Senior UX Reseracher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Ibotta

Location: Denver, CO, United States (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-02-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This Senior UX Researcher role is pivotal in driving user-centered product strategy and ensuring that Ibotta's product development is informed by deep consumer insights, directly impacting the company's mission to make every purchase rewarding.

• The position involves defining and executing comprehensive research plans, leveraging both generative and evaluative methodologies to uncover user needs, behaviors, and pain points within the consumer-facing product landscape.

• A key aspect of this role is translating complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable recommendations, personas, journey maps, and custom frameworks that guide product decisions and resource prioritization.

• This role requires proactive engagement with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, to socialize research findings, advocate for the user, and influence the future direction of the organization's product initiatives.

• The Senior UX Researcher will also be instrumental in piloting new research capabilities and methodologies, contributing to the UXR team's reputation as leaders in the research industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original listing is for a "Senior UX Researcher," this enhanced description frames the role within an "Operations" context by highlighting the strategic impact on product launch optimization, resource prioritization, and identifying market whitespace – all critical GTM (Go-To-Market) operations functions. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and direct influence on product strategy aligns with the objectives and responsibilities typically found in advanced operational roles that bridge product, marketing, and consumer insights.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute robust research plans that encompass both qualitative (e.g., in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, usability testing) research methodologies to address critical product questions.

• Synthesize research findings from diverse data sources to create impactful deliverables such as user personas, detailed journey maps, custom analytical frameworks, and comprehensive survey reports.

• Proactively identify opportunities to innovate and integrate novel research approaches and technologies to enhance the depth and breadth of user insights.

• Effectively communicate research insights and actionable recommendations to a wide range of stakeholders, including product managers, designers, engineers, marketing teams, and senior executives, facilitating user-centered decision-making.

• Act as the primary advocate for the user and consumer within cross-functional teams, ensuring their needs and perspectives are central to the development of new features and product enhancements.

• Collaborate closely with product management, design, engineering, and marketing teams to define research objectives, scope projects, and ensure research findings are translated into tangible product improvements.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UX research practices and standards within the organization, sharing knowledge and best practices across the team and broader company.

• Manage the end-to-end logistics of research studies, including participant recruitment, scheduling, and data collection, with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are detailed to reflect a senior-level UX Researcher's strategic and execution capabilities, emphasizing the "operations" aspect of translating insights into actionable product strategy and influencing organizational priorities. The focus on research plan execution, deliverable creation, and cross-functional socialization aligns with the operational demands of a GTM function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's or PhD Degree in a quantitative field is preferred.

Experience:

• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Research, with a significant portion focused on consumer-facing products.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing and executing both generative (e.g., in-depth interviews, contextual inquiry, diary studies) and evaluative (e.g., usability testing, surveys, A/B testing analysis) research methodologies.

• Strong proficiency in analyzing and synthesizing both quantitative data (e.g., survey results, usage analytics) and qualitative data (e.g., interview transcripts, observational notes).

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights and compelling deliverables such as personas, journey maps, and user stories.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of effectively presenting research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

• High degree of comfort with ambiguity and the ability to adapt research plans and priorities in response to evolving business needs and project requirements.

• Demonstrable understanding of core UX foundational principles, encompassing both user research and user design best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific statistical analysis tools and techniques relevant to UX research.

• Familiarity with performance marketing platforms and the consumer journey within such ecosystems.

• Experience in a fast-paced, agile product development environment.

• Knowledge of advanced qualitative analysis techniques and qualitative data analysis software (QDAS).

• Experience in conducting remote research studies and utilizing various remote research tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the practical application of UX research skills in a product development context, aligning with operational goals. The "Required Skills" are framed to highlight how they contribute to informed decision-making and strategic planning, essential for an operations-focused role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, demonstrating mastery of various methodologies and the ability to drive user-centered product strategy.

• Evidence of successfully translating research insights into tangible product improvements, with clear articulation of the impact on user experience and business objectives.

• Examples of research deliverables, such as personas, journey maps, user flow diagrams, and detailed research reports, highlighting analytical rigor and clear communication of findings.

• Case studies that illustrate the ability to manage research projects from inception to completion, including defining research questions, planning methodologies, recruiting participants, conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting findings.

Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of research planning processes, detailing how objectives were defined and methodologies were selected based on project goals and constraints.

• Case studies that highlight the process of synthesizing complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights and compelling narratives.

• Evidence of how research findings were socialized and integrated into product development workflows, including collaboration with product managers, designers, and engineers.

• Examples of how the researcher adapted research plans or methodologies in response to changing project needs or unforeseen challenges, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored to showcase not just research execution, but the operational impact of that research – its contribution to strategy, product improvement, and business objectives. This aligns with the expectation for operations professionals to demonstrate tangible results and process efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base compensation range: $106,000 - $125,000 USD per year.

• Equity is included as part of the overall compensation package.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Flexible Time Off (PTO).

• Lifestyle Spending Account.

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).

• 401k match.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered.

• The hybrid work arrangement requires 3 days per week in the Denver office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits are detailed, providing clarity for potential candidates. The mention of equity and ESPP highlights potential long-term financial incentives common in tech companies. The working hours and hybrid requirement are clearly stated for operational planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Performance Marketing, Technology, E-commerce Retail

Company Size: Ibotta is a publicly traded company (NYSE: IBTA) with a significant presence, indicating a structured yet dynamic work environment. The "Additional Details" suggest a company that values employee well-being and growth.

Founded: 2012, with a history of significant growth, including being the largest tech IPO in Colorado's history, suggesting a culture of innovation and ambition.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team operates within a product development framework, likely collaborating closely with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Marketing departments.

• The role involves interaction with senior-level executives, indicating a flatter hierarchy or strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and direct communication.

Methodology:

• Research findings are used to optimize product launches, prioritize resources, and identify whitespace opportunities, demonstrating a data-driven approach to GTM strategy.

• The company actively pilots new research capabilities, suggesting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in research methodologies.

• Core Values include Integrity, Boldness, Ownership, Teamwork, Transparency, and a belief that "A good idea can come from anywhere," shaping daily operations and decision-making.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the role within Ibotta's specific industry and culture, highlighting how operations professionals can leverage data and user insights to impact business strategy. The emphasis on core values and team mentality provides insight into the expected collaborative environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Researcher. This level signifies a capacity for independent project leadership, strategic input, and mentorship, with a focus on driving significant product and business outcomes through research. The role requires managing complex research initiatives and influencing decision-makers at higher organizational levels.

Reporting Structure: The role involves interacting with senior-level executives, suggesting a reporting line that likely feeds into Product, Design, or a dedicated Research leadership function. The Senior UX Researcher is expected to be a key contributor within the broader product development or GTM operations team.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Researcher's work directly influences product strategy, resource allocation, and the identification of new market opportunities. By championing the "voice of the user," this role ensures that product development aligns with consumer needs, thereby optimizing product launches, enhancing user adoption, and ultimately driving revenue growth through improved product-market fit.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or product areas, potentially leading research initiatives or mentoring junior researchers. Advanced roles could involve Research Lead or Manager positions.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Potential to transition into Product Management, Product Strategy, or GTM Operations roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user behavior and product development.

• Industry Influence: The UXR team's active role in piloting new capabilities and speaking at conferences provides avenues for professional development, industry recognition, and thought leadership.

• Continuous Learning: Ibotta's emphasis on personal growth and development suggests access to learning resources, training, and opportunities to explore emerging research techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and strategic importance of a Senior UX Researcher within an operational context, highlighting how their skills contribute to business impact and offering pathways for future growth in operations-related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in the Denver office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and spontaneous interactions, balanced with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Denver, Colorado. The office provides specific perks like paid parking, snacks, and occasional meals, enhancing the employee experience.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to facilitate collaboration between UX researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers, fostering a dynamic product development culture.

• Access to necessary tools and technologies for research and collaboration will be provided, supporting efficient workflow and data analysis.

• Opportunities for in-person brainstorming, ideation sessions, and team building are integral to the hybrid model, promoting strong working relationships and shared understanding.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with a hybrid arrangement. While standard business hours are expected, the emphasis on "flexible time off" and the nature of research often allows for some flexibility in managing personal schedules around project deadlines and research participant availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the practical aspects of the work environment, emphasizing the hybrid model's implications for collaboration and operational efficiency, and highlighting on-site benefits that contribute to employee experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience alignment and key skills.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their best work, showcasing research projects, methodologies, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage for demonstrating strategic thinking and communication skills.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: In-depth discussions about past projects, problem-solving approaches, collaboration style, and how candidates handle ambiguity and stakeholder management.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Engineers) to assess teamwork, communication, and cultural fit.

• Case Study/Take-Home Assignment (Potential): Some roles may include a short research challenge or case study to evaluate practical application of skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodology used, the key insights derived, and most importantly, the tangible impact on the product or business. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in feature adoption").

• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your thought process, from defining research questions to synthesizing findings. Explain why you chose specific methodologies.

• Tailor to Ibotta: Research Ibotta's products, target audience, and recent news. Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with consumer-facing products, performance marketing, or similar industries.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure deliverables are well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to understand. Use storytelling to guide the reviewer through your work.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, challenges faced, and how you handle feedback or conflicting stakeholder opinions.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a take-home assignment is provided, allocate sufficient time to thoroughly understand the prompt, plan your approach, execute diligently, and present your findings clearly and concisely.

• Practice articulating your research process and findings under time constraints.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to Ibotta's business.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for navigating the application and interview process, with a strong emphasis on how to effectively present a UX research portfolio in a way that highlights operational impact and strategic contributions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for usability testing, surveys, and participant management (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

• Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS): Experience with tools like Dovetail, NVivo, or ATLAS.ti for organizing and analyzing qualitative data.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace for team communication and collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking research projects and tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and presenting quantitative data.

• Web Analytics Platforms: Experience with Google Analytics or similar tools to understand user behavior on digital platforms.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis and manipulation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX Research, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing