Junior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior UX Researcher Company: Bauer Media Group Location: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Research Date Posted: July 22, 2025 Experience Level: Junior (2-5 Years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on conducting user experience research to inform the development of digital audio services, leveraging a blend of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• The Junior UX Researcher will be instrumental in gathering and analyzing user insights to enhance product strategy and user-centered design initiatives within a leading European digital broadcaster.
• Key responsibilities include planning and executing various research activities, collaborating with product, design, and engineering teams, and translating complex data into actionable recommendations for product improvement.
• The position requires proficiency in a range of UX research tools and a strong understanding of human-centered design principles to advocate for the user across the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior UX Researcher," the requirement for "2+ years of experience" and the scope of responsibilities suggest this role is suitable for individuals who have completed foundational UX research training and have gained practical experience, potentially including internships or entry-level positions. The hybrid nature indicates a need for on-site collaboration in London.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Research Design & Execution: Plan, recruit for, and execute a diverse range of UX research studies, including user interviews, usability testing sessions, contextual inquiries, surveys, diary studies, and card sorting exercises.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with product managers, UX/UI designers, engineers, content strategists, and distribution teams to define research objectives, identify key user questions, and ensure research findings are integrated into product roadmaps and design iterations.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Analyze qualitative data (e.g., interview transcripts, usability test observations) and quantitative data (e.g., survey responses, behavioral analytics) to identify user needs, pain points, behaviors, and motivations. Synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives.
• Insight Communication: Present research findings, methodologies, and recommendations to various stakeholders, including product teams, design leadership, and senior management, using engaging formats such as reports, presentations, and workshops.
• Usability Evaluation: Design and conduct usability tests and experiments on prototypes and live digital products to assess effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction, providing specific recommendations for improvement.
• User Advocacy: Act as a strong advocate for the user throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring user needs and perspectives are central to decision-making processes.
• Data Integration: Collaborate with the Lead UX Researcher, analytics, and data science teams to triangulate user research insights with behavioral data, web analytics, and other datasets to provide a holistic understanding of user engagement and product performance.
• Methodology Improvement: Stay abreast of emerging UX research trends, tools, and best practices, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the team's research methodologies and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "translating findings into actionable recommendations" and "integrating user research with behavioural data" highlights the need for a researcher who can not only conduct studies but also drive product decisions and demonstrate the impact of their work through data-backed insights.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field with a strong focus on research methodologies.
• Alternatively, equivalent practical experience in UX research or a related field can be considered.

Experience:

• Ideally 2+ years of hands-on experience in a dedicated UX Researcher, Junior UX Researcher, or similar research-focused role, with a preference for experience within the media, entertainment, digital content, or audio broadcasting industries.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, executing, and analyzing a variety of qualitative and quantitative UX research methods.
• Proven ability to translate complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights for product and design teams.

Required Skills:

• Qualitative Research Expertise: Proficient in conducting user interviews, usability testing (moderated and unmoderated), ethnographic studies, focus groups, and contextual inquiries.
• Quantitative Research Acumen: Skilled in survey design, data analysis, and interpreting metrics to understand user behaviors and preferences.
• Data Synthesis & Storytelling: Ability to effectively synthesize diverse data sources (qualitative, quantitative, behavioral) into compelling narratives that drive understanding and action.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to present research findings clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior stakeholders.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated experience working effectively within agile, cross-functional teams alongside product managers, designers, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Human-Centered Design Principles: Solid understanding of UX design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and the product development lifecycle.
• UX Research Tools Proficiency: Familiarity and practical experience with common UX research tools such as UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Optimal Workshop suite (e.g., Treejack, OptimalSort), Miro, or similar platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with A/B testing and experimentation design.
• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics).
• Understanding of agile development methodologies.
• Experience in the digital audio, radio, or media industries.
• Knowledge of user behavior patterns specific to content consumption and digital media platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2+ years of experience" requirement, coupled with the mention of "ideally within the media, entertainment, or digital content industries," suggests that candidates with prior exposure to these sectors will have a competitive edge. Proficiency with specific tools like UserTesting.com and Qualtrics is explicitly mentioned as crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating your approach to UX research projects, from initial problem definition and methodology selection to data analysis, insight generation, and impact on product decisions.
• Methodology Diversity: Highlight experience with a variety of UX research methods, clearly explaining why specific methods were chosen for particular research questions.
• Data Visualization & Impact: Present how you visualize and communicate research findings effectively, emphasizing how your insights led to tangible improvements in user experience or product outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, reduced task completion time, improved user satisfaction).
• Process Documentation: Include examples of how you document research plans, participant recruitment criteria, discussion guides, and analysis frameworks.
• Collaboration Evidence: If possible, include examples of collaborative outputs or how your research directly informed the work of designers, product managers, or engineers.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Examples of well-structured research plans that clearly outline objectives, target users, research questions, chosen methodologies, and timelines.
• Analysis Frameworks: Demonstrations of your analytical process, such as affinity mapping for qualitative data, thematic analysis, or statistical analysis for quantitative data.
• Impact Reporting: Evidence of how research findings are translated into actionable recommendations and presented to stakeholders, including any follow-up on the implementation of those recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Applicants should prepare detailed case studies that not only showcase research execution but also the ability to translate findings into actionable product improvements and demonstrate the impact of their work. Prioritizing case studies that align with digital content or media platforms will be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Junior UX Researchers in London with 2-5 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £35,000 and £50,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in London, the specific requirements of the role, and the typical compensation for similar positions within media and technology companies.

Benefits:

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Personal Development: Access to Bauer Academy for internal training and professional development opportunities.
• Family Support: Enhanced pay for Maternity/Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave.
• Flexible Working: Opportunities for flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Volunteer Days: Two paid volunteer days per year.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Details of the full benefits package are available via the company's careers page.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 37.5 to 40 hours per week, with the possibility of flexible working arrangements as mentioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for London. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's internal pay scales. The benefits package appears robust, with a strong emphasis on professional development and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Publishing, Digital Broadcasting, Entertainment. Bauer Media Group is a significant player in the European media landscape, with a strong focus on digital audio services (radio and podcasts) across multiple markets. This industry context means the role operates in a fast-paced, dynamic environment driven by audience engagement and technological innovation. Company Size: Bauer Media Group is a large, international organization with approximately 12,000 employees globally. This scale offers opportunities for exposure to diverse projects and a structured corporate environment, while the specific Consumer Insight (Digital) team likely operates with the agility of a smaller, specialized unit. Founded: Bauer Media Group is a family-owned business with a long history, founded in the 5th generation. This suggests a culture that values long-term vision and stability, alongside a commitment to innovation and consumer-centricity.

Team Structure:

• Consumer Insight (Digital) Team: This role is part of the Consumer Insight (Digital) team, which operates across all nine markets where Bauer Media Audio is present. This team is dedicated to shaping the future of digital audio products by providing user-centered insights.
• Reporting Structure: The Junior UX Researcher will likely report to a Lead UX Researcher or a Head of Consumer Insight, with close collaboration expected with product managers, UX designers, and engineering leads.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes close collaboration with various departments, including design, product management, engineering, content, and distribution, fostering a matrixed and project-based working environment.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: The team's core methodology is user-centered design, driven by evidence-based insights derived from user research.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Insights from user research are integrated with behavioral data and analytics to inform product strategy and development.
• Agile & Iterative Development: The work is likely conducted within an agile framework, promoting iterative improvements based on continuous feedback and research findings.

Company Website: https://www.bauermedia.com/, https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/join/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: Bauer Media Group's global reach and focus on digital audio present an exciting opportunity for a UX Researcher to impact millions of users. The Consumer Insight team's role as a central driver of user-centricity within this large organization is a key aspect of the role's influence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Junior level within the operations/research discipline. It is an entry-to-mid-level position designed for individuals who are building their expertise in UX research methodologies and their application in a commercial digital product environment. Reporting Structure: The Junior UX Researcher will report to a more senior member of the Consumer Insight team, likely a Lead UX Researcher. This provides a clear line of mentorship and guidance, allowing for skill development and exposure to more complex research challenges. Operations Impact: The Junior UX Researcher's work directly influences product strategy and development by providing critical user insights. This impact is measured through the successful implementation of user-centered recommendations that enhance user experience, drive engagement with Bauer's digital audio platforms, and ultimately contribute to business objectives like audience growth and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., generative research, evaluative testing, quantitative analysis) and gain exposure to a wider array of tools and techniques.
• Career Progression: A clear path to a mid-level UX Researcher role, and potentially into specialized areas like Senior UX Researcher, Lead UX Researcher, or even UX Research Management, depending on performance and career aspirations.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining valuable experience within the dynamic digital audio and media industry, which can open doors to future opportunities in related sectors.
• Cross-functional Learning: Working closely with design, product, and engineering teams provides exposure to different facets of product development and business strategy.
• International Experience: Contributing to products used across nine European markets offers broad exposure to diverse user bases and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a structured environment for growth, with direct mentorship and exposure to a wide range of research challenges within a leading digital media company. Candidates looking to build a solid foundation in UX research with a clear career trajectory should find this role appealing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Bauer Media Group's London office is likely a modern, professional workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Given the hybrid work arrangement, the office will serve as a hub for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative work. Office Location(s): The specified location is London, NW1 2PL, which is in a central area of London, likely offering good transport links and access to amenities. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment will likely include collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated areas for user research activities, encouraging interaction and knowledge sharing among team members.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary UX research tools, software, and hardware will be provided to facilitate effective research execution.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages regular in-person interaction with the Consumer Insight team, as well as with cross-functional colleagues, promoting a strong team culture and efficient communication.

Work Schedule:

• The role involves a standard full-time work schedule, with the flexibility to arrange working hours to balance personal needs with team and project requirements. This flexibility is key for accommodating user research participant schedules and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement in a central London location suggests a dynamic work environment that balances in-office collaboration with personal flexibility. Candidates should expect a professional setting conducive to both focused research work and team-based innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess your qualifications and experience against the role requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (likely the Lead UX Researcher or Head of Consumer Insight) to discuss your background, motivations, and understanding of UX research principles.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a practical exercise, a case study presentation, or a deeper dive into your portfolio to evaluate your research skills, analytical abilities, and communication style. Expect questions focused on your approach to research problems.
• Cross-Functional Team Interview: You may meet with team members from design, product, or engineering to assess your collaborative skills and how you integrate with different disciplines.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader within the digital or product division to discuss your fit with the company culture and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your UX research process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Tailor your selection to highlight experiences relevant to digital products and user engagement.
• Focus on the "Why" and "So What": For each case study, clearly articulate the research problem, the methodologies chosen and why, your role in the process, the key insights uncovered, and the impact of those insights on product decisions or user experience.
• Showcase Your Process: Detail your methodology, from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting. Use visuals (e.g., journey maps, personas, affinity diagrams) where appropriate to illustrate your process and findings.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research recommendations. For example, "Usability testing identified issues that, when addressed, led to a 15% increase in task completion rate."
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to talk through each case study in detail, answer questions about your decisions, and explain how you would approach similar challenges in the future.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home assignment, thoroughly research Bauer Media Group's digital audio products and identify potential areas for UX research.
• Structure Your Approach: For any practical exercise or presentation, clearly outline your research plan, including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Present Your Thinking: Focus on articulating your thought process, problem-solving skills, and how you would apply UX research principles to achieve business goals.
• Stakeholder Empathy: Consider how your research and findings would be communicated to different stakeholders, anticipating their questions and concerns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage, emphasizing both technical research skills and the ability to collaborate and influence. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates the research process and impact is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for conducting remote usability tests and collecting user feedback.
• Survey & Form Builders: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform for creating and distributing surveys and questionnaires.
• Card Sorting & Tree Testing: Optimal Workshop (Treejack, OptimalSort), UserZoom, or similar tools for information architecture research.
• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural, FigJam for collaborative brainstorming, affinity mapping, and synthesizing qualitative data.
• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is beneficial for understanding design artifacts used in testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for analyzing user behavior data on digital platforms.
• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools might be used for presenting aggregated data and insights.
• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms are used to segment users or track customer journeys might be beneficial for context.
• Integration Tools: Awareness of how data flows between different systems could be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with core UX research tools is essential. While direct experience with all listed tools isn't always required, demonstrating familiarity with the categories and a willingness to learn new platforms is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product decisions.
• Data-Driven Insights: Valuing evidence-based decision-making through rigorous research and analysis.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and shared.
• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas and adapting quickly to changing user needs and market trends.
• Impact & Effectiveness: Focusing on delivering research that leads to measurable improvements in user experience and business outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with various departments to ensure research is relevant and actionable across the product lifecycle.
• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparency within the team and with stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing research findings, methodologies, and best practices across the organization.
• Iterative Improvement: Embracing a culture of continuous learning and refinement of research processes and outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team values a proactive, collaborative approach to research, emphasizing the delivery of actionable insights that directly contribute to the success of Bauer's digital audio products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Markets: Researching and understanding the needs of diverse user bases across nine different European markets requires careful planning and cultural sensitivity.
• Rapid Product Iteration: Keeping pace with the fast-evolving digital audio landscape and Bauer's product development cycles means research needs to be timely and efficient.
• Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Effectively synthesizing insights from disparate data sources to create a cohesive understanding of user behavior can be complex.
• Communicating Insights to Diverse Audiences: Tailoring research presentations to resonate with different stakeholders, from product managers to senior leadership, requires strong communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply more sophisticated qualitative and quantitative research methods under the guidance of experienced researchers.
• Industry Trends: Staying current with emerging technologies and user behaviors in the digital audio and media space.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to product management, UX design principles, and data analytics through close collaboration.
• Professional Certifications: Potential for support in pursuing relevant certifications or attending industry conferences to enhance skills and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a valuable opportunity to tackle complex research challenges with a global scope, fostering significant professional growth in a leading digital media environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Approach: "Describe a time you had to choose between different research methodologies. What factors did you consider, and what was the outcome?" Prepare to discuss your rationale for method selection.
• Insight to Action: "Tell me about a research finding that was difficult to communicate but crucial for product improvement. How did you convey its importance?" Focus on your ability to translate data into impactful narratives.
• Collaboration Experience: "Describe a challenging collaboration experience with a product manager or designer. How did you navigate it to ensure user needs were met?" Highlight your interpersonal and cross-functional skills.
• Handling Ambiguity: "How do you approach research when the initial project goals are unclear or ambiguous?" Showcase your ability to define research problems and plans independently.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Bauer Media Audio: "What do you know about Bauer Media Audio's digital products, and what excites you about researching them?" Research their brands and digital presence.
• User Advocacy: "How do you ensure the user's voice is heard and prioritized within a product team?" Be ready to discuss your passion for user advocacy.
• Team Fit: "How would you describe your ideal working relationship with a Lead UX Researcher and other team members?" Align your answer with the collaborative culture described.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, covering the problem, your process, key findings, and recommendations/impact for each case study.
• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills and the journey from user observation to actionable insight.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals to support your points and make complex data understandable. Ensure all visuals are relevant and enhance your message.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and fits within the allocated timeframe, leaving room for Q&A.
• Anticipate Questions: Think about potential questions interviewers might ask about your methodology, insights, or decisions, and prepare thoughtful answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation, focusing on demonstrating both technical research proficiency and strong communication and collaboration skills, will be crucial for success in the interview process. A deep understanding of the company's products and a passion for user-centricity are key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Bauer Media Group careers portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant UX research case studies. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your research process, analytical skills, and the impact of your findings on product decisions. Prioritize examples that showcase qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific UX research projects, methodologies used, tools proficiency, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UX Research," "Usability Testing," "User Interviews," "Data Analysis," and "Human-Centered Design."
• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively. Be ready to articulate your research rationale, findings, and the business impact of your work.
• Research Bauer Media Group: Familiarize yourself with Bauer Media Audio's digital products (radio brands, podcasts) and understand their market position. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.