Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher Company: Doodle Location: Berlin, Germany Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product & Design Operations (UX Research Focus) Date Posted: January 22, 2026 Experience Level: 6+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic product discovery and exploratory research initiatives focused on identifying new opportunities, particularly within AI-driven product development.
• Shape product strategy and roadmap direction by translating qualitative and quantitative insights into actionable product opportunities and experience principles.
• Drive the definition of new AI-powered features and value propositions, influencing prioritization and investment decisions with robust user evidence.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, leading discovery workshops and sensemaking sessions to foster strategic alignment among Product, Design, and Engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily UX Research, its focus on product discovery, strategic definition, and influencing roadmap direction positions it within a broader "Product & Design Operations" umbrella, emphasizing the operational aspects of bringing innovative products to market. The emphasis on AI and data-driven products indicates a need for operational rigor in research methodologies and insight translation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead product discovery and exploratory research in ambiguous, strategic problem spaces, with a specific emphasis on AI-driven and data-powered user experiences.
• Identify unmet user needs, jobs-to-be-done, and untapped opportunity areas that can inform future product development and strategic initiatives, especially where AI can deliver significant value.
• Frame and define problems worth solving, moving beyond solely validating pre-defined solutions to actively shaping the "what" and "why" of product development.
• Translate complex qualitative and quantitative research findings into clear product opportunities, problem frames, experience principles, strategic narratives, and effective decision-making tools.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Design, and Engineering teams to co-create and influence the product strategy and roadmap, particularly for AI-powered initiatives.
• Champion user-centricity by influencing prioritization and investment decisions through compelling user evidence and a strong, informed point of view.
• Design and execute generative research, field studies, concept testing, and rapid learning loops, including specific approaches for testing AI concepts, models, and user interactions.
• Facilitate cross-functional discovery workshops, sensemaking sessions, and strategic alignment rituals to ensure shared understanding and buy-in.
• Communicate research insights effectively to leadership, enabling informed decision-making in uncertain, emerging AI-driven product spaces.
• Maintain a balance between research rigor and the speed required in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, ensuring timely delivery of actionable insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic, proactive research approach focused on early-stage product definition and opportunity identification, rather than just usability testing. The emphasis on AI and data-driven products suggests a need for operational excellence in research design and insight synthesis to directly impact business strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UX Researcher role. Experience: 6+ years of direct experience in UX Research, Product Discovery, Strategic Design, or comparable roles focused on understanding user needs and defining product direction.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in leading product discovery and exploratory research within ambiguous or strategic problem spaces.
• Demonstrated success in identifying new user needs, jobs-to-be-done, and significant opportunity areas for product innovation.
• Hands-on experience working with or researching AI-powered or data-driven products and understanding their unique user experience implications.
• Strong ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency in framing problems and defining product direction, rather than solely validating solutions.
• Experience influencing product strategy, roadmap decisions, and leadership priorities with user evidence.
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including generative research, field studies, concept testing, and rapid learning loops.
• Exceptional synthesis, storytelling, and facilitation skills to communicate findings and drive alignment.
• A strong systems thinking mindset to understand complex interactions and dependencies.
• Comfort and adaptability in working without predefined briefs, fixed scopes, or obvious solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with generative AI, recommendation systems, automation technologies, or intelligent decision support systems.
• Proven ability to shape new AI-enabled value propositions or entirely new product lines from initial concept.
• Background in ethnography, service design, or advanced behavioral research methodologies.
• Experience working within startup, scale-up, or dedicated innovation environments, demonstrating agility and iterative development.
• Familiarity with AI ethics, user trust, control mechanisms, and decision-making dynamics in AI-assisted contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement and the focus on "0-to-1" products, new initiatives, and AI-driven experiences suggest a need for candidates who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic thinking. The “Bonus” skills point towards a preference for candidates who are not only researchers but also product strategists with a deep understanding of emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong track record of leading product discovery initiatives from inception to strategy definition.
• Showcase case studies that highlight your ability to identify significant user needs and translate them into tangible product opportunities or strategic directions, especially within complex or novel domains like AI.
• Present examples of how you have influenced product strategy, roadmap prioritization, or investment decisions through your research findings.
• Include work that illustrates your proficiency in framing problems and defining "what to build" rather than just validating solutions.
• Highlight projects where you’ve tested AI concepts, models, or AI-driven user experiences, detailing your approach and the insights gained.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of designing and executing comprehensive research plans for ambiguous problem spaces, outlining the research objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
• Documentation of your process for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into strategic narratives, problem frames, and actionable product recommendations.
• Examples of how you have facilitated discovery workshops, sensemaking sessions, or strategic alignment rituals with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrate your approach to balancing research rigor with the speed required in a fast-moving product development environment, including rapid learning loops and iterative testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher focused on product discovery and strategy, the portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase research execution but the strategic impact of that research. Emphasis should be placed on projects that demonstrate foresight, problem-framing capabilities, and influence on product direction, particularly in emerging tech areas like AI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researchers in Berlin, Germany, with 6+ years of experience and specialized skills in AI and product discovery, the estimated annual gross salary range is €75,000 - €105,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, negotiation, and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including dental and vision.
• Generous paid time off (vacation, public holidays, sick leave).
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and workshops.
• Support for ongoing learning in AI and UX research methodologies.
• Company-sponsored pension plan or retirement savings contributions.
• Potential for stock options or equity, depending on company policy.
• Modern office facilities with a collaborative work environment in Berlin.
• Team events, social gatherings, and opportunities for cross-functional networking.
• Flexible working arrangements within the on-site context, promoting work-life balance.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. While the position is on-site, Doodle likely offers some flexibility in daily start and end times to accommodate personal needs, provided core collaboration hours and business requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary research for Senior UX Researchers in Berlin indicates a range from approximately €70,000 to €110,000 annually, with higher ends for highly specialized roles like this one focusing on AI and product strategy. The provided range (€75,000 - €105,000) is a conservative estimate that accounts for the senior level and specific AI focus. Benefits are standard for tech companies in Germany, with an emphasis on professional development to keep pace with evolving AI technologies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software & Technology, specifically focused on Productivity and Scheduling Solutions. Doodle operates in a competitive market where innovation, user experience, and intelligent features are key differentiators. Company Size: Doodle is a scale-up, likely employing between 50-250 individuals based on typical growth trajectories for established tech products with a global user base. This size offers a balance of established processes and the agility of a growing organization. Founded: Doodle was founded in 2007, giving it significant market presence and a mature product. This history implies a company that understands user needs deeply while also adapting to new technological shifts like AI.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research function likely sits within a broader Product or Design department, potentially with a small but impactful team of researchers.
• The Senior UX Researcher will report to a Head of UX, Director of Product, or a similar senior leadership role, indicating a direct line to strategic decision-making.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Lead Designers, and Engineering teams, forming agile, cross-functional product squads.

Methodology:

• Doodle likely employs a mix of agile development methodologies, with UX Research integrated into product sprints and discovery phases.
• Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, using both quantitative product analytics and qualitative user research to inform strategy.
• The company is embracing AI, suggesting a forward-thinking approach to technology adoption and a willingness to experiment with new product paradigms.

Company Website: https://doodle.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a scale-up founded in 2007, Doodle likely combines the stability and established user base of a mature product with the innovative drive of a growing tech company. The focus on AI and product definition for this role suggests a culture that values proactive research and strategic input from its team members, fostering an environment where UX researchers can significantly impact the product's future.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior level within the UX Research discipline. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, strategic influence, and responsibility for shaping product direction, particularly in emerging areas like AI. It's a pivotal role for defining future product initiatives rather than just supporting execution. Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a Director or Head of Product/Design. This position offers direct access to executive leadership and product strategy discussions, providing significant visibility and influence. Operations Impact: The impact of this role is measured by its contribution to identifying and defining high-potential new product opportunities, shaping the strategic roadmap, and ensuring that AI-powered product developments are deeply aligned with user needs and market opportunities. Success means directly influencing what Doodle builds next and how it delivers value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in AI Product Research: Develop deep expertise in researching and defining AI-powered user experiences, becoming a go-to authority within Doodle and potentially the broader industry.
• Leadership and Mentorship: As a senior member, opportunities may arise to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives, and potentially grow into a management role overseeing the UX research function.
• Strategic Product Influence: Continue to influence product strategy at a higher level, potentially moving into Product Management or a dedicated Product Strategy role, leveraging a strong foundation in user understanding and market opportunity identification.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Take on leadership roles in cross-functional product discovery initiatives, driving alignment and strategic vision across multiple departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Senior UX Researcher role is positioned for significant impact and growth, moving beyond traditional research execution to strategic product definition. The AI focus presents a unique opportunity to build cutting-edge expertise. Growth paths could include deepening specialization in AI, moving into leadership, or transitioning into broader product strategy roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Doodle's Berlin office is likely a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork. Given the focus on on-site work, expect a well-equipped office environment that supports in-person collaboration, workshops, and team cohesion. Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Kohlfurter Str. 41-43, 10999 Berlin, Germany. This location in Berlin places Doodle within a vibrant tech hub, offering access to talent and a dynamic professional community.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will encourage close collaboration between UX Researchers, Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, likely through project-based teams and shared physical or virtual spaces.
• Access to necessary research tools, software, and potentially prototyping or testing equipment will be provided to facilitate effective research activities.
• Opportunities for informal interactions and structured team meetings will be abundant, supporting a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site role based in Berlin. While core working hours will be expected for team collaboration and productivity, Doodle likely offers a degree of flexibility in daily start and end times to support work-life balance, aligned with German labor practices and tech industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site role in Berlin suggests a company that values in-person collaboration and the spontaneous interactions that foster innovation. The workspace context will be designed to support the high level of cross-functional teamwork required for this strategic product discovery role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application and Portfolio Review: Submit your application along with a portfolio that clearly showcases your experience in product discovery, strategic research, and AI-product work.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation to assess your experience, approach to research, strategic thinking, and fit with the team. Expect discussions around past projects and your role in them.
• Interview with Exec - Product Head: A strategic discussion with a senior product leader to evaluate your ability to influence product strategy, define opportunities, and articulate a vision for AI-powered product development.
• HR Interview: Focus on cultural fit, compensation expectations, and logistical aspects of employment, including verification of right-to-work in Germany.
• Offer: If successful, a formal offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you addressed, your specific role and methodology, the key insights you uncovered, and the tangible impact your research had on product strategy or development.
• Highlight AI/Discovery Experience: Dedicate sections or specific case studies to your experience with AI-powered products and product discovery initiatives. Detail how you navigated ambiguity and framed new opportunities.
• Showcase Problem Framing: Illustrate instances where you defined the problem space, identified user needs, or shaped "what to build" before solutions were conceptualized.
• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the outcomes of your research (e.g., influence on roadmap, identification of specific market opportunities, impact on user adoption or satisfaction).
• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio narratives to be compelling and easy to follow, guiding the reviewer through your thought process and contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case studies or exercises focused on identifying user needs in a new product area or framing a strategic problem for an AI-powered feature.
• Practice articulating your research process and insights concisely and persuasively, as you'll need to communicate complex ideas to both research peers and senior leadership.
• Think about how you would approach researching a completely new, undefined problem space for Doodle, demonstrating your strategic research planning skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes strategic evaluation, particularly for the Product Head interview. The portfolio review is crucial; candidates must demonstrate not just research skills but strategic foresight and the ability to influence product direction, especially in the context of AI. Preparation should focus on articulating impact and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics).
• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Digital tools for brainstorming, affinity mapping, and workshop facilitation (e.g., Miro, Mural, Figma).
• Data Analysis Tools: Software for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and potentially quantitative analysis tools if the role involves mixed methods (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, basic statistical packages).
• Prototyping Tools (Familiarity): Understanding of tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD to effectively test prototypes and communicate with designers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms (Familiarity): Awareness of tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude for understanding user behavior and complementing qualitative insights.
• Reporting & Presentation Tools: Proficiency in tools like Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Keynote for synthesizing and presenting research findings to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, familiarity with how user data is managed and how product features are deployed within a CRM or product management context is beneficial. Understanding the product lifecycle and how research feeds into it is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Senior UX Researcher focused on product discovery and AI will lean heavily on research execution and collaboration tools. While direct experience with AI development tools isn't expected, an understanding of how AI models are tested and integrated into user experiences is crucial, alongside strong capabilities in qualitative data synthesis and persuasive communication tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring that product decisions are rooted in genuine user needs and behaviors.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing both qualitative insights and quantitative data to inform strategy, validate hypotheses, and measure impact.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together openly, sharing knowledge and insights to achieve common goals.
• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, technologies (like AI), and methodologies to drive product evolution and create step-change value.
• Bias for Action & Agility: Balancing research rigor with the need for speed and adaptability in a fast-paced tech environment, enabling quick learning and iteration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and potentially Marketing to ensure research findings are integrated into every stage of the product lifecycle.
• Workshop Facilitation: Actively leading and participating in collaborative sessions to define problems, ideate solutions, and align on strategic direction.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing research findings, methodologies, and learnings across teams to build collective understanding and expertise.
• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is welcomed and given constructively, contributing to continuous improvement of both products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Doodle, especially for this role, will likely emphasize a proactive, collaborative, and user-focused approach. The values align with a strategic operations mindset where research is an integral part of product development, driving efficiency and effectiveness through user understanding.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working in undefined problem spaces and with nascent AI technologies requires comfort with uncertainty and the ability to create clarity from ambiguity.
• Influencing Without Authority: Convincing stakeholders and leadership to invest in new directions based on research findings, especially when dealing with novel AI concepts.
• Balancing Rigor and Speed: Delivering high-quality, impactful research insights in a fast-paced environment where quick decisions are often necessary.
• Translating AI Concepts: Effectively researching and communicating the user experience implications of complex AI technologies, including trust, control, and decision-making.
• Defining "What to Build": Shifting from validating solutions to actively defining the core problems and opportunities that the company should pursue.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI Product Research: Gain specialized expertise in researching generative AI, recommendation engines, and other advanced AI applications.
• Strategic Product Leadership: Develop skills in influencing product strategy, roadmap planning, and business case development through user-centered insights.
• Advanced Facilitation & Workshop Design: Hone skills in leading complex strategic sessions and fostering cross-functional alignment.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading UX research and AI conferences, and potentially pursue relevant certifications.
• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders and experienced peers for guidance on career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a senior, strategic role focused on innovation. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a path to become a leader in AI product research and strategic product definition.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led product discovery in an ambiguous problem space. What was your process, what did you learn, and how did you influence the product direction?"
  • Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study focusing on a "0-to-1" initiative. Emphasize your methodology for framing the problem, identifying user needs without clear briefs, and the specific strategic recommendations you made. Highlight any AI or data-driven aspects.
• "How would you approach researching the potential user value and risks of a new generative AI feature for Doodle?"
  • Preparation: Outline a research plan that addresses user needs, potential benefits, ethical considerations, trust, control, and potential pitfalls of generative AI. Discuss methods for testing AI concepts and user interactions, and how you'd synthesize findings for strategic decision-making.
• "Tell me about a time your research significantly influenced a product strategy or roadmap decision. What was the situation, your findings, and the outcome?"
  • Preparation: Select a strong example where your research led to a tangible shift in product strategy or investment. Quantify the impact if possible and clearly articulate your role in driving that change.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Doodle's current product and how do you see AI potentially enhancing it?"
  • Preparation: Research Doodle's product, target audience, and competitive landscape. Think critically about where AI could add unique value beyond basic scheduling, considering collaboration, automation, or intelligent assistance.
• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and well-understood by engineering and product teams?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your communication and synthesis strategies, including storytelling, clear problem framing, and collaboration techniques you use to integrate insights into the product development workflow.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key themes: Product Discovery, AI/Data-Driven Products, Strategic Influence, and Problem Framing.
• Narrative is Key: For each case study, tell a compelling story: the context, the challenge, your approach, the insights, and the impact.
• Visuals and Artifacts: Include examples of research artifacts (personas, journey maps, problem statements, strategic recommendations) but ensure they support the narrative, not replace it.
• Focus on Your Role: Clearly delineate your specific contributions, especially in collaborative projects.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail, highlighting your strategic thinking and research process concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strategic thinking, hands-on experience with AI and product discovery, and the ability to translate complex research into actionable product strategy. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Doodle Careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your experience in product discovery, strategic research, and work with AI-powered or data-driven products. Highlight your ability to frame problems and influence product strategy.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 6+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing achievements in product definition, strategic research leadership, and any work related to emerging technologies like AI. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, strategic thinking, and impact with specific examples. Prepare to discuss how you would approach research challenges for Doodle, especially concerning AI features.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Doodle's product, mission, and recent developments. Understand their existing user base and consider how AI could strategically enhance their offerings.

⚠️ 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. Please note the explicit requirement for candidates to be based in Germany and possess the right to work there.