Senior UX Researcher, Ads Safety UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher, Ads Safety UX Company: Google Location: New York, NY, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-18 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Senior UX Researcher role will be pivotal in shaping user trust within the Google Ads ecosystem by focusing on safety and privacy for both consumers and advertisers.
• The position requires a deep understanding of qualitative research methodologies to uncover user needs, behaviors, and perceptions related to advertising platforms.
• A key aspect of this role involves driving a comprehensive research program, including developing research roadmaps and aligning them with overarching product and safety strategies.
• This role demands strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Legal, and Privacy/Security teams, to inform product development and ensure a safe advertising ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior UX Researcher," the inclusion of "Ads Safety UX" and the emphasis on working with Legal, Security, Privacy, and Safety teams, alongside the collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers on product strategy for advertising platforms, strongly indicates a role that bridges UX research with product operations and GTM strategy, particularly in a compliance and risk-averse domain. The focus on user trust, policy navigation, and error correction for advertisers suggests a need for operational rigor in research design and output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues across Google Ads to identify critical knowledge gaps regarding user needs and perceptions for consumers and advertisers, with a specific focus on safety and trust.
• Lead and drive a comprehensive research program, including the development of research roadmaps, resource allocation, and ensuring alignment with long-term product and safety objectives.
• Partner closely with Product Managers (PMs), UX Designers, Engineers, Legal, Security, Privacy, and other stakeholders to develop strategic product initiatives addressing current and future safety concerns within the Ads portfolio.
• Conduct, scope, and analyze research studies using a variety of methodologies, from broad exploratory field studies to tactical usability testing, to understand user needs and pain points.
• Create compelling documentation and materials, such as comprehensive reports, engaging presentations, and white papers, tailored for executive audiences to facilitate discussions and drive informed decision-making.
• Synthesize large datasets from various qualitative and quantitative sources to derive clear, actionable insights that directly influence product strategy and design.
• Facilitate workshops and working sessions with cross-functional partners to brainstorm solutions, align on research findings, and drive consensus on product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic and leadership-oriented research role. The emphasis on developing research roadmaps, allocating resources, and partnering with Legal, Security, and Privacy teams suggests a need for proactive research planning that anticipates regulatory and safety considerations, which is a key component of product operations in highly regulated industries. The requirement to present to executive audiences underscores the importance of translating research findings into business-impactful recommendations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a dedicated research role, with a strong emphasis on qualitative research methodologies and their application to product development.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing research programs, including the development of research roadmaps and their strategic alignment with product goals.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and engineers, to drive product insights and influence product strategy.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in a wide range of qualitative research methodologies (e.g., field studies, interviews, diary studies, participatory workshops, ethnography, usability testing, surveys).
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to process complex information and translate it into clear, actionable insights for product teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a proven track record of presenting research findings and recommendations to executive-level audiences.
• Experience in planning research programs, including developing research roadmaps and aligning them with product strategy and business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and engineers, at various stages of the product development lifecycle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Statistics, Psychology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• Direct experience working with advertising platforms such as Google Ads, social media advertising platforms, or similar digital advertising ecosystems.
• Experience working closely with Security, Privacy, Safety, or Legal teams, understanding their requirements and translating them into research objectives.
• Proven experience in project management, including the ability to manage concurrent programs and projects effectively, prioritizing tasks and resources.
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to synthesize large and complex datasets to extract meaningful and actionable insights.
• Excellent facilitation skills, with demonstrated experience leading workshops and working sessions with cross-functional partners to drive collaboration and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred qualifications highlights the need for candidates with foundational research expertise, while also valuing specialized knowledge in advertising platforms, regulatory compliance (Security, Privacy, Safety, Legal), and advanced project/program management. This suggests that while core research skills are paramount, practical application in complex, regulated environments and the ability to manage multifaceted research initiatives are highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 impactful research projects, demonstrating a progression from research planning to insight generation and product influence.
• Clear documentation of research methodologies employed, including rationale for method selection and how it addressed specific research questions or business objectives.
• Evidence of how research insights were translated into tangible product recommendations or design changes that led to measurable improvements in user experience, safety, or advertiser success.
• Demonstration of strategic thinking through research roadmaps, program planning, or how research contributed to broader product strategy.
• Examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams and how research findings were effectively communicated and integrated into product development workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of research plans, including objectives, target users, methodologies, and timelines, highlighting a structured approach to research execution.
• Include documentation of how research findings were synthesized and communicated, such as executive summaries, detailed reports, or presentation decks, demonstrating clarity and impact.
• Provide evidence of how research contributed to iteration and improvement of processes or products, illustrating a continuous feedback loop.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, especially at a company like Google, a portfolio is critical. It must go beyond just showcasing research studies. It needs to demonstrate strategic thinking, program management capabilities, cross-functional collaboration, and a clear impact on product development and business outcomes, particularly concerning safety and user trust, which aligns with product operations' focus on process effectiveness and risk mitigation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is $151,000 - $222,000 annually. This range is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, education, training, and work location.

Benefits:

• Bonus: Performance-based bonus opportunities are provided.
• Equity: Stock options or other forms of equity grants may be part of the compensation package.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), parental leave, and other employee wellness programs.
• Professional Development: Access to internal research tools, regular UX community meetups, mentor programs, and opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for additional hours based on project needs and deadlines. Flexibility may be available, but the role is specified as on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for base salary only and does not include bonuses, equity, or other benefits. Google is known for its comprehensive benefits package, which is highly competitive within the tech industry and supports employee well-being and professional growth. The mention of internal research tools and community meetups highlights specific benefits relevant to a UX Researcher's role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Internet Services & Software) Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees) Founded: 1998, Google has a long-standing history of innovation, user-centric design, and data-driven decision-making, shaping its current culture.

Team Structure:

• The Ads Privacy and Safety UX team is a specialized unit within the broader Google Ads UX organization, focusing on critical areas of user trust and platform integrity.
• This team likely operates with a matrixed reporting structure, with researchers reporting to UX leadership while collaborating closely with dedicated Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and functional experts in Legal, Security, and Privacy.
• Collaboration is a cornerstone of Google's culture, emphasizing cross-functional partnerships to tackle complex product challenges, especially in sensitive areas like safety and privacy.

Methodology:

• Google's UX research methodology is deeply rooted in understanding user needs through rigorous primary research, often combining qualitative and quantitative data.
• A strong emphasis is placed on data analysis and synthesis to derive actionable insights that inform product strategy and design, ensuring products are useful, usable, and delightful.
• Workflow planning and optimization are implicitly part of the research process, ensuring efficient execution and timely delivery of insights to product teams.
• Automation and efficiency are sought where possible, but the core of UX research remains centered on human understanding.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is well-documented for its emphasis on innovation, data-driven decisions, and a user-first approach. For a Senior UX Researcher in Ads Safety, understanding the company's commitment to user trust and privacy is paramount. The Ads Privacy and Safety UX team operates within this framework, likely fostering a culture of meticulous research, cross-functional alignment, and a strong sense of responsibility for the impact of advertising products on users and the broader internet ecosystem.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (IC). This level typically involves leading significant research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and influencing product strategy at a senior level. The role requires autonomy and the ability to drive complex research programs.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Lead within the Ads UX organization. They will work collaboratively with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers who may have their own reporting lines within their respective functions.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role extends beyond traditional UX research. By focusing on Ads Safety and Privacy, this researcher will directly influence the integrity and trustworthiness of Google's advertising platforms. This has profound implications for user safety, advertiser compliance, advertiser retention, and Google's brand reputation, all of which are critical operational outcomes. Insights generated will inform product strategy, policy development, and enforcement mechanisms, contributing to a more secure and equitable digital advertising ecosystem.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Ads Safety, Privacy, Trust, or specific user segments (consumers, advertisers) within Google's vast advertising ecosystem.
• Leadership: Transition into management roles (UX Research Manager) or technical leadership roles (e.g., Staff/Principal UX Researcher) overseeing larger research programs or strategic initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence across different product areas within Google Ads or even into other Google product domains by leveraging expertise in sensitive user experience domains.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to develop advanced analytical skills, program management expertise, and executive communication capabilities through ongoing projects and internal training.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, moving from a senior IC to leadership or principal-level strategic roles. The emphasis on safety and privacy positions the researcher to become a subject matter expert in a critical and evolving area, offering unique career development paths within Google's operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Google is known for its modern, collaborative office spaces designed to foster innovation and teamwork. This role is on-site, implying a physical workspace within a Google office.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. This location offers a vibrant urban environment with access to talent and industry networks.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities for spontaneous interaction with colleagues from design, product, engineering, and research teams.
• Access to state-of-the-art research tools, software, and technology will be standard, enabling efficient and high-quality research execution.
• Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional syncs are integral to the daily work, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, requiring consistent presence on-site during standard business hours. While Google often promotes work-life balance, the demands of a Senior role in a critical area like Ads Safety might require flexibility to meet project deadlines and address emergent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York City suggests an environment conducive to deep collaboration and immersion in the company's operational rhythm. For a researcher, this means being part of a dynamic ecosystem where immediate feedback and iterative development are common.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application & Resume Review: Initial screening to assess minimum qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with preferred skills.
• Recruiter Screen: A preliminary call to discuss your background, the role, and logistics.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, research philosophy, and how you approach complex problems, particularly in the context of safety and privacy. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.
• Portfolio Review Session: A critical stage where you will present 2-3 key research projects. This session focuses on your research process, strategic thinking, collaboration, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential team members (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, other Researchers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate research into product development. You may also interview with stakeholders from Legal, Security, or Privacy teams.
• Final Interview/Panel: A concluding interview, often with senior leadership, to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as narratives: the problem, your approach, your findings, and the impact. Clearly articulate the research questions and how you answered them.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify your impact whenever possible. Did your research lead to a specific product change, a policy update, or a measurable improvement in user satisfaction or safety metrics?
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional partners. Showcase examples of influencing product decisions and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain your role in developing research roadmaps, prioritizing studies, and aligning research with broader product and business goals.
• Address Safety/Privacy: If possible, include projects that touch upon sensitive areas like trust, security, or privacy, demonstrating your comfort and expertise in these domains.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work concisely, allowing ample time for Q&A.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for scenario-based questions asking how you would approach a specific research problem related to Ads Safety or Privacy.
• Prepare to discuss your understanding of the challenges in researching user trust and safety in online advertising.
• Anticipate questions about how you manage ambiguity, prioritize competing research needs, and influence stakeholders who may have different priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Google is rigorous and multi-faceted. The portfolio review is a central part of the evaluation for UX Researchers, requiring candidates to not only showcase their research skills but also their strategic impact and collaborative capabilities. Strong preparation in articulating research impact and demonstrating cross-functional influence is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for managing participant recruitment, scheduling, and conducting remote or in-person studies (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).
• Collaboration Suites: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet) for documentation, analysis, and communication.
• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail, ATLAS.ti) and potentially quantitative analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, SPSS) for synthesizing large datasets.
• Design & Prototyping Tools (for review): Understanding of tools used by designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to effectively test and provide feedback on prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Looker (Google's own BI platform), or similar for creating dashboards and reporting on research findings and their impact.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel for data organization and initial analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM/automation, an understanding of how research insights can inform CRM strategies or automated user journeys is beneficial. Familiarity with how user data is managed and utilized within such systems is a plus.
• Internal Google Tools: Expect to learn and utilize proprietary Google research tools and platforms specific to data collection, analysis, and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core of this role is research, familiarity with the broader technology stack used in product development and operations (analytics, collaboration tools) is crucial. Google's extensive internal toolset means candidates should be adaptable and eager to learn proprietary systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs, ensuring products are user-centered and provide genuine value.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on rigorous research and data analysis to inform product strategy and design choices, moving beyond intuition.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, active sharing of insights, and a willingness to work collaboratively across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Impact & Innovation: A drive to create meaningful impact through research and to continuously innovate in research methodologies and product solutions.
• Integrity & Responsibility: A strong ethical compass, particularly relevant for the Ads Safety team, ensuring products are safe, fair, and trustworthy for all users.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Partnership: Actively seeking out and engaging with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Legal/Privacy/Security stakeholders to integrate research into the product lifecycle from ideation to launch and iteration.
• Insight Sharing: Regularly presenting research findings in accessible formats to various audiences, fostering a shared understanding of user needs and challenges.
• Feedback Integration: Welcoming constructive feedback on research plans and findings, and adapting approaches to meet evolving project needs.
• Knowledge Exchange: Participating in UX research community events, sharing best practices, and learning from peers across Google.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture heavily emphasizes collaboration and data-driven insights. For a Senior UX Researcher in Ads Safety, embodying these values means being an advocate for the user while also being a strategic partner who can navigate complex technical and policy landscapes. The "integrity and responsibility" value is particularly heightened for this specific team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Ecosystems: Understanding and researching the intricate dynamics of the Google Ads platform, its diverse user base (consumers, advertisers, publishers), and the regulatory landscape surrounding advertising technology.
• Balancing Safety, Privacy, and Business Needs: Researching solutions that effectively enhance user safety and privacy without unduly hindering legitimate advertising activities or business growth.
• Researching Sensitive Topics: Conducting research on potentially sensitive subjects like security breaches, privacy violations, or harmful content, requiring ethical rigor and careful participant handling.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating complex research findings and advocating for user-centric solutions to diverse stakeholders with potentially competing priorities (e.g., product growth vs. strict policy enforcement).
• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and evolving user expectations in the digital advertising space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge in advertising technology, online safety, privacy regulations, and user trust frameworks.
• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunity to explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques relevant to complex digital environments.
• Program Leadership: Developing skills in managing large-scale, multi-faceted research programs and influencing strategic product roadmaps.
• Executive Communication: Honing abilities to present research insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership effectively.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced researchers and leaders within Google, providing guidance and career development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are significant due to the critical nature of Ads Safety and Privacy. However, these challenges also present prime opportunities for substantial professional growth and impact, making it an attractive role for experienced researchers looking to make a difference in a complex and influential domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to research a complex user problem with significant ambiguity. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on structured research planning, methodology selection, and actionable insights.)
• "How would you approach researching user perceptions of safety and trust in online advertising for both consumers and advertisers?" (Prepare to discuss a multi-faceted research plan, considering different user groups and potential methodologies like surveys, interviews, and field studies.)
• "Imagine you discover a significant user safety concern through your research. How would you communicate this to product and engineering teams, and what steps would you take to ensure it's addressed?" (Emphasize clear communication, data-driven evidence, and collaborative problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working on Ads Safety and Privacy at Google?" (Demonstrate understanding of Google's user-centric mission and the importance of trust in advertising.)
• "How have you collaborated with Legal, Security, or Privacy teams in previous roles? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your ability to work with compliance-focused stakeholders.)
• "Describe your experience influencing product strategy based on user research. Can you provide an example where your insights led to a significant change?" (Prepare a strong case study showcasing your impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your seniority, strategic thinking, collaboration, and impact, ideally including one that touches upon safety, privacy, or complex user issues.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline: the business/product context, the research questions, your methodology and rationale, your key findings, the resulting recommendations, and the measurable impact or outcome.
• Showcase Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you partnered with PMs, Designers, Engineers, and other stakeholders. Discuss any challenges in cross-functional alignment and how you addressed them.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to illustrate the success of your recommendations or the significance of the problems you uncovered.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and how you handled unexpected findings or challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Successful interview preparation for this role requires showcasing not only strong UX research skills but also strategic thinking, program management capabilities, and the ability to navigate complex, sensitive product areas like safety and privacy within a large, cross-functional organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Google Careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in qualitative research, user safety, privacy, advertising platforms, cross-functional collaboration, and influencing product strategy. Ensure your portfolio includes clear case studies with demonstrable impact.
• Resume Optimization: Emphasize keywords related to user experience research, qualitative methodologies, product operations, Ads Safety, privacy, and Google Ads. Quantify achievements and responsibilities whenever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and answer behavioral and scenario-based questions related to user safety and trust in online advertising.
• Company Research: Deepen your understanding of Google's mission, its Ads products, and its commitment to user trust, safety, and privacy. Research the Google UX culture and the specific challenges faced by the Ads Privacy and Safety UX team.

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