At Instructure, we believe in the power of people to grow and succeed throughout their lives. Our goal is to amplify that power by creating intuitive products that simplify learning and personal development, facilitate meaningful relationships, and inspire people to go further in their education and careers. We do this by giving smart, creative, passionate people opportunities to create awesome.
And that's where you come in:
We are seeking a Senior UX Researcher to join our Assessments product group as the founding researcher on the team. You will work alongside Product Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers to deeply understand how educators and students experience assessment tools—from quiz creation and delivery to grading and analytics—and use those insights to shape the future of our assessment products, including Quizzes in Canvas and MasteryConnect.
This role requires someone who combines deep research craft with the ability to move at startup speed. You'll establish the research approach and protocols from the ground up while simultaneously delivering insights that drive immediate product decisions. You'll need to be proactive—identifying research opportunities before being asked—and strategic in building scalable processes that serve a fast-moving team.
As a senior researcher working across multiple assessment products, you'll think systemically about how these experiences connect to the broader Instructure ecosystem, uncovering patterns and opportunities that span products and user types.
What you’ll do: Build the research approach and protocols for the Assessments group from scratch, establishing scalable methods that balance rigor with the speed of product developmentProactively identify high-impact research opportunities and develop research roadmaps aligned to product strategy—don't wait to be askedPlan and execute both qualitative and quantitative research studies, selecting and adapting methodologies based on the question at hand and business constraintsSynthesize complex findings into clear, compelling insights that drive product decisions, creating deliverables such as user personas, journey maps, and opportunity frameworksPartner closely with Product Design, Product Management, and Engineering to integrate research throughout the product development processPresent research findings through compelling stories that inspire action and build empathy for users across the organizationEducate stakeholders on research value and help the team understand when and how to leverage researchThink systemically across assessment products (Quizzes, MasteryConnect) and the broader Canvas ecosystem, identifying patterns and opportunities that span multiple products and user typesCollaborate with researchers across other Instructure product groups and contribute to company-wide research initiatives What you will need to know/have: 5-7+ years of professional experience as a UX Researcher or in a similar research roleDemonstrated expertise across both qualitative and quantitative research methodologiesStrong portfolio showcasing diverse research projects and their impact on product decisionsProven ability to establish research protocols and operations, especially in environments with limited existing research infrastructureExperience working in fast-paced, agile product development environmentsExcellent facilitation skills with the ability to guide conversations and uncover unarticulated user needsOutstanding analytical and synthesis skills—you turn messy data into clear insightsExceptional communication and storytelling abilities, with experience presenting to diverse stakeholdersStrategic mindset with the ability to proactively identify research opportunities aligned to business goalsStrong collaboration skills and experience partnering with cross-functional teamsAbility to work independently, manage multiple projects, and prioritize effectivelySelf-starter mentality with comfort operating in ambiguity It would be a bonus if you also had: Experience in education technology or with educator and student audiencesBackground working as an early researcher, establishing research operations from scratchExperience conducting research across multiple related products or platformsFamiliarity with learning management systems or assessment toolsKnowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive research practicesExperience with research tools such as UserTesting, Dovetail, Qualtrics, or similarExperience working with distributed or remote teams Get in on all the awesome at Instructure! We offer competitive, meaningful benefits in every country where we operate. While they vary by location, here's a general idea of what you can expect:Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program - because everyone should have a stake in our success.Flexible schedules and a remote-friendly culture, with hybrid or onsite work options available in some regions for specific rolesGenerous time off, including local holidays and our annual company-wide “Dim the Lights” week in late December, when we encourage everyone to step back and rechargeComprehensive wellness programs and mental health supportAnnual learning and development stipends to support your growthThe technology and tools you need to do your best work — typically a Mac, with PC options available in some locationsMotivosity employee recognition programA culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and meaningful connection Additional Information We believe in hiring great people and treating them right. The more diverse we are, the better our ideas and outcomes.
Instructure is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws in every country where we operate.
All employees must pass a background check as part of the hiring process. To help protect our teams and systems, we’ve implemented identity verification measures. Candidates may be asked to verify their legal name, current physical location, and provide a valid contact number and residential address, in accordance with local data privacy laws.
Any attempt to misrepresent personal or professional information will result in disqualification.