User Researcher, Growth

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher, Growth

Company: Notion

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research / Growth Strategy

Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Requires 3 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives focused on understanding adoption and monetization strategies for Notion's AI-driven features, directly impacting product growth.

• Employ a rigorous mixed-methods research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data to uncover deep user insights and identify opportunities within complex growth engines.

• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations that influence strategic product decisions, drive revenue, and enhance user value, particularly in the evolving AI landscape.

• Leverage AI tooling to scale research processes, data analysis, and insight dissemination, optimizing efficiency and impact within a fast-paced, innovative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Growth" function, indicating a strong emphasis on user acquisition, engagement, retention, and monetization. The integration of AI features (Notion Agent, Notion Chat) signifies a forward-looking research agenda, requiring candidates to be adept at understanding user interaction with emerging technologies. The requirement for hybrid work with specified anchor days suggests a company culture that values in-person collaboration while offering flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive user research studies, including interviews, concept testing, usability testing, diary studies, and surveys, to evaluate user experiences with Notion's AI features.

• Analyze user behavior and feedback related to the discovery, trust, value, and adoption of AI functionalities, identifying key barriers and drivers for both individual users and B2B clients.

• Conduct research to understand user willingness to pay for AI-powered features and monetization strategies, providing data-driven recommendations for pricing and packaging.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, Data Scientists, and Engineers to define research questions, interpret findings, and integrate insights into product roadmaps and development cycles.

• Utilize AI research tools to streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting, enhancing the efficiency and scalability of the research function.

• Develop and deliver compelling, creative, and actionable research insights to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, utilizing various communication formats such as presentations, reports, workshops, videos, and podcasts.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of growth initiatives by identifying unmet user needs and market opportunities through thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on traditional growth research (adoption, monetization) and cutting-edge AI product research. The emphasis on "scaling your research process and work" with AI tooling indicates an expectation for efficiency and innovation in research methodologies. Delivering insights creatively and to executive stakeholders points to the need for strong communication and strategic thinking skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's or PhD Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Behavioral Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional UX research experience in an industry setting, with a proven track record of impacting product decisions.

Required Skills:

• AI Fluency: Ability to understand and articulate how AI behavior influences product experiences and user interactions.

• Systems Thinking: Capacity to analyze complex user journeys and growth engines, identifying breakdown points across the entire system.

• Business Mindedness: Strong ability to connect research findings to tangible business outcomes, including strategy, growth, and revenue.

• Data Fluency: Proficiency in understanding and leveraging experimentation data, and using behavioral analytics to refine research questions and interpret results.

• Pragmatism: Demonstrated ability to prioritize research efforts and deliver effectively in dynamic, fast-paced product development cycles.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a creative approach to sharing insights across various mediums and audiences.

• Mixed-Methods Research: Expertise in designing and conducting qualitative (interviews, usability testing, diary studies) and quantitative (surveys, A/B test analysis) research.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching AI-enabled products, particularly agentic or workflow automation tools.

• Specific experience with growth journeys and B2B SaaS products.

• Expertise in utilizing AI research tools such as Outset, Listen Labs, or Dovetail.

• Experience presenting research findings and strategic recommendations to executive-level stakeholders.

• Familiarity with influential figures in computing history and their contributions to human-computer interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend core UX research competencies with specialized knowledge in AI, systems thinking, and business acumen. The emphasis on "AI fluency" and "systems thinking" is crucial for understanding the complex interactions within Notion's AI-powered features and growth loops. The preference for experience with AI research tools and B2B products indicates a specific need for candidates who can hit the ground running in a sophisticated product environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional UX research experience.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate research problems, methodologies employed, and the impact of your findings on product strategy and business outcomes.

• Highlight examples where you have successfully influenced product decisions through data-driven insights, particularly in growth or AI-related initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation of your research process, from initial problem definition and research design to data analysis and insight delivery.

• Illustrate how you have leveraged AI tooling or other advanced methods to scale research operations or enhance the depth of your analysis.

• Detail your approach to communicating complex research findings to various audiences, including examples of creative presentation formats.

• Showcase how you have used data fluency and systems thinking to identify critical points in user journeys or growth engines for investigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should prepare a portfolio that emphasizes their ability to conduct research in growth-oriented, AI-infused product environments. Case studies should clearly link research efforts to measurable business impact, such as increased adoption, improved monetization, or enhanced user trust in AI features. Demonstrating proficiency with AI research tools and a systems-level understanding of user journeys will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Highly competitive cash compensation.

• Equity participation in a growing technology company.

• Comprehensive benefits package tailored for tech professionals.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work model requiring 3 days per week in the San Francisco office (Anchor Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to San Francisco and reflects the competitive market for experienced User Researchers in the technology sector, particularly those with expertise in AI and growth. The hybrid work model with designated anchor days is a key aspect of the work environment that candidates should consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software & Technology (Productivity Tools, AI)

Company Size: Notion is a rapidly growing technology company, with a significant employee base that continues to expand globally. Its size suggests a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for impact and career advancement.

Founded: Notion was founded in 2013, bringing a decade of experience in developing innovative productivity and collaboration software before its recent focus on AI integration.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team likely operates within the Product organization, collaborating closely with Product Management, Design, and Engineering.

• Researchers may specialize by product area (e.g., Growth, AI, Core Product) or methodology, reporting to a Research Lead or Director.

Methodology:

• Notion emphasizes building flexible tools, suggesting a culture that values user autonomy and creative problem-solving.

• The company's growth strategy is likely data-informed, with a strong reliance on experimentation and user feedback to drive iteration.

• The integration of AI points to a forward-thinking approach, actively exploring and adopting new technologies to enhance user experience and productivity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Notion's culture is characterized by a blend of innovation, user-centricity, and a pragmatic approach to product development. The emphasis on building "beautiful tools" and flexibility suggests an environment that encourages creativity and user empowerment. The explicit mention of in-person collaboration on anchor days indicates a deliberate effort to foster team cohesion and spontaneous interaction, while still embracing remote work possibilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for an experienced User Researcher focused on Growth, indicating a mid-level to senior individual contributor position. The responsibilities suggest a significant level of autonomy and strategic input, moving beyond execution to influencing product direction.

Reporting Structure: The User Researcher will likely report to a Senior User Researcher, Research Lead, or Director of Product Research. They will work closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Data Scientists on cross-functional growth teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Notion's revenue and user acquisition/retention metrics. By understanding user behavior related to AI adoption and monetization, the researcher will provide critical insights that shape strategies for increasing user value, driving conversion, and fostering long-term engagement, ultimately contributing to Notion's overall business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI product research, growth methodologies, or specific user segments (e.g., B2B enterprise).

• Leadership: Progress into a Senior User Researcher role, mentoring junior researchers, leading larger research initiatives, or becoming a subject matter expert in AI research.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Potentially transition into Product Management or Strategy roles, leveraging deep user understanding and business acumen.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in emerging AI technologies, advanced research techniques, and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Growth" focus in this User Researcher role signifies a career path heavily tied to business outcomes. Candidates should highlight their experience in translating research into actionable strategies that directly impact key growth metrics. The opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI features offers a unique avenue for professional development and specialization within the UX research field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Notion operates with a hybrid work model, requiring team members to be in the office on designated "Anchor Days." This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to facilitate in-person teamwork, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing.

Office Location(s): The role is based in San Francisco, California, a major hub for technology innovation and talent. Specific office details would be provided by the hiring team.

Workspace Context:

• The San Francisco office likely offers a modern, dynamic workspace conducive to collaboration, with a focus on creating a positive employee experience.

• Access to cutting-edge research tools, including AI-powered platforms, will be available to support research activities.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Engineering, Data) will be integral to the daily work.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work schedule balances in-office presence on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays with remote flexibility on other days. This structure is designed to foster team cohesion while accommodating individual work preferences and research needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a defining characteristic of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured approach to in-office collaboration, emphasizing the value Notion places on face-to-face interaction for certain team activities while still offering remote flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and potentially conduct a brief screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: Expect to present a curated selection of your work. This is a critical step where you'll showcase your research process, methodologies, and impact. Focus on 2-3 key projects that align with growth and AI research.

• Skills-Based Interviews: Series of interviews with team members, including other researchers, product managers, and designers. These will delve into your research experience, problem-solving abilities, systems thinking, and AI fluency. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based challenges.

• Take-Home Assignment/Case Study: You may be given a research challenge or asked to analyze a hypothetical scenario related to Notion's growth or AI features. This assesses your ability to apply research principles to real-world problems.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Research, VP of Product) to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with Notion's culture and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your methodology, the insights generated, and most importantly, the impact of your research on product decisions and business outcomes (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in feature adoption," "identified a key barrier to monetization, leading to a revised pricing strategy").

• Showcase AI & Growth: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your experience with AI product research, growth strategies, adoption, monetization, or complex systems.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your thought process, including how you chose specific methodologies, how you navigated ambiguity, and how you integrated qualitative and quantitative data.

• Be Creative: Highlight any innovative ways you've communicated insights (videos, interactive dashboards, workshops).

• Tailor to Notion: Understand Notion's product and its AI initiatives. Frame your experience in a way that resonates with their specific challenges and opportunities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Growth Engines: Familiarize yourself with common growth loops and metrics in SaaS products.

• AI Nuances: Be prepared to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of researching AI products, including user trust, AI behavior, and ethical considerations.

• Systems Thinking: Practice articulating how different parts of a user journey or product ecosystem interact.

• Data & Experimentation: Be ready to discuss how you've used experimentation data to inform research or interpret research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and strategic thinking. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their ability to translate research into tangible business results, especially within the context of AI and growth. A strong portfolio is paramount, showcasing not just research execution but also strategic impact and communication skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Proficiency with standard UX research tools for qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis (e.g., UserTesting, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

• AI Research Tools: Experience with or a strong aptitude for learning AI-powered research tools such as Outset, Listen Labs, Dovetail (for AI-assisted analysis), or similar platforms that enhance research efficiency and depth.

• Collaboration Tools: Expertise in using collaborative platforms like Notion itself, Slack, and video conferencing tools (Zoom, Google Meet) for communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Ability to work with and interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Google Analytics) to inform research questions and validate findings.

• Spreadsheets & Visualization: Proficiency in tools like Excel, Google Sheets, and potentially dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker) to analyze and present quantitative data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data flows from CRM and marketing automation platforms into research insights can be beneficial. Familiarity with how product usage data is tracked and utilized is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI tooling to scale your research process" and "leveraging AI to scale your reporting" indicates that familiarity with or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn AI-assisted research platforms is a significant advantage. Candidates should be comfortable with a tech-forward approach to research operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and experience in all product decisions.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on delivering research that leads to measurable business outcomes and strategic improvements.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, working closely with cross-functional partners to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new technologies (like AI) and methodologies to push the boundaries of what's possible in research.

• Pragmatism & Agility: The ability to adapt to changing priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Researchers are expected to be proactive collaborators, integrating seamlessly with product teams.

• Emphasis on clear, frequent, and creative communication of insights to ensure they are understood and acted upon.

• A culture of constructive feedback and continuous learning, both within the research team and with cross-functional partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Notion's values likely align with a product development ethos that is both user-focused and business-aware, with a strong emphasis on innovation, particularly in AI. The collaborative style suggests an environment where researchers are integrated partners, not just service providers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace and Ambiguity: Navigating research in a fast-paced, "0 to 1" environment where priorities can shift rapidly and clear direction may not always be immediately available.

• AI Complexity: Researching novel AI features requires understanding user trust, AI behavior, and the potential for unexpected interactions, which can be more unpredictable than traditional software.

• Balancing Growth & Core Experience: Ensuring that growth initiatives, particularly those driven by AI, enhance rather than detract from the core Notion user experience and value proposition.

• Scaling Insights: Developing methods to effectively disseminate impactful insights from research to a broad range of stakeholders without diluting their strategic value.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Research Specialization: Become a go-to expert in researching AI-powered products, understanding the unique human-computer interaction dynamics.

• Growth Strategy Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of SaaS growth engines, monetization strategies, and user lifecycle management through research.

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to explore and implement advanced quantitative and qualitative research techniques, potentially augmented by AI tools.

• Executive Communication: Hone skills in presenting complex findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of researching AI in a widely adopted productivity platform. The challenges are significant but offer substantial growth potential for researchers eager to shape the future of AI-enhanced software.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you influenced a product strategy for a growth initiative using research. What was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study focusing on adoption, conversion, or monetization.)

• "How would you approach researching user trust in a new AI feature like Notion Agent? What methodologies would you use?" (Focus on your understanding of AI behavior, user perception, and risk assessment.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Notion, and what excites you about our approach to AI and productivity?" (Research Notion's mission, values, and recent AI announcements.)

• "How do you see your research skills contributing to a hybrid work environment with anchor days?" (Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively both remotely and in-person.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "So What?" Principle: For each project, clearly articulate the so what – the actionable insight and its business implication. Don't just present data; present a narrative with a clear call to action.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, prototypes, or short video clips from your research to illustrate user behavior and pain points.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use metrics and numbers to demonstrate the scale of the problem and the impact of your solutions.

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key themes or projects that best showcase your skills in AI, growth, systems thinking, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with AI research and growth metrics in detail. The interview process will likely assess not only research skills but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to thrive in Notion's hybrid, fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences relevant to User Research, Growth, AI, mixed-methods research, and B2B SaaS. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best demonstrate your impact on growth initiatives and/or your experience with AI product research. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your methodology, key insights, and measurable outcomes.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your "why" for applying to Notion and how your skills align with the company's mission and the specific requirements of this role. Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely and impactfully.

• Research Notion: Understand Notion's product, its current AI offerings, and its position in the productivity software market. Familiarize yourself with their company values and culture.

⚠️ 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.