Why join us?
Our purpose is to design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of HermanMiller means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows HermanMiller to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Associate Researcher will provide research leadership and support to the Innovation Team and New Product Commercialization initiatives to discover, understand, and communicate the requirements of MillerKnoll customers, channel partners, and end users. You will help articulate and amplify the needs of our audiences to add value to both users and MillerKnoll.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Design, develop and manage research projects that support the Innovation Team, New Product Commercialization, and other business initiatives, including the identification of objectives, methods, resources, project schedules and budgets.
Work closely with project management to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and conduct research to generate and communicate actionable insights.
Conduct research using participatory and iterative techniques, including observational studies, surveys, interviews, usability testing, and other forms of qualitative and quantitative research to uncover insights, learn about user behaviors, and evaluate design concepts.
Effectively synthesize and communicate research findings, ideas, and concepts, both verbally and visually, for a variety of audiences, for immediate application and archival record.
Generate and communicate actionable insights that influence design, from concepts, through iterative prototypes to final products.
Strive for best outcomes for stakeholders, resulting in others learning, and inspiring others to want to work with and utilize the research team skills.
Leverage the knowledge gained within your role to conceive, propose, and develop new ideation projects.
Be the champion of the user. Foster a culture of customer centered design throughout the organization.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to achieve business objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in design, engineering, sociology, psychology or related field
Master’s degree preferred
Experience in research, product development, or related areas
Expertise in content areas germane to MillerKnoll business interests
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to view a problem from multiple perspectives.
Proven ability to develop comprehensive lines of inquiry.
Ability to extensively explore customers' needs and business drivers, understand the issues from which those needs arise and the general context within which they exist.
Ability to communicate detailed and complex research findings to a variety of audiences in written, graphic, and verbal means.
Willingness to accept and work with ambiguity.
Proficient in keeping multiple projects moving forward, concurrently.
Well-developed organizational, communications and interpersonal relationship skills.
Ability to work with minimal management direction and make decisions independently.
Comfortable in a team-based environment of sharing.
Ability to effectively use office software and tools currently used in the MillerKnoll office environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
Who We Hire?
Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. HermanMiller is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.
MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at careers_help@millerknoll.com.