Senior UX Researcher, Advertiser Safety

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher, Advertiser Safety
Company: Google
Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience Research (UXR) / Product Operations
Date Posted: December 22, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic research initiatives to enhance advertiser safety and security within Google's advertising platform, transforming complex hurdles into intuitive, prevention-first experiences.
• Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative research to understand advertiser needs, risk profiles, and the impact of policy and compliance workflows on their journey.
• Collaborate extensively with Product, Design, Engineering, and Policy stakeholders to balance robust security controls with a seamless, high-value experience for legitimate advertisers.
• Synthesize complex user signals and global regulatory requirements into actionable insights that inform product strategy and proactive risk mitigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "UX Researcher," the focus on advertiser safety, policy, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration with Product, Design, Engineering, and Policy strongly positions this role within the broader GTM and Product Operations spectrum. The emphasis on transforming complex hurdles into intuitive experiences and streamlining workflows suggests a significant impact on operational efficiency and user adoption within the advertising ecosystem.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the definition and execution of a strategic research roadmap focused on improving advertiser safety, security, and compliance experiences.
• Design and implement a variety of research methodologies, including field studies, interviews, diary studies, participatory workshops, ethnography, surveys, and usability testing, to uncover deep user insights.
• Analyze user behaviors, motivations, and pain points related to policy adherence, risk identification, and the overall advertiser journey to inform product development.
• Translate research findings into clear, compelling recommendations and actionable insights for product managers, designers, engineers, and policy teams.
• Partner closely with stakeholders to ensure user-centricity is embedded throughout the product development lifecycle, from ideation to launch and iteration.
• Combine complex data and user signals to anticipate and address global regulatory requirements while maintaining a customer-centric perspective.
• Advocate for user needs and ensure that product experiences are not only secure but also intuitive, valuable, and efficient for legitimate advertisers.
• Contribute to the UXR community at Google by sharing learnings, participating in meetups, and mentoring junior researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership component, moving beyond tactical execution to shaping the research agenda. The emphasis on balancing security controls with user experience, and integrating global regulatory requirements, points to a sophisticated understanding of both user needs and business/compliance imperatives, typical of senior operations-influencing roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Anthropology, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field is strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in an applied research setting, such as product research or academic research.
• 5 years of experience conducting UX research on products and working directly with executive leadership (e.g., Director level and above).
• 3 years of experience managing complex projects, preferably within a matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated experience in streamlining complex workflows and enhancing user journeys through research insights.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including usability studies, contextual inquiries, 1:1 interviews, unmoderated research studies, surveys, and ethnographic research.
• Proven ability to design, conduct, and analyze research studies that yield actionable insights.
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles and experience collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Engineering).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in data analysis and synthesis to derive meaningful conclusions from research data.
• Experience in working within a matrixed organization, requiring strong collaboration and negotiation skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Deep understanding of the advertising technology landscape, particularly concerning advertiser safety, policy, and compliance.
• Experience with research on trust and safety, security, or regulatory compliance-focused products.
• Familiarity with advanced research techniques, such as diary studies and participatory workshops.
• Experience in project management, including planning, scoping, and managing research initiatives.
• Ability to combine complex data and user signals to inform strategic decisions.
• Knowledge of global regulatory requirements relevant to online advertising.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred qualifications, particularly those related to executive leadership interaction, project management in a matrixed environment, and understanding the advertising ecosystem's safety and compliance aspects, indicate this role requires a blend of deep research expertise and strategic operational thinking. The mention of streamlining workflows and enhancing user journeys is a direct link to operations efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 robust case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX research projects, with a strong emphasis on impact and measurable outcomes.
• For each case study, clearly articulate the research problem, your specific role and methodology, key findings, and how your insights directly influenced product decisions and improved user experiences.
• Highlight projects where your research led to tangible improvements in user satisfaction, task completion rates, reduction in friction points, or enhancement of safety and compliance workflows.
• Include examples of how you have translated complex user needs or policy requirements into intuitive product solutions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in presenting research findings to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, product teams, and engineering.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and refining research processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness within a product team.
• Examples of how research insights have informed the design and optimization of user workflows, particularly in complex domains like advertiser safety and compliance.
• Documentation or descriptions of how you have integrated research findings into product roadmaps and strategic planning.
• Showcase how you have collaborated with engineering and product teams to ensure research-backed solutions are technically feasible and effectively implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UXR role, especially one focused on product operations aspects like advertiser safety and compliance, a portfolio demonstrating the ability to translate research into actionable product improvements and streamlined processes is critical. The emphasis on measurable outcomes and executive influence aligns with the expectations for senior roles in operations-adjacent functions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $151,000 - $222,000 USD per year (Base Salary)
This range represents the base salary component for this full-time position in the Seattle, WA area. Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as job-related skills, experience, education, and location within the specified range.

Additional Compensation:

• Performance-based bonus
• Equity (e.g., stock options/grants)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Stock Options/Grants
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)
• Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Professional Development opportunities (e.g., conferences, training, certifications)
• Access to Google's internal research tools and resources
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week).
• Flexibility may be available, but on-site presence is required. Adherence to project timelines and stakeholder availability will be key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the US market and Seattle location. For a Senior UX Researcher role at a company like Google, this range is competitive and reflects the experience level and responsibilities. The inclusion of bonus and equity is standard for senior tech roles. The benefits listed are typical for large tech companies and are attractive to operations professionals seeking comprehensive support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Internet Services and Software)
Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 10,000 employees)
Founded: 1998

Team Structure:

• The User Experience (UX) team at Google is a diverse, multi-disciplinary group comprising UX Designers, Researchers, Writers, Content Strategists, Program Managers, and Engineers.
• This role sits within the Google Ads organization, specifically focused on Advertiser Safety, working within a dedicated UXR team.
• Researchers operate within product-focused teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Policy experts.
• Reporting lines typically lead to a UXR Manager or Lead, with significant interaction and influence across product leadership.

Methodology:

• Google's UXR methodology emphasizes a user-centric approach, deeply rooted in understanding user needs, motivations, and behaviors.
• Research is integrated throughout the product development lifecycle, from early-stage exploration and strategy to tactical validation and iteration.
• A strong emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, combining qualitative insights with quantitative data and user signals.
• Collaboration is a cornerstone, with researchers working seamlessly with cross-functional partners to ensure user needs are understood and addressed effectively.
• Continuous learning and knowledge sharing are encouraged through internal communities, mentorship programs, and access to cutting-edge tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is characterized by innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a strong emphasis on user experience. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values efficiency, rigorous analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve ambitious goals. The Advertiser Safety team's mission to build a trusted advertising platform aligns with Google's broader commitment to user well-being and business integrity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (IC) with potential for leadership influence. This role is a Senior UX Researcher, implying a significant level of autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to mentor junior colleagues. The focus on leading research roadmaps and influencing executive leadership elevates it beyond a purely tactical research role.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior UX Researcher will report to a UX Research Manager or Lead within the Google Ads organization.
• They will work closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, Engineering Leads, and Policy representatives within their specific product area.
• The role requires frequent interaction with Director-level stakeholders and potentially VPs, necessitating strong communication and influence skills.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct impact on the effectiveness and trustworthiness of Google's advertising platform by ensuring safety and security for advertisers.
• By transforming complex compliance and security hurdles into intuitive experiences, the researcher contributes to advertiser retention, satisfaction, and business growth for Google.
• Insights generated will inform product strategy, feature development, and operational processes, directly influencing the advertiser journey and reducing friction.
• The work contributes to Google's overall mission of organizing the world's information and making it universally accessible and useful, applied here to the realm of online advertising.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in trust & safety, security research, policy-driven product development, or specific advertiser segments.
• Leadership: Transition into a UX Research Lead role, managing a team of researchers, or a UX Research Manager position.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Develop broader product management or operations expertise by working closely with these teams.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior UXRs, contributing to the growth of the research community within Google.
• Industry Influence: Contribute to Google's public-facing research or best practices in advertiser safety and responsible advertising.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded candidates, this role offers a pathway to influence product strategy and operational efficiency through deep user understanding in a critical area like advertiser safety. The growth opportunities highlight a clear progression within either research leadership or broader product/operations domains.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role at Google's Seattle office. Google offices are known for fostering collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington, USA. This location offers a vibrant tech ecosystem and is a significant hub for Google's operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Google offices are designed with various collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and private areas to support different work styles and research needs.
• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art research tools, software, and hardware required for conducting comprehensive user studies. This includes internal Google tools for data analysis, survey deployment, and participant recruitment.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers, facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-functional problem-solving.
• On-site Presence: The expectation of an on-site role suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and team cohesion, which can be beneficial for complex operational discussions and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• While the role is primarily on-site, Google often offers some flexibility in daily schedules. However, core working hours will likely be established to ensure seamless collaboration with global teams and stakeholder availability.
• The nature of research often involves flexible hours for field studies or participant interviews, but overall adherence to project deadlines and team needs is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a major tech hub like Seattle suggests an environment that prioritizes in-person collaboration, which can be highly effective for complex problem-solving and strategic alignment critical in operations-focused roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review your application and resume, followed by a brief call to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• Hiring Manager/Team Screen: A conversation with the hiring manager or a senior member of the research team to discuss your background, research philosophy, and specific experience relevant to advertiser safety.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will be asked to present a selection of your strongest case studies from your portfolio. This is a critical step where you demonstrate your research process, impact, and ability to communicate findings effectively. Expect to dive deep into your methodology and the outcomes of your work.
• On-site/Virtual Interviews: A series of interviews with cross-functional partners (Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Policy experts) and other UXRs. These interviews will assess your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, understanding of the product domain, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially an interview with a Director or senior leader to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Google's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 diverse case studies that best showcase your experience in applied research, strategic roadmap development, and collaboration with product and engineering.
• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, the user problem, your research approach, key insights, and the tangible impact your work had on the product and business (e.g., increased advertiser adoption, reduced policy violations, improved user satisfaction scores, streamlined operational workflows). Quantify impact wherever possible.
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you partnered with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder expectations, and translated research findings into actionable recommendations that were adopted.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your ability to tackle complex, ambiguous problems, especially those related to safety, security, and compliance.
• Practice Your Narrative: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio smoothly, telling a compelling story for each project. Anticipate questions about your process, decisions, and challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Domain Research: Familiarize yourself with Google Ads, its advertising policies, and common challenges advertisers face regarding safety and compliance. Understand the importance of trust and safety in online advertising.
• Methodology Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of various research methods in different contexts, particularly for a complex domain like advertiser safety.
• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss how you would approach developing a research roadmap for a new product area or an existing one facing evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for common behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, dealing with ambiguity, and influencing stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of research skills and the ability to translate insights into business impact, which is crucial for operations-focused roles. A strong portfolio that demonstrates strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Experience Research Platforms: Google's proprietary internal tools for conducting surveys, usability tests, interviews, and diary studies. Familiarity with general UXR platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Maze) is a good proxy.
• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker, Google Data Studio) for analyzing quantitative data.
• Qualitative Analysis Tools: Experience with software for qualitative data analysis (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail, or similar tools for thematic coding and synthesis).
• Collaboration Tools: Google Workspace suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet), and potentially project management tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Understanding of web analytics principles, though direct use of tools like Google Analytics might be less common for UXRs compared to product analysts.
• A/B Testing Platforms: Familiarity with A/B testing concepts and how UXR findings can inform test design and interpretation.
• Internal Google Analytics/Reporting Tools: Experience with Google's internal systems for tracking product metrics and user behavior.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and utilized within systems like CRMs is beneficial for contextualizing research findings.
• Familiarity with how research insights can drive automation opportunities in user support or onboarding processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to leverage a variety of tools, both proprietary and industry-standard, to gather and interpret user data. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization is particularly important for synthesizing complex information for stakeholders.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: A fundamental commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, in this case, advertisers, ensuring their experience is safe, secure, and intuitive.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing rigorous analysis and evidence-based insights to guide product development and operational improvements.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals, breaking down silos.
• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality outcomes and continuously seeking new and better ways to solve problems and improve user experiences.
• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding ethical standards and taking responsibility for the impact of products and services, especially in sensitive areas like advertiser safety and compliance.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working as a peer to Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Policy experts, contributing research expertise to inform joint decision-making.
• Influence: Using data and compelling narratives to influence product strategy and design, even when direct authority is limited.
• Feedback Culture: Open to constructive feedback on research approaches, findings, and communication, and providing thoughtful feedback to collaborators.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing learnings and best practices within the UXR community and with product teams to elevate the overall quality of user-centered work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture strongly values data-driven insights and collaborative problem-solving. For operations professionals, this means an environment where analytical rigor is applied to improve processes and user journeys, and where cross-functional teamwork is essential for driving impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Security and Usability: The core challenge is to create robust safety and security measures that do not unduly burden legitimate advertisers, requiring sophisticated trade-offs informed by research.
• Navigating Complex Regulations: Staying abreast of and translating evolving global regulatory requirements into practical product solutions.
• Ambiguity and Scale: Dealing with the inherent ambiguity of research problems at Google's scale and ensuring insights are relevant and actionable across a vast advertiser base.
• Influencing Executive Stakeholders: Effectively communicating complex research findings and advocating for user needs to senior leadership who may have different priorities.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in across diverse teams (Product, Eng, Policy, Legal) with potentially competing perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunities to master and apply cutting-edge research techniques in trust and safety domains.
• Industry Trends: Deepen knowledge of the advertising technology ecosystem, regulatory landscape, and emerging threats in online safety.
• Leadership Skills: Develop strategic thinking, roadmap planning, and stakeholder management skills through leading complex research initiatives.
• Mentorship Programs: Participate in or lead mentorship for junior researchers, enhancing leadership and coaching abilities.
• Internal Training & Conferences: Access to Google's extensive internal learning resources and opportunities to attend industry conferences related to UX, trust & safety, and advertising.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in product operations and trust & safety, requiring strong analytical, strategic, and interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear paths for career advancement within research or related operational fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Imagine you're tasked with improving the experience for advertisers who are flagged for potential policy violations. What would be your initial research approach, and what key questions would you seek to answer?" (Focus on understanding the user's perspective on the flagging process, their understanding of policies, and their desired support.)
• "How would you design a research study to measure the effectiveness of a new advertiser verification process aimed at reducing fraudulent accounts, while ensuring it's not overly burdensome for legitimate advertisers?" (Emphasis on methodology, metrics for success, and balancing user experience with security.)
• "Describe a time you had to influence senior leadership on a research recommendation that was counter to their initial product direction. How did you present your case, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data-driven argumentation, stakeholder management, and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about advertiser safety at Google, and how does it align with your career goals?" (Showcase understanding of the domain's importance and your passion for user protection.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to Google's mission of building a trusted advertising platform?" (Connect your research skills to the company's broader objectives.)
• "Describe your ideal collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers. How do you ensure research insights are integrated effectively into product development?" (Highlight your collaborative style and experience in cross-functional teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline: The Problem, Your Role, The Research Process (Methodology), Key Findings & Insights, The Solution/Recommendation, and The Impact (quantified if possible).
• Emphasize Impact: For operations-leaning roles, focus on how your research led to tangible improvements: increased efficiency, reduced friction, improved compliance, higher user satisfaction, or business growth.
• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Explain why you chose specific methodologies and how your research informed strategic decisions, not just tactical ones.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, alternative approaches, and how you handled challenges or unexpected findings. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Tailor to Advertiser Safety: If possible, highlight any relevant experience or insights related to safety, security, policy, or compliance in your presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate research into actionable business outcomes, particularly within the context of trust and safety operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position at Google:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Google Careers portal and submit your resume and any required attachments.
• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in applied research, your proficiency with various research methodologies, your collaboration with product and engineering teams, and any experience relevant to advertiser safety, policy, or compliance. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare your UX research portfolio, selecting 2-3 impactful case studies that showcase your end-to-end research process, strategic contributions, and measurable outcomes. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a well-designed website or PDF).
• Research Google Ads & Advertiser Safety: Familiarize yourself with Google Ads, its policies, and the challenges advertisers face regarding safety and compliance. Understand the importance of trust and safety in the online advertising ecosystem.
• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, impact, and storytelling. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your methodology and findings.
• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Craft STAR method responses for common behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, leadership, and handling ambiguity.

⚠️ 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.

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