UX Researcher (12-months Fixed-Term Contract – Renewable / Convertible)⁠

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher (12-months Fixed-Term Contract – Renewable / Convertible)

Company: Goodnotes

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contract, Temporary

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (1-4 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct high-volume, AI-native user research to deeply understand user behaviors, pain points, and unmet needs within the core note-taking experience.

• Synthesize research findings into actionable recommendations that directly influence product priorities, roadmap decisions, and backlog shaping for the Canvas team.

• Leverage AI-powered tools and workflows to accelerate research operations, synthesis, and insight generation, enhancing the impact of UX research.

• Partner closely with designers, Product Managers (PMs), and engineers in a fast-paced, highly autonomous, and low-process environment.

• Own the research function for the Canvas team, establishing how research informs decision-making in a critical product area.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly a fixed-term contract of 12 months, with the potential for renewal or conversion to a permanent position. This suggests a need for candidates who can quickly integrate, deliver high impact, and demonstrate their value within a defined period. The "AI-native" requirement and emphasis on AI tools indicate a forward-thinking approach and a need for adaptability in research methodologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute a high volume of qualitative user research studies, including moderated and unmoderated interviews, usability testing, and concept validation, across both in-person and virtual formats.

• Analyze and synthesize complex qualitative data to identify key user behaviors, pain points, unmet needs, and opportunities for innovation within the Canvas experience.

• Translate research insights into clear, compelling, and actionable recommendations for product strategy, feature development, and roadmap prioritization.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Design, Product Management, Engineering) to ensure research findings are understood, integrated into the product development lifecycle, and drive product decisions.

• Proactively identify and champion opportunities to leverage AI tools and methodologies to enhance research efficiency, scale, and impact, contributing to an AI-first research function.

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing research projects from inception to completion, and establishing research best practices within the Canvas team.

• Contribute to shaping the future direction of the Canvas product area, influencing the evolution of core note-taking and interaction models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a high volume of research output and a proactive, autonomous approach. This suggests the need for a candidate who is not only skilled in traditional UXR but also possesses strong project management capabilities, efficiency-driven methodologies (amplified by AI), and the ability to influence product strategy directly.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Design Research, or a related field is typically beneficial for foundational understanding in user research methodologies.

Experience: 1-4 years of progressive experience in UX research, customer research, product discovery, or closely related user-focused roles. Experience within fast-paced product environments, particularly in tech or SaaS, is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to plan, conduct, and synthesize qualitative research, including moderated and unmoderated user interviews and usability testing.

• Strong product mindset with the ability to connect user insights directly to product decisions, prioritization frameworks, and demonstrable business impact.

• Demonstrated enthusiasm and practical experience leveraging AI-powered tools and workflows to improve research speed, scale, and operational efficiency.

• Exceptional analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate raw data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings and influence stakeholders across various levels.

• High degree of ownership, autonomy, and comfort operating in ambiguous, low-process environments with a bias toward execution and speed.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with A/B testing and quantitative research methodologies to complement qualitative findings.

• Familiarity with the digital note-taking, productivity, or creative tools market.

• Experience working within agile development methodologies.

• Proficiency with a range of research tools and platforms, including those that integrate AI capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is intentionally broad (1-4 years), suggesting the company is open to candidates who demonstrate exceptional potential and specific skills, rather than just years of tenure. The emphasis on "AI-native" is a critical differentiator, requiring candidates to not only be proficient in UX research but also adept at integrating AI into their workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX research projects from problem definition to actionable insights and product impact.

• Case studies should highlight the candidate's ability to define research objectives, select appropriate methodologies, execute research plans, and synthesize findings effectively.

• Clearly articulate the user problem addressed, the research questions posed, the methods used, key findings, and the resulting product recommendations or decisions.

• Quantify impact where possible, demonstrating how research insights led to tangible improvements in user experience, product adoption, or business metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Examples demonstrating the ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings in a clear and organized manner.

• Showcase an understanding of how to translate research findings into formats that are easily digestible and actionable for product, design, and engineering teams.

• Evidence of adapting research processes to fit fast-paced, low-process environments, prioritizing speed and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on autonomy and efficiency in a fast-paced environment, a portfolio that clearly demonstrates project ownership, the ability to drive decisions with data, and the practical application of AI in research processes will be crucial for success. The case studies should reflect a user-obsessed approach and an ability to operate with minimal structure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX Researcher with 1-4 years of experience in London, the estimated salary range is approximately £45,000 - £65,000 per annum. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in London, considering the contract nature and the specific skill set (AI-native UX research).

Benefits:

• Customized Growth & Wellness Budgets: Dedicated stipends for professional development, personal growth, and health and wellness activities (e.g., noise-canceling headphones, training courses).

• Global Connectivity: Sponsored visits to office locations for in-person collaboration, fostering a connected global team.

• Company-Wide Offsites: Annual in-person gatherings for strategic alignment, team building, and celebrating collective achievements.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium medical insurance provided for the employee and dependents.

• 12-month fixed-term contract with potential for renewal or conversion to permanent employment.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, specific daily schedules may offer flexibility, aligning with the company's emphasis on autonomy and efficiency, allowing for deep work sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general UK market data for UX Researchers at this experience level in London. The contract nature might influence the exact figure, and the company may offer a competitive rate aligned with their valuation of AI-native skills. Benefits are detailed and focus on employee well-being and professional growth, aligning with Goodnotes' values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically focused on productivity and creativity software, with a strong emphasis on AI integration. Goodnotes operates in the competitive EdTech and productivity app market, aiming to enhance digital note-taking through AI.

Company Size: Goodnotes is a growing company, indicated by its need for specialized roles like this UX Researcher and its global presence. While the exact current size isn't specified, it operates like a scale-up with established processes yet a dynamic, fast-paced culture.

Founded: Goodnotes was founded in 2011, giving it a solid history and established user base, now actively innovating with AI.

Team Structure:

• The Canvas team is central to Goodnotes' core product, implying it's a high-priority, well-resourced team.

• This role is a dedicated UX Researcher for the Canvas team, suggesting a lean structure where the researcher operates with significant autonomy.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "minimal meetings" and "getting things done" points to an agile, execution-focused methodology.

• The "AI-native" requirement suggests that AI-powered workflows and tools are integrated into daily operations and decision-making processes.

• "Ownership, adaptability, and AI-powered workflows are highly valued" highlights the core operational principles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes speed, autonomy, and innovation, particularly through AI. The Canvas team's importance suggests this role will be highly visible and impactful. The "AI-native" requirement is not just a skill but a cultural imperative.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Researcher, requiring 1-4 years of experience. It offers a significant opportunity for growth by providing dedicated ownership of research within a critical product area. The potential for contract conversion to permanent employment opens a pathway for long-term career development within Goodnotes.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a Head of UX Research, a Design Lead, or a Product Lead within the Canvas team. The emphasis on autonomy suggests direct reporting lines with minimal micromanagement.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher will have a direct impact on the core note-taking experience, influencing product direction, user satisfaction, and potentially key metrics like user engagement and retention. By shaping the Canvas experience, this role contributes significantly to Goodnotes' mission of enhancing productivity and creativity through AI.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-enhanced research methodologies, qualitative synthesis at scale, and product discovery within a high-growth tech company.

• Leadership Potential: Develop leadership skills by owning the research function, mentoring junior researchers (if applicable), and influencing strategic product decisions.

• Career Advancement: Potential to transition into a permanent UX Researcher role, Senior UX Researcher, or even specialize in AI research ethics or product strategy based on performance and business needs.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in a leading AI-driven productivity software company, building a strong professional network and portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract nature, while potentially a short-term engagement, is framed with clear potential for growth and permanency. The emphasis on owning the research function provides a unique opportunity for career acceleration compared to more junior roles in larger, more structured teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. Employees are expected to work from the London office for a portion of their week, balancing remote work with in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom. Specific office address details are not provided but are implied to be accessible and conducive to collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "fast-paced" and "highly autonomous."

• Minimal meetings and an emphasis on "getting things done" suggest a focus on deep work and efficient collaboration.

• Access to AI-powered tools and workflows is a key aspect of the workspace, enabling researchers to operate efficiently.

• Collaboration will be with designers, PMs, and engineers, fostering an integrated product development environment.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility in daily scheduling to accommodate deep work sessions and personal needs, aligning with the company's trust in employee autonomy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model combined with a focus on minimizing meetings indicates a deliberate effort to balance flexibility with intentional in-person collaboration. This environment is best suited for self-starters who can manage their time effectively and thrive with a degree of independence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Talent Intro Call: Initial screening with Talent Acquisition to assess experience, motivation, and fit with Goodnotes.

• Take-home Exercise: A practical assessment requiring the candidate to present a UXR summary via a short video recording on a given topic. This tests synthesis, communication, and AI tool usage.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on work style, handling ambiguity, ownership, and adaptability in a fast-paced setting.

• Role-Specific Assessment: A live session to evaluate core research skills, including interview techniques, synthesis, and generating actionable insights.

• Values Based Panel Interview: A conversation with 2-3 team members to assess alignment with Goodnotes' company values and collaborative approach.

• AI Literacy: A dedicated session with an AI champion to discuss practical application and understanding of AI tools in daily workflows.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Integration: Explicitly showcase how AI tools were used in your case studies to improve efficiency, scale, or insight generation.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of your research. Even for qualitative insights, explain the downstream product or business implications.

• Show Autonomy & Ambiguity Navigation: Select case studies that demonstrate your ability to work independently, define problems, and drive research in loosely defined situations.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Ensure your case studies are easy to understand, visually appealing, and clearly articulate your process and findings. The video presentation for the take-home exercise should be polished and to the point.

• User-Obsessed Narrative: Frame your work around a deep understanding of the user and their needs, aligning with Goodnotes' core values.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific AI tools you use, how you integrate them, and their benefits/limitations in research.

• Ambiguity & Ownership Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've taken initiative, managed unstructured problems, and driven outcomes with minimal guidance.

• Synthesis & Actionability: Practice articulating complex findings into concise, actionable recommendations for product teams.

• Values Alignment: Understand Goodnotes' values and be prepared to discuss how your past experiences and work style align with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is multi-stage and comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on practical skills, AI literacy, and cultural/values alignment. The take-home exercise and role-specific assessment are key opportunities to demonstrate core UXR capabilities and AI integration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Dovetail).

• AI-Powered Research Tools: Experience or demonstrated willingness to learn and integrate AI tools for research synthesis, transcription analysis, insight generation, and workflow automation. Examples could include tools like ChatGPT for summarizing research notes, or specialized AI research platforms.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Notion, and potentially Jira for team communication, documentation, and project tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze qualitative data using methods like thematic analysis, affinity mapping, and potentially basic quantitative data analysis if mixed-methods research is conducted.

• Presentation Software: Strong command of tools like Google Slides, Keynote, or PowerPoint for creating compelling research presentations and reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary for a UX Researcher, understanding how user feedback integrates into product management workflows and potentially CRM systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI-powered tools and workflows" is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with or eagerness to adopt cutting-edge AI solutions to enhance research efficiency and effectiveness. A proactive approach to learning and integrating these tools will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Dream Big: Encouraged to be visionary and open to innovative approaches in research, particularly leveraging AI.

• Build Great Things: Focus on user needs and continuous improvement of the core note-taking experience.

• Operate Like an Owner: High expectation of responsibility, bold decision-making, and bias for action in managing research projects.

• Win Like a Sports Team: Collaborative approach with designers, PMs, and engineers, fostering trust and empowerment.

• Learn and Grow Fast: Continuous learning is essential, with a focus on iterating quickly and embracing new methodologies, especially AI.

• Share Our Passion: Enthusiasm for the product and sharing ideas within the team.

• Be User Obsessed: Empathy, inquisitiveness, and a practical understanding of user needs are paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, working closely with Design, Product, and Engineering.

• The culture values direct communication and efficiency, indicated by "minimal meetings" and a focus on "getting things done."

• Openness to feedback and iterative development is expected, aligning with a growth mindset.

• Knowledge sharing is likely informal and integrated into daily workflows rather than formal sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit company values provide a strong framework for understanding desired behaviors. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work ethic and approach align with these values, particularly "Operate like an owner," "Learn and grow fast," and "Be user obsessed."

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating in a low-process, fast-paced environment where problems may not be clearly defined requires strong self-direction and problem-solving skills.

• High Research Volume: Conducting a high volume of research efficiently while maintaining quality requires excellent time management and methodological agility.

• AI Integration: Effectively leveraging new AI tools to enhance research processes, rather than simply adopting them, can be a challenge requiring continuous learning and experimentation.

• Influencing Product Strategy: Translating research insights into concrete product decisions and roadmap shaping requires strong persuasive skills and stakeholder management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Research Specialization: Become an expert in applying AI to UX research processes, a highly sought-after skill.

• Product Strategy Influence: Gain significant experience in directly influencing product roadmaps and strategic decisions.

• Autonomy & Ownership: Develop strong project management and leadership skills by owning the research function for a critical product area.

• Fast-Paced Growth: Experience rapid professional development within a dynamic tech environment that values speed and innovation.

• Potential for Permanency: Opportunity to build a long-term career within a growing and innovative company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly linked to the company's culture of speed, autonomy, and AI integration. Framing these challenges as opportunities for growth will be key for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research with limited resources or in an ambiguous situation. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Tests ownership, adaptability, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure your research insights are actionable and influence product decisions? Provide an example." (Tests product mindset and impact orientation.)

• "What AI tools are you currently using or most excited about using to enhance your UX research process? How would you integrate them here?" (Tests AI literacy and practical application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Goodnotes' company values (Dream Big, Build Great Things, etc.) resonate with your own work philosophy?" (Tests cultural fit.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers. How do you ensure effective communication in a 'minimal meetings' culture?" (Tests collaboration style and communication.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Case Studies: Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies, focusing on impact and your personal contribution. Highlight the problem, your process (including AI usage), key insights, and the resulting product actions.

• AI Integration Showcase: Dedicate specific slides or talking points within your case studies to demonstrate how AI enhanced your research process or outcomes.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, present metrics or qualitative evidence of the impact your research had on the product or user experience.

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives that showcase your problem-solving abilities and user-centric approach.

• Prepared Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers that demonstrate your curiosity about the role, team, and company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples that showcase their ability to operate autonomously, leverage AI, and drive impact within a fast-paced, low-process environment. The AI Literacy interview is a distinct component that requires focused preparation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 1-4 years of UX research experience, emphasizing any work in fast-paced environments and your experience with qualitative research methodologies. Explicitly mention any AI tools or AI-native workflows you have utilized.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your end-to-end research process, ability to derive actionable insights, and, crucially, your use of AI in research. Ensure these demonstrate your autonomy and impact.

• Practice your video presentation: For the take-home exercise, script and record a clear, concise summary of a given UXR topic, showcasing your synthesis and communication skills.

• Research Goodnotes: Understand their product, mission, and company values. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture, especially regarding "AI-native" work and a "bias for action."

⚠️ 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.