Q: What does your job entail? What do you find exciting about it?

As a UX researcher, I research the needs of our user community, translate those into functional specifications, and work with the development team to continuously improve our services through adding new functionalities and implementing wishlist features. My role involves planning, conducting user research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, prototyping and providing design direction based on research insights, all in an effort to create an effective and seamless user experience across our products and services.

Working on a platform that allows scientists, clinicians, and researchers worldwide to freely access our resources is immensely rewarding. Getting to know our users and learning about their incredible work, further fuels my enthusiasm for capturing and meeting their evolving needs.

Q: What attracted you to this role?

In a time and age where UX is still viewed as “nice-to-have”, it was thrilling to see just how ingrained it was in UniProt’s processes. In UniProt, we follow a user-centred design process and turn to our users to inform the improvement of our services. This is such a dynamic role where no day is the same! 

Q: How long have you been working here? 

Just over a year now. 

Q: What was your background before you joined the team?

I did my BSc degree in Psychology and then went on to pursue a research MSc in Neuroscience, so this role feels like the perfect match for my training, skills and experience.

Q: How have you integrated in the team?

Having joined remotely, it was definitely a different experience getting to know my colleagues. Although we relied solely on video chats and messaging at the start, we quickly got to know each other. Most of the team has joined virtual coffee chats which allowed the people that started remotely to meet the broader team and connect on more of a personal level. Now that we are slowly getting back to working together in person, it feels surprisingly natural!

Q: What do you like about working here?

I truly appreciate the diverse set of skills that each one of us brings. There is never something we can’t do. Within the team, there is a strong desire to do the best work to serve our broad scientific community. And because we come from all around the world, the food recommendations are top notch!

Q: What are some of the most interesting projects you worked on?

Most of my work so far has been focused on supporting the development of the new UniProt website. It has been a great experience with lots of space for creativity and exploration. It has allowed me to get to know our users, use a diverse set of methods in user research, as well as develop the skills for UI design.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who was applying for a similar role?

Go for it! If you like working in international teams, if you’re passionate about science, and approach your work with a desire to continuously improve, I believe the UniProt team will be a great place for you.