Staff UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff UX Researcher

Company: Etsy

Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research / Product Insights

Date Posted: 2026-04-17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (1-2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic impact by independently developing and executing comprehensive user research solutions for complex and ambiguous product challenges.

• Influence product decision-making by synthesizing macro forces, customer needs, and business objectives to inform the future of Etsy's marketplace.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Data Science to deliver actionable insights.

• Act as a craft leader within the research team, advancing research methodologies, tools, and capabilities, while mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Staff UX Researcher, indicating a senior individual contributor level requiring significant autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead research initiatives. The focus on complex, ambiguous problem spaces and influencing product strategy suggests a need for proactive problem identification and a strong understanding of business goals in addition to user needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Proactively and independently develop and execute a range of user research solutions for complex, ambiguous, and cross-functional problem spaces to deliver strategic impact.

• Partner closely with product managers, designers, and engineers to guide product development and refinement, drawing on deep expertise in user research and UX standards.

• Conduct remote, on-site, and in-field user research studies with Etsy buyers and sellers to gather rich qualitative and quantitative data.

• Share tangible findings and prioritized recommendations regularly to encourage marketplace health and drive Etsy’s business goals.

• Collaborate with other insights teams, including Market Research, Quantitative Research, and Data Science, to triangulate insights, synthesize findings, and develop comprehensive recommendations.

• Lead research initiatives at various stages of the product development lifecycle, from initial opportunity discovery to feature refinement and impact analysis.

• Act as a craft leader within the UX Research team, advancing research tools, methods, and team capabilities, and mentoring more junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution and strategic leadership. The emphasis on "proactively and independently develop and execute research solutions" and "deliver strategic impact" signifies a need for individuals who can identify research opportunities and drive them to completion with minimal supervision. The requirement to partner with multiple insights teams underscores the importance of strong collaboration and synthesis skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Research, with a strong track record of delivering strategic insights that have influenced product roadmaps and business outcomes.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated in-depth understanding of a wide range of research approaches (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods) and the ability to balance methodological rigor with project demands and speed.

• Proven ability to lead research efforts across the entire product development lifecycle, from discovery to delivery.

• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, driving action through a customer-centric lens.

• High comfort level building strong relationships across product, design, engineering, and data science teams, and co-creating strategies that consider customer and business implications.

• Experience in mentoring junior researchers and contributing to the advancement of research craft and capabilities within a team.

• Ambitious, meticulous, and capable of effectively balancing multiple complex projects simultaneously.

• Genuine curiosity, empathy, and a passion for problem-solving, with a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with payments, checkout processes, and digital wallets.

• Experience conducting research within e-commerce or marketplace platforms.

• Experience working with data science and quantitative research teams to triangulate insights.

• Experience with research on mobile platforms (Android and iOS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level and description imply a need for a seasoned researcher who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic influence. The "Staff" title typically denotes a senior individual contributor capable of leading complex, ambiguous projects and mentoring others. The preferred skills in payments and e-commerce suggest a desire for domain-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your ability to independently lead and execute complex UX research projects from inception to impact.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem space, your research approach (including methodologies used and rationale), key findings, and the resulting product or business impact.

• Highlight instances where your research directly influenced strategic product decisions or led to significant improvements in user experience or business metrics.

• Demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally, showing collaboration with product managers, designers, and engineers in your case studies.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of defining and executing research plans for ambiguous or ill-defined problems.

• Examples of how you've synthesized findings from multiple research methods and data sources (qualitative, quantitative, market research, data science) to create a holistic understanding.

• Documentation of how you've translated research insights into actionable recommendations and effectively communicated them to stakeholders to drive product strategy.

• Showcase your ability to adapt research methodologies to meet project timelines and business needs while maintaining scientific integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and the emphasis on strategic impact, a strong portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase research execution but also strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership/mentorship capabilities. The ability to demonstrate tangible business impact and process improvement is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $165,000.00 - $215,000.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Equity package: Opportunity to own a part of Etsy's growth and success.

• Annual performance bonus: Incentive tied to individual and company performance.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Competitive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, encompassing elements such as paid time off, retirement savings plans, and wellness programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with 1-2 days of in-office presence required depending on proximity to the Brooklyn office hub.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is within industry standards for a Staff UX Researcher in a high cost-of-living area like Brooklyn, NY. The benefits package is typical for a large tech company, with equity and performance bonuses being key components for senior roles. The hybrid model with specific office days is clearly outlined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce / Online Marketplace. Etsy operates as a global marketplace for unique and creative goods, connecting millions of entrepreneurs with millions of buyers worldwide. The company emphasizes "Keeping Commerce Human."

Company Size: Etsy is a significant publicly traded company, employing a substantial number of individuals across various functions. This scale allows for dedicated teams and specialized roles, including robust UX Research and Product Development functions.

Founded: Etsy was founded in 2005, building a strong reputation as the go-to platform for artisanal, vintage, and handmade items. This history has cultivated a culture that values creativity, community, and the human connection in commerce.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is integrated within the broader product development function, working alongside Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Data Science.

• This role reports to the Senior UX Research Manager for Android and iOS Initiatives, indicating a focus on mobile platform user experiences.

Methodology:

• Research at Etsy is a core part of the product development culture, actively involved in all stages from opportunity identification to impact analysis.

• The team emphasizes a data-driven approach, triangulating insights from various sources including qualitative research, quantitative data, market research, and data science.

• There is a focus on understanding both buyer and seller experiences within the dynamic marketplace.

• The Android team specifically focuses on creating a first-class buyer experience for users on Android devices, aiming to infuse human connection throughout the shopping journey.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Etsy's culture is characterized by its focus on "Keeping Commerce Human," suggesting a value placed on authenticity, creativity, and the connection between buyers and sellers. The integration of research within product development highlights its strategic importance. The specific mention of the Android team indicates a current focus on enhancing the mobile buyer experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff UX Researcher. This is a senior individual contributor role, signifying a high level of expertise, autonomy, and the ability to tackle complex, ambiguous problems. Staff-level professionals are expected to provide strategic direction, mentor others, and significantly influence product initiatives.

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Senior UX Research Manager, Android and iOS Initiatives. This indicates a clear line of reporting within the UX Research function, with opportunities for mentorship and guidance from a senior leader.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher is expected to have a direct impact on product decision-making by connecting macro forces, customer needs, and Etsy's business goals. Their insights will shape the future of human commerce on the platform, influencing buyer and seller experiences and ultimately contributing to marketplace health and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Craft Leadership: Opportunity to advance expertise in UX research methodologies, become a subject matter expert in specific product areas, and contribute to defining best practices for the research team.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Serve as a mentor to more junior researchers, guiding their development and helping to elevate the overall research capabilities of the team. Potential to lead research for larger, more strategic initiatives.

• Cross-functional Influence: Deepen collaboration with product, design, engineering, and data science, gaining broader business acumen and influencing product strategy at a higher level.

• Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in areas like e-commerce, mobile platforms (Android/iOS), payments, and checkout processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation implies significant growth potential beyond this role, potentially into Principal Researcher or Research Lead positions, or even management roles depending on career aspirations and performance. The emphasis on mentorship suggests opportunities to develop leadership skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. Employees are expected to be in the office 1-2 days per week, depending on their proximity to the Brooklyn Office Hub. This model aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Brooklyn, NY, United States. This location is a major hub for tech companies, offering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and talent.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model necessitates effective collaboration both in-person and remotely. Expect a mix of in-office meetings, brainstorming sessions, and remote syncs.

• The role involves close collaboration with product managers, designers, engineers, and data scientists, suggesting a highly collaborative and integrated work environment.

• As part of a large tech company, access to modern tools, technologies, and resources for research and collaboration is expected.

• The emphasis on "Keeping Commerce Human" may translate into a workspace that values creativity, individuality, and a sense of community.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. The specific in-office days will likely be coordinated with the team to maximize collaborative opportunities. Standard working hours are expected, but the nature of research often involves adapting to study needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at Etsy emphasizes flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person collaboration. This setup is common in tech companies, requiring strong self-management and communication skills to navigate both remote and office-based interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical Staff UX Researcher interview process at a company like Etsy would likely include:

• Initial Screen: Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, research philosophy, and strategic thinking.

• Research Portfolio Review: Presentation of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating research expertise, strategic impact, and collaboration. This is a critical stage.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and potentially Data Scientists to assess collaboration skills and ability to influence.

• Craft/Methodology Interview: Discussion focused on research methods, rigor, and ability to handle complex or ambiguous research challenges.

• Leadership/Mentorship Interview: Assessment of potential to lead initiatives and mentor junior team members.

• Final Round/Hiring Manager Wrap-up: Final discussion and offer extension.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure your case studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and approach, the methodologies used, key findings, and most importantly, the impact of your research on the product or business. Quantify impact wherever possible.

• Tell a compelling story: Walk the interviewers through your thought process, challenges faced, and how you navigated them. Highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Focus on ambiguity and complexity: Showcase projects where you had to define the problem, navigate uncertainty, and deliver strategic value.

• Demonstrate cross-functional collaboration: Explain how you worked with PMs, designers, and engineers, and how your research influenced their work.

• Be prepared to discuss your mentorship experience: Highlight instances where you guided junior researchers or contributed to team growth.

• Know Etsy's business: Research Etsy's mission, values, and current strategic priorities to tailor your examples and demonstrate how your skills align.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential take-home assignments or live case studies that involve analyzing a product problem, proposing research questions, and outlining a research plan.

• Practice articulating your research strategy and recommendations concisely and persuasively.

• Anticipate questions about how you would approach research for specific Etsy features or user journeys.

• Think about how you would balance speed and rigor in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for a Staff UX Researcher. Candidates should meticulously prepare to showcase their strategic thinking, leadership, and ability to drive impact through research. Demonstrating how they navigate ambiguity and collaborate cross-functionally will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for participant recruitment, scheduling, and remote usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, UserZoom).

• Qualitative Data Analysis Software: Tools for coding, thematic analysis, and synthesizing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, ATLAS.ti).

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Jira, Confluence, Asana).

• Survey Tools: For designing and deploying surveys for quantitative data collection (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Proficiency in understanding data from analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel to contextualize qualitative findings.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that can help present research findings alongside quantitative data (e.g., Tableau, Looker, Power BI).

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

CRM & Automation:

• While not the primary focus, understanding how user research insights can feed into CRM strategies or inform automated customer journeys is beneficial. Familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot is a plus.

• Prototyping/Design Tools: While not a designer, familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD can aid in understanding design iterations and user flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is focused on research, proficiency with a range of research-specific tools is essential. Familiarity with analytics and collaboration platforms is also critical for effective cross-functional work and impact measurement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Keeping Commerce Human: A core value that emphasizes authentic connections, creativity, and the unique value of Etsy's marketplace. This translates to a focus on understanding the human element in all user experiences.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Actively fostered within the team and company, promoting collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Research is deeply integrated with Product, Design, and Engineering, requiring strong collaborative relationships and a co-creative approach.

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis on using research and data to inform decisions, but with a strong focus on understanding the "why" behind the numbers.

• Curiosity and Empathy: Essential traits for researchers, encouraging a deep understanding of user needs and motivations.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Researchers work as embedded partners within product squads, fostering seamless communication and co-creation throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Cross-functional Synergy: Strong emphasis on collaborating with other insights functions (Market Research, Quantitative Research, Data Science) to create a holistic view of the user and business.

• Open Communication and Feedback: A culture that encourages sharing findings, challenging assumptions respectfully, and providing constructive feedback to advance work and team capabilities.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A supportive environment where senior members mentor junior colleagues, and knowledge is actively shared to elevate the collective expertise of the research team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Etsy's stated values, particularly "Keeping Commerce Human," suggest a research approach that prioritizes authentic user experiences and meaningful connections. The collaborative and integrated nature of the research team implies a need for strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Tackling complex, ill-defined problem spaces where the research questions themselves need to be discovered. This requires strong strategic thinking and proactive problem definition.

• Driving Strategic Impact: Ensuring research insights are not just delivered but actively integrated into product strategy and decision-making, influencing the direction of major initiatives.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: Working in a fast-paced e-commerce environment requires finding the right balance between delivering timely insights and maintaining methodological integrity.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and action on research findings across diverse teams with potentially competing priorities.

• Mentoring and Craft Leadership: Developing and executing on plans to elevate the skills and methodologies of the broader UX Research team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specialized research methods or explore new approaches relevant to e-commerce and mobile platforms.

• Strategic Influence: Develop skills in influencing product roadmaps and business strategy through impactful research.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Gain experience in mentoring junior researchers and potentially leading research initiatives for key product areas.

• Industry Exposure: Engage with cutting-edge research practices within the e-commerce and marketplace sector.

• Cross-disciplinary Learning: Gain a deeper understanding of product management, engineering, design, and data science through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the senior nature of the role, requiring advanced problem-solving and strategic influencing skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise, leadership, and strategic impact within a dynamic tech environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you independently identified a complex, ambiguous problem space and developed a research strategy to address it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your proactive approach, strategic thinking, and impact.)

• "How do you balance methodological rigor with the need for speed in a fast-paced product environment? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your adaptability and understanding of trade-offs.)

• "Walk me through a research project where your insights significantly influenced product strategy or a major business decision. What was your role in driving that adoption?" (Emphasize your influence and communication skills.)

• "How would you approach researching the challenges faced by new sellers joining Etsy?" (Showcase your ability to frame research questions, select appropriate methods, and consider diverse user needs.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Etsy's mission to 'Keep Commerce Human,' and how would your UX research contribute to this mission?" (Connect your passion for research with Etsy's core values.)

• "How do you see the role of UX research evolving in the e-commerce space, particularly with mobile-first experiences?" (Demonstrate your industry awareness and forward-thinking.)

• "Etsy has a hybrid work model. How do you ensure effective collaboration and impact when working both remotely and in the office?" (Address your ability to thrive in a hybrid environment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select diverse case studies: Choose projects that showcase a range of methodologies, problem complexities, and impacts (e.g., new feature discovery, optimization, strategic problem framing).

• Quantify impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion," "reduced user errors by 20%").

• Highlight your strategic thinking: Explain why you chose certain methods, how your research informed broader strategy, and how you connected user needs to business goals.

• Showcase collaboration: Detail how you partnered with PMs, designers, engineers, and data scientists, and how you leveraged their expertise and influenced their work.

• Be concise and engaging: Practice your narrative to ensure it flows well and keeps the interviewers engaged. Allocate time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to drive tangible business impact through research. Tailoring examples to Etsy's context and mission will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff UX Researcher position at Etsy:

• Submit your resume and an optional cover letter through the provided application link on the Etsy Careers portal.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research case studies that best demonstrate your ability to handle complex, ambiguous problems, drive strategic impact, and collaborate cross-functionally. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your approach, key findings, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Optimize your resume: Highlight keywords and experiences relevant to Staff UX Researcher roles, such as strategic research leadership, cross-functional collaboration, mentorship, and driving product decisions through user insights. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on storytelling, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your research philosophy and how you approach challenging situations.

• Research Etsy: Familiarize yourself with Etsy's mission, values, products (especially on mobile), current business goals, and recent company news. Consider how your research skills can directly contribute to their "Keeping Commerce Human" ethos and their strategic objectives.

⚠️ 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.