Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher Company: Roblox Location: San Mateo, CA, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience & Research / Trust & Safety Operations Date Posted: December 3, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct in-depth user research to inform the development and enhancement of Roblox's safety and civility features for a global audience.
• Manage the full lifecycle of research projects, from foundational generative studies to evaluative testing, ensuring user needs are central to product strategy.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product, Design, Engineering, Policy, and Legal, to translate research insights into actionable product recommendations and drive a culture of user-centricity.
• Contribute to growing confidence in Roblox's platform as an industry leader in Trust & Safety by researching evolving global policy landscapes and user perceptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior User Researcher," the responsibilities and experience level suggest a role that bridges user research with operational impact, particularly within the critical domain of Trust & Safety. The emphasis on informing product roadmaps and influencing strategy positions this as a key operational contributor to platform integrity and user experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive user research studies (qualitative and quantitative) focused on the safety experience, covering aspects from account creation to reporting abusive behavior.
• Conduct foundational research to uncover unmet needs and pain points for players, creators, parents, and policymakers regarding platform safety and security.
• Translate abstract user needs and complex policy requirements into concrete, actionable product feature recommendations for diverse user journeys.
• Facilitate research discussions and deliver concise, impactful findings to cross-functional stakeholders, directly influencing feature roadmaps and product vision.
• Collaborate with Design, Product, Engineering, Policy, Legal, and Civility teams to foster a user-centric approach and evolve research processes.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to Product Group leadership, demonstrating the impact of user insights on business objectives.
• Contribute to building and maintaining user confidence in Roblox's commitment to safety and civility through rigorous, data-driven research.
• Stay abreast of evolving global policy landscapes and their implications for user safety, proactively informing research agendas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic operational role within Trust & Safety. The emphasis on translating complex policy into product features and influencing roadmaps points to a need for strong analytical and strategic thinking, beyond just research execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Marketing Research, Sociology, Anthropology, or another social science discipline with a research focus.
• Equivalent work experience in a relevant research role will also be considered.

Experience:

• 3+ years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) or Product Research.
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end research projects, from initiation to reporting findings.
• Proven ability to translate abstract ideas into viable product feature recommendations.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing, diary studies, field studies).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify the most appropriate methodology for specific research questions.
• Proficiency in synthesizing research data into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives.
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills for articulating research findings to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (Design, Product, Engineering, Policy, Legal).
• Systems thinking approach, advocating for holistic and connected user experiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to challenge assumptions and define the right research questions.
• Motivated and curious innovator, eager to learn new tools and techniques.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with research software vendors such as Qualtrics.
• Database analysis skills, preferably with SQL.
• Experience conducting statistical analyses using tools like SPSS, R, or Python.
• Experience working with international research vendors.
• Familiarity with the gaming industry or immersive digital experiences.
• Understanding of Trust & Safety principles, online safety, or policy-related research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills, particularly SQL and statistical analysis tools (SPSS, R, Python), indicate a need for a researcher who can handle complex data sets and potentially collaborate with data science teams, moving beyond purely qualitative insights.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong track record of managing end-to-end research projects, clearly outlining the research question, methodology, execution, and impact.
• Showcase examples of research that directly informed product feature development, ideally with quantifiable outcomes or demonstrable impact on user experience.
• Include case studies that highlight your ability to translate complex user needs or policy requirements into actionable product recommendations.
• Present research findings through compelling storytelling, utilizing verbal, written, and visual communication methods to convey insights effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your research process for both generative and evaluative studies, detailing your approach to participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis.
• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Engineering) to integrate research findings into product roadmaps and design iterations.
• Illustrate your approach to identifying and defining research questions, including how you challenge assumptions and ensure research addresses critical business and user needs.
• Highlight instances where you have used both qualitative and quantitative data to triangulate findings and provide robust, data-backed recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "process portfolio" isn't explicitly stated, a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end project management, impact on product decisions, and clear methodology is crucial for a senior-level research role. Emphasis should be on demonstrating problem-solving and strategic influence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The annual base salary range for this position in San Mateo, CA, is $189,450 - $225,640 USD.

Benefits:

• Equity Compensation: Eligibility for stock options or other equity awards.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Details available on the Roblox Total Rewards page, likely including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off, parental leave, and wellness programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, typically around 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid work arrangement requiring 3 days in the San Mateo office, with flexibility for optional presence on Monday and Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to San Mateo, CA. For candidates outside this region, salary expectations may vary significantly based on local cost of living and market rates. The mention of "equity compensation" and a comprehensive benefits package is standard for senior tech roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Gaming / Metaverse Platform Company Size: Large (Roblox is a publicly traded company with thousands of employees globally). Founded: 2004. Roblox has grown from a platform for user-created games to a burgeoning metaverse, emphasizing community, creativity, and social interaction.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is part of a larger Product and Design organization, with this specific role reporting to the Safety Research Manager.
• This role involves close collaboration with Product Managers, UX Designers, Engineers, Policy Specialists, Legal Counsel, and Civility experts.
• The team likely operates with a matrixed structure, where researchers support various product groups focused on specific aspects of the Roblox experience, including critical Trust & Safety initiatives.

Methodology:

• Roblox emphasizes a data-driven approach to product development, integrating user research, analytics, and A/B testing.
• A strong emphasis is placed on understanding the global user base and catering to diverse needs and cultural contexts.
• The company culture promotes innovation, collaboration, and a mission-driven focus on building the future of human interaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Roblox's mission to "reimagine the way people come together" and its focus on "optimism and civility" are key cultural drivers. For a researcher in Trust & Safety, understanding these values is crucial for aligning research with the company's overarching goals and ethical considerations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior User Researcher. This role is positioned as a key individual contributor with significant autonomy and influence. It requires a deep understanding of research methodologies and the ability to apply them strategically to complex, high-impact problems like platform safety.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Safety Research Manager. This implies a direct line of guidance and mentorship within a specialized research function. The role will also have significant dotted-line reporting or strong collaborative relationships with Product Managers, Design Leads, and Policy experts within the Trust & Safety domain.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the operational integrity and user trust of the Roblox platform. By ensuring a safe and civil environment, the research conducted here contributes to user retention, developer engagement, brand reputation, and regulatory compliance. Insights will directly shape product roadmaps and strategic decisions related to Trust & Safety, a critical operational pillar for any large-scale platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Trust & Safety research, becoming a subject matter expert within Roblox and the broader industry.
• Leadership: Potential to move into a Lead User Researcher role, mentoring junior researchers, or transitioning into research management.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to apply research skills to other product areas within Roblox, or to move into product management or design strategy roles.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through internal training, external conferences, and exposure to cutting-edge research challenges in AI, policy, and global user behavior.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with the critical nature of "Trust & Safety" implies that this role is pivotal. Growth opportunities would likely involve not just methodological advancement but also strategic influence and potentially leadership within this vital operational domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with an emphasis on in-office collaboration. Office Location(s): San Mateo, CA. This location is central to the tech industry in the Bay Area, offering access to talent and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• The San Mateo office is designed to foster collaboration, with dedicated spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional work.
• As a Senior Researcher, you will have access to standard research tools and technologies, and likely opportunities to influence the adoption of new research platforms or methodologies.
• Expect a dynamic environment with frequent interaction with product teams, designers, and policy experts, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model requires 3 days per week in the San Mateo office. This structure aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility of remote work. This schedule should accommodate focused individual work and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement signifies a company culture that values in-person collaboration for innovation and team building, a common trend post-pandemic, especially in roles requiring deep XFN interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A recruiter or hiring manager will typically review your application and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, research methodologies, and approach to problem-solving, often with a focus on your portfolio.
• Portfolio Presentation: A critical stage where you will present 1-2 case studies from your portfolio, detailing your research process, findings, and impact. Expect to be asked detailed questions about your decision-making and the outcomes of your work.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with stakeholders from Product, Design, Engineering, or Policy to assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and understand different perspectives.
• Team/Leadership Interview: A final interview, potentially with a Director or VP, to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and demonstrable impact on product decisions or user experience. Prioritize projects related to safety, complex user journeys, or global audiences if possible.
• Structure Your Stories: For each project, clearly articulate:
  • The problem/opportunity
  • Your role and the research questions
  • The methodologies employed and why
  • Key findings and insights
  • Recommendations and how they were implemented
  • The impact/outcomes (quantifiable if possible)
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional partners, navigated differing opinions, and influenced roadmaps.
• Showcase Methodological Breadth: Include examples of both qualitative and quantitative research if applicable, and explain your rationale for choosing specific methods.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your research process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at your conclusions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem related to Roblox's safety features or user experience.
• Methodology Justification: Prepare to defend your choice of research methods for specific scenarios.
• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting research data (qualitative and quantitative) and articulating implications.
• Stakeholder Management: Consider how you would communicate sensitive research findings or manage conflicting stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a cornerstone for senior research roles. Candidates should prepare thoroughly, focusing on demonstrating strategic thinking, impact, and strong communication. The mention of "policy" and "civility" suggests a need to understand the nuances of researching sensitive topics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Qualtrics (preferred), SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or similar survey and experience management tools.
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Confluence, Jira.
• Prototyping/Design Tools (for review): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (understanding how to interpret and test designs created in these).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Analysis Software: SPSS, R, Python (preferred for advanced analysis).
• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for presenting quantitative findings.
• Database Querying: SQL (preferred) for data extraction and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not direct CRM roles, understanding how user feedback and data feed into CRM systems or product analytics platforms is beneficial for contextualizing research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with statistical analysis tools (R, Python, SPSS) and SQL is explicitly called out as preferred, indicating a strong preference for researchers who can handle complex data analysis and potentially work with large datasets, moving beyond traditional qualitative methods.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring their needs are at the forefront of product development.
• Safety & Civility: Prioritizing the creation of a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for millions of global users.
• Collaboration: Fostering a teamwork-oriented environment where cross-functional partners work together towards shared goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research insights and data analytics to inform strategic decisions and product direction.
• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging continuous learning, exploration of new methodologies, and creative problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with Product, Design, Engineering, Policy, and Legal teams to ensure research is relevant and actionable.
• Open Communication: Sharing work early and often, encouraging constructive feedback from peers and managers.
• Advocacy: Effectively championing user needs and research findings to stakeholders at all levels.
• Inclusivity: Promoting an inclusive research environment that respects diverse perspectives and experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Safety & Civility" as a core value is paramount for this role. Research must align with these principles, and researchers are expected to be advocates for them within product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Diversity: Researching for a platform with tens of millions of global users, each with unique cultural contexts, needs, and technological access.
• Evolving Landscape: Staying ahead of rapidly changing online safety threats, global policy requirements, and user expectations in the metaverse.
• Balancing Needs: Synthesizing potentially conflicting needs of diverse user groups (players, creators, parents) and stakeholders (product, policy, legal).
• Translating Complex Issues: Effectively communicating complex safety concerns and policy implications to technical and product teams.
• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible impact of research on user safety, platform integrity, and business outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Trust & Safety Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge in areas like online moderation, content policy, child safety, and digital citizenship research.
• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to experiment with and implement cutting-edge research techniques relevant to immersive environments and complex social systems.
• Global Research Exposure: Working with international research vendors and understanding cross-cultural nuances in user behavior and safety perceptions.
• Leadership Development: Potential for mentorship and growth into leadership roles within the User Research team or related operational functions.
• Industry Engagement: Attending relevant conferences and engaging with the broader Trust & Safety and UX research communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity and importance of the Trust & Safety domain. Growth opportunities are tied to developing specialized expertise in this critical operational area.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you conducted research on a sensitive topic or a complex policy-related issue. How did you approach it, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on ethical considerations, methodology, and stakeholder management).
• "How would you approach researching user perceptions of safety on a platform like Roblox, considering our diverse global audience of players, creators, and parents?" (Prepare a high-level research plan, including methodologies, target audiences, and key questions).
• "Imagine a scenario where your research findings conflict with a product team's existing assumptions or roadmap. How would you present your findings and influence their decision-making?" (Emphasize data-driven persuasion, collaborative problem-solving, and focusing on user impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Roblox's mission, and how do you see your role in fostering a safe and civil environment?" (Connect your passion for user advocacy and safety with Roblox's core values).
• "How do you stay updated on emerging trends in UX research, online safety, and the metaverse?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness).
• "Describe your experience collaborating with policy, legal, or governance teams. What are the unique considerations when working with these functions?" (Highlight your understanding of cross-functional partnerships and communication nuances).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For your chosen case studies, clearly articulate the "so what?" – how did your research drive meaningful change or inform critical decisions?
• Quantify When Possible: Use metrics to demonstrate the scale of the problem, the size of the user base, or the impact of your recommendations.
• Showcase Your Thinking Process: Be prepared to walk through your research design choices, highlighting why you selected specific methodologies and how you adapted your approach.
• Address Challenges and Learnings: Be honest about challenges encountered and what you learned from them. This demonstrates resilience and growth.
• Tailor to Roblox: If possible, subtly tie your examples back to aspects of Roblox's platform or mission, demonstrating you've done your homework.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should strongly emphasize the Trust & Safety aspects of the role. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with sensitive topics, ethical research practices, and influencing stakeholders on critical platform integrity issues.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Roblox careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating end-to-end research management, strategic impact on product development, and experience with complex user needs or policy-driven research. Prioritize examples that showcase your ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities relevant to User Research, UX Research, Product Research, Trust & Safety, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, data analysis (SQL, R, Python), and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process and impact using the STAR method. Prepare detailed responses for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio case studies with confidence, focusing on problem-solving and strategic influence.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Roblox's mission, values, products, and current initiatives, particularly in the Trust & Safety space. Understand their commitment to safety, civility, and building the metaverse.

⚠️ 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.