Staff UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff UX Researcher

Company: Squarespace

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX Research

Date Posted: 2025-06-16

Experience Level: 9+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days/week in NYC office)

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead and support comprehensive UX research initiatives specifically for the Acuity Scheduling platform within Squarespace, focusing on understanding the behaviors, needs, and motivations of service sellers and their customers.
• Drive strategic research direction by collaborating closely with product leadership and cross-functional teams, ensuring research insights directly influence product roadmaps and business decisions.
• Champion user-centered design principles and research methodologies across the organization, mentoring and empowering non-researchers to conduct effective lightweight research.
• Translate complex research findings into compelling narratives and presentations for diverse stakeholders, including leadership, to advocate for user needs and inform product strategy.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Guide and oversee multiple concurrent UX research projects, effectively prioritizing initiatives across several product teams within the Acuity platform.
• Identify and prioritize high-impact exploratory research opportunities in collaboration with Product leadership, ensuring alignment with major business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative partnerships with product managers, designers, data scientists, analysts, customer support, and engineers to integrate research throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Lead complex end-to-end research studies while simultaneously providing training and guidance to cross-functional colleagues on fundamental research practices for lightweight studies.
• Present research findings and insights to leadership and stakeholders using compelling storytelling and visualization techniques to drive product direction and strategy.
• Act as a strong advocate for the value of UX research within the organization, guiding teams toward impactful areas of study and the most appropriate methodologies.
• Analyze research findings across various teams to identify overarching patterns, establish core insights, and influence ongoing product prioritization decisions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field is typically preferred for a Staff UX Researcher role.

Experience: 9+ years of dedicated UX Research experience, with a strong preference for experience gained within a SaaS (Software as a Service) company. Demonstrated experience leading complex research initiatives and influencing product strategy is essential. A strong portfolio showcasing diverse research methodologies and impact is expected.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding and hands-on experience with a wide range of qualitative and quantitative UX/Design research methods (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, surveys, field studies, diary studies, ethnographic research).
• Proficiency in designing and leading complex mixed-method research studies, combining qualitative insights with quantitative data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to create, own, and refine end-to-end research processes, ensuring rigor and efficiency.
• Proven experience influencing product direction and team strategy at both a leadership and team level through compelling research insights.
• Strong ability to provide clarity, focus, and direction to multiple stakeholders, particularly in ambiguous or technologically constrained environments.
• Basic familiarity with analytics and quantitative research principles, with the ability to collaborate effectively with data science and analytics partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience conducting research specifically within the appointment scheduling, service business, or e-commerce domains.
• Experience mentoring or training colleagues on UX research fundamentals and best practices.
• Familiarity with research operations (ResearchOps) principles and practices.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Your portfolio should feature detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end UX research process, focusing on complex problems and strategic impact.
• Highlight projects where you utilized a variety of research methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and explain your rationale for method selection.
• Showcase your ability to translate research findings into actionable insights that directly influenced product design and development decisions.
• Include examples of research deliverables such as research plans, interview guides, usability test reports, user journey maps, personas, and research presentations.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your approach to the research and discovery phase, including how you identify research questions, recruit participants, and plan studies.
• Detail your methods for synthesizing qualitative data and analyzing quantitative data, showing how you identify patterns and key insights.
• Describe your validation and testing approaches, including how you work with design and product teams to test hypotheses and iterate on solutions based on research findings.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $185,500 - $299,000 USD. This range represents the cash compensation, including base salary and potentially on-target commissions or overtime. The final salary will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and location.

Benefits:

• Multiple medical plan options, including one with 100% covered premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Supplemental Life and Disability Insurance plans for added financial security.
• Comprehensive fertility and adoption benefits to support family planning.
• Subscription to the Headspace mindfulness app for employee well-being.
• Access to a Global Employee Assistance Program for confidential support services.
• Retirement benefits with an employer match to help employees save for the future.
• Flexible paid time off policy, allowing employees to manage their work-life balance effectively.
• Generous parental leave (20 weeks) and family care leave (up to 12 weeks).
• Pretax commuter benefit to assist with transportation costs.
• Education reimbursement program to support continuous learning and professional development.
• Employee donation match program to encourage community involvement.
• Participation in 8 Global Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) fostering diversity and inclusion.
• Dog-friendly workplace environment in the NYC office.
• Complimentary lunch and snacks provided in the office.
• Access to a private rooftop space at the NYC office.
• Participation in internal "Hack Week" events twice per year, promoting innovation and collaboration.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically expected to be around 40 hours per week. Specific hours may be flexible to accommodate research activities and collaboration across time zones, while adhering to the hybrid work model requirements.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Software Development (specifically focused on a design-driven platform for online presence, e-commerce, scheduling, and marketing).

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (LinkedIn). This size indicates a well-established company with structured teams and processes, but potentially still agile enough for individuals to have significant impact.

Founded: 2003. Squarespace has a long history as a pioneer in the website building and online presence space, suggesting a mature company with a strong brand identity and established market position.

Team Structure:

• The Staff UX Researcher will report to the Director, UX Research, indicating a clear reporting line within the research function.
• The role involves working closely with eight product teams within the Acuity Scheduling area, suggesting a matrixed or embedded team structure where researchers are aligned with specific product initiatives.
• Collaboration with a wide range of cross-functional partners (Product, Design, Data Science, Engineering, Customer Support) is a key aspect, highlighting a collaborative and integrated approach to product development.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a design-centric approach to product development.
• The research methodology involves leading end-to-end exploratory studies and supporting lightweight research conducted by product teams, suggesting a blend of deep-dive strategic research and tactical evaluative research.
• Collaboration with data science and analytics partners indicates a focus on mixed-method approaches and data-informed decision-making.

Company Website: https://www.squarespace.com/about/careers

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Staff UX Researcher. This level signifies a senior individual contributor role with significant experience, expertise, and the ability to operate autonomously and influence strategic direction. Staff-level researchers are typically expected to lead complex initiatives, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the overall research strategy and practice within the organization.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director, UX Research. This indicates a position within the research leadership structure, with potential for upward growth within the research management track or continued growth as a principal individual contributor.

Design Impact: This role has significant potential for impact by influencing the direction and strategy of the Acuity Scheduling product, a key part of the Squarespace suite. The ability to guide research across multiple product teams and present findings to leadership underscores the expected level of influence on product and business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Principal UX Researcher or a research leadership/management role within Squarespace.
• Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or domains (e.g., quantitative research, international research, specialized user groups).
• Contribute to the development and scaling of the UX research practice across Squarespace.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Hybrid (3 days per week in the NYC office). This model offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY, USA. Squarespace also has offices in Dublin, Ireland, and Aveiro, Portugal, and coworking spaces in the UK, Netherlands, and Australia, suggesting a global presence and potential for collaboration across different locations.

Design Workspace Context:

• The NYC office environment is described as "bustling" and includes amenities like free lunch, snacks, a private rooftop, and a dog-friendly workplace, suggesting a vibrant and employee-focused atmosphere conducive to creative work and collaboration.
• The hybrid model encourages in-person interaction and collaboration with product teams while allowing for focused work remotely.
• The presence of other offices globally might imply opportunities for cross-cultural research or collaboration on international projects.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, with the hybrid requirement of being in the NYC office 3 days per week. Flexibility may exist to accommodate research activities and team collaboration needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening call with a recruiter to discuss experience and fit for the role and company culture. Prepare to discuss your background, relevant experience, and interest in Squarespace and Acuity Scheduling.
• Technical interview(s) focusing on your UX research methodologies, process, and ability to design and execute research studies. Be prepared to walk through case studies from your portfolio.
• Portfolio presentation where you will present selected case studies in detail, highlighting your research process, findings, and impact on product decisions. Practice articulating your rationale and handling questions.
• Cross-functional interviews with members of the product, design, engineering, and data science teams to assess collaboration skills and ability to integrate research insights into product development.
• Interview(s) with research leadership (including the hiring manager) to discuss strategic thinking, leadership experience, and contribution to the research practice.
• Potentially a research challenge or take-home exercise to evaluate your problem-solving skills and research approach in a practical scenario.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on case studies that demonstrate your experience with complex research problems and your ability to influence product strategy, aligning with the Staff-level expectations.
• Clearly articulate your research questions, methodology selection, participant recruitment process, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and key findings for each case study.
• Emphasize the impact of your research on product decisions, user outcomes, and business goals, using data and metrics where possible.
• Showcase your ability to communicate research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Include examples of deliverables that demonstrate your research rigor and strategic thinking.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a research challenge is part of the process, carefully read and understand the prompt, clarifying any ambiguities.
• Develop a structured approach to the challenge, outlining your research questions, proposed methodology, timeline, and expected deliverables.
• Be prepared to explain your rationale for your chosen approach and how you would adapt it based on constraints or new information.
• If presenting your solution, focus on your process and thinking, not just the final outcome.

ATS Keywords: UX Research, User Research, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Mixed Methods Research, Usability Testing, User Interviews, Surveys, Field Studies, Ethnographic Research, Data Synthesis, Insight Generation, Persona Development, User Journey Mapping, Stakeholder Management, Product Strategy, Research Operations, SaaS, Acuity Scheduling, Product Development Lifecycle, Collaboration, Presentation Skills, Mentoring, Leadership, Analytics, Data Analysis, Case Studies, Portfolio, User-Centered Design, Design Thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools: While specific research tools are not listed, proficiency in standard UX research platforms and tools is expected. Based on industry standards and the nature of the role, this could include:

• User research platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Dovetail) for conducting and analyzing qualitative studies.
• Survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms) for quantitative data collection.
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, potentially more advanced tools depending on collaboration with Data Science).
• Presentation software (e.g., Google Slides, Keynote, PowerPoint) for communicating findings.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom) for team communication and meetings.
• Project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) for tracking research projects and tasks.
• Documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, Google Docs) for creating research plans, reports, and knowledge repositories.

Research & Testing:

• Tools for creating prototypes for usability testing (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD - collaboration with designers is key here).
• Tools for conducting remote or in-person usability testing sessions.
• Analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, or internal tools) for accessing quantitative user behavior data, in collaboration with data partners.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Design-centric product development: Squarespace is described as a "design-driven platform," indicating a strong value placed on design and user experience. This translates to a culture where research insights are likely highly valued.
• Helping entrepreneurs succeed: The mission of Acuity Scheduling is to "help businesses who rely on appointments do more of what they love," suggesting a focus on empowering users and solving real-world business problems through design and research.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing: The role emphasizes building partnerships with cross-functional teams and training non-researchers, indicating a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Innovation and continuous improvement: Participation in "Hack Week" suggests a culture that encourages experimentation and exploring new ideas.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative with cross-functional teams, embedded within product teams while also being part of a centralized research function.
• Emphasis on communicating research findings effectively to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Likely involves regular design critiques and feedback sessions to refine research approaches and share insights.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Navigating and prioritizing research needs across eight different product teams within Acuity Scheduling, requiring strong organizational and stakeholder management skills.
• Balancing strategic, exploratory research with tactical, evaluative research needs to support both long-term product vision and immediate development cycles.
• Empowering and training non-researchers to conduct effective lightweight research while maintaining research quality and rigor.
• Effectively communicating complex research findings to diverse stakeholders with varying levels of research understanding and competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in specialized research methodologies or quantitative analysis through collaboration with data science partners.
• Develop leadership and mentorship skills by training and guiding colleagues on research practices.
• Gain exposure to the strategic decision-making process by working closely with product leadership and influencing product roadmaps.
• Opportunity to contribute to the growth and evolution of the UX research practice at a well-established tech company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your end-to-end research process for a complex project. Walk through how you defined the research problem, selected methodologies, recruited participants, collected and analyzed data, and synthesized findings. Use specific examples from your portfolio.
• Explain how you prioritize research questions and initiatives when working with multiple product teams or stakeholders with competing needs.
• Describe your experience collaborating with designers, product managers, and engineers throughout the research process. How do you ensure research insights are integrated into the product development lifecycle?

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Squarespace's design philosophy and values. Be prepared to discuss how your approach to UX research aligns with a design-driven company culture.
• Learn about the Acuity Scheduling product and its target users. Discuss your understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the appointment scheduling and service business domain.
• Be ready to discuss your experience working in a hybrid environment and how you ensure effective collaboration and communication with both in-office and remote team members.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 case studies that best demonstrate your experience with complex research, strategic influence, and diverse methodologies, aligning with the requirements of a Staff-level role.
• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your research questions, the methodologies you used and why, your key findings, and the specific impact your research had on product decisions or user outcomes.
• Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well, is concise, and highlights your key contributions and insights. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process and decisions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link.
• Customize your resume to highlight your 9+ years of UX research experience, particularly any experience in SaaS or related industries. Use relevant ATS keywords from the list provided.
• Prepare a compelling portfolio that showcases your most impactful research projects, focusing on complex problems, diverse methodologies, and the influence of your work on product strategy and user outcomes. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your process and findings.
• Research Squarespace and the Acuity Scheduling product thoroughly. Understand their mission, target users, and design philosophy to tailor your application and interview responses.
• Practice your portfolio presentation and be prepared to discuss your research process, findings, and impact in detail during interviews.