PhD UX Research Intern - Summer 2026

About User Experience (UX) at IPSOS:

UX covers all aspects of the end-user's interaction with a company, and its products. UX research is at the heart of user-centered design, which is based on the notion that design should be informed by research about users, their expectations, their activities, and their interactions with products. Ipsos believes that as part of a user-centered design process, every design decision should be informed in part by UX research. Moreover, Ipsos believes that simply conducting evaluative UX research on completed designs is not as effective as conducting UX research throughout the process.

 

About the Internship:
This 10-12 week fellowship offers a unique opportunity for a PhD student to explore the evolving landscape of AI-powered user research tools and their impact on the future of work. The intern will gain practical experience by evaluating these cutting-edge tools, analyzing their implications for research workfl ows, and contributing to the development of novel research methods.

Our fellowship is geared towards PhD candidates with a proven publication track record as fi rst author in top-tier computing venues including CHI, CSCW, DIS.
 

Potential Focus Areas

• Evaluating AI-Driven User Research Platforms: Conduct in-depth evaluations of emerging AI tools for user research, assessing their capabilities, limitations, and potential ethical considerations.
• Analyzing the Impact of AI on Research Workfl ows: Investigate how AI is transforming traditional research practices, including data collection, analysis, and the communication of fi ndings.
• Exploring the Future of Work for Researchers: Examine how AI is reshaping the skills and expertise required for user researchers, and identify potential opportunities and challenges presented by these technologies.
   

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis of AI-powered user research tools and platforms.
• Design and execute research studies to evaluate the usability and impact of selected AI tools on real-world research projects.
• Collaborate with experienced researchers and contribute to the development of new research methodologies that leverage the power of AI.
• Synthesize findings into a report, presentation, and/or publication for both academic and industry audiences.

 

This might be the job for you if you have: 

• Education and Experience: 3+ years of experience in user experience research or design is highly preferred. Actively enrolled in a graduate PhD program in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Cognitive Science, Information Sciences, Digital Media or a related field.
• Experience with Technical Domains: Ability to conduct in-depth interviews with developers and technical audiences, eff ectively gathering insights on complex computing topics and translating them into actionable fi ndings. Bonus if you have experience with programming and developing computational tools.
• Independent and Self-Directed: Demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness, with the ability to work autonomously, manage time eff ectively, and prioritize tasks to achieve project goals with minimal supervision, even when juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Academic Publication Experience: Demonstrated experience in academic research and publication, with fi rst author publications in top-tier conferences such as CHI, CSCW, and DIS, showcasing expertise in HCI principles and research methodologies.

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026

If you don’t meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage all who feel they might be a fit for the opportunity to apply. We may consider a variety of backgrounds for a particular role and are also committed to considering candidates for available positions throughout our organization, not just the one you’re applying to! 

The hourly rate for this role is $45.00. Your final base rate will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications. 

 

What’s in it for you: 

At Ipsos you’ll experience opportunities for Career Development, a flexible workplace policy, and a strong collaborative culture.

To find out more about all the great reasons to work at Ipsos, how we’re making an impact around the world, and more about our benefits and employee programs, please visit: 
Why Work at Ipsos | US 

 

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