UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Company: Lightricks Location: New York City, New York, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Research / Product Research Date Posted: 2026-02-18T14:56:08 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation by planning and executing comprehensive UX research initiatives, employing a diverse range of methodologies to uncover user needs and behaviors within the context of AI-driven tools.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Design, and Data Science teams to identify critical research opportunities that will shape the evolution of Lightricks' AI capabilities and the LTX-2 generative video model.
• Conduct both generative and evaluative research to deeply understand user workflows, mental models, and the nuances of human-AI collaboration, with a specific focus on B2B users.
• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives that directly influence product strategy, model behavior, and the overall user experience for enterprise clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within an AI-first company focused on content creation technology, specifically generative video. The UX Researcher will be instrumental in understanding how users interact with advanced AI, bridging the gap between imagination and creation for businesses and studios. The emphasis on B2B user research, combined with the focus on AI-human collaboration and the LTX-2 model, indicates a strategic role requiring a blend of deep research expertise and business acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute a variety of research methodologies, including but not limited to: in-depth interviews, usability testing, concept testing, surveys, and diary studies, selecting the most appropriate method based on research objectives.
• Proactively identify and define key research questions that will inform the strategic direction and iterative development of LTX-2 and its associated AI functionalities, working closely with product and engineering teams.
• Conduct both exploratory (generative) research to identify unmet needs and opportunities, and validation (evaluative) research to assess the effectiveness and usability of new features and AI model behaviors.
• Develop a deep understanding of how B2B users, particularly advertising professionals and agencies, collaborate with AI tools, focusing on aspects like trust, intuitiveness, and empowerment in their creative workflows.
• Synthesize and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from research studies to extract actionable insights, user pain points, and key opportunities for product improvement and innovation.
• Communicate research findings effectively and creatively to diverse stakeholders (Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Executives) through compelling presentations, detailed reports, and impactful storytelling that drives strategic decision-making.
• Act as a user advocate by championing the integration of research insights into product roadmaps, feature development, and AI model refinement, fostering a data-informed product development culture.
• Contribute to research democratization efforts by educating and empowering cross-functional teams to conduct purposeful research, fostering a company-wide understanding of user needs and research principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and strategic approach to UX Research. The emphasis on "identifying research opportunities," "building an understanding of AI–human collaboration," and "shaping product direction" indicates that this role is not just about executing research but also about defining the research agenda and influencing high-level product strategy within an innovative AI context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a human-related field such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of dedicated professional experience in User Experience (UX) Research.
• Demonstrated success in conducting B2B user research, with a strong understanding of the unique needs and workflows of business users.
• Proven track record of research findings that have directly led to tangible product changes, feature improvements, or strategic shifts.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in planning and executing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative UX research methodologies, including interviews, usability testing, concept testing, surveys, and diary studies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate cross-functionally with diverse teams, including Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Data Science, managing multiple stakeholders and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to synthesize research data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Natural curiosity, a proactive mindset, and a genuine passion for understanding human behavior, thought processes, and work methodologies, particularly in the context of emerging technologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching AI-driven tools, generative models, or complex software platforms.
• Specific experience researching advertising professionals, creative agencies, or enterprise-level content creation workflows.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and techniques to complement qualitative research findings.
• Experience in research democratization or enabling non-researchers to conduct user research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "proven track record of research findings impacting change" is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase specific examples in their portfolio and during interviews where their research directly influenced product decisions and led to measurable positive outcomes. The "B2B user research" focus is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 significant UX research projects, with a strong emphasis on those involving B2B users or complex technology platforms.
• Detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end research processes, from initial problem definition and research planning to execution, analysis, and the impact of findings on product strategy and development.
• Evidence of applying various research methodologies appropriately and effectively to address specific research questions and business objectives.
• Clear articulation of the user problems identified, the research approach taken, key insights derived, and the resulting product recommendations or implemented changes.
• Demonstrations of how research findings were communicated to stakeholders and influenced decision-making within cross-functional teams.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to clearly document research plans, methodologies, participant recruitment strategies, and analysis frameworks.
• Examples of translating raw research data (interview transcripts, usability test recordings, survey responses) into synthesized findings, user personas, journey maps, or other impactful artifacts.
• Documentation that illustrates problem-solving skills, adaptability in research approaches, and the ability to navigate complex product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize B2B research projects and demonstrate the candidate's ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for product teams working on sophisticated AI technologies. Highlighting impact and influence on product strategy will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $139,000 USD per year.

• Note: Actual compensation will be determined based on a candidate's qualifications, experience level, and other relevant factors. This range is competitive for a mid-level UX Researcher in the New York City metropolitan area, considering the specialized nature of AI research and the company's industry.

Benefits:

• Stock Options: Opportunity to gain equity in a growing AI-first company.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, with the company covering the majority of premiums.
• Retirement Savings: 401k plan with a company match of up to 4%.
• Lifestyle Stipends:
  • $3,000 annual stipend for lunch expenses.
  • $1,000 annual budget for Learning, Development, and Wellness activities.
  • Work-from-home stipend to support remote work setup.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 21 days of PTO annually.
• Special Occasion: Birthdays off, providing an additional day of celebration.
• Work Culture: Access to talented colleagues and a supportive work culture that prioritizes a healthy work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week. The company culture emphasizes a healthy work-life balance, suggesting flexibility within reasonable working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for the New York City market for a mid-level UX Researcher. The benefits package is robust, with a notable emphasis on lifestyle and professional development budgets, which can be attractive to candidates seeking continuous growth. The "work from home stipend" is interesting given the "On-site" designation, possibly indicating a hybrid flexibility or support for home office setup even for on-site employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (AI-First Content Creation, Generative Video, Creative Software) Company Size: Lightricks is a growing technology company with a significant global presence, employing hundreds of individuals. This size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact, while still maintaining a focused and collaborative culture. Founded: Lightricks was founded in 2013, indicating a mature startup or scale-up phase, with established products and a proven track record in the creative technology space, now heavily investing in AI innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team likely operates within or closely alongside the Product and Design departments, forming a core component of the product development lifecycle.
• Researchers collaborate extensively with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, Data Scientists, and AI Engineers, working in cross-functional squads or project teams.
• The reporting structure is likely to be a direct report to a Head of UX Research, Director of Product, or similar leadership role, with opportunities for senior researchers or leads within the team.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: Lightricks leverages AI and user data to drive innovation, emphasizing a scientific approach to product development.
• User-Centric Design: A strong focus on understanding user needs and workflows to create intuitive and powerful creative tools.
• Experimentation and Iteration: The company's AI-first mission suggests a culture that encourages experimentation with new technologies and iterative product development based on research and user feedback.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Emphasis on breaking down silos and fostering close partnerships between research, product, design, and engineering.

Company Website: careers.lightricks.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Lightricks' positioning as an "AI-first company" with a mission to "bridge the gap between imagination and creation" suggests a culture that values innovation, deep technical expertise, and a user-focused approach to complex AI challenges. The mention of LTX-2 and API integration points towards a B2B and ecosystem-oriented strategy, which will influence the types of user problems the UX Researcher will tackle.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level UX Researcher position. It requires independent execution of research projects, the ability to influence product decisions, and a solid foundation in research methodologies. The role is expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of AI-human collaboration and shape product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a senior research lead or a Director of Product/Design. They will work embedded within product teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Data Scientists. This structure allows for direct impact on product development while being part of a specialized research function.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is critical for Lightricks' success in the AI-first content creation space. By providing deep insights into user needs, workflows, and the usability of AI-driven tools like LTX-2, this role directly influences:

• The intuitiveness and effectiveness of AI features.
• The adoption and satisfaction of B2B customers.
• The overall product strategy and roadmap for generative AI tools.
• The competitive positioning of Lightricks in the AI content creation market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI research, human-AI interaction, and B2B user research, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within the company.
• Leadership Development: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives, or take on more strategic research planning responsibilities.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain extensive experience working with cutting-edge AI technology and collaborating with high-caliber teams across Product, Design, and Engineering.
• Impactful Projects: Contribute to the development of groundbreaking AI tools that have the potential to redefine creative workflows for businesses and enterprises.
• Industry Advancement: Develop a strong portfolio and reputation working on advanced AI research within a leading company in the creative tech space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is significant, particularly given Lightricks' focus on AI. A successful UX Researcher here can become a key player in shaping the future of AI-powered content creation tools, offering substantial career advancement and the chance to work on highly innovative projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Lightricks operates in a modern office environment in New York City, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. As an on-site role, it emphasizes in-person interaction and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The role is based in New York City, a major hub for technology and creative industries, offering access to a vibrant professional community and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open workspaces, meeting rooms, and informal areas designed to encourage spontaneous collaboration and idea sharing amongst teams.
• Technology & Tools: Access to state-of-the-art research equipment, software, and internal tools necessary for conducting comprehensive UX research.
• Team Integration: Opportunities for regular interaction with UX Designers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and AI Engineers, fostering a cohesive and integrated product development process.
• Focus Time: While collaboration is key, the environment should also support focused work time for research analysis and report writing.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours. The company's emphasis on "healthy work-life balance" suggests that while the work is demanding, there is a commitment to preventing burnout and promoting sustainable working practices. Some flexibility may be available, but the core expectation is on-site presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation in New York City, coupled with the "Work from home stipend," suggests that while the primary expectation is office-based work, there might be an acknowledgment of the evolving nature of work and support for employees' home office setups, perhaps for occasional remote work days or simply for enhanced comfort and productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, followed by a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, research philosophy, and specific examples of your work, particularly related to B2B research and AI.
• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: You will likely be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio. This is a critical step to demonstrate your research process, insights, impact, and communication skills. Be prepared to discuss challenges, decisions, and outcomes in depth.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product, Design, and potentially Data Science/Engineering teams. These sessions will assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and understand their perspectives.
• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize B2B & AI: Select projects that best highlight your B2B research experience and any work involving AI, complex technology, or enterprise software.
• Showcase Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific role, the research methods used, the key insights uncovered, and, most importantly, the tangible impact your research had on the product or business. Use metrics where possible.
• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your entire research process, from defining objectives and planning to execution, analysis, and synthesis. Explain why you chose specific methods.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice presenting your case study concisely and engagingly. Be ready to answer questions about your methodology, decisions, and the outcomes. Use visuals effectively.
• Tailor to Lightricks: Research Lightricks' products (Facetune, LTX-2) and understand their AI-first mission. Frame your experience in a way that shows how you can contribute to their goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Methodology Questions: Be prepared to discuss your preferred research methods, when to use them, and how you adapt them to different contexts.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate hypothetical research challenges related to AI-human collaboration or B2B user needs and outline how you would approach them.
• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you manage conflicting stakeholder opinions or push back on research findings.
• AI-Specific Considerations: Consider the unique challenges and opportunities of researching AI products (e.g., user trust, explainability, bias, evolving capabilities).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial part of the interview process. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a compelling case study that clearly demonstrates their ability to conduct impactful B2B UX research and translate findings into actionable product strategies, especially within an AI context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, and user interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform).
• Collaboration Software: Proficiency in tools for team collaboration and documentation (e.g., Google Workspace, Notion, Confluence, Miro, Figma).
• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and potentially basic quantitative analysis (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in creating compelling presentations using tools like Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Keynote to communicate research findings.
• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret and present data visually, potentially using tools like Tableau or Looker if the role involves deeper data integration.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct requirement for a UX Researcher, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms can provide context for B2B user workflows and customer journeys. Understanding how user data flows through these systems can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements aren't listed, a strong UX Researcher will be proficient in a suite of tools for planning, executing, analyzing, and communicating research. The ability to work with data scientists suggests familiarity with data interpretation is valuable, even if direct data manipulation isn't the core focus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Learning: A deep-seated curiosity about how people think and work, combined with a drive for continuous learning, especially in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
• Impact & Actionability: A commitment to delivering research insights that are not just interesting but directly actionable and lead to positive product changes.
• Collaboration & Empathy: A strong ability to work effectively with diverse teams, understanding their perspectives and fostering a collaborative environment where user needs are central.
• User Advocacy: A passion for representing the user, ensuring their needs, pain points, and goals are understood and addressed throughout the product development process.
• Innovation & Exploration: Embracing new methodologies and technologies to push the boundaries of understanding user behavior, particularly in the context of AI.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Partnerships: Working closely within product squads, acting as a key partner to Product Managers and Designers, providing continuous user feedback loops.
• Data-Informed Discussions: Engaging in data-driven debates and decision-making processes, using research findings as a foundation for strategic discussions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing insights and research best practices across teams, contributing to a culture of shared learning and research democratization.
• Constructive Feedback: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve research processes and product outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lightricks values an environment where "people are encouraged to think, create, and explore." For a UX Researcher, this translates to a culture that supports creative research approaches, encourages deep dives into user problems, and empowers individuals to drive innovation through user understanding.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Understanding Novel AI Interactions: Researching user behaviors and mental models for entirely new forms of AI-human collaboration, where established patterns may not exist. This requires innovative research approaches.
• Bridging Generative AI Capabilities with B2B Needs: Translating the potential of advanced generative AI models (like LTX-2) into practical, valuable, and trustworthy solutions for business users with specific workflows and ROI expectations.
• Communicating Complex Technical Concepts: Effectively conveying the nuances of AI capabilities and user interactions to diverse stakeholders, ensuring a shared understanding and informed decision-making.
• Balancing Research Rigor with Speed: Operating in a fast-paced tech environment requires delivering timely insights without compromising research quality or depth.
• Research Democratization: Successfully fostering a culture where non-researchers can effectively and ethically gather user insights, requiring training, tool development, and ongoing support.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Research Specialization: Gain cutting-edge experience in researching human-AI interaction, generative models, and the future of creative AI tools.
• B2B Enterprise Focus: Deepen expertise in understanding the unique needs, decision-making processes, and ROI drivers of business customers.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in influencing product strategy and driving change through effective collaboration with Product, Design, and Engineering leaders.
• Methodological Innovation: Experiment with and pioneer new research methods tailored to understanding AI-driven experiences.
• Industry Exposure: Work with a talented team at a leading company in the AI and creative technology space, potentially leading to significant career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lies in navigating the frontier of AI research. Candidates who are excited by the unknown, eager to develop new methodologies, and adept at translating complex AI concepts into user-centric solutions will thrive and grow significantly in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to research a novel technology or user behavior for which there were no existing best practices. How did you approach it, and what did you learn?" (Focus on your ability to innovate research methods and handle ambiguity.)
• "How would you approach understanding the trust and usability concerns of advertising professionals when they are asked to rely on AI for creative output? What research methods would you prioritize?" (Assess your B2B and AI research strategy.)
• "Walk us through a project where your research findings significantly influenced product strategy or design decisions. What was the challenge, your approach, the insight, and the impact?" (Prepare a strong case study showcasing impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Lightricks' mission and its focus on AI-first content creation technology?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the company's vision.)
• "How do you see UX Research contributing to the success of an AI-first company like Lightricks?" (Connect your role to the company's strategic goals.)
• "Describe your ideal cross-functional collaboration environment. How do you build relationships and ensure your research insights are heard and acted upon?" (Highlight your collaboration and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For your chosen case study, clearly define the problem, your role and objectives, the research questions, your chosen methodology (and why), key findings, actionable insights, and the resulting impact.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. Did your research lead to increased conversion, reduced churn, improved user satisfaction scores, or a shift in product roadmap?
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, data analysis, challenges faced, stakeholder disagreements, and alternative approaches you considered.
• Showcase Your Thinking: Explain your reasoning and decision-making process throughout the research project. This reveals your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
• Practice Delivery: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Aim for a presentation that is engaging and easy to follow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with B2B research, AI-driven products, and complex technology platforms. The interview will likely probe their ability to translate complex technical concepts and user behaviors into actionable product strategies. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Apply Online: Submit your application through the Lightricks careers portal. Ensure your resume and any requested documents are uploaded.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest UX research projects, prioritizing those that demonstrate B2B experience, impact on product strategy, and ideally, any work related to AI or complex technologies. Ensure case studies are clear, concise, and highlight your process and outcomes.
• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to emphasize keywords relevant to UX Research, B2B research, AI-human interaction, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Prepare Your Case Study Presentation: Rehearse your chosen portfolio case study thoroughly. Be ready to articulate your research process, key insights, and the impact of your work with confidence and clarity.
• Research Lightricks: Familiarize yourself with Lightricks' products (Facetune, LTX-2), their AI-first mission, and their market position. Understand their values and culture to articulate your fit.

⚠️ 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.