Senior Qualitative User Experience Researcher - AI in Behavioral Health

About Vinci Studio and the Role

Vinci Studio is a design firm focused on creating next-generation AI-based products, shaping how technology and people interact. We prioritize research as a foundational element, driving insightful and well-informed decisions throughout the design and development process. We seek an exceptional qualitative researcher to lead vital studies in the behavioral health field, working closely on projects that impact addiction treatment through AI-driven solutions.

Project Overview

Our client is a US-based behavioral health startup developing an AI-powered platform for addiction treatment centers. This role involves managing in-depth research for two products before any design or development begins.

• Study 1 (Evaluative) - August 2026 Onwards: Investigate how healthcare professionals accustomed to traditional tools respond to a novel agentic AI interface. The study starts with a phase to gather design input, analyzing current clinic tools, prioritizing use cases, and co-creating an interactive prototype with a designer. It includes approximately 12 remote interviews with clinical, risk, finance, and leadership personnel, followed by data synthesis and recommendations.
• Study 2 (Generative) - Early 2027: Explore the post-treatment recovery journey focusing on relapse risk and social isolation. This discovery phase entails interviews with individuals in recovery and clinicians to deeply understand unaddressed needs irrespective of any predefined solutions.

Key Deliverables for Each Study

• Develop discussion guides and participant screening criteria specific to each role.
• Conduct remote interviews adhering to consent and ethical standards, ensuring thorough documentation.
• Synthesize data into themes, pain points, and behavior patterns.
• Provide prioritized, logically supported recommendations identifying primary issues to address.
• Present interim findings during fieldwork and deliver a comprehensive final presentation detailing insights and strategic guidance.
• For Study 1: Additionally produce a use-case prioritization and a co-developed stimulus brief with the prototyping team.

Candidate Profile

• Ability to transform research insights into practical, well-justified recommendations, persuasive even to skeptical executives.
• Experience engaging sensitively with vulnerable populations, particularly in mental health or recovery contexts with attention to ethics, consent, and participant care.
• Strong understanding of AI and agentic interfaces to competently assess user responses.
• Skills in crafting and refining stimulus materials collaboratively rather than merely testing established concepts.
• Advanced qualitative research methods and storytelling prowess to convert complex data into compelling narratives actionable by decision-makers.
• Desirable extras include background in behavioral health or clinical fields and expertise in service design.

Additional Information and Terms

• This is a freelance/contract role involving two sequential studies (Study 1 confirmed; Study 2 pending confirmation closer to start).
• The position is fully remote with preferences for Europe-based applicants; availability during US business hours is needed for interviews.
• Strict confidentiality protocols apply with NDA requirements and careful management of participant data and consent.
• Compensation is structured as a fixed fee per study based on 12 interviews, with adjustments if fewer interviews occur.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a brief introduction, CV or portfolio, and availability starting in August. Importantly, include an example of research that resulted in a significant recommendation and its impact on project outcomes.