Sr UX Researcher I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr UX Researcher I Company: Remitly Location: Home based-Massachusetts / Raleigh, NC (Hybrid) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-14 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute comprehensive user research initiatives to drive product strategy and design decisions within a dynamic information services company.
• Leverage a diverse toolkit of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to uncover actionable user insights and inform product development lifecycles.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and engineering teams to translate research findings into user-centric product enhancements and innovative solutions.
• Champion a deep understanding of user needs and behaviors across various customer segments to influence product roadmaps and strategic priorities.
• Mentor junior researchers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and research excellence within the UX team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr UX Researcher I," the responsibilities and expectations described, particularly leading major research projects, crafting research strategy, and mentoring junior researchers, align with a mid-to-senior level role (5-10 years of experience) in the UX research field. The hybrid nature of the role, with options in Massachusetts (home-based) and Raleigh, NC, suggests a focus on flexibility for talent acquisition.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute a wide range of user research studies, including usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, contextual inquiries, diary studies, and competitive analysis, to gather rich qualitative and quantitative data.
• Analyze complex research data using advanced analytical skills and tools (e.g., Qualtrics, Excel, Tetra Insights) to identify key user pain points, motivations, and opportunities for product improvement.
• Translate research findings into compelling, actionable insights and recommendations, effectively communicating these to cross-functional stakeholders, including product management, design, engineering, and leadership.
• Develop and maintain a proactive research strategy in alignment with product and business objectives, anticipating future research needs and identifying new areas for exploration.
• Collaborate with product teams to create user personas, journey maps, and use cases that are grounded in empirical research, prioritizing user needs throughout the product development process.
• Champion user-centered design principles and advocate for the user throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring that user feedback is integrated into iterative design processes.
• Independently manage research participant recruitment and ensure all research activities are conducted ethically and in compliance with relevant privacy regulations.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior UX researchers, supporting their professional development and contributing to the overall growth of the UX research practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic and leadership-oriented approach to UX research, including influencing stakeholders, crafting research roadmaps, and mentoring. This indicates the need for strong communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills beyond basic research execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) research, with a proven track record of leading research initiatives and influencing product strategy.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting research across various modalities, including remote, in-person, moderated, and unmoderated research.
• Experience with data analysis and synthesis using industry-standard tools to derive meaningful insights.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a broad spectrum of UX research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), including usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, card sorting, contextual inquiries, and field studies.
• Advanced proficiency in research analysis tools such as Qualtrics, Excel, Tetra Insights, or similar platforms for data synthesis and insight generation.
• Strong ability to translate complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Proven experience in developing research strategies and roadmaps that align with product and business goals, demonstrating strategic foresight.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams effectively.
• Experience in mentoring junior researchers and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrable understanding of how to integrate analytics data with qualitative research to inform research strategy.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the legal tech, information services, or financial technology (FinTech) industries.
• Familiarity with generative AI technologies and their application in user research and product development.
• Experience with A/B testing and experimental design to validate product hypotheses.
• Knowledge of user journey mapping, persona development, and service design principles.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools for presenting research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expert level" for research analysis tools and the expectation to "crafts research strategy with stakeholders" suggest a need for candidates who can not only execute research but also strategically plan and influence outcomes. The mention of "research compliance" implies a need for ethical research practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, demonstrating a strong command of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, your role, the methods used, key findings, and the impact of your research on product decisions and user experience improvements.
• Examples of how you have synthesized complex data into actionable insights and communicated them effectively to cross-functional teams, including product managers and designers.
• Evidence of strategic thinking in research planning, including the development of research roadmaps and the prioritization of research activities.
• Demonstrations of how you have influenced product strategy and design based on user research insights, including examples of iterative design processes informed by your work.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented research plans, methodologies, and findings in a clear and organized manner, suitable for sharing with stakeholders.
• Documentation of how you have collaborated with design and product teams to integrate research insights into the product development workflow, including use case creation and prioritization.
• Evidence of your process for recruiting research participants and managing research compliance to ensure ethical and effective data collection.
• Samples of how you have mentored junior researchers or contributed to the development of research processes and best practices within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for UX research roles. It should not only showcase the breadth of research methods used but also demonstrate strategic impact, data synthesis capabilities, and effective stakeholder communication through well-documented case studies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Sr. UX Researcher I role with 5-10 years of experience in the US, particularly in tech hubs like Massachusetts and North Carolina, a competitive salary range would typically fall between $120,000 - $170,000 annually. This estimate considers factors such as the company's industry (information services, part of RELX), the seniority of the role, and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Health Benefits: Comprehensive, multi-carrier program for medical, dental, and vision benefits, ensuring employee well-being.
• Retirement Benefits: 401(k) plan with employer match and an Employee Share Purchase Plan, supporting long-term financial security.
• Wellbeing: Access to a wellness platform with incentives, a Headspace app subscription for mental wellness, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Time-Off Programs: Generous paid time off and flexible working hours to promote work-life balance.
• Insurance: Short-and-Long-Term Disability, Life and Accidental Death Insurance, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage.
• Family Benefits: Support for employees through bonding and family care leaves, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Spending Accounts: Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSAs, and Commuter FSAs.
• Paid Volunteer Leave: Up to two days of paid leave annually for participation in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and volunteering with a chosen charity.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, likely around 40 hours per week.
• Flexible working hours are encouraged, allowing employees to adjust their start and end times to optimize productivity and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits package is extensive and reflects a company that invests in employee well-being and long-term engagement. The flexibility in working hours is a key perk for many professionals, particularly in research roles that often require deep focus.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers, specifically within the legal and professional services sector. The company leverages AI and advanced technologies, including generative AI, to transform the practice of law. Company Size: Part of RELX, a global provider with 11,800 employees worldwide. LexisNexis Legal & Professional itself is a significant entity within this larger organization. Founded: LexisNexis has a long history as a digital pioneer, being the first to bring legal and business information online. The exact founding date of the specific division or current iteration isn't specified, but its legacy is in digital information services.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is described as a "passionate and diverse group of professionals" operating globally.
• As a Senior UX Researcher, you will likely be part of a dedicated UX research function that collaborates closely with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and other business units.
• The role involves building strong relationships with stakeholders across different disciplines, indicating a matrixed or highly collaborative team environment.
• You will mentor junior researchers, suggesting a structure where more experienced members guide less experienced ones.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes the use of AI and advanced technologies, suggesting a data-driven and technologically forward approach to operations and product development.
• Innovation and experimentation are explicitly encouraged and expected within the UX team.
• Research findings are used to inform product design decisions, enhance user experiences, and drive product innovation.
• There's a focus on influencing strategic priorities through research insights.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI and innovative technology within the legal sector suggests an environment that values forward-thinking research and data-driven decision-making. The global nature of the UX team implies opportunities for diverse perspectives and cross-cultural collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role, "Sr UX Researcher I," signifies a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a solid foundation in UX research methodologies, the ability to lead projects independently, and the capacity to influence stakeholders and mentor junior colleagues. It's a step towards leadership within the UX research discipline.

Reporting Structure:

• The specific reporting line is not detailed, but typically a Senior UX Researcher would report to a UX Research Manager, Director of UX, or Head of Product Design.
• The role involves close collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, implying a cross-functional reporting or matrixed structure where influence and collaboration are key.

Operations Impact:

• The work directly impacts the development of intuitive and user-friendly products, which in turn influences customer adoption, satisfaction, and retention.
• By providing data-driven insights, the UX Researcher helps shape product strategy, prioritize features, and ensure that business data products meet user needs effectively.
• This role contributes to the company's mission of transforming the practice of law through technology and improving user productivity and decision-making.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in advanced research methodologies, AI-driven product development, and potentially specialize in specific product areas or user segments.
• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Researcher or UX Research Manager role, taking on more strategic responsibilities, managing a team, and shaping the overall UX research practice.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with diverse teams across product, engineering, data science, and marketing, broadening understanding of the business.
• Mentorship: Develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior researchers, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing.
• Industry Impact: Contribute to cutting-edge products in the legal tech and information services sector, staying at the forefront of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "I" in "Sr UX Researcher I" might suggest an entry point into senior-level roles, with clear paths for advancement to more senior individual contributor or management positions within the UX research function. The emphasis on "innovation and experimentation" indicates a culture that supports professional growth through challenging projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," with options for "Home based-Massachusetts" and "USA - Raleigh, NC (RDU)." This indicates a flexible work environment where employees can work remotely but are also expected to engage with teams or attend meetings in person as needed.

Office Location(s):

• Home-based in Massachusetts, USA.
• Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU area), USA.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is collaborative, requiring close interaction with product managers, designers, and engineers.
• The global nature of the UX team suggests opportunities for working with diverse teams and perspectives.
• The company's focus on technology and innovation implies access to modern tools and a dynamic work atmosphere.
• The mention of flexible working hours and wellbeing initiatives suggests a supportive and employee-centric workspace culture.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility in working hours is a key aspect, allowing employees to adapt their schedules to optimize productivity and balance personal commitments. This flexibility is crucial for deep work often required in research and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and home-based option for Massachusetts highlight a modern approach to work, prioritizing flexibility while maintaining team connection. The Raleigh location likely serves as a key hub for employees in that region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review your application and resume for alignment with the core requirements, focusing on your UX research experience and skills.
• Portfolio Review: Expect an invitation to submit your portfolio for review. This is a critical step where your research methodologies, analytical skills, and impact on product decisions will be evaluated.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: Typically involves interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members (e.g., other UX researchers, product managers, designers). These interviews will assess your research strategy, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Research Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home research assignment or present a detailed case study from your portfolio that showcases your research process and insights. This will likely involve demonstrating how you would approach a specific research problem relevant to the company's products.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final round with more senior leadership to discuss strategic thinking, influence, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the breadth of your skills (qualitative, quantitative, strategy, impact).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role and contributions, the research methods employed, key insights, and the tangible impact on the product or business. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%," "identified Y key usability issues").
• Highlight Strategy: Showcase how you developed research plans, influenced stakeholders, and contributed to the product roadmap.
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly explain your research process, including participant recruitment, data synthesis, and how you communicated findings.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the company's industry (legal tech, information services) or the types of products they develop.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a research challenge, thoroughly research Remitly's products and understand their business objectives.
• Outline Your Approach: Prepare a clear plan for how you would tackle the research problem, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and outlining recruitment strategies.
• Focus on Insights and Action: Be ready to explain how you would derive actionable insights from the data and how you would communicate them to stakeholders to drive product improvements.
• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your presentation of your portfolio or the research challenge, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior UX Researcher will heavily scrutinize your ability to not only conduct research but also to strategically plan it, synthesize complex data, and effectively influence product direction through compelling communication. A well-prepared portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Qualtrics (for surveys, data analysis), potentially user testing platforms like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or Maze.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Microsoft Excel (expert level), potentially SPSS, R, or Python for more advanced quantitative analysis. Tetra Insights or similar qualitative analysis tools.
• Collaboration & Productivity: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Prototyping & Design Tools (for understanding): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (familiarity is beneficial for collaboration with designers).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (understanding how to leverage usage data to inform research).
• Business Intelligence Tools: Tableau, Power BI (for understanding broader business metrics and user segments).
• Internal Tools: The company likely uses various internal dashboards and reporting tools for product performance and user engagement metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems for understanding customer data context.
• Automation Tools: Understanding of how research findings can feed into marketing automation or customer engagement platforms.
• Integration Tools: Awareness of how research insights can inform integrations between different business systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Qualtrics and Excel for research analysis is explicitly mentioned. Beyond these, familiarity with user testing platforms and an understanding of how to leverage analytics and BI tools to complement qualitative research are highly valued for a strategic UX researcher.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value centered around understanding and advocating for the user throughout the product development process.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of research insights and analytics to inform product strategy and design choices.
• Innovation and Experimentation: A culture that encourages exploring new ideas, testing hypotheses, and adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships with product managers, designers, engineers, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to professional development, staying current with research methodologies, and sharing knowledge within the team.
• Impact and Results: Focusing on delivering research that leads to tangible improvements in user experience and business outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively involving product, design, and engineering teams in the research process to ensure insights are shared and understood.
• Partnership with Stakeholders: Building strong, trusting relationships with senior stakeholders to influence strategic priorities and embed research into decision-making.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging open communication and sharing of research findings, best practices, and learnings within the UX team and across departments.
• Iterative Feedback Loops: Working closely with designers and product managers to iterate on solutions based on user feedback and research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be highly collaborative and focused on driving impact through user-centered, data-informed innovation. Mentoring junior researchers suggests a supportive environment where knowledge transfer is actively encouraged.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Strategic Influence: Effectively translating complex research findings into clear, compelling arguments that influence senior stakeholders and drive product strategy in a large organization.
• Balancing Methodologies: Determining the most effective research methods for diverse project needs, timelines, and business objectives, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches seamlessly.
• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI, and understanding how these impact user needs and product development in the legal tech space.
• Global Reach: Collaborating effectively with diverse teams and understanding user needs across different geographic regions and cultural contexts.
• Mentorship Responsibilities: Balancing individual research contributions with the demands of mentoring junior team members and contributing to team development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and master emerging UX research methodologies and tools, potentially including AI-assisted research.
• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise in the legal tech and information services sector, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities for users in this domain.
• Leadership Development: Participating in leadership training, taking on lead roles in significant research projects, and developing skills for managing and mentoring teams.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to product management, design thinking, data science, and business strategy within the company.
• Industry Events & Training: Potential support for attending relevant UX conferences, workshops, and pursuing certifications to enhance skills and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior-level role, focusing on strategic impact and navigating complex organizational dynamics. The growth opportunities are strong, offering paths for both individual expertise and leadership development within a forward-thinking company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder with your research findings. What was the situation, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on communication, data synthesis, and influencing skills.)
• "How do you approach developing a research roadmap for a complex product area? What factors do you consider?" (Assess strategic thinking, prioritization, and alignment with business goals.)
• "Walk me through a research project where you had to use both qualitative and quantitative methods. How did you integrate the findings?" (Evaluate methodological breadth and analytical rigor.)
• "How do you ensure your research is ethical and compliant, especially when dealing with sensitive user data?" (Gauge understanding of research ethics and data privacy.)
• "How would you mentor a junior UX researcher on a complex project?" (Assess leadership, coaching, and knowledge-sharing abilities.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Remitly and the legal tech industry?" (Showcase your research and understanding of the company's mission.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX research and AI?" (Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning.)
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote team environment." (Highlight collaboration and communication skills in flexible settings.)
• "How do you handle conflicting priorities or feedback from different stakeholders?" (Assess stakeholder management and negotiation skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Research Questions -> Methodology -> Participants -> Key Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact.
• Visuals: Use mockups, key quotes, anonymized user feedback snippets, charts, and diagrams to illustrate your points and make the presentation engaging.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your research (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction scores).
• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your methodological choices and how your insights directly led to product improvements.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and alternative approaches you might have considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your strategic contributions, not just your research execution. Be ready to articulate the "why" behind your decisions and demonstrate how your work drives tangible business value and user satisfaction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Remitly careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight specific UX research methodologies, analytical skills, and experience with stakeholder influence relevant to Remitly's focus on information services and AI. Showcase projects where you've led research strategy and mentored others.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific research methods proficiency, tool expertise (especially Qualtrics, Excel), and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, strategic thinking, and impact. Prepare to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio in detail, focusing on how your research influenced product decisions. Rehearse answers to common UX research interview questions.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Remitly, LexisNexis Legal & Professional, and RELX. Understand their mission, products, and recent advancements (especially in AI). This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.