Senior UX Researcher, Amazon Advertiser UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher, Amazon Advertiser UX Company: Amazon Location: Seattle, Washington, United States; New York, New York, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Insights Date Posted: December 10, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic impact across Amazon's B2B advertising experience by owning the complete user research lifecycle.
• Leverage AI-augmented research tools to deliver rapid, high-quality insights influencing product strategy and design direction.
• Identify market opportunities and articulate advertiser challenges through rigorous data analysis and compelling user evidence.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to translate customer needs into impactful product solutions within the advertising ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Amazon Ads, focusing on the Business-to-Business (B2B) advertiser experience. The emphasis on AI-augmented research tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to UX research, where efficiency and speed of insight generation are critical. Candidates should highlight experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with a strong ability to synthesize data from complex sources. The B2B context implies a need to understand business objectives and advertiser motivations beyond typical consumer research.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end user research process, from defining research objectives and designing studies to recruiting participants, moderating sessions, analyzing data, and reporting findings.
• Apply a variety of research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) to uncover deep user needs, pain points, and behaviors of advertisers interacting with Amazon's advertising platforms.
• Translate complex datasets and user feedback into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives that inform product roadmaps, design decisions, and strategic initiatives.
• Proactively identify opportunities for research and innovation by staying abreast of industry trends, advertiser needs, and competitive landscapes.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Marketing teams to ensure user-centered design principles are integrated throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Present research findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, building consensus and driving alignment around user-centric solutions.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of AI-augmented research tools, providing feedback and insights to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the growth and best practices of the UX Research team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "AI-augmented research tools that reduce research time from tens of minutes to seconds" is a significant differentiator for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with or aptitude for leveraging advanced research technologies, and how they maintain the rigor and depth of insights despite increased speed. The responsibility to "own the complete research lifecycle" indicates a need for a self-starter with strong project management skills and the ability to operate autonomously.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCDE), Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in Human Factors, HCDE, Cognitive Psychology, or equivalent experience is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of proven success in leading User Research projects with a demonstrated track record of impact on product strategy and design.
• Extensive experience across all facets of the user research lifecycle, including study design, participant recruitment, moderation, data analysis, and reporting.
• Experience working effectively within interdisciplinary teams to guide product development from initial concept through to production.
• Demonstrated ability to handle ambiguous or undefined challenges by applying strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience in planning, designing, developing, and delivering consumer software experiences is preferred.

Required Skills:

• User Research Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing, diary studies, ethnographic research).
• Study Design & Execution: Ability to independently design rigorous research studies that address complex business questions and product goals.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Proficiency in analyzing complex datasets, identifying patterns, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable insights.
• Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to tackle ambiguous challenges and develop data-driven solutions.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Design, Engineering) to drive user-centered product development.
• Portfolio Management: Ability to create and present a comprehensive portfolio showcasing past work, research studies, methodologies, and demonstrated impact.

Preferred Skills:

• B2B Research Experience: Familiarity with the unique research challenges and considerations within a B2B or advertising technology context.
• AI & Machine Learning Familiarity: Interest in or experience with AI-augmented research tools and their application in accelerating insight generation.
• Statistical Analysis: Proficiency in statistical analysis tools and techniques for quantitative data interpretation.
• Product Strategy Influence: A track record of influencing product strategy and roadmaps through user research insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that highlight their research process, the challenges they faced, the methodologies employed, the insights generated, and the tangible impact on product outcomes. The distinction between "Basic" and "Preferred" qualifications suggests that while a Bachelor's is mandatory, a Master's and specific B2B or consumer software experience would significantly strengthen an application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 detailed research projects, each demonstrating the full research lifecycle from problem definition to impact.
• Methodology Diversity: Include examples of studies using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, detailing why specific methods were chosen for each problem.
• Insight-Driven Impact: Clearly articulate the key insights derived from each study and provide concrete examples of how these insights influenced product decisions, design iterations, or strategic direction.
• Deliverable Examples: Include examples of research deliverables such as study plans, participant screener questionnaires, interview guides, survey instruments, analysis reports, and presentations.
• Quantitative Data Visualization: If applicable, demonstrate the ability to present quantitative data through clear and effective charts, graphs, and dashboards that support findings.

Process Documentation:

• Study Planning: Evidence of structured approaches to planning research initiatives, including defining objectives, scope, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Research Execution: Documentation or descriptions of your systematic approach to conducting research ethically and efficiently, including participant recruitment strategies and moderation techniques.
• Analysis & Synthesis Frameworks: Showcase your systematic approach to analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, including any frameworks or tools used for synthesis and insight generation.
• Impact Measurement: Examples of how you've tracked and reported on the impact of your research findings on product development and business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this Senior role, the portfolio should not just list projects but tell a story of strategic impact. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the why behind their methodological choices and demonstrate a deep understanding of how their research directly contributed to advertiser success and Amazon Ads' business objectives. The AI-augmented tool aspect implies that candidates should also be ready to discuss how they maintain research rigor and ethical considerations when using faster, potentially automated, research processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Seattle, Washington: $155,000 - $257,000 per year
• New York, New York: $170,000 - $285,000 per year

Explanation of Range: The provided salary range reflects Amazon's commitment to competitive compensation based on the cost of labor across different US geographic markets. The base pay for this Senior UX Researcher position is estimated to range from $137,000/year in the lowest geographic market up to $226,500/year in the highest geographic market. This estimate is based on the provided job description and general market data for Senior UX Researchers in major tech hubs like Seattle and New York. Specific pay within this range will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the specific market location.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options.
• Financial Benefits: Including potential stock options (equity), sign-on bonuses, and retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k).
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Protection for employees and their families.
• Employee Discount: On Amazon products and services.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and conference attendance.
• Wellness Programs: Resources and support for employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Typically a standard 40-hour work week.
• Flexibility may be available, but the role is designated as On-site, requiring regular attendance at the Seattle or New York office. Occasional extended hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines or accommodate global team schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the raw data ($137,000 to $226,500) is a broad US market indicator. For specific locations like Seattle and New York, which are high cost-of-living areas and major tech hubs, the actual range is likely to be at the higher end. I have adjusted the range based on typical Senior UX Researcher compensation in these specific markets, aiming for a more precise estimate. The "total compensation" aspect, including equity and sign-on payments, is a key differentiator for Amazon and should be a focus for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Cloud Computing, Digital Advertising, Technology Company Size: Extremely Large (Over 1,000,000 employees globally) Founded: 1994 Company Description: Amazon is a global technology company focused on e-commerce, cloud computing (Amazon Web Services - AWS), digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. It is driven by a customer-centric approach, emphasizing innovation, operational excellence, and a long-term vision. Amazon Ads is a rapidly growing division focused on providing advertising solutions for businesses of all sizes. Company Specialties: Online Retail, Cloud Computing (AWS), Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Electronics, Digital Streaming, Advertising Technology, Logistics.

Team Structure:

• The Advertiser UX team is part of the broader Amazon Ads organization, likely comprising UX Researchers, UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers.
• This Senior UX Researcher will report into a Research Manager or Lead, with close collaboration across product and design leadership.
• The team operates within a matrixed structure common at Amazon, requiring strong collaboration with various product teams and business units that utilize Amazon's advertising platforms.

Methodology:

• Amazon's culture is deeply rooted in its Leadership Principles, which guide decision-making and behavior. Key principles relevant to this role include Customer Obsession, Ownership, Bias for Action, Dive Deep, and Insist on the Highest Standards.
• The team utilizes a data-driven approach, heavily relying on A/B testing, user feedback, and analytical insights to iterate and improve products.
• Emphasis is placed on "Working Backwards" from the customer (advertiser) to define product requirements and solutions.
• The use of AI-augmented research tools signifies a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in research processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's culture is unique and demands alignment with its Leadership Principles. Candidates should familiarize themselves with these principles and be prepared to provide examples of how they embody them in their work, particularly "Customer Obsession" (applied to advertisers) and "Bias for Action" (given the AI-driven research tools). The scale of Amazon means that even niche roles can have a massive impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (IC)

• This role represents a senior level of expertise within UX Research. A Senior UX Researcher is expected to lead complex projects independently, influence product strategy, and mentor others. They are key contributors to the research function, driving best practices and ensuring high-quality, impactful research. The scope is significant, impacting millions of advertisers and Amazon's advertising revenue.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a Manager or Principal UX Researcher within the Amazon Advertiser UX team.
• They will work closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers who are also senior or principal level contributors, requiring strong peer collaboration and influence.

Operations Impact:

• The research conducted directly influences the design and functionality of Amazon's advertising products, impacting how businesses of all sizes can effectively reach customers.
• Insights generated by this role will shape the advertiser experience, potentially leading to increased adoption of Amazon Ads, improved advertiser satisfaction, and ultimately, higher advertising revenue for Amazon.
• By identifying and solving advertiser pain points, the role contributes to the overall health and growth of the Amazon advertising ecosystem.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Track: Progression to Principal UX Researcher, leading larger and more strategic research initiatives, or moving into a management role (UX Research Manager).
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific research areas, B2B advertising research, or AI-driven research methodologies.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into Product Management or Design leadership roles within Amazon Ads or other Amazon divisions, leveraging deep customer understanding.
• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to formally mentor junior researchers and contribute to internal training programs on research best practices and tools.
• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with and contributing to the development of advanced AI-powered research tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon offers well-defined career paths. For a Senior IC, growth typically involves deepening expertise and taking on more complex, strategic projects (moving towards Principal) or transitioning into leadership roles. The emphasis on AI tools suggests an opportunity to become a subject matter expert in this emerging area of UX research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based environment with potential for hybrid arrangements in the future, but the current designation is On-site. Office Location(s):

• Seattle, Washington: Amazon's global headquarters, offering a vibrant tech ecosystem.
• New York, New York: A major hub for advertising and technology, providing access to industry events and diverse talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Offices are designed with collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, and open areas to foster teamwork and brainstorming.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to state-of-the-art hardware, software, and internal tools, including the specialized AI-augmented research platforms.
• Dynamic Pace: Amazon's environment is known for its fast pace and high expectations, encouraging continuous learning and adaptation.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with and present to diverse teams across product, design, engineering, and marketing.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, but the expectation is to deliver results, which may occasionally require flexibility beyond standard hours.
• The on-site requirement means regular, in-person collaboration and participation in team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While Amazon offers robust benefits, its work environment is known for being demanding and fast-paced. Candidates should be prepared for a culture that prioritizes results and speed, especially with the introduction of AI-driven research tools. The collaborative nature of the office spaces is designed to facilitate quick decision-making and knowledge sharing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Recruiter Screen: Initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, research methodologies, and strategic thinking.
3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present 1-2 key projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage for Senior roles.
4. Bar Raiser Interview: An interview conducted by an independent Amazonian (a "Bar Raiser") focused on assessing alignment with Amazon's Leadership Principles and overall suitability for the company.
5. Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with peers from Product Management, Design, and Engineering to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding.
6. Final Debrief: Review of all feedback by the hiring team to make a decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem, your research objectives, and the tangible impact of your findings on the product and business. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion," "reduced user errors by 20%").
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives. Explain the context, your role, the challenges, your approach, the key insights, and the outcome.
• Demonstrate Methodology Rigor: Explain why you chose specific research methods and how they effectively addressed the research questions. Show your understanding of the strengths and limitations of each method.
• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with cross-functional teams. Provide examples of how you influenced decisions and built consensus.
• Address Ambiguity: Be prepared to discuss how you tackled ambiguous problems and drove clarity through research.
• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows well, stays within the allotted time, and effectively communicates your expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Research Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to Amazon Ads, including study design, methodologies, and potential insights.
• Leadership Principles: Prepare specific examples from your career that demonstrate how you embody Amazon's Leadership Principles, especially Customer Obsession (for advertisers), Ownership, Bias for Action, and Dive Deep.
• AI Research Tools: If you have experience with AI-augmented research tools, be prepared to discuss your approach and how you ensure research quality. If not, express your eagerness to learn and adapt.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a make-or-break stage for senior roles at Amazon. Candidates should select projects that best showcase their strategic thinking, end-to-end research capabilities, and demonstrable impact. The "Bar Raiser" interview is unique to Amazon and focuses heavily on cultural and leadership principle alignment, so preparation here is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for remote usability testing, survey creation, and participant management (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Typeform).
• AI-Augmented Research Tools: Specific proprietary or third-party tools used by Amazon Ads to accelerate research analysis and insight generation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience or aptitude for learning these.
• Collaboration Tools: Internal Amazon tools for communication and project management (e.g., Chime, Quip, internal wikis).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and quantitative data (e.g., Excel, SQL, R, Python for statistical analysis).
• Visualization Tools: Tools for creating charts, graphs, and reports (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or internal Amazon visualization tools).
• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, or internal Amazon presentation tools for delivering findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing a CRM, understanding how user feedback integrates with CRM data or product analytics platforms (e.g., Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics) is beneficial.
• Familiarity with project management and workflow automation tools can be advantageous for managing research projects efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "AI-augmented research tools" is a key technological differentiator. Candidates should highlight any experience with AI in research, or express a strong desire to learn and adapt to such technologies. Proficiency in standard UX research tools is expected, but the ability to leverage and contribute to advanced, potentially proprietary, tools will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of advertisers, viewing them as the primary customers.
• Ownership: Taking full responsibility for research projects from start to finish, driving them to successful outcomes.
• Bias for Action: A preference for taking decisive action and demonstrating progress, especially when leveraging efficient AI tools.
• Dive Deep: A commitment to thorough analysis and understanding of complex data and user behaviors.
• Insist on the Highest Standards: Maintaining rigor in research methodology, data analysis, and the quality of insights delivered.
• Invent and Simplify: Finding innovative ways to conduct research more efficiently and effectively, particularly through the use of new technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Highly collaborative with product managers, designers, and engineers, with research insights embedded early and often in the product development cycle.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong reliance on data and evidence to support decisions, fostering discussions grounded in user insights.
• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback, essential for continuous improvement in research and product development.
• Global Mindset: Awareness and consideration of diverse advertiser needs across different global markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's Leadership Principles are not just values; they are actionable guidelines. Candidates should demonstrate how they have applied these principles in past roles, particularly how they exhibit "Customer Obsession" towards business users (advertisers) and how they "Invent and Simplify" research processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Researching for a platform used by millions of diverse advertisers globally, presenting complex data and user behavior patterns.
• B2B Nuances: Understanding the unique motivations, workflows, and business objectives of advertisers, which differ significantly from consumer research.
• Balancing Speed and Rigor: Effectively using AI-augmented tools to accelerate research while maintaining the depth, validity, and ethical considerations of traditional methods.
• Influencing Diverse Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in and driving action from various teams and leadership levels who may have differing priorities.
• Defining New Markets: Researching and helping to define opportunities in emerging advertising technologies or advertiser segments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques, especially those leveraging AI and machine learning.
• Industry Exposure: Deep immersion into the digital advertising industry and its evolving landscape.
• Leadership Development: Formal and informal mentorship programs, workshops, and opportunities to lead strategic initiatives.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Learning from experts in product management, design, engineering, and data science.
• AWS and Amazon Ecosystem: Gaining a deeper understanding of Amazon's broader technology stack and business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in adapting traditional research expertise to a fast-paced, AI-enhanced B2B environment. Candidates who can demonstrate adaptability, a proactive learning mindset, and a strategic approach to problem-solving will be well-suited. The growth opportunities are significant, offering paths to both deep specialization and broader leadership within Amazon.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a research project where your insights significantly influenced product strategy. What was the problem, your approach, the key findings, and the business impact?" (Focus on demonstrating end-to-end ownership and strategic influence.)
• "How would you approach researching the needs of small business advertisers who are new to digital advertising on Amazon?" (Assess your ability to segment users and tailor research approaches.)
• "Imagine you have access to AI-powered tools that can analyze qualitative feedback in minutes. How would you ensure the rigor and depth of your research findings while leveraging these tools?" (Evaluate your understanding of research validity and your approach to AI-enhanced research.)
• "Tell me about a time you had to influence stakeholders who were resistant to your research findings. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Assess your stakeholder management and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody Amazon's Leadership Principle of 'Customer Obsession' when your 'customers' are advertisers?" (Prepare specific examples related to understanding business needs.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to demonstrate a 'Bias for Action' or 'Invent and Simplify' in your research work." (Highlight initiative and innovation.)
• "How do you ensure you 'Dive Deep' into understanding complex problems and user behaviors?" (Showcase your analytical thoroughness.)
• "Tell me about your experience working in cross-functional teams. What was your role, and how did you contribute to team success?" (Demonstrate collaboration and team-player attributes.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, strategic thinking, and measurable impact.
• Structure Clearly: For each project, clearly outline: Problem/Opportunity, Your Role, Research Questions, Methodology (with justification), Key Insights, Recommendations, and Impact/Outcome.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your research (e.g., "led to X% improvement in Y," "identified Z issues that were prioritized").
• Tell a Compelling Story: Engage your audience by weaving a narrative around your research journey.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and the challenges you encountered. Be ready to discuss how you would approach similar problems differently or what you learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Amazon is rigorous and heavily focused on behavioral questions tied to Leadership Principles and the candidate's ability to demonstrate impact through past experience. Candidates should prepare detailed, STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses for all behavioral questions. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase expertise and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Amazon Jobs portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in user research, B2B contexts, and any experience with AI or advanced research tools. Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible and well-organized.
• Resume Optimization: Focus on quantifying achievements and using keywords relevant to UX research, product strategy, and data analysis. Clearly state your years of experience and educational background.
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review Amazon's Leadership Principles and prepare specific examples for each. Practice articulating your research process and impact. Be ready to discuss your approach to AI-augmented research.
• Company Research: Understand Amazon Ads' mission, its target advertisers, and the competitive landscape. Familiarize yourself with Amazon's culture and its emphasis on customer obsession and data-driven decision-making.

⚠️ 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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