User Research Scientist, Human-Centered AI
At Apple Services Engineering (ASE), we live at the intersection of art and technology, crafting experiences that delight millions worldwide. ASE uses cutting-edge AI technology to build new features and create great experiences in media products (like Apple Music, Apple TV+, and the App Store) and other Apple services. We do this work on a massive scale, bringing these experiences to over 150 countries in more than 35 languages.
The Human-Centered AI Research team is looking for a User Research Scientist to join us. In this role, you will develop new evaluation methodologies and carry out user research that powers the development and validation of generative AI systems. You will collaborate with engineers, product managers, designers, and others, using innovative research to represent the voice and experience of Apple users. You will drive innovation by identifying new opportunities to do research that achieves impact. And you will do this as part of a team that values collaboration, inclusion, and scientific rigor.
As a User Research Scientist on the Human-Centered AI Research team, you will craft the future of Apple's services by ensuring our generative AI systems are grounded in a deep understanding of user needs and experiences. Your responsibilities will include:
RESEARCH STRATEGY AND PLANNING
- We offer the opportunity to critically evaluate existing data, product designs, and prior research to identify strategic research gaps and opportunities.
- We collaborate closely with internal partners to define impactful research questions and align on goals.
- We value your ability to partner with team leadership to contribute to the research roadmap and prioritize key initiatives.
METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH EXECUTION
- Design and execute rigorous empirical studies using diverse methods (e.g., surveys, longitudinal designs, ecological momentary assessments, analysis of large-scale behavioral data) to investigate user experience with AI.
- Innovate, develop, and validate novel methodologies for human-centered evaluation of generative AI models and systems.
- Apply rigorous measurement principles and powerful statistical methods to ensure the validity and reliability of your findings.
- Lead sophisticated research projects from inception to completion, coordinating cross-functional collaboration effectively.
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
- Translate complex data findings into actionable insights and compelling recommendations for collaborators at all levels.
- Collaborate with researchers specializing in benchmarking, automated evaluation, synthetic data, data science, and responsible AI.
- Disseminate innovations and findings both internally and externally through workshops, presentations, and publications.
- Build positive relationships and provide valuable research expertise across Apple.
- Mentor junior researchers and support the growth of the research organization.
INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE
- You will tackle ambiguous and sophisticated research challenges related to AI evaluation and user interaction, developing innovative and scientifically grounded solutions with potential impact across Apple and the industry.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of academic research in relevant fields (HCI, behavioral science, AI/ML evaluation) and see opportunities to apply innovative ways.
- Actively contribute to a team culture that champions collaboration, inclusion, and scientific rigor.
- PhD in a behavioral or social science field, human-computer interaction, statistics, engineering, computer science, or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in industry or a comparable applied research setting
- Strong background in conducting rigorous behavioral research
- Experience in one or more programming languages used for data processing and statistics (e.g., Python, R, SQL, etc.)
- Ability to communicate complex research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences (technical and non-technical).
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- Organized, highly attentive to detail, and manages time well
- 7+ years of experience in industry or a comparable applied research setting
- Prior research experience in human-centered evaluation or development of artificial intelligence or machine learning systems
- Data science experience, especially with large, distributed data frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, etc.)
- Record of publishing rigorous, high-quality research on topics in behavioral science, artificial intelligence, or related areas
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.