Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Catawiki

Location: Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: February 18, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of user research initiatives to deeply understand customer needs, behaviors, and motivations, directly influencing critical product decisions.

• Drive the maturation of the UX research practice by democratizing research methodologies and tools across cross-functional teams.

• Utilize a robust mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data to build comprehensive user insights and inform product development.

• Champion a strong customer-centric ethos throughout the organization, ensuring user perspectives are central to decision-making processes.

• Own and systematically measure customer satisfaction across the entire user journey, defining key metrics and collaborating with data teams for analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role appears to be a hybrid of a Senior UX Researcher and a Research Operations specialist, focusing not only on conducting research but also on building and scaling the research function within Catawiki. The emphasis on "maturing our research practice," "democratizing research," and "owning the systematic measurement of customer satisfaction" suggests a strategic, process-oriented component beyond typical individual contributor UX research roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and own the UX research strategy and roadmap, aligning research activities with overarching business objectives and product development priorities.

• Design, plan, and execute a variety of research studies, including foundational, formative, and evaluative research, across the full product lifecycle.

• Conduct qualitative research methods such as moderated/unmoderated usability testing, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and diary studies.

• Employ quantitative research techniques including surveys, A/B testing analysis, behavioral analytics interpretation, and statistical analysis of user data.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Analysts to integrate user insights into product design and development processes.

• Develop and maintain user models, personas, journey maps, and other artifacts to effectively communicate user understanding and ensure insights are embedded within product teams.

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve product usability, user experience, and customer satisfaction based on research findings.

• Present research findings and recommendations in compelling, actionable formats to diverse stakeholder groups, including senior leadership.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers or team members in research methodologies and best practices, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

• Partner with data science and analytics teams to establish and track key customer satisfaction metrics, providing insights for strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are comprehensive for a senior-level UX Researcher. The emphasis on "setting the research strategy and roadmap," "democratizing research," and "owning the systematic measurement of customer satisfaction" highlights a strategic and operational focus that elevates this role beyond pure execution. It implies a need for process design and implementation to scale research impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a closely related field. A Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline is a plus.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) Research, with a proven track record of delivering impactful research that has demonstrably improved products and services.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in designing and conducting a wide range of qualitative research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, in-depth interviews, focus groups, ethnographic studies, card sorting).

• Proficiency in quantitative research methods and analytical techniques (e.g., survey design and analysis, A/B testing interpretation, statistical analysis, behavioral data analysis).

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex research findings into clear, compelling, and actionable insights for product, design, and business stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle and experience working effectively within agile or hybrid development environments.

• Excellent storytelling, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence decision-making at all levels of an organization.

• Experience in developing and utilizing user models, personas, and customer journey maps.

• A deep passion for customer-centricity and a proactive approach to advocating for user needs.

• Highly organized with strong project management skills, capable of managing multiple research projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific UX research and analytics tools such as Maze, AB Smartly, Mixpanel, Hotjar, or similar platforms.

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and data visualization platforms.

• Experience in mentoring junior researchers or leading research initiatives within a team.

• Background in e-commerce or marketplace platforms, understanding of online consumer behavior.

• Experience in building or scaling a UX research function within an organization.

• Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis or machine learning techniques applied to user behavior.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed experience level aligns with the "Senior" title. The emphasis on balancing qualitative and quantitative methods, coupled with specific tool mentions (Maze, AB Smartly, Mixpanel, Hotjar), indicates a need for practical, hands-on experience with modern research tools and a data-informed approach. The "entrepreneurial mindset" and "proactive approach" suggest a self-starter who can drive initiatives with minimal oversight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, demonstrating a strong mixed-methods approach.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, methodology applied (both qualitative and quantitative), key findings, and the impact of your research on product decisions and business outcomes.

• Evidence of how you have translated research insights into actionable recommendations that led to tangible product improvements or strategic shifts.

• Examples of user models, personas, journey maps, or other artifacts created to communicate user understanding to cross-functional teams.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of research plans and protocols that outline study objectives, methodologies, participant recruitment strategies, and analysis plans.

• Documentation illustrating how you have collaborated with product managers, designers, and engineers to integrate research into the agile development process.

• Evidence of how you have measured and reported on customer satisfaction metrics over time, showing a systematic approach to tracking user sentiment and experience.

• Demonstrations of how you have democratized research by providing resources, training, or tools to enable non-researchers to conduct user-centric activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role with an emphasis on maturing research practices, a portfolio demonstrating not just research execution but also strategic thinking, process development, and impact measurement is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they've influenced product strategy and scaled research capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researchers in Portugal, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between €50,000 and €75,000 annually, depending on experience, specific skills, and the overall compensation package.

Benefits:

• Catavoucher: A €100 Catavoucher upon joining and a €50 Catavoucher on your birthday to explore Catawiki's unique offerings.

• "Pursue Your Passion" Day: An additional day off each year dedicated to personal development and pursuing passions.

• Extended Leave: Additional paid leave for key work anniversaries and important life events, recognizing significant milestones.

• Learning & Development: Access to comprehensive Learning & Development initiatives, including clear development plans and mentorship programs to support career progression.

• Health & Wellness: Likely includes standard health insurance and wellness programs, typical for European tech companies (specifics may vary by location).

• Retirement Savings: Potential for contributions to a pension or retirement savings plan.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance remote and in-office work, fostering work-life integration.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered within a hybrid working model. This allows for effective management of research projects and collaboration while maintaining work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimated based on typical Senior UX Researcher roles in Portugal's tech sector, considering the cost of living and market demand. The provided benefits are specific to Catawiki and highlight unique perks that contribute to employee well-being and professional growth. The hybrid arrangement is also detailed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Catawiki operates in the online marketplace and e-commerce sector, specializing in unique and special objects, spanning categories from art and antiques to vintage fashion and collectibles. This industry context means a focus on trust, authenticity, and a seamless transactional experience for both buyers and sellers.

Company Size: Catawiki is a scale-up with over 800 employees, indicating a dynamic environment with established processes but also room for agility and growth. This size suggests a significant, global reach with diverse teams.

Founded: Founded in 2008, Catawiki has a history of growth and evolution, positioning it as an established player in its niche market. This longevity suggests stability and a proven business model.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely consists of Product Designers, UX Researchers, and potentially UX Writers, working collaboratively.

• The Senior UX Researcher will report into a Head of UX, Research Lead, or Product leadership, and will work closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers across various product squads.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform product strategy and design.

• Agile Development: Research activities are likely integrated into agile sprint cycles, requiring adaptability and efficient delivery of insights.

• Customer-Centric Approach: A strong focus on understanding and serving the needs of Catawiki's diverse user base of buyers and sellers.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that embraces feedback, iteration, and learning to enhance both the product and internal processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by its unique mission, core values (ownership, openness to change, passion), a diverse international team, and a hybrid work environment. The scale-up nature suggests opportunities for impact and growth within a structured yet dynamic setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior UX Researcher, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a strong foundation in research methodologies, the ability to lead initiatives independently, and a growing capacity for strategic thinking and mentorship. The role is expected to contribute significantly to product strategy and the development of the research function.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Manager, Lead UX Researcher, or Head of Product/Design. They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Analysts within specific product squads or across the product organization.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Researcher's impact is crucial for ensuring Catawiki’s platform remains intuitive, engaging, and effective for its global user base of buyers and sellers. By deeply understanding user needs and behaviors, this role directly influences product strategy, feature prioritization, user acquisition, retention, and overall customer satisfaction, thereby driving business growth and market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead research strategy, mentor junior team members, and potentially grow into a Research Lead or Managerial role as the research function expands.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, generative research techniques) or product areas.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Develop a broader understanding of product management, design strategy, or data analytics through close collaboration, potentially leading to lateral moves within the product organization.

• Industry Impact: Contribute to shaping the user experience of a unique global marketplace, potentially presenting findings at industry conferences or contributing to UX best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Senior UX Researcher at a scale-up like Catawiki involves not just deepening research expertise but also developing leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional influence skills. The emphasis on "maturing the research practice" suggests significant opportunities to shape processes and team development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Catawiki operates vibrant, modern offices designed to foster collaboration and inspiration. The description suggests a hybrid setup, combining the benefits of in-office interaction with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): While the role is based in Portugal, Catawiki also has significant offices in Amsterdam and Paris, suggesting a pan-European operational presence and potential for cross-office collaboration. The specific office in Portugal would typically be in a major city like Lisbon or Porto.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are designed to encourage interaction, brainstorming, and teamwork, with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and potentially open-plan workspaces.

• Technology & Tools: Access to modern research tools, collaboration software, and necessary hardware to conduct effective research and analysis.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with design and product teams for workshops, feedback sessions, and project alignment, alongside remote communication channels.

Work Schedule: The role operates within a standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration (minimum two days per week) and remote work. This structure supports focused research work and team connectivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, requiring the Senior UX Researcher to be adept at both in-person collaboration and remote communication. The office design aims to support this blend, emphasizing collaboration and inspiration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key UX research projects. This typically involves discussing research challenges, methodologies, insights, and the impact of their work.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, research philosophy, leadership potential, and strategic thinking related to scaling research practices.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate research into product development.

• Take-Home Assignment/Case Study: A practical exercise might be assigned to assess research design, analysis, and presentation skills in a simulated scenario.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, VP of Engineering) for final assessment of strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Focus on projects where your research led to significant product improvements or strategic shifts. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%").

• Demonstrate Mixed-Methods: Clearly illustrate how you effectively combined qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a holistic understanding of user behavior.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: the problem, your role and approach, the process, the insights, and the outcome.

• Highlight Strategic Contributions: For this role, emphasize any experience in defining research strategy, mentoring others, or scaling research processes.

• Tailor to Catawiki: Research Catawiki's platform, target audience, and recent product developments. Frame your portfolio examples in a way that demonstrates how your skills align with their specific needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design: Be prepared to design a research plan for a given product problem, outlining objectives, methodologies, participant criteria, and key questions.

• Problem Solving: Practice articulating how you would approach ambiguous research problems or unexpected research findings.

• Communication & Influence: Rehearse how you would present complex research findings to different audiences (e.g., technical teams vs. executive leadership) and how you would advocate for user needs.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific research tools mentioned in the job description (Maze, Mixpanel, Hotjar, etc.) and how you've used them to gather insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage, typical for senior roles. The portfolio review is critical, and candidates should prepare to discuss not just their execution skills but also their strategic contributions and experience in maturing research functions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Maze, AB Smartly (for A/B testing insights), Hotjar (for heatmaps, session recordings) are explicitly mentioned, indicating a need for hands-on experience.

• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or similar for designing and deploying user surveys.

• Usability Testing Tools: UserTesting.com, Lookback, or in-house solutions for moderated and unmoderated testing.

• Card Sorting Tools: OptimalSort, UserZoom, or manual methods for information architecture research.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Behavioral Analytics: Mixpanel is specifically mentioned, suggesting a strong focus on tracking user behavior and product adoption. Experience with Google Analytics or similar web analytics platforms is also valuable.

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or built-in dashboarding features within analytics platforms to report on user metrics and satisfaction.

• Statistical Analysis Software: R, Python (with libraries like Pandas, SciPy), or SPSS for deeper quantitative analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly mentioned for UX research, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) can be beneficial for understanding customer data flow and segmentation.

• Automation tools may be used for survey distribution or data processing, though specific mentions are absent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Maze, AB Smartly, Mixpanel, and Hotjar suggests these are key tools in Catawiki's research stack. Proficiency in these and similar platforms, especially for integrating qualitative and quantitative data, will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership and Impact: Taking responsibility for research outcomes and actively driving initiatives that create visible impact on the product and business.

• Openness to Change and Feedback: A willingness to adapt research approaches based on feedback, new learnings, and evolving business needs, and to readily share findings and receive constructive criticism.

• Passion for Mission and Customers: A genuine enthusiasm for Catawiki's unique marketplace and a deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of its diverse user base.

• Curiosity and Continuous Learning: A drive to explore user behavior, learn new research methodologies, and stay abreast of industry trends.

• Collaboration and Inclusivity: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, respecting diverse perspectives, and contributing to an inclusive and queer-friendly environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively embedding research within product squads, working closely with designers, PMs, and engineers to ensure user insights are integrated early and often.

• Partnership with Data: Close collaboration with data analysts and scientists to triangulate findings, define metrics, and leverage quantitative data alongside qualitative insights.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing research findings, methodologies, and best practices through presentations, documentation, and informal discussions to empower the wider organization.

• Feedback Loops: Establishing clear channels for receiving feedback on research processes and findings, and providing constructive feedback to collaborators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated core values are central to its culture. For a Senior UX Researcher, demonstrating these values through day-to-day work—especially ownership, openness, and customer passion—will be crucial for aligning with the team.

<h3>⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities</h3>

Challenges:

• Scaling Research: As a scale-up, a key challenge will be to mature and scale the UX research function to meet the demands of a growing product roadmap and user base, requiring efficient processes and potentially democratizing research.

• Balancing Methodologies: Effectively integrating and synthesizing insights from diverse qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a cohesive understanding of user behavior.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Persuading diverse stakeholders with varying priorities to adopt user-centric recommendations, especially in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.

• Measuring Impact: Systematically tracking and demonstrating the ROI of UX research initiatives, linking research activities to tangible business outcomes and customer satisfaction improvements.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Tackling complex or ill-defined research problems common in a large, diverse marketplace with many product categories.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Research Strategy Leadership: Opportunity to define and lead the UX research roadmap, shaping the direction of user understanding across Catawiki.

• Mentorship and Team Building: Opportunity to mentor junior researchers and contribute to building a strong, high-performing UX research team.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining deep insights into e-commerce, marketplace dynamics, and product strategy through close collaboration with product, engineering, and data teams.

• Advanced Methodologies: Potential to explore and implement more advanced research techniques, especially in quantitative analysis and behavioral data interpretation.

• Industry Exposure: Participating in industry events, webinars, and potentially contributing to the broader UX community through presentations or publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for a Senior UX Researcher to not just conduct research but to shape the research practice itself, offering substantial growth potential in leadership and strategic influence.

<h3>💡 Interview Preparation</h3>

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define the research strategy and roadmap for Catawiki, considering our unique marketplace model and diverse user base?" (Focus on aligning research with business goals, prioritizing initiatives, and anticipating future needs.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder needs or push back with user data. How did you influence their decision-making?" (Prepare a STAR method example showcasing your advocacy skills and data-driven persuasion.)

• "If you were to design a research study to understand why users abandon their carts on Catawiki, what approach would you take, and what tools would you use?" (Demonstrate your mixed-methods proficiency and tool knowledge, structuring a practical research plan.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Catawiki's mission and our specific niche in the online marketplace?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the business.)

• "How do you embody our core values of ownership, openness, and passion in your work?" (Provide specific examples from your past roles.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and how you ensure effective collaboration and communication with remote and in-office colleagues." (Highlight your adaptability and communication strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Impact: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your ability to drive product improvement and business impact.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), the insights, and the actionable recommendations you provided.

• Quantify Outcomes: Wherever possible, use data to illustrate the success of your recommendations (e.g., changes in conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores).

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Highlight any instances where you contributed to research strategy, mentored others, or helped scale research processes.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you might have considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only UX research expertise but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and an understanding of how research drives business value within a dynamic e-commerce environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Catawiki careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights projects that demonstrate your mixed-methods expertise, strategic research planning, and ability to drive impact. Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant experience in e-commerce or marketplace environments, and your ability to scale research functions.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods, specific tools like Maze, Mixpanel, and Hotjar, and your track record in influencing product decisions. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your research process using the STAR method, practice articulating your approach to strategic research questions, and rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on impact and influence. Research Catawiki’s platform and recent developments.

• Company Research: Deeply understand Catawiki's business model, target audience, product categories, and company values. Prepare thoughtful questions about the UX team, research strategy, and company culture.

⚠️ 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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