UX Human Factors Researcher, Consumer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Human Factors Researcher, Consumer

Company: Verily

Location: San Bruno, California, United States & Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX Research / Human Factors / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-02-18

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy and user experience for AI-powered healthcare applications by conducting rigorous mixed-methods UX research.

• Partner closely with design, product management, engineering, and clinical teams to translate complex user needs into actionable product direction.

• Focus on shaping early-stage (0-to-1) products that aim to improve how individuals understand and manage their health data and personalized care pathways.

• Utilize a deep understanding of human behavior, behavioral science, and data analysis to inform the development of patient-centered, longitudinal health platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Verily, an Alphabet subsidiary focused on precision health. The "Consumer" aspect of the title suggests a focus on end-user facing applications rather than internal tools or enterprise solutions. The emphasis on "AI-powered experiences" and "0-to-1 environments" indicates a need for researchers comfortable with ambiguity, innovation, and shaping products from their nascent stages. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for adaptability and strong remote collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute comprehensive mixed-methods research initiatives, encompassing qualitative techniques (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, diary studies) and quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, behavioral analytics, literature reviews).

• Synthesize complex research findings into compelling narratives, actionable frameworks, and clear visual artifacts to effectively influence product strategy, design decisions, and roadmap prioritization.

• Collaborate intimately with Product Analytics teams to analyze behavioral data, triangulate findings with qualitative insights, and champion user needs throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Lead end-to-end research projects, from initial problem definition and hypothesis generation through to final insight delivery and impact assessment, specifically informing personalized care recommendations and health management experiences.

• Contribute to the growth and excellence of the UX research function by actively sharing best practices, contributing to the development of research standards, and providing mentorship to junior team members.

• Play a pivotal role in shaping AI-driven healthcare solutions, ensuring they are intuitive, effective, and ethically designed for individuals interacting with their medical data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a researcher who can operate autonomously, manage multiple research projects concurrently, and translate raw data into strategic recommendations. The mention of "behavioral analytics" and "Product Analytics" collaboration suggests a strong quantitative component is expected alongside qualitative depth. "0-to-1 environments" implies a need for proactive problem-solving and shaping research agendas rather than just executing pre-defined studies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• BA/BS in Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, etc.), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Product Design, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent practical experience in lieu of a formal degree will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in applied UX research roles, demonstrating a track record of impactful research contributions.

• Proven experience leading or significantly supporting Human Factors studies, including associated documentation and regulatory considerations where applicable.

Required Skills:

• Mixed-Methods Research Expertise: Proficient in designing and executing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, formative/summative studies, diary studies, surveys, and behavioral data analysis.

• Data Synthesis & Storytelling: Ability to analyze complex datasets (both qualitative and quantitative), identify key insights, and communicate them effectively through compelling narratives, visual aids, and strategic recommendations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with product managers, designers, engineers, clinical teams, and product analytics to integrate research findings into product strategy and design.

• Human Factors & Behavioral Science: Strong understanding of human behavior, cognitive psychology, and behavioral change frameworks, with the ability to apply these principles to healthcare product design.

• Research Tools Proficiency: Familiarity with common UX research tools such as Dscout, Qualtrics, and other survey, analytics, and qualitative data analysis platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Healthcare Industry Experience: Prior experience in consumer healthcare, digital health, or regulated healthcare domains, with an understanding of health outcomes research and patient journeys.

• AI/Data-Driven Product Experience: Experience researching and developing products that leverage artificial intelligence or are heavily data-driven.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience contributing research insights in iterative product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between minimum and preferred qualifications suggests that candidates with strong applied research experience and a foundational degree will be considered, but advanced degrees and specific healthcare/AI experience will significantly differentiate candidates. The emphasis on "applied UX research" points to a need for practical experience rather than purely academic research. "Human Factors studies and documentation" implies a need for understanding study design, execution, and reporting, potentially with an awareness of regulatory environments in healthcare.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed research projects that demonstrate your end-to-end research process, from problem definition and methodology selection to insightful findings and tangible product impact.

• Methodological Diversity: Include examples of both qualitative and quantitative research projects, highlighting your versatility in applying different methods to address diverse research questions.

• Impact & Outcomes: Clearly articulate the impact of your research on product strategy, design decisions, and user experience improvements. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., improvements in usability metrics, user satisfaction scores, or adoption rates).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Illustrate how you've partnered with design, product, engineering, and analytics teams to integrate research findings and drive product development.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plan Development: Demonstrate your ability to create robust research plans that clearly define research objectives, target users, methodologies, timelines, and success metrics.

• Insight Synthesis & Communication: Provide examples of how you've synthesized complex data into clear, actionable insights and communicated them effectively to various stakeholders through presentations, reports, or other artifacts.

• Methodological Rigor: Ensure your portfolio reflects a strong understanding and application of research best practices, ethical considerations, and methodological validity in your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing "0-to-1" environments and influencing strategy, portfolios should highlight proactive research initiation, problem framing, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. Case studies should clearly show how research directly informed strategic decisions and product direction, not just tactical design tweaks. Evidence of collaboration with analytics and clinical partners is crucial given the role's context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $123,500 - $185,000 USD per year (Base Salary)

Benefits:

• Bonus Potential: Eligibility for annual bonuses, reflecting company and individual performance.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or equivalent with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and conference attendance.

• Parental Leave: Supportive policies for new parents.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on employee well-being.

• Stock Options/Equity: Potential for equity participation (though not explicitly stated, common for tech companies).

Working Hours:

• Standard work week is approximately 40 hours.

• Hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a base salary only and does not include potential bonuses, equity, or other benefits. The range is typical for mid-level UX Researchers in high-cost-of-living tech hubs like San Francisco Bay Area and Boston. Verily, as an Alphabet subsidiary, is expected to offer a competitive benefits package aligned with industry standards. The hybrid nature suggests a need for self-management and effective remote communication.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Healthcare, Life Sciences, AI

Company Size: Large (Likely 1,000 - 10,000+ employees, as a subsidiary of Alphabet)

Founded: 2015 (Launched from Google X)

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team likely operates within a larger Product or Design organization.

• Researchers collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Product Analysts, and Clinical Partners (doctors, researchers, etc.).

• The "Consumer" focus implies research will support products directly used by individuals seeking to manage their health.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: Verily emphasizes using data (clinical, behavioral, real-world) to drive decision-making. This translates to a strong emphasis on quantitative insights alongside qualitative findings in research.

• Human-Centered Design: A core tenet is ensuring solutions are built around user needs and behaviors, making rigorous UX research essential.

• Precision Health: The overarching goal is personalized healthcare, requiring research that understands individual variations in health management and data interpretation.

• Agile & Iterative: Given the "0-to-1" nature of some projects, expect research to be integrated into agile development cycles, providing rapid feedback and iterative improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Verily's mission as an Alphabet subsidiary focused on precision health suggests a culture that values innovation, scientific rigor, and a data-forward approach. The "0-to-1" aspect implies a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment where researchers can have significant influence. Collaboration with clinical partners is a key differentiator, requiring researchers to understand healthcare complexities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX Researcher / Human Factors Specialist

This role is positioned for individuals with 4+ years of experience who can operate with a significant degree of autonomy. You are expected to lead research projects, influence product strategy, and contribute to the team's best practices. This is beyond an entry-level or junior role, requiring demonstrated ability to handle complex problems and deliver impactful insights.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically, UX Researchers at Verily would report to a UX Research Lead or Director of Product Design/UX.

Operations Impact:

• The impact of this role is direct and significant, influencing the design and effectiveness of AI-powered healthcare products used by consumers.

• By ensuring products are human-centered, usable, and address real user needs, the researcher contributes to better health outcomes, increased user engagement, and successful product adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Researcher/Lead Roles: Progression to Senior UX Researcher, specializing in specific domains (e.g., AI, digital health, clinical trials) or leading research initiatives for key product areas.

• Management Track: Potential to move into a UX Research Manager role, leading a team of researchers, setting strategy, and managing operational aspects of the research function.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like Human Factors (especially relevant given the title), AI ethics in research, behavioral science applications, or specific healthcare domains.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to leverage research skills in Product Management, Design Strategy, or even Program Management roles within Verily or Alphabet.

• Mentorship & Best Practices: Contribute to establishing and refining research methodologies and best practices within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within UX research, with opportunities for specialization and leadership. The "0-to-1" environment suggests high visibility and the chance to shape foundational aspects of new products, which is attractive for career advancement. The hybrid nature and collaboration with clinical partners also provide unique learning opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model

This involves a combination of working from a Verily office location (San Bruno or Boston) and working remotely. Specific days in the office will likely be determined by team needs and collaboration requirements.

Office Location(s):

• San Bruno, California: Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering access to a vibrant tech ecosystem. The specific address mentioned is 999 Bayhill.

• Boston, Massachusetts: Situated in a major East Coast hub for biotech, healthcare, and technology innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, common areas, and potentially open-plan workspaces.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and the necessary software and hardware for UX research (e.g., research platforms, collaboration tools).

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for in-person and virtual interaction with research peers, design, product, and engineering teams, facilitating knowledge sharing and effective project execution.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is expected to be around 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in a hybrid model.

• Researchers will need to manage their time effectively to balance research activities, team collaboration, and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement requires proactive communication and self-management. Candidates should be comfortable attending in-office sessions for key meetings, workshops, and team-building activities, while leveraging remote work for focused individual tasks. The locations in San Bruno and Boston are strategic, placing Verily within two of the world's leading innovation ecosystems.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Recruiter Screen: Initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, research philosophy, approach to challenges, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present 2-3 detailed research case studies. This typically involves explaining the problem, your approach, key findings, and impact. Expect to be asked about your role, decision-making process, and how you handled challenges.

4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential collaborators (e.g., Product Manager, Designer, Engineer, Product Analyst) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate research into product development.

5. Research Team Interview: Discussion with other UX Researchers to evaluate methodological depth, research best practices, and potential contributions to the team's knowledge base.

6. Final Interview/Debrief: May involve a senior leader or hiring manager to finalize decisions and discuss any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the "so what?" of your research. How did your insights drive real product changes or strategic shifts? Quantify impact whenever possible.

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your research planning, methodology selection rationale, data synthesis, and communication strategies. Demonstrate your thought process.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder expectations, and advocated for user needs.

• Address Ambiguity: For a "0-to-1" role, explain how you approached research in uncertain environments, how you framed problems, and how you adapted your methods.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives with a clear beginning (problem), middle (process/challenges), and end (solution/impact).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, trade-offs made, alternative methods considered, and how you measured success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Some companies may include a take-home assignment or a live design/research exercise.

• For a UX Researcher role, expect a challenge that might involve:

  • Reviewing a product or concept and proposing research questions/methods.
  • Analyzing a dataset and presenting key findings.
  • Designing a research study for a given problem.

• Preparation: Practice articulating your research process concisely, be ready to defend your methodological choices, and focus on delivering actionable insights relevant to business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should select case studies that best align with the requirements of this specific role – emphasizing AI, healthcare, consumer focus, and "0-to-1" experience. Demonstrating the ability to translate complex findings into clear, strategic recommendations for product teams is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Dscout, UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Dovetail, Optimal Workshop (for card sorting, tree testing).

• Survey & Quantitative Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform, REDCap (common in healthcare research).

• Behavioral Analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, Pendo (for understanding user behavior on digital platforms).

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Excel, Google Sheets, SPSS, R, Python (for statistical analysis), Tableau, Looker Studio (for data visualization).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Confluence, Jira, Figma, Miro.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, Pendo.

• Reporting & Dashboarding: Tableau, Looker Studio, Power BI.

CRM & Automation:

• While not the direct focus for a UX Researcher, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context on how user data is managed and utilized across the organization.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how data flows between different systems (e.g., via APIs) can be beneficial for behavioral data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Verily, being an Alphabet company, likely utilizes a sophisticated and integrated technology stack. While specific tools are listed as examples, candidates should be adaptable and willing to learn new platforms. The emphasis on "Product Analytics" and "behavioral data" suggests proficiency in tools that track user interactions within digital products is highly valued. Familiarity with tools used in regulated environments (like REDCap) could be a plus for healthcare research.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user's needs, goals, and behaviors in all product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing robust data (both qualitative and quantitative) as the foundation for strategic choices and product direction.

• Scientific Rigor: Applying a meticulous, evidence-based approach to research, ensuring validity, reliability, and ethical conduct.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together openly, share insights readily, and build on each other's expertise.

• Impact & Innovation: A drive to create meaningful, positive impact on people's health through innovative solutions, particularly leveraging AI and data science.

• Adaptability & Learning: Embracing change, seeking continuous learning, and thriving in dynamic, evolving environments, especially in "0-to-1" settings.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Researchers are expected to be proactive partners with Product, Design, Engineering, and Clinical teams, engaging early and often in the product lifecycle.

• Data Triangulation: A key collaborative effort involves integrating qualitative research insights with quantitative behavioral data analysis to form a holistic understanding of the user.

• Storytelling & Advocacy: Researchers effectively "sell" their findings to stakeholders, using compelling narratives to build empathy and drive alignment towards user-centered solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning through sharing research findings, best practices, and insights across teams and the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Verily likely mirrors that of other Alphabet companies, emphasizing intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a drive for impactful innovation. For a researcher, this means being comfortable challenging assumptions, integrating diverse data sources, and working closely with technical and clinical experts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity in "0-to-1" Environments: Developing research strategies and framing problems when the product direction is not yet fully defined requires strong initiative and strategic thinking.

• Integrating AI & Behavioral Science: Effectively researching complex AI-driven systems and applying behavioral change frameworks to influence health actions presents unique methodological and interpretative challenges.

• Balancing Qualitative Depth with Quantitative Breadth: Synthesizing insights from diverse research methods, including large behavioral datasets and in-depth qualitative studies, to form cohesive recommendations.

• Working in a Regulated Domain (Healthcare): Understanding and adhering to potential regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, FDA guidelines) for research and product development in healthcare.

• Driving Alignment Across Diverse Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in from product, engineering, clinical, and business teams, each with potentially different priorities and perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI & Healthcare: Gaining expertise in cutting-edge AI applications within the healthcare space and understanding complex health behaviors.

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to refine and expand skills in advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques, particularly those relevant to digital health and AI.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Learning from experts in product management, engineering, clinical research, and data science.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Support for attending relevant UX research, human factors, AI, and healthcare conferences for continuous learning and networking.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from and be mentored by senior researchers and leaders within Verily and potentially across Alphabet.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in innovative tech/health companies. Verily's structure and mission provide a fertile ground for overcoming these challenges and fostering significant professional growth, particularly for those interested in the intersection of technology, health, and human behavior.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you influenced product strategy with your research. What was the outcome?" (Focus on impact, persuasion, and strategic thinking).

• "How do you approach research in an ambiguous '0-to-1' product environment?" (Highlight your proactive methods, problem framing, and adaptability).

• "Walk me through a complex research project from start to finish. What were the key decisions you made, and why?" (Demonstrate your end-to-end process, methodological rationale, and problem-solving skills).

• "How do you balance qualitative and quantitative data when making recommendations?" (Showcase your ability to triangulate findings and provide comprehensive insights).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Verily and our mission in precision health?" (Research Verily's mission, products, and recent news. Connect your passion for health/tech to their goals).

• "How do you see your research contributing to AI-powered healthcare products?" (Think about user understanding, ethical considerations, and usability of AI in health).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly define: The Problem/Opportunity, Your Role & Responsibilities, Research Questions, Methodology (and why you chose it), Key Findings, Impact/Recommendations, and Lessons Learned.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (e.g., user journey maps, personas, key quotes, data charts) to illustrate your points. Avoid dense text.

• Focus on Impact: Spend significant time explaining how your research translated into product decisions and positive outcomes. Quantify impact whenever possible.

• Tell Your Story: Be enthusiastic and engaging. Highlight your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and unique contributions.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate deep questions about your methodology, decisions, and challenges. Be ready to discuss trade-offs and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on your ability to articulate your research process and demonstrate its impact. Be prepared to go deep into your case studies, showcasing not just what you did, but why you did it and the tangible results. Understanding Verily's focus on precision health and AI is crucial for tailoring your responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Human Factors Researcher position:

• Submit your application: Navigate to the Verily Careers portal via the provided URL and submit your resume and any requested supporting documents.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in mixed-methods research, human factors, AI, healthcare, consumer products, and "0-to-1" environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest research case studies that best demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to this role. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, key findings, and, most importantly, the impact your research had on product development.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating the "so what?" of your work. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your methodology, decisions, and outcomes.

• Research Verily: Familiarize yourself with Verily's mission, products (especially consumer-facing ones), and their approach to precision health and AI. Understand their commitment to data-driven decision-making.

⚠️ 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.