be responsible for leading user research initiatives in support of product development, by leading a team of talented usability engineers. This person will work closely with marketing and product groups to oversee all usability research initiatives, while managing appropriate budgets. The successful candidate should be able to manage projects as well as people. Excellent communication skills are a must. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Manage and mentor a team of usability engineers
• Prioritize, manage and oversee all research initiatives
• Handle all aspects of research budgetary issues
• In this unique role, the Usability Research Manager should be able to assist with appropriate research methodologies as time allows and business demands, using appropriate user centered design methods (i.e., be prepared to periodically plan, design and conduct usability evaluations including heuristic evaluations, card sorts, competitive analyses, cognitive walkthroughs, 1:1 discount usability sessions, field studies, focus groups, etc.)
• Assist the research team with analyzing and interpreting data, compile professional reports and present findings to cross functional teams
• Keep abreast of current usability developments and new methodologies
• Must be able to manage vendor relationships (e.g., recruiters, outsourcing research to outside firms)

Position Requirements:

• At least 5 years of industry experience conducting all forms of informal and formal usability research methodologies with demonstrated experience conducting research for large scale websites or web-based applications
• At least 2 years of industry experience managing research teams
• Must have experience managing research budgets, and use research to drive both business goals and customer needs
• Advanced degree in Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors, Human Computer Interaction, or other related discipline with a solid foundation in research-based design using both quantitative and qualitative methods
• Experience with running a lab
• Experience writing appropriate discussion guides, screeners, test protocols, etc.

Preferred but not required:

• Experience with online/remote usability tools (Netraker, Vividence, etc.)
• Experience with usability of financial-based systems a plus
• Experience performing research on large scale, international websites

About PayPal:

PayPal has quickly become a global leader in online payment solutions with over 75 million account members worldwide. Available in over 45 countries around the world, buyers and sellers on eBay, online retailers, online businesses, as well as traditional offline businesses are transacting with PayPal.

PayPal has received over 20 awards for technical excellence from the Internet industry and the business community at large - most recently the 2005 Webby People's Voice Award for Best Finance Services Site.

PayPal lets any business or consumer with an email address securely, conveniently and cost-effectively send and receive payments online. The PayPal network builds on the existing financial infrastructure of bank accounts and credit cards to create a global, real-time payment solution

To apply for this position, please email your resume and/or portfolio to KIM SLY at : ksly@paypal.com.