Job Description
Job Summary
Solves functional problems with formal product solutions for RBC and clients. Applies extensive, in-depth knowledge, skills, and practices to perform complex assignments.
Job Description
About Design Research at RBC
Our goal is to become our industry’s leader in exceptional digital experiences. To get there, we’re putting strategy, research, design principles, and technical innovation at the centre of everything we do. But we need exceptional digital professionals, like you, to bring our process to life.
What will you do?
We want every point of contact with our RBC clients to feel important to them. That’s where you come in. Design researchers shape the experiences we create through each of our digital products, and across channels.
As a member of our team, you’ll work with a cross functional group of designers, researchers, and diverse stakeholders. Embedded in our central research and strategy team, you will have a key role in supporting and advancing the benefits of research within Digital, and beyond.
Working across three pillars in collaboration with your peers, you will lead research and activate cross-functional teams in applying client centered foresight and insight to their big questions. You will work closely with the Digital Design Research Chapter and Initiative Leadership to strengthen research systems, practices and practitioners. And you will collaborate on opportunities for researchers and others across the bank to connect, learn, and strengthen the practice and value of research for RBC.
Your strong communication and facilitation skills, comfort with ambiguity, and openness to applying a range of design, futures, and systems thinking approaches, will be an asset in this role.
We believe that research is not to be a silo or a black box that outputs ‘insights’, if you believe this as well, we can achieve this together by working closely with the rest of the team and stakeholders to ensure they are participating along each step of the way.
What you would work on
Design Research Strategy and Leadership
Build relationships with key stakeholders within and outside of the design team, including business stakeholders across Digital and other channels
Support team members and business stakeholders in prioritizing potential research activities
Develop research fieldwork approaches (moderated or unmoderated) which address business and experience objectives
Identify and integrate primary and desk-based research methodologies and engagements that best address the questions and goals of an initiative or project
Research Execution (Collection, Analysis, Synthesis, Communication, Facilitation):
Develop research activities to improve understanding of current context, or to generate new understanding of changing client needs
Moderate live sessions with clients and RBC people covering high-complexity or sensitive topics
Communicate core themes and implications from research activities to stakeholders
Design and facilitate ideation sessions and collaborative work activities
What’s in it for you
You’ll find yourself in a culture where designers feel included, valued, and heard; in a supportive environment surrounded by peers who exceed in their area of expertise.
You’ll work on solutions used by millions of people and contribute to a company that truly values customer experience and remains a Global Digital leader.
You’ll be part of team that’s pushing the boundaries of digital product design as we strive to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.
You’ll help to shape Design Research as a practice at RBC and, by example, with your peers around the globe.
Work/life balance is important to us; you will be part of a company that values your time.
What do you need to succeed?
Must-have
BA/BS degree in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Information Studies, Design (e.g. interaction, graphic, visual communications, product, industrial), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a related field or equivalent practical experience
A minimum of 5 years of experience in research
Technical understanding of design research theory / design research tools
Working knowledge of a variety of design research methodologies
Experience working on cross-functional teams
Nice to have
MA/MS degree or certification in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Strategic Foresight, Information Studies, Design (e.g. interaction, graphic, visual communications, product, industrial), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a related field
Appreciation for the potential of 'design thinking'
Experience working within a large organization and within an agile environment
Experience contributing to the launch of a digital product or cross-channel experience
What’s in it for you?
We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.
A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits and competitive compensation
Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
Opportunities to do challenging work
Job Skills
Business, Collaboration, Commercial Acumen, Communication, Content Strategy Development, Decision Making, Design, Product Development Methodology, Product Services, Research Activities, Research Designs, Researching, Research Methodologies, Research Strategies, Teamwork, User Experience (UX) Design, User Experience (UX) Research
Additional Job Details
Address:
RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO
City:
TORONTO
Country:
Canada
Work hours/week:
37.5
Employment Type:
Full time
Platform:
PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL BANKING
Job Type:
Regular
Pay Type:
Salaried
Posted Date:
2026-05-14
Application Deadline:
2026-05-30
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:5+ PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above
Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment
At RBC, we believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.
Join our Talent Community
Stay in-the-know about great career opportunities at RBC. Sign up and get customized info on our latest jobs, career tips and Recruitment events that matter to you.
Expand your limits and create a new future together at RBC. Find out how we use our passion and drive to enhance the well-being of our clients and communities at jobs.rbc.com.
Solves functional problems with formal product solutions for RBC and clients. Applies extensive, in-depth knowledge, skills, and practices to perform complex assignments.
Job Description
About Design Research at RBC
Our goal is to become our industry’s leader in exceptional digital experiences. To get there, we’re putting strategy, research, design principles, and technical innovation at the centre of everything we do. But we need exceptional digital professionals, like you, to bring our process to life.
What will you do?
We want every point of contact with our RBC clients to feel important to them. That’s where you come in. Design researchers shape the experiences we create through each of our digital products, and across channels.
As a member of our team, you’ll work with a cross functional group of designers, researchers, and diverse stakeholders. Embedded in our central research and strategy team, you will have a key role in supporting and advancing the benefits of research within Digital, and beyond.
Working across three pillars in collaboration with your peers, you will lead research and activate cross-functional teams in applying client centered foresight and insight to their big questions. You will work closely with the Digital Design Research Chapter and Initiative Leadership to strengthen research systems, practices and practitioners. And you will collaborate on opportunities for researchers and others across the bank to connect, learn, and strengthen the practice and value of research for RBC.
Your strong communication and facilitation skills, comfort with ambiguity, and openness to applying a range of design, futures, and systems thinking approaches, will be an asset in this role.
We believe that research is not to be a silo or a black box that outputs ‘insights’, if you believe this as well, we can achieve this together by working closely with the rest of the team and stakeholders to ensure they are participating along each step of the way.
What you would work on
Design Research Strategy and Leadership
Build relationships with key stakeholders within and outside of the design team, including business stakeholders across Digital and other channels
Support team members and business stakeholders in prioritizing potential research activities
Develop research fieldwork approaches (moderated or unmoderated) which address business and experience objectives
Identify and integrate primary and desk-based research methodologies and engagements that best address the questions and goals of an initiative or project
Research Execution (Collection, Analysis, Synthesis, Communication, Facilitation):
Develop research activities to improve understanding of current context, or to generate new understanding of changing client needs
Moderate live sessions with clients and RBC people covering high-complexity or sensitive topics
Communicate core themes and implications from research activities to stakeholders
Design and facilitate ideation sessions and collaborative work activities
What’s in it for you
You’ll find yourself in a culture where designers feel included, valued, and heard; in a supportive environment surrounded by peers who exceed in their area of expertise.
You’ll work on solutions used by millions of people and contribute to a company that truly values customer experience and remains a Global Digital leader.
You’ll be part of team that’s pushing the boundaries of digital product design as we strive to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.
You’ll help to shape Design Research as a practice at RBC and, by example, with your peers around the globe.
Work/life balance is important to us; you will be part of a company that values your time.
What do you need to succeed?
Must-have
BA/BS degree in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Information Studies, Design (e.g. interaction, graphic, visual communications, product, industrial), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a related field or equivalent practical experience
A minimum of 5 years of experience in research
Technical understanding of design research theory / design research tools
Working knowledge of a variety of design research methodologies
Experience working on cross-functional teams
Nice to have
MA/MS degree or certification in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Strategic Foresight, Information Studies, Design (e.g. interaction, graphic, visual communications, product, industrial), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a related field
Appreciation for the potential of 'design thinking'
Experience working within a large organization and within an agile environment
Experience contributing to the launch of a digital product or cross-channel experience
What’s in it for you?
We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.
A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits and competitive compensation
Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
Opportunities to do challenging work
Job Skills
Business, Collaboration, Commercial Acumen, Communication, Content Strategy Development, Decision Making, Design, Product Development Methodology, Product Services, Research Activities, Research Designs, Researching, Research Methodologies, Research Strategies, Teamwork, User Experience (UX) Design, User Experience (UX) Research
Additional Job Details
Address:
RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO
City:
TORONTO
Country:
Canada
Work hours/week:
37.5
Employment Type:
Full time
Platform:
PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL BANKING
Job Type:
Regular
Pay Type:
Salaried
Posted Date:
2026-05-14
Application Deadline:
2026-05-30
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:5+ PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above
Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment
At RBC, we believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.
Join our Talent Community
Stay in-the-know about great career opportunities at RBC. Sign up and get customized info on our latest jobs, career tips and Recruitment events that matter to you.
Expand your limits and create a new future together at RBC. Find out how we use our passion and drive to enhance the well-being of our clients and communities at jobs.rbc.com.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Lead Design Researcher position is now open for candidates interested in the Bank Jobs sector. This role in Toronto offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Bank Jobs is a plus.
