Research Operation Coordinator - Global Research Operations Team (Contract)

As a Research Operation Coordinator (Contract) at Riot, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring that player voices shape the future of our games. Based in our Shanghai office, you’ll support research and playtesting efforts across Riot’s global portfolio, partnering with researchers in both China and the US. You’ll run labs, manage participants, set up tech, and support recruiting logistics – all while improving workflows to help us deliver world-class player insights.

On the Global Research Operations Team, you will interact directly with players and researchers to recruit, schedule, and manage playtest sessions in Shanghai and, occasionally, other parts of Southeast Asia. You’ll also help moderate sessions, translate between English and Mandarin, operate recording tools, and support the research team with documentation and reporting. Through direct collaboration with both players and researchers, you will contribute significantly to enhancing Riot’s ability to listen to and serve players around the world.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who’s passionate about research, player experience, and operational excellence – and who’s ready to get hands-on in the lab and behind the scenes.

You will be based onsite within the Shanghai office and international travel will be required, as we support global playtesting & research operations events around the world. Please note expected travel is required at a minimum of 5% per year.

Responsibilities:

Plan, coordinate, and execute in-person research studies and playtests in Shanghai and Southeast Asia
Recruit and manage players, communicate pre/post-lab, and provide on-site support
Set up and operate lab tech: PCs, mobile devices, recording gear, networks, and streaming tools
Support researchers with moderation, note-taking, translations, and reporting
Maintain lab spaces, troubleshoot issues, and manage lab inventory and device fleets
Track schedules, workflows, and projects; help identify process and efficiency improvements
Translate lab materials and interpret live researcher-player interactions

Required Qualifications:

2+ years of experience in a research operations or project management role
1+ years of experience with computer lab or complex audio/video setups
Experience with device configuration and troubleshooting
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience with various project management frameworks like Scrum and Agile
Experience with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Notion, Miro) and group facilitation
Able to manage multiple projects and prioritize in a dynamic environment
Fluent in English and Mandarin with a strong ability to translate/interpret
Valid passport & open to international travel

Desired Qualifications:

Background in research operations, market research, or survey sampling
Experience with CRM (e.g., Salesforce), scripting (Python, Powershell), or MDM tools
Familiarity with Windows system administration, endpoint management, and image deployment
Basic video editing experience
Basic IT support experience
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Passion for games and player-focused game development

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you!