New

Research Program Manager

Microsoft
$119,800.00 - $234,700.00 / yr
United States, Washington, Redmond
Mar 07, 2026
Overview We are seeking aResearch Program Managerto build and scale global research programs that strengthen the impact of our world-class UX Research team. This role enables researchers to do their most impactful work by implementing operational systems, connecting teams and knowledge, and removing barriers to great research. The ideal candidate excelsatstrategic program planning, navigating ambiguity, managing complex project milestones, and connecting resources to research needs.You will proactivelyidentifyopportunities toleverageAI-first tooling, automation, and modern research operations platforms to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of research insights.Our Research Operations Program Managers are expert problem-solvers and relationship-builders whoutilizestrong organizational and interpersonal skills to help talented teamsoperateat their highest level. You are a resourceful self-starter who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative. You bring program management experience, strong leadership skills, and genuine passion for the services we provide, the people we serve, and the impact of research.You stay on top ofcutting-edgeResOpstrends-including emerging AI capabilities-with a view toward modernizing our operational practice. This role isAI-first:you'llexperiment with and operationalize AI tools (e.g., copilots, summarization, workflow automation) to accelerate research execution and amplify insight sharing. You are comfortable translating ResearchOperations needsinto AI-enabled workflows, partnering withother disciplines, and helping define and scaleagentsthat support the research lifecycle. Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Asemployeeswe come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. Responsibilities PROGRAMS Scale research programs and maximize impact across the organization. Design and launch programs that reduce process friction and enhance researcher impact and satisfaction. Design and manage operational systems for Experience Reviews, Experience Audits, and Customer Programs (Orion). Create scheduling protocols and operational procedures to ensure research activities run smoothly and efficiently. Track research deliverables and team capacity tooptimizeresource allocation and workload management. Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms to demonstrate research program value and impact. GOVERNANCE Build andmaintainresearch governance frameworks, including standard operating procedures around legal, procurement, and data privacy considerations. Establish project operations management processes and guidelines to ensure consistency and compliance. Partner with legal, procurement, and security teams to create streamlined approval processes for research activities. Develop andmaintaindocumentation of research standards and best practices. SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT Manage end-to-end relationships with research vendors, including capability assessment, pricing negotiation, and quality oversight. Oversee project management and incentive programs for research participants. Source, evaluate, and onboard suppliers who can support various research methodologies including benchmarks and specialized research techniques. Negotiate contracts and manage vendor performance to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness. Facilitate comprehensive onboarding for new hires and contractors, including research tool access, knowledge base orientation, and process training. Manage offboarding processes to ensure smooth transitions and knowledge preservation. TOOLING Manage the research technology stack, including licensing, access provisioning, and usage reporting. Oversee budget allocation and ensure compliance with best practices across research tools. Maintain andoptimizetools includingUserTesting,dscout, Qualtrics, Respondent.io, Tango, Marvin, and other platforms. Evaluate new tools and make recommendations for technology investments that enhance research capabilities. Identify, prototype, and scale opportunities toleverageautomation and AI (including copilots andagents) to improve research efficiency, quality, and impact. Enable AI-first workflows beyond agents by implementing copilots, AI-powered search/Q&A over research repositories, smart templates, automated tagging/classification, and AI steps within existing automation (e.g., intake triage, summaries, routing). Set clear measures of success and a regularreviewcadence for AI-enabled tools (e.g., quality checks, human review, adoption, and responsible use), and work with cross-functional partners to improve them over time. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT Create andmaintainsystems for organizing, storing, and sharing research insights to maximize accessibility and reuse. Develop and manage a centralized library of research templates, guides, and best practices. Implement processes that make research findings easily discoverable by stakeholders across the business. Establish tagging, categorization, and search functionality to support knowledge retrieval. Scale research impact through enablement programs that empower teams to access and apply research insight. COMMUNICATIONS Ensure research insights reach key stakeholders through multiple channels including monthly newsletters, SharePoint sites, and Teams channels. Develop both internal team communications and external-facing research communications strategies. Manage and evolve the team's visual identity and brand presence. Create communication templates and guidelines tomaintainconsistency in how research is shared. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or related field AND 4+ years experience working in product or service design OR Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Interaction Design, or related field AND 5+ years experience working in product or service design OR equivalent experience (e.g., demonstrated experience working in product or service design or using design thinking to solve problems). Preferred Qualifications: 3+ years of experience in research operations, user research, or related operational roles. Proven track record of building and scaling operational systems and processes. Solid project management skills with ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Experience with research tools and platforms (e.g., UserTesting, Qualtrics, participant recruitment tools, etc.), especially AI aspects of these tools. Experience leveraging data to inform decisions and drive change. 4+ years experience shipping products, services, or games and/or delivering to customers as a result of an end-to-end design process. Experience in a high-growth or enterprise technology environment. Background in user experience research or customer insights. Familiarity with legal, procurement, and compliance considerations for research. Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts. Knowledge management or information architecture experience. Experience scaling research through enablement programs. UX Research IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $158,400 - $258,000 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.