Advanced Specialist, UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Advanced Specialist, UX Designer

Company: Pearson

Location: United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-03-31T14:15:48

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives to inform product strategy and enhance customer experiences for AI-powered learning platforms.

• Drive data-backed decisions by partnering with Product Management, UX Design, Engineering, Data Analytics, and business stakeholders.

• Utilize mixed-method research to identify learning goals, reduce uncertainty, and influence product design and roadmap prioritization.

• Synthesize complex findings into clear, compelling insights and recommendations for senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly stated as aligning with a "Senior UX Researcher" position, indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility. The focus on "AI-powered learning platforms" suggests a need for candidates familiar with emerging technologies and their impact on user behavior in educational contexts. The emphasis on "end-to-end user research" and influencing "product strategy" points towards a strategic, rather than purely tactical, research function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, from planning and recruitment to execution and synthesis, for Pearson's AI-powered learning platforms.

• Design and implement mixed-method research studies (qualitative and quantitative) to uncover user needs, behaviors, and pain points.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, UX Design, Engineering, and Data Analytics, to define research questions and integrate findings into product development cycles.

• Recruit participants (educators, students, parents) with sensitivity to consent, privacy, and trust, leveraging AI tools to scale research efforts.

• Analyze and synthesize research data to produce actionable insights and strategic recommendations that influence product design, roadmap prioritization, and investment decisions.

• Communicate research findings, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership through compelling presentations, demonstrating executive presence.

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities that inform product direction.

• Ensure research practices adhere to regulatory, compliance, and privacy considerations.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, user advocacy, and continuous improvement within the product development teams.

• Partner with Product teams to define and maintain clear research agendas and roadmaps, ensuring research addresses critical knowledge gaps aligned with business strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a researcher who can not only execute studies but also strategize, influence, and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders. The mention of "AI tools to scale research efforts" suggests a forward-thinking approach to research operations and efficiency. "Continuous Discovery" and "Agile software development" imply an iterative, fast-paced research environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Human Factors, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of proven success leading user research projects with demonstrated impact on product strategy and user experience.

• Experience working in the EdTech or Education fields is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Strong command of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with the ability to determine the most appropriate methods for specific research objectives.

• Expertise in human behavior, customer bias, and skilled interviewing techniques to uncover underlying user needs.

• Proven ability to design and execute end-to-end research studies, including developing comprehensive research plans.

• Experience synthesizing research data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Demonstrated ability to present research findings and recommendations to senior leadership with clarity, confidence, and executive presence.

• Proficiency in collaborating with cross-functional product development teams (UX Design, Product Management, Engineering, Analytics).

• Excellent organizational habits and strong time management skills, with a detail-oriented approach.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with accessibility and inclusive design practices.

• Familiarity with common research and design tools (e.g., UserTesting.com, survey platforms, testing tools, repositories, Figma).

• Experience with specific tools such as Jira, Jira Product Discovery, Qualtrics, Google Analytics, and MixPanel.

• Experience leveraging AI tools to scale research efforts, streamline workflows, and synthesize insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of methodological expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative skills. The preference for a Master's degree and experience in EdTech suggests a desire for candidates with advanced knowledge and domain-specific understanding. The inclusion of specific tools like Jira and Qualtrics indicates the expected technical proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Work samples demonstrating a strong track record of leading user research projects from inception to impact.

• Deliverables should clearly showcase the research process, including research plans, methodologies employed, data synthesis, and actionable insights.

• Evidence of how research findings directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, or roadmap prioritization.

• Examples of presenting research findings to stakeholders, including senior leadership, highlighting executive presence and clarity.

Process Documentation:

• Research plans that clearly articulate objectives, hypotheses, methodologies, participant criteria, and timelines.

• Detailed documentation of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and tools used.

• Synthesis reports that effectively translate raw data into meaningful insights and strategic recommendations.

• Documentation of how research insights were translated into actionable product requirements or design iterations.

• Artifacts demonstrating collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as joint research planning sessions or insight-sharing workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio" for a UX Researcher is standard, but the "Process & Systems" section is tailored to highlight the candidate's ability to document and articulate their research operations. This includes not just the findings but the entire methodology, collaboration, and impact. The mention of specific tools in the qualifications section implies that portfolio examples showcasing their use would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 annually This range is provided as per California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Vermont, Washington State, and Washington DC pay transparency laws.

Benefits:

• Eligibility to participate in an annual incentive program.

• Comprehensive benefits package detailed at https://pearsonbenefitsus.com/.

• Potential for professional development and continuous learning opportunities.

• Access to cutting-edge AI tools and technologies for research.

• Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time)

While the role is primarily remote, occasional travel may be required for in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided, adhering to pay transparency laws. The benefits are described as comprehensive, with a direct link for further details. The mention of an annual incentive program suggests performance-based bonuses. Standard working hours are noted, with a clarification on the remote nature and potential for travel.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech) / Publishing

Company Size: Large (Likely thousands of employees globally, given Pearson's established presence)

Founded: 1844 (Pearson has a long history, evolving from printing and publishing to digital learning solutions.)

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of the Pearson Virtual Schools division, likely working within a product development pod or team.

• This team will include roles such as Product Managers, UX Designers, Engineers, Data Analysts, and potentially other researchers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, with a strong emphasis on leveraging user research and analytics to inform product strategy.

• Agile and Continuous Discovery methodologies are likely employed, requiring iterative research and close collaboration with development teams.

• A user-centered design approach is paramount, with a focus on understanding and advocating for the needs of educators, students, and parents.

• Utilization of AI tools for research scaling and insight synthesis is a key element of the team's operational approach.

Company Website: https://www.pearson.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Pearson's long history and transition into EdTech provide a rich context. The "Large" company size implies structured processes, potential for internal mobility, and a broad impact. The emphasis on AI tools and Continuous Discovery points to a modern, forward-thinking approach within the company's operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor

This role represents a senior-level position within the UX Research discipline. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead complex research initiatives independently. The "Advanced Specialist" title, coupled with the "Senior UX Researcher" alignment, suggests a role that is beyond a junior or mid-level contributor, focusing on shaping strategy and influencing key decisions.

Reporting Structure:

The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager of UX Research, Product Management, or a related product leadership role. They will work closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineering leads within specific product teams, fostering a collaborative, matrixed environment.

Operations Impact:

The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the strategic direction of Pearson's AI-powered learning platforms. By providing deep insights into user behavior and needs, the UX Researcher will:

• Shape product roadmaps and feature development.

• Drive innovation by identifying unmet user needs and emerging trends.

• Improve user satisfaction, engagement, and retention through data-backed design decisions.

• Contribute to the overall effectiveness and adoption of Pearson's educational technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven user research, specific educational domains (e.g., K-12, higher education), or advanced research methodologies.

• Leadership: Transition into a leadership role, such as a UX Research Manager, overseeing a team of researchers and setting research strategy for larger product areas.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Move into Product Management, UX Design Strategy, or Data Analytics roles, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product development.

• Mentorship: Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the growth of the UX research practice within Pearson.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to industry best practices through publications, conference presentations, or internal knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The analysis emphasizes the senior nature of the role and its strategic impact. The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a large organization like Pearson, highlighting potential career paths and skill development relevant to operations and product development professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily Remote (with occasional travel)

The role is designated as "TELECOMMUTE" and "Remote Solely," indicating a primary work-from-home setup. However, the description notes "occasional travel for in-person collaboration with colleagues and customers," suggesting that some face-to-face interaction might be required for specific meetings, workshops, or team events.

Office Location(s): United States

The role is open to candidates located within the United States, with the flexibility to work remotely. Specific office locations for any required in-person collaboration are not detailed but would likely be at Pearson's major US hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, the role emphasizes close collaboration with Product Management, UX Design, Engineering, and Data Analytics teams. This will likely involve frequent virtual meetings, use of collaboration tools, and asynchronous communication.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to Pearson's standard suite of collaboration and productivity tools, as well as specialized UX research software (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, Figma, Jira, analytics platforms). The company's investment in AI tools for research suggests a modern tech stack.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will be through virtual channels, including video conferencing, instant messaging, and shared digital workspaces. Occasional in-person meetings will provide more direct team and stakeholder engagement.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.

• Flexibility in daily scheduling may be available, common in remote roles, provided that core collaboration hours and project deadlines are met. The focus will be on delivering results and maintaining effective communication with distributed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment focuses on the remote aspect and the necessary tools and communication strategies for distributed teams. The mention of occasional travel adds a practical detail for candidates to consider.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, research philosophy, approach to problem-solving, and fit with the team and company culture. This stage often includes behavioral questions.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their best work. This typically involves detailing 1-2 significant research projects, explaining your process, key findings, impact, and lessons learned.

4. Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key collaborators, such as Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineers, to evaluate your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team, communicate research insights, and influence decision-making.

5. Executive/Senior Leadership Interview: A final interview with a senior leader to assess strategic thinking, executive presence, and overall alignment with Pearson's vision and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best represent your end-to-end research capabilities, strategic impact, and ability to handle complex problems. Prioritize projects that align with Pearson's focus on AI-powered learning platforms and educational technology.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you were solving, the research questions, your methodology, the insights you uncovered, and, most importantly, the tangible impact your research had on the product, strategy, or business outcomes. Use metrics where possible.

• Detail Your Process: Walk through your research process step-by-step, explaining why you chose specific methods, how you mitigated bias, and how you synthesized data.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight instances where you effectively partnered with Product Management, Design, and Engineering, and how you communicated insights to influence their work.

• Practice Your Narrative: Prepare a concise and compelling story for each project. Be ready to answer questions about challenges, trade-offs, and alternative approaches.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case study exercises or hypothetical research scenarios. This might involve analyzing a problem, proposing a research plan, or interpreting mock data.

• Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking, methodological rigor, and ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess a candidate's end-to-end research capabilities, strategic influence, and collaborative skills. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to clearly demonstrate impact and process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for remote usability testing and qualitative feedback.

• Survey & Data Collection Platforms: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Typeform for quantitative surveys and data gathering.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma (familiarity is beneficial for collaboration with designers), Sketch, Adobe XD.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Jira Product Discovery (for tracking research initiatives and linking them to product backlogs), Confluence, Asana, Trello.

• Analytics & Reporting Tools: Google Analytics, MixPanel, Amplitude, Tableau, Power BI for analyzing user behavior data and reporting on product performance.

• AI Tools: Specific AI tools for research scaling, workflow streamlining, and insight synthesis (candidates are encouraged to highlight their experience with any relevant AI applications in research).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics for tracking user behavior on digital platforms.

• Product Analytics: MixPanel, Amplitude for in-depth analysis of user interactions within the application.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio) for creating dashboards and reports to communicate findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX Research, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) might be beneficial for understanding customer data and segmentation.

• Automation tools may be used for participant recruitment, survey distribution, or data analysis workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for a Senior UX Researcher role, with a particular emphasis on platforms relevant to EdTech and AI-driven products. The inclusion of Jira and specific analytics tools indicates the need for proficiency in an integrated product development environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the needs of users (educators, students, parents) in all product decisions.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Emphasizing rigorous research and data analysis to inform product strategy and drive innovation within AI-powered learning platforms.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to refining research processes, adopting new methodologies, and constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency and impact.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high standards for participant privacy, consent, and responsible data handling, especially when working with sensitive user groups.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with diverse teams to ensure research is integrated early and often into the product lifecycle. This involves proactive communication and knowledge sharing.

• Process Review & Feedback: Open to constructive feedback on research methodologies and findings, and providing thoughtful input on product design and strategy.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture where research insights are widely disseminated and accessible, fostering a shared understanding of user needs across the organization.

• Efficiency and Scalability: Embracing new tools and techniques, including AI, to optimize research workflows and maximize the reach and impact of research efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are tailored to a UX Research role within a technology-focused educational company, emphasizing user advocacy, data, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the complexities of advocating for user needs while considering business objectives, delivery constraints, and technological limitations.

• Researching Sensitive User Groups: Responsibly recruiting and conducting research with students and educators, ensuring privacy, consent, and ethical considerations are paramount.

• Scaling Research with AI: Effectively integrating and leveraging AI tools to enhance research efficiency and insight generation without compromising rigor or human empathy.

• Influencing Senior Stakeholders: Persuading senior leadership and cross-functional partners to adopt research-driven recommendations, especially when they challenge existing assumptions or roadmaps.

• Navigating a Hybrid Work Environment: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective collaboration while working remotely, with occasional in-person requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques, including those leveraging AI and machine learning.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in educational technology, learning science, and the specific needs of K-12 and higher education users.

• Leadership Development: Programs and mentorship aimed at developing skills for managing research teams, setting strategic direction, and influencing organizational change.

• Industry Engagement: Support for attending conferences, workshops, and obtaining certifications relevant to UX research and educational technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around common issues in senior UX research roles, particularly within the EdTech sector, and the specific mention of AI integration. Growth opportunities are aligned with typical career progression paths for researchers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led an end-to-end research project that significantly impacted product strategy. What was your process, what were the key insights, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking, methodological rigor, and impact.)

• "How do you approach balancing the needs of diverse user groups (e.g., students with different learning abilities, educators with varying tech proficiency) with business objectives?" (Prepare to discuss your approach to user segmentation, prioritization, and stakeholder negotiation.)

• "Given our focus on AI-powered learning platforms, how would you approach researching user trust and adoption of AI-driven features?" (Showcase your understanding of emerging technologies and your ability to frame research questions around them.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Pearson and our mission to help people learn?" (Research Pearson's mission, values, and recent initiatives in EdTech.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Pearson's culture of data-driven innovation and user-centricity?" (Connect your experience and values to the company's stated principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the context, your role, the research objectives, methodology, key findings, insights, and the resulting impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Your Process: Be ready to deep-dive into how you conducted the research, including participant recruitment, data collection, analysis, and synthesis. Explain your rationale for methodological choices.

• Emphasize Influence: Show how your research translated into tangible product improvements or strategic shifts. Discuss how you communicated your findings to drive adoption.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well, stays within time limits, and keeps the audience engaged. Be prepared for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on behavioral and situational questions that assess strategic thinking, research methodology, collaboration, and the ability to influence stakeholders, all critical for a Senior UX Researcher role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Advanced Specialist, UX Designer (Senior UX Researcher) position:

• Submit your application through the Pearson careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in user research, particularly within the EdTech sector or with AI-driven products. Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible and showcases your strongest, most relevant work.

• Resume Optimization: Emphasize keywords related to UX research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative), AI tools, product strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and educational technology. Quantify your achievements and impact whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, key findings, and the impact of your work. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively, focusing on storytelling and demonstrating strategic influence. Research Pearson's mission, values, and recent product developments.

• Company Research: Gain a thorough understanding of Pearson's products, target audience (educators, students), and the broader EdTech landscape. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to AI and digital learning.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.