Associate Design Strategist

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

. Apply human-centered design, service design, and behavioral design methods to understand complex problem spaces and define opportunities for improvement .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesMid-Level💰 $58,506 - $81,441 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in human-centered design and service design methodologies, with a strong ability to conduct qualitative research, analyze data, and translate insights into actionable recommendations. Proficient in creating design assets and facilitating collaborative workshops to address complex health challenges.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Human-Centered DesignService DesignQualitative Data AnalysisDesign Research MethodsFacilitation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Qualitative CodingThematic AnalysisUser InterviewsUsability TestingJourney MappingPrototypingSurvey AnalysisContextual InquiriesEthnographyDesign Research Strategies

Soft Skills

Excellent WritingPresentation SkillsEmpathyNavigating ComplexityCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Design AssetsWorkflow DiagramsService BlueprintsMock-UpsFlyersPosters

Industry Keywords

Behavioral ScienceImplementation ScienceHealth CareDesign ThinkingEthical Design Practice

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Apply human-centered design, service design, and behavioral design methods to understand complex problem spaces and define opportunities for improvement
Collaborate with and support CHIBE faculty affiliates across the research project lifecycle
Assist in developing and executing design research strategies and activities
Collect, code, and analyze unstructured qualitative data and translate findings into insights
Create design research reports, user journey maps, and workflow diagrams
Assist in developing service blueprints, prototypes, mock-ups, flyers, posters, and other design assets
Solicit feedback while testing interventions in context
Support facilitation of workshops, feedback sessions, and participatory design sessions with internal and external participants
Document design-informed and qualitative insights for papers and presentations
Support translation and dissemination of insights into case studies, briefs, participant feedback materials, and policy engagement
Communicate findings and articulate actionable recommendations to diverse audiences
Independently plan and conduct research activities to advance project objectives
Manage execution of research strategies, analyze and interpret data, and lead development of design assets
Lead workshops, feedback sessions, participatory design sessions, and dissemination of design insights
Navigate complex, matrixed teams and diffused decision-making
Report to the Design Core’s Director of Qualitative Insights, with dotted-line reporting to the Design Core Faculty Director and Director of Design Strategy at the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit
Contribute to the CHIBE Design Core Lab’s work developing responsive solutions to persistent health challenges and increasing the relevance and reach of its science

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professional experience conducting service design projects, demonstrating the ability to complete complex, thoughtful, and timely work with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders
Design-related degree or equivalent industry experience
Experience with design research methods, including user interviews, ethnography, contextual inquiries, usability testing, surveys, or desk research
Proficiency in accurate, thorough, and ethical data analysis, including qualitative coding, thematic analysis, and survey analysis
Experience interacting with highly diverse populations and employing an empathetic, intersectional, and trauma-informed approach
Understanding of human-centered design principles and service design techniques, including journey mapping, blueprints, workflow maps, and prototyping
Excellent writing, presenting, and facilitation skills
Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity in projects with complex workflows, stakeholders, and systems
High standard for ethical, equitable, and rigorous design practice
Manager Research Project A: Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required
Manager Research Project B: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts and 5 to 7 years of experience, or Master of Science or Master of Arts and 3 to 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer
Preferred experience in graphic, visual, and/or UI/UX design skills; rapid prototyping and experiment design; health care; behavioral science; implementation science; informatics; and/or design thinking

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work
Long-term care insurance for eligible employees and family members
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household