UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Attain

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Research & Development

Date Posted: 2026-03-25

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on understanding user needs and behaviors to inform new product features within a data-driven financial technology company.

• The UX Researcher will be instrumental in shaping the user experience of Attain's consumer-facing applications, Klover and Merryfield.

• A key aspect involves a pragmatic approach to research, balancing speed and insight to deliver actionable recommendations for product development teams.

• The position requires strong collaboration skills, working closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and marketing stakeholders to drive user-centered decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input title is "UX Researcher," the context provided by Attain's mission ("redefining the data-sharing ecosystem," "empower consumers to leverage their greatest asset—their data") and the focus on consumer mobile apps (Klover, Merryfield) strongly suggests this role operates within a product development function that heavily influences Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy through user understanding. Therefore, this enhancement will frame responsibilities and skills with an eye toward their impact on product-market fit and user acquisition/retention, aligning with GTM operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end research process for Attain’s suite of consumer apps (Klover, Merryfield, and future offerings), encompassing participant recruitment, research design, data collection, synthesis, and reporting.

• Employ a range of generative and evaluative methodologies, including but not limited to contextual inquiries, in-depth interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to uncover user needs, pain points, and behaviors.

• Proactively identify and prioritize research opportunities and questions in close partnership with product management, design, engineering, and marketing teams to align with business objectives and product roadmaps.

• Champion a user-centered approach across the organization by effectively communicating research findings and advocating for user needs in product strategy and decision-making.

• Deliver actionable insights with speed and efficiency, prioritizing impactful findings that inform rapid product iteration cycles and feature development.

• Analyze user behaviors and insights from both qualitative and quantitative data sources, translating complex findings into concise, clear, and actionable recommendations for product stakeholders.

• Propose and advocate for new research initiatives that align with evolving business goals, market trends, and user needs to drive product innovation.

• Contribute to establishing scalable research processes and frameworks that support the company's growth and the expansion of its product portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a "pragmatic approach to research" and prioritizing "speed-to-insight over perfection." This suggests the role will involve rapid, iterative research cycles, common in fast-paced startup environments. The responsibilities are framed to reflect this, focusing on actionable outcomes and continuous improvement of research processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in applied product research, with a strong preference for experience within a startup or early-stage company environment.

• Experience in financial technology (Fintech) and/or consumer mobile applications is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of the strengths and limitations of various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and the ability to select and apply them appropriately.

• Proven ability to conduct generative research (e.g., contextual inquiries, user interviews) to uncover unmet needs and opportunities.

• Demonstrated skill in conducting evaluative research (e.g., usability testing, surveys) to assess product usability and gather feedback.

• Strong analytical skills to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research findings and recommendations compellingly to diverse stakeholders.

• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional product teams (product managers, designers, engineers) and balance competing priorities.

• Highly collaborative and relationship-oriented, with a business-minded approach to research.

• Entrepreneurial mindset, driven by outcomes and the ability to navigate challenges with resilience.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with product analytics tools to complement qualitative research findings.

• Familiarity with user segmentation and persona development.

• Ability to quickly run usability tests and dig into product analytics.

• Experience advocating for user needs and influencing product strategy based on research insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Qualifications" section is extensive and covers a wide range of desirable traits and experiences. The "Required Skills" section has been populated with core competencies derived from these qualifications, focusing on the practical application of research methodologies and communication. The emphasis on "startup or early-stage company environment" and "Fintech/consumer mobile application experience" has been highlighted as critical differentiators.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of end-to-end research projects, showcasing the entire research lifecycle from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the research question, methodology employed, key findings, and the resulting product or design recommendations.

• Examples of how research insights have directly influenced product decisions, feature development, or user experience improvements, ideally with measurable outcomes.

• Evidence of proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, with a clear explanation of why specific methods were chosen for particular projects.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in developing research plans that align with product development timelines and business objectives.

• Include examples of how research findings were communicated and socialized with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and engineers.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to iterate on research processes to improve efficiency and impact over time, particularly in a fast-paced environment.

• Evidence of adapting research methodologies based on available resources, timelines, and decision-making needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role, a portfolio is crucial. This section outlines what a strong portfolio should contain, emphasizing the practical application of research skills and the ability to demonstrate impact on product development. The "Process Documentation" focuses on the operational aspects of research planning, execution, and communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Including coverage for employees and dependents.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays, designed to support work-life balance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company matching contributions to support long-term financial planning.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Including access to conferences, workshops, online courses, and a budget for continued learning and skill enhancement relevant to UX research and product development.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance for transportation costs for on-site employees in Chicago.

• Stock Options/Equity: Potential for equity in a growing startup, aligning employee success with company growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Attain may offer some flexibility in daily schedules, subject to team coordination and project needs, to ensure effective collaboration and research execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since salary was not provided, a regional benchmark has been estimated. The estimation methodology considers the specified location (Chicago, IL), experience level (2-5 years), and industry (Fintech/Consumer Apps), drawing on general knowledge of compensation trends for UX Researchers. A comprehensive list of typical benefits for a tech startup environment has been included.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of the Product Team, which includes product managers, designers, and analysts. This team collaborates closely from the earliest stages of product development, indicating a highly integrated and cross-functional working environment.

• The research role likely has a dotted-line reporting structure to a Head of Product or Design Lead, with direct collaboration across product pods or feature teams.

Methodology:

• Attain utilizes a product development methodology that integrates research deeply into the ideation, prototyping, design, and testing phases. This suggests an agile or lean approach where user feedback is continuously sought and incorporated.

• Data analysis is central, with a focus on understanding consumer behavior and leveraging real-time data for insights and targeted advertising, all while providing financial services.

Company Website:

• https://www.attain.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section synthesizes information from the "About Attain" and "About the role" sections, drawing inferences about the company's operational environment and culture. The emphasis is on how these aspects would affect someone in a product research or operations-adjacent role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in various research methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, generative, and evaluative techniques, and potentially gain exposure to behavioral economics and user psychology within a financial services context.

• Leadership Potential: As the company scales, there will be opportunities to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives for major product areas, and contribute to building out the research function and its processes.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Develop a strong understanding of product management, UX design, engineering, and marketing functions, enhancing overall product development acumen and potential career pivots into product management or strategy roles.

• Industry Specialization: Gain specialized knowledge in Fintech, consumer mobile applications, data privacy, and the emerging field of consumer-permissioned data economies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on the role's description as an "early-stage" hire with significant ownership and the company's growth trajectory. The "Operations Impact" section highlights how UX research contributes to broader GTM and business success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering close interaction with product managers, designers, and engineers. This environment is conducive to rapid iteration and problem-solving.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for UX research, including potentially specialized software for surveys, usability testing, and data analysis, would be provided.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours/week) is expected. While on-site, the company may offer some flexibility in daily start and end times to accommodate individual needs, provided it aligns with team collaboration and project demands. This flexibility is crucial for effective research data collection and analysis, which may sometimes require off-peak hours or specific timing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates from the "On-site" designation and general knowledge of startup office environments to provide context for the physical workspace and its implications for collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and Attain.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Product Lead or Design Manager) to explore experience, research approach, and alignment with team needs. This may include behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: Candidates will be asked to present a selection of their work from their portfolio, detailing 1-2 key research projects. This typically involves explaining the problem, methodology, findings, and impact, and may include a discussion of how they handled challenges or unexpected results.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders such as Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers. These sessions focus on collaboration skills, communication style, and how the candidate integrates research into the product development lifecycle.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CTO) to assess strategic thinking, cultural alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research capabilities, diverse methodologies, and impactful outcomes. Tailor your selection to highlight experience relevant to consumer mobile apps and Fintech if possible.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate: the business/product context, the research question(s), your role and responsibilities, the methodologies used and why, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the impact of your work (quantifiable if possible). Use visuals effectively.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your research led to tangible improvements in user experience, product features, or business metrics. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs made and how you navigated challenges.

• Demonstrate Pragmatism: Highlight instances where you balanced research rigor with speed and resource constraints, showcasing your ability to deliver timely, actionable insights in a fast-paced environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential scenario-based questions asking how you would approach a specific research problem for one of Attain’s apps.

• Practice articulating your research process and findings concisely and persuasively.

• Research Attain's products (Klover, Merryfield) thoroughly to understand their user base, features, and potential research questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is based on standard UX Researcher interview processes in tech companies, particularly those with a product focus and a need for demonstrable impact. The emphasis is on preparing a strong portfolio and articulating research value.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote interviews and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Zoom/Google Meet with screen sharing).

• Survey Tools: Platforms for designing and distributing surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms).

• Data Synthesis & Analysis Tools: Software for organizing and analyzing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, Miro for affinity mapping).

• Prototyping & Design Tools (for review): Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD to understand and provide feedback on designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Experience with tools that track user behavior within mobile apps (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Firebase Analytics) would be beneficial for complementing qualitative findings.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data presented in dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Looker) to understand user trends.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and integrated within the product ecosystem is valuable. Familiarity with how user feedback loops into product management systems (e.g., Jira, Asana) is also relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the typical technology stack for a UX Researcher, focusing on tools used for data collection, analysis, and collaboration within a product development context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user is paramount. Decisions are driven by empathy and a desire to solve real user problems.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While qualitative insights are key, the ability to integrate quantitative data and user analytics strengthens research findings and informs strategic choices.

• Agility & Speed: Embracing a fast-paced environment, prioritizing quick iterations, and delivering actionable insights that align with product development cycles.

• Collaboration & Openness: Fostering a culture of open communication, sharing findings transparently, and working collaboratively across disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: A drive to explore new approaches, challenge assumptions, and contribute to building a novel data-sharing ecosystem.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are embedded within product teams, working hand-in-hand with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers on a daily basis.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that values constructive feedback, both in receiving research insights and in refining research processes and methodologies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of research findings, best practices, and learnings across the broader organization to foster a collective understanding of the user.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from the company's mission, the description of the product team's work, and the emphasis on a startup environment. They highlight the operational ethos expected of team members.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: The primary challenge is delivering high-quality, actionable insights within tight product development timelines, requiring efficient methodologies and prioritization skills.

• Navigating a Growing Company: Adapting to evolving processes, team structures, and product priorities as Attain scales requires flexibility and a proactive approach.

• Establishing Research Maturity: As an early-stage company, there may be opportunities to help define and scale the research function, requiring the development of new processes and frameworks.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Integrating insights from qualitative research with product analytics, market data, and business goals to form a holistic understanding of user behavior and product performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research methods, potentially in areas like behavioral economics, longitudinal studies, or advanced quantitative analysis.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge in Fintech, consumer mobile apps, data privacy regulations, and the nuances of the consumer-permissioned data economy.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to mentor junior researchers as the team grows, or to take on leadership roles in defining research strategy for key product areas.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain a comprehensive understanding of product strategy, design thinking, and engineering challenges through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential difficulties and learning pathways inherent in a UX research role within a growing tech company, framed with an operations perspective on challenges and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach understanding user engagement challenges for our Klover app, considering our mission of data empowerment and financial services?" (Focus: applying research to business goals, methodology selection)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requests or priorities related to research. How did you manage it?" (Focus: stakeholder management, communication, negotiation)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Attain's mission of building a consumer-permissioned data ecosystem?" (Focus: cultural alignment, genuine interest)

• "How do you approach working within a fast-paced, potentially ambiguous startup environment?" (Focus: adaptability, pragmatism, resilience)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your journey through research, and the resolution/impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, especially in team settings.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, prototypes, data charts, quotes) to illustrate your findings and recommendations.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, how you handled unexpected results, and the specific impact of your recommendations.

• Connect to Attain: Where possible, draw parallels between your past work and Attain's products or mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's practical research skills, strategic thinking, collaborative abilities, and fit with Attain's specific environment and mission, drawing on common interview patterns for UX roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Attain careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in applied product research, consumer mobile applications, and any relevant Fintech or data-related projects. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Improved user task completion rate by X% through usability testing").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 strong case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end research process, ability to deliver actionable insights, and impact on product development. Ensure it is easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or shared document).

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience, research philosophy, and how your skills align with Attain's mission and the role's requirements. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail.

• Research Attain: Thoroughly review Attain's website, Klover, and Merryfield apps to understand their user base, value proposition, and competitive landscape. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company, team, and role.

⚠️ 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.