Accessibility Researcher

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.

PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation.

Role & Responsibilities

Collaborate with game developers and user researchers to fully understand the needs of each project, and partner with senior researchers in producing research plans that effectively fits accessibility into the development processes
Plan and design research activities that support inclusive game design that helps improve the product
Work with studios and producers to set clear expectations for the output of accessibility work
Communicate findings to more senior researchers as well as directly to technical and non-technical studio members to develop a deep understanding of accessibility needs and potential solutions
Work across first party studios to ensure that accessibility features and inclusive design choices are applied consistently across all games
Facilitate inclusive design workshops and accessibility focused training for game developers
Create, update, and improve accessibility specific processes, methods, and documentation
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of accessibility best practices, industry standards, and legal requirements
Act as an ambassador, sharing knowledge and advocating for accessibility both internally and externally
Foster relationships and actively engage with the accessibility community and industry experts
Experience & Knowledge

Have studied Game Design, UX, Product Management or a related subject area to degree level
Experience in the video game industry in Game Design, UX or Product Management OR prior experience in an Accessibility role in the software, web, or video game industry
Record of raising awareness and developing accessibility solutions in previous roles
Knowledge of WCAG guidelines, CVAA requirements, Game Accessibility Guidelines, and other accessibility guidelines and standards
A passionate interest in video games
Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Strong verbal and written communication skills; presenting information concisely and efficiently to people at all levels of the organisation
Good negotiation and influencing skills and be able to work well with cross-functional teams
Good organisation skills with the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment
Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality, both in terms of your own work and in improving product quality through accessibility research
A good grounding in accessibility and excellent analytical ability; able to identify the key problems that need to be addressed
A commitment to reliability, with a clear understanding and communication of the limitations of research results
Ability to be open-minded and forward-thinking and actively maintain an interest in the field
Bonus Points
Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods
An understanding of the role of user research to support continued development
You know the game development process and the role and limitations of accessibility at each development stage
Usability or UX testing experience, including client/account management, creating study designs, moderating sessions, writing reports, and presenting findings to a multi-disciplinary audience
AbleGamers APXP Certification, CPACC Certification, Section 508 & WCAG Certification, or other related qualifications
Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.