Senior UX Researcher - Emerging Experiences

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher - Emerging Experiences

Company: Target

Location: 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2542, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-05-05

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid/Flex for Your Day

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive foundational and evaluative UX research for Target's future-forward guest experiences across digital and physical touchpoints.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Product, Engineering, Brand, Strategy) to prototype and bring innovative concepts to life, ensuring seamless and inspiring guest journeys.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives that guide decision-making and align teams around user needs and business objectives.

• Contribute to the advancement of the broader UX research practice at Target through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and proactive engagement with research methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is UX Research, the "Emerging Experiences" and "digital and physical touchpoints" aspects suggest a strong need for understanding GTM implications of new product/service introductions and how research informs the go-to-market strategy for these novel offerings. This role will likely interact with teams responsible for launching new capabilities, requiring an understanding of how research findings translate into market-ready solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including moderated/unmoderated testing, surveys, heuristic evaluations, benchmark studies, concept testing, longitudinal studies, intercepts, ethnographies, and shop-alongs.

• Define and evaluate quality metrics for adaptive experiences, assessing not only usability but also trust, usefulness, clarity, and system behavior from the guest's perspective.

• Synthesize research findings into clear evaluation criteria, product direction, and compelling stories to facilitate informed decisions among cross-functional teams.

• Support Principal and Lead Researchers by assisting with research requests, from scoping initiatives and defining research questions to executing studies and synthesizing findings.

• Guide and partner with product teams throughout the research lifecycle, recommending appropriate methods, scoping studies, coordinating execution, and facilitating synthesis and analysis.

• Identify high-impact research questions in ambiguous, early-stage problem spaces and adapt research plans dynamically as product direction evolves.

• Work effectively with early, incomplete, or rapidly changing prototypes within fast-paced, iterative environments, including design sprints and exploratory workstreams.

• Contribute to the broader Guest UX Research Team by maintaining and updating the research library and sharing best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Translate research findings into clear evaluation criteria, product direction, and compelling stories" indicates a need for strong communication and influence skills, crucial for GTM operations where research insights must be clearly articulated to sales, marketing, and product teams to ensure successful product launches and adoption.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Preferred 4-year degree in Design Research, Social Science, Psychology, Human Factors, HCI, Anthropology, or related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing UX design research for digital product teams.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a wide range of UX Research methods, including remote moderated and unmoderated testing, online and in-context (store) intercepts, and qualitative data analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct AI experimentation research, understanding the nuances of researching novel AI-driven features.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively convey complex concepts and research insights to cross-functional partners.

• Strong ability to tell compelling stories from data to communicate insights and recommendations clearly and persuasively.

• Comfort and confidence when faced with ambiguity and evolving project requirements.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently (both small and large scope) and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Strong project management skills, with experience managing and tracking multiple projects through various stages of the product design lifecycle.

• Experience running, recruiting, moderating, and analyzing online panels.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in research tools for remote testing, surveys, analysis, and reporting (e.g., UserTesting, Qualtrics, Dscout, ChatGPT).

• Familiarity with emerging technologies and their application in user experience.

• A background in retail or e-commerce UX research.

• Experience with mixed-methods research, integrating qualitative and quantitative data for robust insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "experimenting with AI" and "ChatGPT" points to a growing need for operations professionals to understand and leverage AI tools for efficiency and insight generation. Candidates with experience in AI-driven research or AI-assisted analysis will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5 years of UX research projects demonstrating a deep understanding of the research lifecycle from planning to synthesis and impact.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to define research questions, select appropriate methodologies, and execute studies effectively.

• Present examples of how your research has directly informed product direction, design decisions, and improved user experiences, with clear articulation of the impact.

• Demonstrate experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, providing examples of how you've integrated them to yield richer insights.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of research plans, including defined objectives, participant criteria, methodologies, and timelines.

• Illustrate how you document and synthesize research findings, using methods such as affinity mapping, journey mapping, or thematic analysis.

• Include examples of how you communicate research insights, such as slide decks, reports, or interactive presentations, tailored to different audiences.

• Demonstrate experience with research operations processes, including participant recruitment, scheduling, and managing research tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should not only showcase research execution but also the ability to translate findings into strategic recommendations that influence product roadmaps and GTM strategies. Demonstrating how research insights were operationalized to drive business outcomes will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $98,000.00 - $176,000.00 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits and programs for eligible team members and their dependents.

• Medical insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Life insurance.

• 401(k) plan.

• Employee discount.

• Short-term disability coverage.

• Long-term disability coverage.

• Paid sick leave.

• Paid national holidays.

• Paid vacation.

• Access to further benefits information at https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_D

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a broad estimate for a Senior UX Researcher role in a major metropolitan area like Minneapolis, considering Target's scale and the competitive nature of the tech talent market. The specific offer will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and internal equity. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Target's commitment to employee well-being and financial security, which is a significant factor for operations professionals evaluating total compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail. Target is a leading multi-channel retailer committed to helping all families discover the joy of everyday life.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Target is a Fortune 50 company with over 400,000 employees globally). This scale means ample resources, complex organizational structures, and significant opportunities for impact and career progression within the operations and GTM ecosystem.

Founded: 1902. Target has a long-standing history and a well-established brand presence, bringing stability and a deep understanding of consumer behavior.

Team Structure:

• The Emerging Experiences team is a specialized group within the broader Target UX organization, focusing on future-forward digital and physical guest interactions.

• This team likely operates in a highly collaborative, cross-functional manner, working closely with product management, engineering, brand, stores, and enterprise strategy teams.

Methodology:

• Target UX emphasizes a human-centered design approach, integrating design, content, research, and accessibility practitioners.

• The Emerging Experiences team likely employs agile and iterative methodologies, embracing experimentation and rapid prototyping to explore future possibilities.

• Research is conducted to inform concept development, validate prototypes, and create compelling narratives that drive understanding and alignment across business units.

Company Website: https://corporate.target.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Target's strong retail presence and focus on "everyday life" mean that UX research in emerging experiences will directly influence how millions of consumers interact with the brand. This provides a unique opportunity for operations professionals to see their work have a tangible, widespread impact, informing not just product features but also the broader go-to-market strategy for new initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Researcher. This level signifies a mid-to-senior professional capable of independently managing complex research projects, mentoring junior researchers, and influencing product strategy. In an operations context, this role bridges the gap between deep user understanding and the practical execution of GTM plans for new experiences.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Emerging Experiences team, likely under a Lead or Principal UX Researcher, with significant collaboration across Product, Engineering, and Brand teams. This structure allows for direct influence on product development and innovation.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on the operational success of new initiatives by ensuring that emerging experiences are guest-centric, well-understood, and effectively positioned for market launch. Research findings will directly inform product-market fit, user adoption strategies, and the overall value proposition communicated by GTM teams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, emerging technologies (like AI), or particular guest segments relevant to Target's business.

• Leadership: Transition into Principal UX Researcher or Lead UX Researcher roles, managing larger initiatives, teams, and strategic research programs.

• Cross-functional Movement: Leverage research insights and strategic thinking to move into roles within Product Management, GTM Strategy, or Innovation teams, applying a user-centric lens to broader business challenges.

• Mentorship: Guide and develop junior researchers, contributing to the growth of the UX research discipline at Target.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a pathway to understand the "why" behind new product launches and strategic initiatives. Growth opportunities could lead to roles focused on operationalizing research insights into go-to-market strategies, defining success metrics for new products, or leading cross-functional teams in bringing innovative experiences to market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement. This means core work duties will be performed both onsite at the Target HQ in Minneapolis and virtually, depending on role, team, and task requirements.

Office Location(s): Target HQ, 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2542. This is a central location in Minneapolis, offering access to urban amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The role is embedded within the Emerging Experiences team, suggesting a dynamic and innovative workspace environment.

• Collaboration is key, so expect opportunities to work closely with designers, product managers, engineers, and other researchers in a hybrid setting.

• Access to necessary tools and technologies for remote and in-person research, prototyping, and collaboration will be provided.

• The environment values experimentation and iteration, encouraging a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Typically a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility to adjust based on project needs, common in agile environments. The hybrid model allows for some autonomy in managing work location between home and the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires strong self-management and communication skills, essential for operations roles that often involve coordinating distributed teams or managing projects with remote components. The emphasis on "flex for your day" suggests an environment that values autonomy and results over strict time-based presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on relevant experience and skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation to assess your background, motivations, and fit for the team and role, likely focusing on your experience with research methodologies and navigating ambiguity.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will be asked to present a selection of your work, showcasing your research process, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage for demonstrating your ability to translate research into actionable strategies.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Discussions with potential collaborators (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, other Researchers) to evaluate your teamwork, communication, and ability to influence across disciplines.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your ability to handle ambiguity, work with emerging concepts, and drive impact. Prioritize projects related to innovation, new product development, or complex user journeys.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate: the problem/opportunity, your role, the research questions, the methodologies used, key insights, how these insights informed decisions, and the ultimate impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Process & Impact: Emphasize your research process, your ability to adapt methods, and crucially, how your work influenced product direction and business outcomes. For this role, showcase how research has informed GTM considerations or user adoption.

• Demonstrate Storytelling: Present your findings in a compelling and engaging manner. Use visuals, clear language, and a logical flow to make your insights memorable and persuasive.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your choices, challenges encountered, and how you handled them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: You might be given a hypothetical emerging experience problem and asked to outline a research approach, or present an existing case study that aligns with this challenge. Focus on your strategic thinking and methodological rigor.

• Methodology Questions: Be prepared to discuss your preferred research methods for ambiguous problems and explain why you'd choose certain approaches for concept testing or future-visioning.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you communicate complex research findings to non-researchers and how you ensure insights lead to action.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Emerging Experiences" and "prototyping the future" means your portfolio should highlight projects where you've navigated significant uncertainty, worked with early-stage concepts, and influenced strategic direction. Demonstrating how your research informed not just design but also the potential go-to-market strategy for novel products will be a key differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or similar for remote moderated and unmoderated testing.

• Survey & Data Collection: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms for quantitative data collection and survey design.

• Qualitative Data Analysis: Dscout, Dovetail, NVivo, or similar for organizing, coding, and analyzing qualitative data.

• AI & Generative Tools: ChatGPT, or similar large language models, for research assistance, synthesis, and potentially analyzing AI-driven features.

• Prototyping & Collaboration: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (for reviewing prototypes), Miro, Mural for collaborative synthesis and ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to understand quantitative findings and present integrated results may be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM or automation, understanding how research impacts guest journeys within these systems (e.g., personalized experiences, onboarding flows) is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with AI tools like ChatGPT is explicitly mentioned, indicating a forward-thinking approach by Target. Operations professionals should be comfortable integrating such tools into their workflows for efficiency and to understand their impact on user experiences, especially in emerging product areas.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Guest Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Target's guests, ensuring every experience is positive and valuable.

• Curiosity & Innovation: A drive to explore new possibilities, challenge the status quo, and continuously seek better ways to serve guests and the business.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A belief in the power of working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Clarity & Impact: A focus on delivering clear, actionable insights that lead to tangible improvements and meaningful business outcomes.

• Agility & Adaptability: The willingness to embrace change, adapt to evolving priorities, and thrive in dynamic, iterative environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Researchers are embedded within product teams, working hand-in-hand with designers, PMs, and engineers, fostering a shared understanding and ownership of the guest experience.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture of continuous feedback, where insights are shared early and often, allowing for rapid iteration and refinement of concepts and prototypes.

• Knowledge Sharing: An emphasis on sharing learnings across the UX research team and broader organization to elevate collective understanding and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "clarity in complexity" and "how it feels" for the guest aligns strongly with GTM operations, where clear communication of value and emotional connection are paramount. Operations professionals who can translate user sentiment into market messaging will excel here.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working with early-stage concepts and evolving product directions requires comfort with uncertainty and the ability to define research needs proactively.

• Translating Future Concepts: Researching "emerging experiences" means dealing with abstract ideas and predicting future user needs, requiring strong inferential and foresight skills.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring research insights are understood and acted upon by diverse teams with varying priorities and perspectives.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the impact of research on novel, potentially unreleased experiences can be challenging, requiring innovative measurement strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge research techniques, particularly in areas like AI-driven user experiences.

• Strategic Influence: Develop skills in influencing product strategy and roadmap planning through compelling research storytelling and data-driven recommendations.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from Principal Researchers and contribute to the growth of junior team members.

• Industry Exposure: Engage with emerging trends in retail, technology, and user experience to stay at the forefront of the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, the challenge of translating research into actionable GTM plans for unproven concepts is a significant growth opportunity. Learning to anticipate market reception and inform launch strategies based on early-stage research is a highly valuable skill.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research in a highly ambiguous or early-stage product space. How did you define your research questions and approach?" (Focus on your process for tackling uncertainty and defining scope.)

• "How do you translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams, especially when there are differing opinions?" (Highlight your storytelling, communication, and influence skills. Provide an example of how research led to a specific product decision.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Target's 'Emerging Experiences' team specifically, and how do you see your research skills contributing to our future vision?" (Research Target's recent innovations and express genuine interest in their future-forward approach.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a hybrid work environment, and how do you ensure your research efforts align with product and engineering roadmaps?" (Emphasize your adaptability, communication strategies for hybrid settings, and understanding of agile development cycles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the business problem or user need, your research approach, key insights, and the impact of your work. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Showcase Ambiguity Navigation: Select projects that demonstrate your ability to handle ill-defined problems and evolving requirements, which is critical for this role.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation like a narrative, guiding the interviewers through your research journey and the value you delivered.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, challenges faced, and how you would adapt your approach for Target's specific context.

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for this role, think about how your research insights could directly inform Target's go-to-market strategy for new offerings. For instance, how might research findings shape messaging, target audience segmentation, or the initial rollout plan for an emerging experience? This strategic perspective will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Target Careers Workday portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in qualitative and quantitative UX research, especially in ambiguous or emerging product areas. Emphasize your proficiency with research methodologies and tools, and any experience with AI experimentation.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-4 impactful case studies that demonstrate your research process, ability to derive actionable insights, and influence on product direction. Ensure your portfolio showcases your ability to navigate uncertainty and communicate findings effectively.

• Research Target's Emerging Experiences: Familiarize yourself with Target's recent innovations, their approach to guest experience, and any publicly available information about their future-forward initiatives. Understand their brand values and how UX research contributes to their overall strategy.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating impact, and being prepared to answer detailed questions about your methodology and decision-making.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.