Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher Company: Ibotta Location: Hybrid - Denver, CO Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Research Date Posted: 2025-10-27 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered product strategy by delivering actionable insights and recommendations based on comprehensive research.
• Lead the definition and execution of robust research plans encompassing both generative and evaluative methodologies to uncover deep user needs and validate product concepts.
• Translate complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, impactful deliverables such as personas, journey maps, and custom frameworks, influencing product roadmaps.
• Champion the voice of the user across all organizational levels, including senior leadership, ensuring user needs are central to business initiatives and product launches.
• Proactively explore, pilot, and integrate innovative research approaches and technologies to elevate the UXR team's capabilities and industry standing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Researcher, indicating a need for significant autonomy, strategic thinking, and leadership in research initiatives. The emphasis on influencing senior executives and piloting new capabilities suggests a high-impact role within a mature and research-forward organization. The "all-in" team mentality and focus on personal growth highlight a collaborative and developmental work environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic research plans that align with business objectives and product development cycles, utilizing a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Conduct in-depth interviews, contextual inquiries, usability testing sessions, and surveys to gather user feedback and behavioral data.
• Analyze research data to identify key insights, user pain points, and opportunities for product improvement and innovation.
• Create compelling research deliverables, including detailed reports, personas, user journey maps, and presentations, tailored for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Marketing teams to integrate user insights into product design and strategy.
• Advocate for the user throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring their needs and perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the continuous improvement of research processes and best practices within the team.
• Proactively identify emerging trends and new research methodologies to enhance the team's toolkit and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize a blend of hands-on research execution and strategic influence. The expectation to "define and execute research plans" and "socialize research findings at all levels" points towards a senior individual contributor role with significant ownership and communication demands. The mention of piloting new capabilities suggests an environment that values innovation and thought leadership within the UX research discipline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, UX Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 5-7+ years of dedicated experience in UX Research, with a strong preference for experience within consumer-facing product environments.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing and executing a wide range of qualitative research methods (e.g., in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, diary studies, ethnographic research).
• Demonstrable experience with quantitative research methodologies, including survey design, data analysis, and statistical interpretation.
• Strong proficiency in conducting usability testing (moderated and unmoderated) to identify and resolve user experience issues.
• Ability to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives for diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with and influence senior leadership.
• Proven ability to manage multiple research projects concurrently, from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Comfort working in ambiguous environments and the ability to adapt research plans and priorities as business needs evolve.
• Demonstrable understanding of UX foundational principles, encompassing both design and research best practices.
• Experience as a contributing member of cross-functional product teams, working collaboratively with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced statistical analysis tools and techniques for quantitative research.
• Familiarity with user research platforms and tools for participant recruitment, survey administration, and usability testing.
• Experience in the performance marketing or e-commerce industry.
• Knowledge of A/B testing principles and how to integrate them with qualitative findings.
• Experience with creating and utilizing user personas and journey maps to inform product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5-7+ years of experience, coupled with the preference for a Bachelor's degree in a related field, positions this as a senior-level individual contributor role. The emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative skills, along with the ability to translate findings into actionable insights for senior leadership, highlights the strategic and communicative demands of the position. Comfort with ambiguity and cross-functional collaboration are key indicators of the dynamic and team-oriented environment at Ibotta.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, clearly demonstrating your research process from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.
• Case studies that highlight your ability to define research objectives, select appropriate methodologies, and execute research plans effectively.
• Examples of how your research has directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, or business outcomes, with quantifiable results where possible.
• Documentation of your experience with various research tools and platforms, illustrating proficiency in data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrations of your ability to synthesize complex data into clear, concise, and compelling deliverables such as personas, journey maps, and user flows.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your systematic approach to research planning, including how you define research questions, identify target participants, and manage logistics.
• Provide examples of how you document research findings, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and accessibility for various stakeholders.
• Illustrate your methods for analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data to derive meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Demonstrate experience in communicating research outcomes effectively through presentations and written reports, highlighting your ability to advocate for the user.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, a robust portfolio is critical. It should not only display the breadth of research methodologies used but also the depth of strategic thinking applied and the tangible impact of the research on product development and business goals. Emphasis should be placed on showcasing how the researcher navigated ambiguity and effectively communicated findings to influence stakeholders.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $106,000 - $125,000 USD per year.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is specific to the United States labor market. The final compensation may be adjusted based on the candidate's actual experience and qualifications. Equity is also included as part of the overall compensation package.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Lifestyle Spending Account to support employee well-being.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) for ownership in the company.
• 401k plan with employer match to support retirement savings.
• Flexible time off policy.
• Denver Office Perks: Paid parking, complimentary snacks, and occasional meals provided.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard work week is expected, the hybrid nature of the role with 3 days in office may offer some flexibility in scheduling, common in UX research roles that often require deep focus time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Performance Marketing Platform / E-commerce Technology Company Size: Ibotta is a publicly traded company (NYSE: IBTA) and a significant player in the tech IPO space originating from Colorado, indicating a medium to large-sized organization with established processes and growth ambitions. Founded: 2012, Ibotta has a history of innovation and growth, culminating in one of the largest tech IPOs in history, suggesting a dynamic and evolving company culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research (UXR) team operates within a product development framework, likely collaborating closely with Product Management, UX Design, and Engineering departments.
• The role involves interaction with senior-level executives, indicating a flattened hierarchy or a culture that values direct communication across levels.
• As part of a "product-based" organization, the UXR team's structure will likely be aligned with specific product areas or strategic initiatives.

Methodology:

• Ibotta emphasizes a "user-centered" approach, with UXR playing a critical role in optimizing product launches, identifying market opportunities, and guiding resource allocation.
• The team is described as "regularly piloting new capabilities," suggesting an agile and forward-thinking research environment that embraces experimentation.
• Core Values like Integrity, Boldness, Ownership, Teamwork, Transparency, and "A good idea can come from anywhere" shape the collaborative and data-driven culture.

Company Website: https://www.ibotta.com/ Building Ibotta Blog: https://medium.com/building-ibotta

📝 Enhancement Note: Ibotta's focus on performance marketing and its rapid growth, evidenced by its IPO, suggest a data-driven, results-oriented culture. The emphasis on "all-in" team mentality and "advocacy for the user/consumer" points to a collaborative environment where user insights are highly valued across departments. The mention of piloting new research capabilities indicates a commitment to innovation within the UXR function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor

• This role is designated as "Senior UX Researcher," signifying a level of expertise and autonomy beyond entry or mid-level positions. It implies the ability to independently lead complex research initiatives, mentor others, and contribute strategically to product direction.

Reporting Structure:

• While not explicitly stated, a Senior UX Researcher typically reports to a Research Lead, Director of UX, or Head of Product/Design. The role's interaction with senior executives suggests a reporting line that provides visibility and influence at higher organizational levels.

Operations Impact:

• The Senior UX Researcher will directly influence product strategy and development by providing critical user insights that inform design decisions, prioritize features, and identify new market opportunities.
• Their work is pivotal in ensuring Ibotta's products resonate with consumers, driving engagement, and ultimately contributing to revenue growth through optimized user experiences in the performance marketing space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Research Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team of researchers and setting the strategic direction for UX research at Ibotta.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or product areas (e.g., e-commerce, mobile apps, performance marketing).
• Innovation & Thought Leadership: Contribution to piloting new research capabilities and potentially representing Ibotta at industry conferences, fostering personal and professional brand development.
• Cross-Functional Advancement: Gaining deep product and business acumen that could open doors to roles in Product Management or Strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior UX Researcher title implies a clear path for growth, either into management or deeper specialization. The company's emphasis on piloting new research capabilities and the explicit mention of personal growth suggest a supportive environment for skill development and career advancement within the UX research discipline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in the Denver office. Office Location(s): Denver, Colorado. Specific office perks include paid parking, snacks, and occasional meals, indicating a focus on employee comfort and convenience within the physical workspace.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a blend of focused individual work at home and collaborative in-office sessions.
• The Denver office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with spaces for team meetings, brainstorming, and user research sessions.
• Access to standard office technology and resources will be available, supporting the execution of research tasks and team interactions.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, is expected.
• While specific hours may vary, the hybrid nature allows for some flexibility. However, participation in team meetings and in-office days will require adherence to a structured schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup at Ibotta's Denver office suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration. The provided office perks aim to enhance the employee experience for those working on-site.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, research philosophy, and strategic thinking.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where the candidate presents 1-2 key UX research case studies, detailing their process, findings, and impact. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical application of skills.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key collaborators (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Engineers) to evaluate teamwork, communication, and ability to integrate research into product development.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss vision, strategic alignment, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the research questions, methodology, participant profile, key findings, insights, recommendations, and the impact of your work.
• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to research, from planning and recruitment to analysis and synthesis.
• Showcase Impact: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion rates," "reduced task completion time by X%"). If direct metrics are unavailable, describe the qualitative influence on product decisions.
• Tailor to Ibotta: Select projects that demonstrate experience relevant to Ibotta's business (e.g., consumer-facing products, e-commerce, performance marketing) and highlight how you'd approach research for their specific challenges.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making rationale, how you handled challenges, and how you collaborated with teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Some companies may present a take-home research exercise or a live "hot group" usability test scenario.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to common research challenges like recruiting hard-to-reach participants, dealing with conflicting stakeholder feedback, or adapting research in fast-paced environments.
• Be ready to articulate how you would define research objectives for a hypothetical Ibotta product or feature.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior UX Researcher heavily relies on the candidate's ability to articulate their research process and demonstrate tangible impact through their portfolio. Candidates should prepare to discuss their strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for conducting remote usability testing and participant recruitment.
• Survey Tools: Proficiency in survey design and analysis using tools such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms, or Typeform.
• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Jira, Confluence, Asana for project management and documentation.
• Communication Tools: Daily use of Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) or quantitative analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis) would be beneficial.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.
• Presentation Software: Expertise in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating compelling research reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to UX Research, but understanding how user data is managed within CRM systems (like Salesforce) could provide context for user behavior analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific tools, a Senior UX Researcher is expected to be proficient in a range of industry-standard research platforms and analysis tools. The ability to adapt to new technologies and integrate them into research workflows is also crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical research practices, ensuring participant confidentiality, and reporting findings honestly.
• Boldness: Proactively identifying research needs, challenging assumptions, and advocating for user-centric solutions even when unpopular.
• Ownership: Taking full responsibility for research projects, from initiation to delivery and follow-through, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing insights, and contributing to a positive and productive team dynamic.
• Transparency: Openly communicating research plans, processes, and findings with stakeholders, fostering trust and alignment.
• "A good idea can come from anywhere": Encouraging diverse perspectives and valuing contributions from all team members, fostering an inclusive environment for innovation.

Collaboration Style:

• The role emphasizes being a "contributing member of cross-functional teams," indicating a highly collaborative approach.
• Researchers are expected to work closely with Product Managers and Designers, acting as a partner in defining products and strategies.
• Socializing findings at all levels suggests strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ibotta's core values provide a clear framework for the expected team culture. A Senior UX Researcher is expected to embody these values in their daily work, demonstrating strong ethical standards, proactive contributions, and a commitment to collaborative success while championing the user.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Adapting research plans and methodologies in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research insights to diverse audiences, including senior executives, to drive adoption of user-centered recommendations.
• Balancing Generative & Evaluative Research: Strategically allocating time and resources between foundational research and product validation.
• Measuring Research Impact: Quantifying the ROI of UX research initiatives to demonstrate value to the business.
• Staying Ahead of Methodologies: Continuously learning and integrating new research tools and techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend and present at leading UX research conferences (e.g., CHI, UXPA, UXRConf).
• Internal Knowledge Sharing: Participation in regular team syncs, brown bag sessions, and cross-functional learning initiatives.
• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within the UX/Product organization to guide career development.
• Access to New Tools & Technologies: Opportunity to pilot and implement cutting-edge research tools and platforms.
• Exposure to Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in high-priority business projects offering broad exposure to company strategy and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a dynamic tech company. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning, leadership potential, and direct contribution to strategic business goals, aligning with the company's focus on innovation and personal development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder who initially disagreed with your research findings. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, data persuasion, and negotiation skills.)
• "How would you approach researching a new feature for Ibotta's app that aims to increase user engagement? What methodologies would you prioritize and why?" (Demonstrate your strategic research planning and methodology selection process.)
• "Walk me through a complex research project you led. What were the biggest challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate impact on the product or business?" (Showcase your end-to-end research capabilities and ability to drive impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Ibotta, what do you see as the biggest UX research opportunities or challenges for our platform?" (Requires research into Ibotta's business model, products, and market.)
• "How do you embody Ibotta's core values (Integrity, Boldness, Ownership, Teamwork, Transparency) in your daily work as a researcher?" (Connect your past experiences to the company's values.)
• "Describe your experience working within cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration between Research, Product, and Design?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative with a clear beginning (problem/goal), middle (your process and findings), and end (impact and learnings).
• Focus on "Why" and "So What": Clearly articulate why you chose specific methodologies and so what the implications of your findings were for the product and business.
• Be Data-Driven: Present key data points and insights visually. If you have metrics demonstrating impact, highlight them prominently.
• Showcase Your Role: Be specific about your contributions, especially if it was a team project.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, potential alternative approaches, and how you would handle similar situations in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a Senior UX Researcher should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, methodological expertise, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to drive product impact. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process and defend their decisions with data and clear reasoning.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link to the Ibotta careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5-7+ years of experience in UX Research, emphasizing consumer-facing products, specific methodologies used (generative and evaluative), and quantifiable achievements. Integrate keywords from the job description naturally.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX research case studies that best represent your skills, process, and impact. Ensure they are well-documented, visually appealing, and ready for presentation. Focus on projects that align with Ibotta's business (e.g., e-commerce, mobile apps, consumer behavior).
• Research Ibotta: Understand Ibotta's business model, target audience, product offerings, and recent company news (e.g., IPO, growth initiatives). Prepare to discuss how your research skills can contribute to their specific goals.
• Prepare for Interview Questions: Practice articulating your research process, handling challenging stakeholder situations, and demonstrating your understanding of user-centered design principles. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ 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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