Associate UX Researcher

Role: Associate UX Researcher

Location: Abu Dhabi   

Role Purpose:

• As part of ADIB’s vision for 2035, the Digital Transformation Team (DTS) is committed to reimagining banking through user-centered design and emerging technologies. 
• The Associate UX Researcher will join the growing UX Research function which plays a key role in shaping digital experiences by supporting research initiatives that uncover user needs, pain points, and behavioral patterns across our digital channels.
• This role is ideal for an early-career researcher who is passionate about human-centered design and eager to contribute to the future of Islamic digital banking. UX research at ADIB draws on both behavioral science—to understand users’ cognitive processes, decision-making, and emotional responses—and computer science—to evaluate usability, interaction patterns, and digital system performance.
• The successful candidate will support the design and delivery of research initiatives that uncover user needs, pain points, and behavioral patterns across ADIB’s mobile and web platforms, helping to ensure that the voice of the customer informs every stage of product development.

Key accountabilities of the role:

DISCOVER: User Insight Generation (40%)

• Assist in planning and conducting UX research studies (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys) to understand how customers interact with ADIB’s digital platforms.
• Begin developing skills in behavioral science by exploring user decision-making, emotional responses, and interaction patterns, while learning how computer science concepts support digital usability evaluation.
• Support the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to generate early-stage insights that inform product and design decisions.
• Stay informed about UX research practices, behavioral insights, and fintech user trends across the MENA region.

DEFINE: Research Operations & Collaboration (30%)

• Contribute to the growth of the UX Research function by assisting in the development of research plans, discussion guides, consent forms, and post-study reports.
• Support participant recruitment logistics in partnership with internal teams to ensure representation across user groups.
• Collaborate closely with key stakeholders to align research with product goals and customer needs.
• Participate in design sprints, ideation sessions, and workshops, gradually building confidence in advocating for the user voice through evidence-based thinking.
• Learn and apply structured processes for efficient, repeatable research within an agile, regulated financial environment.

DELIVER: Insights into Action (30%)

• Support the synthesis of research findings into actionable recommendations under the guidance of senior team members.
• Assist in creating engaging presentations and storytelling formats to communicate findings to a range of stakeholders.
• Maintain organized and accessible records of user research studies to support cross-functional knowledge sharing and iteration.

Skills required for this role:

Communication & Collaboration:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a range of stakeholders across design, product, and technology teams.
• Developing confidence in presenting ideas and research findings clearly and empathetically.
• A collaborative mindset with a strong willingness to learn, receive feedback, and grow as part of a cross-functional team.

Research Mindset:

• Naturally curious about how people think, feel, and behave in digital environments, particularly within the context of financial services.
• Some exposure to core UX research methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys, card sorting) through coursework, academic projects, or internships.
• Demonstrates early critical thinking and information synthesis skills when approaching research questions.
• Interest in developing foundational knowledge in behavioral science (e.g., decision-making, emotional response) and computer science concepts related to user interaction and system performance.

Organizational Skills:

• Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple tasks or studies with support from line manager
• Shows initiative, enthusiasm, and a willingness to take on new challenges in a fast-paced digital environment.
• Comfortable working within structured processes and improving them over time.

Previous experience:   

• UAE National Recent graduates or early-career professional with a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Cognitive Science, Design, Computer Science, or a related discipline that bridges human behavior and technology.
• Exposure to UX research through academic coursework, final-year projects, or internships is highly desirable.
• Demonstrates a strong interest in digital innovation, behavioral insights, and the future of financial technology.
• Eager to contribute to inclusive, intuitive, and impactful digital experiences within a fast-evolving fintech landscape.

This position is for recent graduates UAE Nationals only.