Sr UX Researcher I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr UX Researcher I Company: Reed Technology Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience (UX) Research Date Posted: August 04, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads user research strategy for a business or product line, driving a deep understanding of user behaviors, needs, and motivations.
• Expertly applies a range of research and testing methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, to uncover actionable insights.
• Collaborates closely with UX Designers and Visual Designers, ensuring user feedback is integrated into product structure, layout, and visual identity.
• Mentors junior researchers, sharing expertise in research techniques, data analysis, and tool proficiency.
• Translates complex research findings into clear, compelling narratives for stakeholders to guide future project decisions and product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr UX Researcher I," the implied experience range of 5-10 years and the mention of mentoring junior researchers suggest a solid mid-to-senior level role. The emphasis on leading strategy and collaborating across design disciplines indicates a significant impact on product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Insight Generation: Conduct user research studies, including usability testing, interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to gather and synthesize user behaviors, needs, and motivations.
• Research Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive UX research strategies aligned with business objectives and product roadmaps, identifying key research questions and appropriate methodologies.
• Design Process Integration: Partner with UX Designers and Visual Designers to ensure research findings directly inform and iterate on product structure, layout, visual identity, and overall user experience.
• Stakeholder Communication & Influence: Share research insights and recommendations effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, including Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing, to drive user-centered decision-making.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers, fostering their development in research techniques, data analysis, and the use of research tools.
• Data-Driven Decision Support: Analyze data from various sources, including analytics packages, customer feedback, and market research, to provide context for research initiatives and identify data gaps.
• Competitive & Market Analysis: Understand the competitive landscape and regulatory environment, segmenting markets and detailing the needs of specific user sub-segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution, strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and team mentorship, typical of a senior-level operations-adjacent role focused on user-centricity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a design-related discipline such as Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Product Design, Design, Graphic Design, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Suggested Minimum Years of Experience: 6-8 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Research or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in leading UX research strategy for a product or business line.
• Proven track record of applying a variety of research and testing methodologies (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys, card sorting, heuristic evaluations).

Required Skills:

• User Research Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of diverse qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Ability to analyze research data from various sources (analytics, surveys, interviews) to synthesize findings and derive actionable insights.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify research problems, develop solutions, and recommend design improvements.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including UX Designers, Visual Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Mentorship Capabilities: Experience in guiding and developing junior team members.
• Research Tools Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of key research software such as Qualtrics, Lookback, and UserTesting.com.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in market segmentation and understanding the needs of specific user sub-segments.
• Familiarity with the tech stack and product development lifecycle within the technology or legal tech industry.
• Experience facilitating reflection and innovation sessions as part of the research process.
• Knowledge of visual design principles and their impact on user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in research methodologies, analytical skills, and the ability to translate insights into tangible product improvements. The preference for a design-related degree underscores the importance of a user-centric mindset.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, clearly articulating the research objectives, methodologies employed, and the impact of your findings on product design and business outcomes.
• Include examples of research documentation, analysis outputs, and how user insights were integrated into product development workflows.
• Highlight instances where you've mentored junior researchers or led research initiatives.
• Showcase your ability to work with various research tools (e.g., Qualtrics, Lookback, UserTesting.com) and present data effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of research plans, participant recruitment strategies, and data analysis frameworks used in previous projects.
• Showcase how you've documented research findings and shared them with stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.
• Illustrate processes for iterating on designs based on user feedback and testing results.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of UX research skills. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process, highlight their analytical rigor, and showcase the tangible business impact derived from their research efforts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the suggested minimum of 6-8 years of experience and the "Senior" title, a competitive salary range for a Sr UX Researcher I in Raleigh, NC, is estimated to be between $110,000 - $145,000 annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX research roles in comparable tech hubs and reflects the responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Access to company-provided research tools and technology.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be flexibility in daily scheduling, subject to team and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from national averages for senior UX Researchers, adjusted for the cost of living and tech market in Raleigh, NC. Benefits are typical for a company of this nature and experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Services / Technology. Reed Technology (part of LexisNexis Legal & Professional) operates within a sector that values data accuracy, legal compliance, and innovation in information delivery. Company Size: Part of LexisNexis, a large global corporation, suggesting access to significant resources and a structured corporate environment, while Reed Technology likely operates with a degree of autonomy within its specialized domain. This size offers stability and broad career opportunities. Founded: LexisNexis was founded in 1980, indicating a long-standing presence and established reputation in its industries. Reed Technology, as a component, benefits from this legacy.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team likely operates within a larger UX/Product Design department, collaborating closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, and potentially UI Designers.
• The role reports to a UX Research Lead or a Director of UX/Product Design.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving frequent interaction with Engineering, Product Management, and Business Stakeholders to integrate user insights into product lifecycles.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: Emphasis on using data (both quantitative analytics and qualitative research) to inform product decisions and strategy.
• User-Centered Design: A core philosophy where user needs and behaviors are central to the product development process.
• Iterative Development: Research findings are used to continuously refine and improve products through iterative cycles of design, testing, and development.
• Agile Collaboration: Likely adherence to agile methodologies, requiring flexibility and close teamwork with development sprints.

Company Website: relx.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com (for careers) and presumably lexisnexis.com or reedtech.com for company information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's affiliation with LexisNexis suggests a professional, data-driven, and potentially compliance-focused environment. The emphasis on user research indicates a mature approach to product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Individual Contributor role, focusing on deep expertise in UX Research. It sits at a mid-to-senior level within the UX discipline, bridging the gap between foundational research and strategic product input. Reporting Structure: The Sr UX Researcher I will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Director of UX/Product Design. They will work closely with UX Designers and Product Managers on specific product initiatives. Operations Impact: This role's "operations" impact is through enhancing the user experience of products, which directly influences user adoption, satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, revenue and market share. By ensuring products meet user needs effectively, the researcher contributes to operational efficiency and business success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to a Lead UX Researcher or UX Research Manager role, overseeing a team and setting research strategy for larger product portfolios.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., generative research, mixed-methods research) or product domains.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles like Product Management, User Experience Design, or Product Strategy, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs.
• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge within the legal tech or information services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career advancement within UX research or related product disciplines, emphasizing continuous learning and strategic contribution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is listed as On-site in Raleigh, NC. This suggests a traditional office environment, likely with dedicated workspaces for researchers and designers. Office Location(s): Raleigh, NC (RDU area). This location is known for its growing tech scene and access to talent. Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative office setting where researchers can easily interact with UX Designers, Product Managers, and other team members for brainstorming and feedback.
• Access to necessary research tools, software, and potentially dedicated usability testing labs or equipment.
• Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing and mentorship within the UX team.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in start and end times, but core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement points to a preference for in-person collaboration and team cohesion, common in organizations that value direct interaction for complex problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, research philosophy, and leadership/mentorship capabilities.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where candidates present 1-2 case studies from their portfolio, detailing their research process, findings, and impact. This may involve a hypothetical problem-solving exercise related to the company's products.
• Team Interviews: Meetings with UX Designers, Product Managers, and potentially other researchers to assess collaboration skills and fit within the team.
• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader (e.g., Director of UX) to discuss strategic thinking and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 1-2 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Prioritize projects similar in scope or complexity to what Reed Technology might tackle.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your approach (methodologies, recruitment), key findings, the insights derived, and most importantly, the impact of your work on the product and business. Use visuals where appropriate.
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you partnered with designers and other stakeholders, and how you incorporated their feedback.
• Demonstrate Mentorship: If possible, include an example of how you've guided or mentored a junior researcher.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, how you handled challenges, and how you measured success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Case Studies: Be ready to discuss hypothetical research scenarios related to Reed Technology's products or services. Think about how you would approach defining user needs for a new feature or improving an existing one.
• Process Thinking: Practice articulating your research process clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain why you chose certain methods.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've communicated research findings to non-researchers and influenced decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just research execution but strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to drive tangible business outcomes through user insights.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Software: Expert-level proficiency expected in tools like Qualtrics, Lookback, and UserTesting.com for surveys, moderated/unmoderated testing, and data collection.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for project management, documentation, and team communication.
• Design Collaboration: Familiarity with tools used by designers such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for reviewing designs and providing feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior patterns and supplement research findings.
• Data Visualization: Ability to use tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets for creating clear reports and dashboards of research data.
• Customer Feedback Platforms: Familiarity with tools that aggregate customer feedback (e.g., survey platforms, in-app feedback tools).

CRM & Automation:

• While not the primary focus, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) can inform user segmentation or how automation tools (e.g., marketing automation platforms) impact user journeys could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong technical acumen with a specific emphasis on industry-standard UX research platforms is essential. Familiarity with broader data analytics and collaboration tools will enhance a candidate's effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on evidence and research to guide strategic choices.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and better ways to understand users and improve products.
• Continuous Learning: An openness to developing new skills and adapting to evolving research methodologies and technologies.
• Integrity: Upholding high standards in research practices and data handling.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out opportunities to collaborate with design, product, and engineering teams.
• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, active listening, and constructive feedback within the team.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share research findings and best practices, fostering a learning environment.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to navigate and resolve disagreements constructively, focusing on shared objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of analytical rigor, user advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving, typical of successful product development teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Methodologies: Effectively choosing and applying the right research methods for diverse project needs and timelines.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring research insights are understood and acted upon by various stakeholders with different priorities.
• Navigating Complexity: Researching complex legal or information services products that require domain-specific understanding.
• Scalability: Developing research processes that can scale efficiently as the company and its product suite grow.
• Data Integration: Synthesizing insights from multiple data sources (qualitative research, analytics, market data) into a cohesive understanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to attend workshops or training on emerging UX research techniques (e.g., advanced qualitative analysis, behavioral economics).
• Industry Conferences: Participation in leading UX conferences (e.g., UXPA, CHI) to stay current with best practices.
• Domain Specialization: Deepening knowledge in the legal technology or information services sector.
• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on mentorship, team leadership, and strategic planning for senior roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle challenging research problems within a specialized industry, fostering significant professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you influenced product strategy based on your research findings. What methods did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on impact and collaboration.)
• "How do you decide which research methodology is most appropriate for a given research question?" (Discuss your framework for selecting methods based on goals, resources, and timelines.)
• "How do you handle situations where your research findings conflict with stakeholder opinions or existing assumptions?" (Focus on data-driven persuasion and collaborative problem-solving.)
• "Walk me through your process for mentoring a junior researcher on a complex project." (Highlight your teaching approach, feedback mechanisms, and skill development strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Reed Technology and its products, and how do you see UX research contributing to them?" (Research the company's offerings and articulate potential UX research applications.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with UX Designers and Product Managers?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional partnerships.)
• "How do you measure the success of your research initiatives?" (Discuss metrics related to user satisfaction, product adoption, and business impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your research goals, methodology, participant profile, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting impact (quantifiable if possible).
• Visuals: Use screenshots, user journey maps, personas, or key data visualizations to illustrate your points effectively.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time limits and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work. Practice your delivery to ensure clarity and confidence.
• Engage: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, decisions, and the challenges you faced.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only research expertise but also strategic thinking, communication skills, and the ability to drive business outcomes through user-centered insights.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr UX Researcher I position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 1-2 comprehensive UX research case studies that highlight your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link in your resume or application).
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 6-8 years of experience, specific research methodologies used, proficiency in stated tools (Qualtrics, Lookback, UserTesting.com), and any mentorship experience. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Reed Technology, LexisNexis Legal & Professional, and their product offerings. Understand their market position and potential user challenges.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your research process, present your portfolio case studies effectively, and answer behavioral questions using the STAR method. Practice articulating your insights and their impact on product strategy.

⚠️ 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.