Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher Company: Fabric Location: New York, NY / Remote Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Research Date Posted: 2025-11-03T23:08:18 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive, end-to-end user experience research initiatives, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to uncover deep user insights and inform product strategy.
• Drive product roadmap prioritization by validating high-cost initiatives and developing robust user narratives at critical decision points.
• Elevate organizational research maturity through the establishment of repeatable research frameworks, knowledge repositories, and seamless integration into the product development lifecycle.
• Act as a strategic partner to product, design, and business teams, translating complex user needs into actionable recommendations that enhance user experience and drive business results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant autonomy, tasked with building out and maturing the research function. The emphasis on "young and ready to grow" implies a need for a proactive, self-starter who can establish best practices and drive research strategy independently.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute end-to-end user research studies, selecting appropriate qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability testing, ethnography) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, A/B testing analysis, analytics review) methods.
• Define and lead strategic research programs that illuminate user behaviors, motivations, and pain points, creating clear user narratives to guide product initiatives and prioritization.
• Conduct rigorous research to inform roadmap prioritization and validate the business case and user value of high-cost initiatives prior to significant engineering investment.
• Champion organizational research maturity by embedding research practices into the product roadmap, establishing reusable research frameworks, and building comprehensive knowledge repositories for cross-functional access.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and marketing teams to identify key research questions and translate research findings into actionable product and business recommendations.
• Present research findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, influencing decision-making and fostering a user-centric culture.
• Continuously refine and improve research processes and methodologies to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution. The role requires not only conducting research but also establishing the operational framework for research within the organization, including process development and knowledge management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UX Researcher. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Research or a closely related field, with a demonstrable track record of delivering impactful user insights that have directly influenced product strategy and development.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading end-to-end research initiatives using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to break down complex problems into focused, actionable research questions and hypotheses.
• Experience working as a key member of a cross-functional design and product team throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to launch and iteration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate research findings, insights, and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive stakeholders.
• Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, enabling effective influence and partnership with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders across the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, agile product development environment, adapting quickly to changing priorities and business needs.
• Strong project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple research projects concurrently and prioritize work based on business and user impact.
• Experience in developing and implementing repeatable research frameworks and knowledge management systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the fintech or insurance industries, with an understanding of the unique user needs and regulatory considerations in these sectors.
• Proficiency in advanced statistical analysis and data visualization tools.
• Experience with remote research methodologies and tools for distributed teams.
• Familiarity with design thinking principles and agile development processes.
• Experience in mentoring junior researchers or establishing research best practices within an organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "self-starter mindset" and "elevate organizational research maturity" suggests that candidates with experience in building or scaling research functions will be highly valued. The "5+ years" implies a need for someone who can operate independently and strategically, not just execute tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of end-to-end research projects, showcasing your ability to define research questions, select appropriate methodologies, execute studies, and synthesize findings.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your research approach, key insights derived, and the tangible impact of your research on product decisions, user experience, or business outcomes.
• Evidence of your ability to translate complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders.
• Examples of how you have contributed to or developed research frameworks, knowledge repositories, or processes that enhanced research scalability and impact within a team or organization.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings in a structured and accessible manner, facilitating knowledge sharing and team understanding.
• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or established repeatable research processes that ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency in research execution.
• Demonstrate your approach to synthesizing and organizing research data and insights into comprehensive reports, presentations, or knowledge management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role focused on building out a function, the portfolio should emphasize not just what research was done, but how it was structured, scaled, and integrated into broader product development processes. Evidence of establishing frameworks and repositories is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Researcher in New York City/Remote, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is typically between $120,000 and $170,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, the company's compensation philosophy, and the competitive landscape for UX talent in the New York metropolitan area and for remote positions nationwide.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Professional development stipend for conferences, training, and continuing education.
• Opportunities for stock options or performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible work arrangements, including a fully remote setup.
• Parental leave policies.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard workweek is expected, the fully remote nature and the agile environment may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided that core collaboration hours and project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researchers in major tech hubs like New York City, adjusted for a fully remote position which can broaden the talent pool but also requires competitive compensation. Data sources include industry salary surveys (e.g., Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Payscale) and general market trends for tech roles in the US. The range accounts for the specified experience level and the strategic nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (Fintech) and Insurance, specifically focusing on life insurance products for parents. Fabric aims to simplify the process of securing family financial futures. Company Size: Acquired by Western & Southern in 2022, Fabric operates with the backing of a 130+ year-old company while maintaining the "culture and velocity of a startup." This suggests a mid-sized organization with a dynamic, agile approach to product development and customer engagement, benefiting from the stability and resources of a larger parent entity. Founded: Fabric was founded with a mission to modernize and simplify financial planning for families. Its acquisition by Western & Southern in 2022 signifies a strategic growth phase, blending innovative startup agility with established corporate stability.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research function is described as "young and ready to grow," indicating it's likely in its nascent stages or being newly established.
• The Senior UX Researcher will report directly to the VP of Design and Brand, suggesting a direct line of influence and strategic alignment with design leadership.
• Collaboration will be integral with product management, design, engineering, and business teams, highlighting a cross-functional and integrated approach to product development.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes learning from customers and using insights to guide strategy, pointing to a data-driven and user-centric approach to product development.
• The role is expected to "embed research into the product roadmap," indicating a proactive and integrated research process rather than an ad-hoc support function.
• A startup-like velocity combined with the backing of a large corporation suggests a culture that values innovation, speed, and measurable results, while also prioritizing robust processes and long-term stability.

Company Website: https://fabric.inc/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "startup culture within a large corporation" context is key. Candidates should be prepared for a fast-paced, innovative environment that also values structured processes and strategic alignment, leveraging the resources of Western & Southern. The emphasis on research maturity suggests a need for someone who can build and define processes, not just execute them.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Individual Contributor. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead initiatives independently. The expectation is that the Senior UX Researcher will not only execute research but also contribute to shaping the research strategy and practice within the company. This level typically involves mentoring junior team members (if any) and influencing cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher reports directly to the VP of Design and Brand. This provides a clear reporting line and ensures that research insights are communicated and considered at a high level of leadership. It also implies that the VP of Design and Brand is deeply invested in user-centered design and research.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on informing product strategy, validating initiatives, and ensuring that product development is aligned with genuine user needs and behaviors. By translating user insights into actionable recommendations, the Senior UX Researcher directly influences the product roadmap, feature prioritization, and overall user experience, thereby contributing to customer acquisition, retention, and business growth. The role is crucial in mitigating risks associated with product development by ensuring that investments are made in features and products that resonate with the target audience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research: Opportunity to build and scale the UX Research function, establishing best practices, processes, and potentially growing a research team.
• Strategic Influence: Direct impact on product strategy and roadmap decisions, working closely with senior leadership.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to work across different product areas and user segments within the fintech/insurance space, deepening expertise.
• Cross-Functional Development: Enhanced collaboration and influence across product, design, engineering, and marketing, fostering broader business acumen.
• Career Progression: Potential to move into a Research Lead or Managerial role as the function grows, or to specialize further within UX research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for an individual who can mold and expand the research function. The direct reporting to a VP indicates significant potential for strategic influence and career advancement within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is 100% remote. This indicates a distributed workforce and a reliance on digital collaboration tools. The company likely supports a remote-first or remote-friendly culture. Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the primary location listed is New York/Remote. This suggests that while the company has a presence or headquarters in New York, candidates can be located anywhere within the United States, or potentially within specific states if required for payroll or legal reasons.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: Expect to work extensively with tools like Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, Miro, Figma, and project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana).
• Asynchronous Communication: Proficiency in asynchronous communication methods will be critical for effective collaboration across different time zones and work schedules.
• Independent Work: A significant portion of the work will involve independent research design, execution, analysis, and reporting, requiring self-discipline and time management skills.
• Virtual Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will primarily be through scheduled video calls, virtual team meetings, and digital collaboration platforms.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time role, typically around 40 hours per week. Given the remote and potentially agile nature, there might be flexibility in daily start/end times, but core working hours for team collaboration and meetings will be expected. Adherence to project deadlines and responsiveness during business hours are paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a remote role, the emphasis will be on self-management, proactive communication, and effective use of digital collaboration tools. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and demonstrating their contributions virtually.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume. Be sure to highlight your experience in end-to-end research, strategic impact, and building research capabilities.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Typically with the VP of Design and Brand, focusing on your experience, approach to research, strategic thinking, and fit with the team's vision for research.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your work. Prepare 2-3 case studies that demonstrate your ability to lead research initiatives, uncover key insights, and influence product decisions. Focus on the "why," "what," "how," and "impact" of your research.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product, Design, and potentially Engineering to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate research into product development workflows.
• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a discussion with senior leadership or HR to finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select projects that showcase your ability to drive significant business or product outcomes, not just execute research tasks. Highlight instances where your insights directly led to product changes or strategic shifts.
• Structure Your Narratives: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your research objectives, methodology, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting impact (quantified if possible).
• Showcase Methodology Versatility: Include examples of both qualitative and quantitative research, demonstrating your ability to choose the right tool for the problem.
• Highlight Strategic Contributions: Emphasize instances where you identified research opportunities, proposed new approaches, or helped establish research processes. This is crucial for a senior role focused on building out the function.
• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your design choices, trade-offs, challenges faced, and how you adapted your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Strategy Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical product scenario and asked to outline a research plan to address specific business questions. Focus on prioritizing research efforts, selecting appropriate methods, and defining key success metrics.
• Insight Synthesis Exercise: You may be presented with raw research data (e.g., interview transcripts, survey results) and asked to synthesize it into key themes and actionable insights.
• Stakeholder Communication Role-Play: Be prepared to explain complex research findings or advocate for user needs in a simulated discussion with a product manager or engineer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on building research maturity, interviewers will likely probe deeply into your experience with establishing processes, frameworks, and influencing stakeholders beyond just executing research. A strong portfolio showcasing strategic impact and process development will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for managing participants, scheduling interviews, and conducting remote usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics).
• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers for collaboration and review (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Collaboration Suites: Essential for remote work and cross-functional communication (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Tools: For designing and distributing quantitative surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics).
• Data Analysis Software: For quantitative data analysis (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python libraries like Pandas).
• Analytics Platforms: Understanding user behavior through web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude).
• Data Visualization Tools: For creating clear and compelling reports and dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker Studio).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding how user data is managed and utilized within customer relationship management systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for context.
• Project Management Tools: For managing research timelines, tasks, and team workflows (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello).
• Communication Platforms: Real-time messaging and video conferencing (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core focus is on research tools, an understanding of the broader product development stack (design, analytics, CRM, project management) is crucial for effective collaboration and for demonstrating how research integrates into the overall product lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring that product decisions are grounded in user needs and behaviors.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A reliance on both qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy, validate hypotheses, and measure impact.
• Collaboration and Transparency: Fostering an environment where insights are shared openly, and teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.
• Agility and Adaptability: Embracing change, iterating quickly based on feedback, and thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Innovation and Growth: A continuous drive to explore new ideas, improve processes, and develop both personally and professionally.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: The team likely emphasizes close collaboration between research, product, design, and engineering. This role will involve regular interaction with these groups to define research needs, share findings, and co-create solutions.
• Proactive Communication: Given the remote nature, proactive, clear, and consistent communication is vital. This includes regular updates, asking clarifying questions, and sharing information in a timely manner.
• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is welcomed and given constructively to improve research practices, product designs, and overall team effectiveness.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing of research findings, methodologies, and best practices across teams to build collective understanding and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "startup within a large corporation" context suggests a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and structured teamwork. Candidates should be prepared for a culture that values both innovation and execution, with a strong emphasis on user advocacy and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Research Maturity: As the research function is "young," a primary challenge will be defining and embedding robust research processes, frameworks, and best practices across the organization.
• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-paced startup environment, ensuring that research is thorough and impactful while still meeting tight deadlines can be a significant challenge.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research insights and advocating for user needs to gain buy-in and drive action from diverse stakeholders, some of whom may be new to research-driven decision-making.
• Prioritization Across Multiple Initiatives: Managing research requests and prioritizing projects that offer the greatest business and user impact in a dynamic product roadmap.
• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Navigating the nuances of remote collaboration to ensure inclusive participation, effective communication, and strong team cohesion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research: Opportunity to build and shape a research function from its foundational stages, defining its strategy, processes, and impact.
• Strategic Product Influence: Direct involvement in shaping product strategy and roadmap decisions, gaining significant experience in high-level product development.
• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge within the fintech and insurance sectors, understanding complex user needs and market dynamics.
• Mentorship and Coaching: Potential to mentor future research hires or collaborate closely with design and product leadership, fostering personal growth.
• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to explore and implement advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques, expanding your research toolkit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the opportunity to build and influence. Candidates who thrive on establishing structure, driving change, and demonstrating impact will find this role highly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research with limited resources or tight deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure the quality of your insights?" (Assesses resourcefulness, prioritization, and quality control.)
• "How would you approach building a research program from the ground up at Fabric? What would be your first steps, and how would you measure success?" (Tests strategic thinking, process development, and impact measurement.)
• "Walk us through a research project where your insights significantly influenced product strategy or design decisions. What was the outcome?" (Evaluates your ability to drive impact and articulate success stories.)
• "How do you balance qualitative and quantitative research methods to get a holistic understanding of user behavior?" (Probes methodological breadth and strategic application of different research types.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Fabric's mission and the fintech/insurance space?" (Assesses genuine interest and alignment with the company's purpose.)
• "How do you ensure your research findings are effectively communicated and acted upon by product and engineering teams?" (Examines your stakeholder management and communication skills.)
• "Describe your experience working in an agile or fast-paced product development environment. How do you adapt your research approach?" (Tests your adaptability and understanding of agile methodologies.)
• "What are your expectations for collaboration with product managers and designers in a remote setting?" (Evaluates your understanding of cross-functional teamwork and remote collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Narrative Arc: For each case study, structure it as a story: the challenge, your role and approach, the key insights, the recommendations, and the tangible impact.
• Quantify Impact Where Possible: Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research. For example, "Our usability testing identified a critical flow issue that, once resolved, led to a X% increase in task completion rates."
• Showcase Your Process: Explain why you chose specific methodologies, the trade-offs you made, and how you synthesized data. This demonstrates critical thinking and methodological expertise.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decisions, alternative approaches, and how you handled unexpected findings or challenges.
• Tailor to Fabric: Briefly research Fabric's product and user base. If possible, frame your examples in a way that resonates with their business context (e.g., simplifying complex financial decisions for parents).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on both your technical research skills and your ability to strategically build and influence a research function. Be prepared to articulate your vision for research and demonstrate how you can drive user-centricity within a growing company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your most impactful research projects. Prioritize case studies that demonstrate end-to-end research leadership, strategic influence on product decisions, and measurable business outcomes. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates the problem, your methodology, key insights, and the impact of your work, with a focus on how you contributed to building or scaling research practices.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords such as "end-to-end research," "qualitative methods," "quantitative methods," "product strategy," "roadmap prioritization," "stakeholder management," "research frameworks," and "agile environment." Quantify your achievements whenever possible, detailing the impact of your research.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, insights, and impact using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare to discuss your experience in building research maturity and how you would approach this at Fabric. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling and demonstrating strategic value.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Fabric's mission, product offerings, target audience, and recent news. Understand their unique position as a startup backed by a large corporation. Consider how user research can directly support their goals in simplifying financial futures for parents.

⚠️ 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.