Senior Researcher

Who We Are

Founded in 2005, the 2K label includes some of the most talented game development studios in the world today including: Firaxis Games, Visual Concepts, Hangar 13, 2K Czech and Cat Daddy Games.  Our world-class team of engineers, developers, graphic artists and publishing professionals are stewards of a growing library of critically acclaimed franchises such as Battleborn, BioShock, Borderlands, The Darkness, Mafia, NBA 2K, Sid Meier’s Civilization, WWE 2K, and XCOM. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). 

2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, sports, casual, and family entertainment

Our vision at 2K is to create a diverse and inclusion environment to “Come as You are and Feel Equipped to do Your Best Work!” We are dedicated to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and equality in all that we do. Our communities are focused on increased access and personal growth, and their greatness depends on a diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and perspective. We're an equal opportunity employer, and we're excited to build the future of co-living with the world's most hardworking and passionate people.

What We Need

2K is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Researcher to join the Research & Insights team. You will play a critical role in bringing the voice of the player to the forefront of the organization, providing player insights and recommendations that inform every phase of development - from game concept through launch. A successful candidate will have a consistent track record of designing and executing primary research at multiple phases of development, working cross functionally, and advising key decisions around product, marketing and commercial strategy.

This role will work onsite in a hybrid capacity out of either the Novato, CA , Los Angeles, CA or Montreal, Canada location. Our team goes into the office usually 3 days a week. 

What You Will Do

• Contribute to holistic research strategy for 2K’s portfolio of core franchises
• Build  strong cross-functional partnerships, own methodological rigor and deliver product impact 
• Build and cultivate relationships with diverse groups, from the more analytically minded to more creative professionals, and teams with varying levels of experience working with insights professionals
• Identify, design, and complete qualitative and quantitative consumer insights and/or user research studies
• Use innovative research methods to uncover deep insights into current and prospective players, helping us understand their needs, behaviors, and motivations
• Hire and manage 3rd party research vendors to ensure a high quality of work
• Integrate insights from multiple studies and sources into a cohesive narrative with clear implications and recommendations
• Present research findings and recommendations to senior teams in a clear and compelling manner
• Collaborate closely with partner organizations including User Research (UXR), Data Science, Business Strategy and Community

Basic Qualifications

• At least 4-6 years of experience in user research, market research or consumer insights, either client-side or at a research agency
• A consistent track record of impact (not research for the sake of it)
• Experience personally conducting qualitative and/or quantitative primary research (meaning you did the research as opposed to managing a vendor / 3rd party who did it)
• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with bonus points for experience with quantitative / statistical software (e.g. SPSS, SAS, R, Q, Python, Tableau)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), comfort presenting information in groups or 1:1
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to work with a variety of personalities, skills, geographies, and seniority levels
• Comfortable with ambiguity and change, ability to operate with minimal direction / supervision when needed
• Independent thinking; ability to take direction and gather input from multiple sources, and chart a path with a mix of conviction, humility, and openness to evolution
• Ability to travel, both domestically and internationally

What Would Make You A Great Fit

• Graduate degree (MA, PhD or other advanced degree) in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
• Expertise in accessibility, inclusion, and representation in games
• Experience working in a global, enterprise-scale organization and/or in a client-facing or B2B role, with a customer service mentality
• Exceptional emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams through the product lifecycle
• Eagerness to learn and connect the dots between consumer insights and UX

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,000 and $160,000 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an ~at-will position~ and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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