Design Researcher

Who are we?
Volvo Cars is a company on a mission; to bring traditional car manufacturing into a connected, sustainable and smart future.
Since 1927, we have been a brand known for our commitment to safety, creating innovative cars that make life less complicated for our consumers. In 2010, we decided to transform our business, resulting in a totally new generation of cars and technologies, as well as steady growth and record sales. Today, we’re expanding our global footprint in Europe, China and the US, and we’re on the lookout for new talent.
We are constantly pushing our own skills and abilities to drive change in the automobile industry like never before. We are looking for innovative, committed people to join us in this endeavour and create safe, sustainable and connected cars. We believe in the power of people and will challenge and support you to reach your full potential. Join us and be part of Volvo Cars’ journey into the future.

About us
Volvo Cars has a vision to provide freedom to move in safe, sustainable and personal ways.
We are now  looking for a Design Researcher to join our Strategic Design team. This new team sits at the heart of our Product Creation cluster within Volvo Cars, acting as the connective tissue between Design, the wider company, and the user.

What you will do
As a Design Researcher you will use your research skills, intuition and resourcefulness to support in the Strategic Design team’s creation of a clear path for our future. You will ensure Design’s research needs are met, working with stakeholders across Volvo Cars to help create a culture at Volvo design that is user-centred.
Projects will range from long-term systemic research programmes, to quick and impulsive sprints to support the pace of our work. 

Do you fit the profile?
We are looking for candidates who have the passion, energy and enthusiasm to turn their hand to a wide range of activities – you need to be versatile, resourceful and proactive. You will strive to understand the ‘why’ behind what we create – you need to be inquisitive, structured and be able to present your ideas in a clear and inspirational way using your excellent visual and verbal communication skills. If you struggle with deadlines, this role is not for you.

We are not looking for those who aspire to be car designers, however an understanding of the automotive, mobility and tech landscapes is essential.

To be successful in this role, prior experience in a design research role is required. Your background probably consists of a degree within design or a similar field. But we’re always open to those from diverse areas.

Who are you?
We are looking for a strong team player with great collaboration skills. You need to have a strong creative mind, be able communicate your ideas in English in a clear and engaging way and be able to look beyond the obvious. You need a genuine eye for accuracy and details.

How to learn more and apply
Have we sparked your interest yet? If you want to learn more about the role itself, please contact hiring manager Owen Ready at owen.ready@volvocars.com. If you have questions regarding the recruitment process contact recruiter Egle Celedinaite at egle.celedinaite@volvocars.com. Please apply by submitting your electronic application  by January 11th, 2021. Applicants must include a portfolio of work as a PDF or website link in electronic application.