UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Company: NBCUniversal (Versant Media) Location: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Date Posted: 2025-10-24 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive exceptional digital product experiences by uncovering actionable user insights through a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Develop and execute comprehensive research strategies that align with business objectives and product roadmaps for multiple news brands within the new Versant Media entity.
• Translate complex user needs, behaviors, and motivations into clear, data-driven recommendations to inform product strategy and design decisions.
• Advocate for the user throughout the entire product lifecycle, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to champion user-centricity.
• Synthesize research findings into compelling narratives, including reports, personas, and journey maps, to influence strategic decisions among executives and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the newly formed Versant Media, a spin-off from NBCUniversal, focusing on digital products for CNBC, MSNBC, and E!Online. The emphasis on "journalistic content" and fluency in "editorial, technical, and commercial worlds" suggests a fast-paced, data-informed environment where UX research directly impacts news delivery and monetization strategies. The role requires a strong understanding of the B2C digital media landscape, particularly in news and publishing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research studies, including usability testing, user interviews, surveys, and ethnographic studies, to inform critical product decisions.
• Develop strategic research plans tailored to specific product goals and evolving business needs, ensuring alignment with overall product roadmaps.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Designers, Engineers) to define research questions, formulate hypotheses, and establish clear research objectives.
• Synthesize research data from various sources, including behavioral analytics, to derive actionable insights and recommendations that guide product design and development.
• Create and present clear, persuasive research deliverables such as detailed reports, user personas, and customer journey maps to executive leadership and stakeholders to drive strategic alignment.
• Champion user needs and advocate for user-centered design principles across all phases of the product development lifecycle, ensuring a consistent and empathetic user experience.
• Partner with data analysts to integrate qualitative research findings with quantitative behavioral data, providing a holistic view of user behavior and product performance.
• Stay abreast of the latest UX research methodologies, tools, and emerging trends within the digital media and news industries to continuously enhance research practices.
• Foster and cultivate a strong culture of evidence-based decision-making and deep user empathy throughout the product and engineering teams.
• Ensure research practices adhere to accessibility standards and promote inclusive design principles in all digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for proactive research planning, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. The emphasis on integrating behavioral analytics with qualitative insights and advocating for user needs across product lifecycles are key indicators of a mature UX research function within a digital media context. The role requires not just data collection but also the strategic interpretation and communication of findings to drive tangible product improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree desired; MBA a plus. Experience: Minimum of 3 years of UX research experience, ideally within digital media, news organizations, or content publishing companies.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in a wide range of qualitative research methods (e.g., user interviews, ethnographic studies, contextual inquiries).
• Expertise in quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, A/B testing analysis, behavioral data analysis).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and identify meaningful patterns and insights.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex research findings clearly, persuasively, and concisely to diverse audiences, including executives.
• Demonstrated ability to translate user research findings into actionable recommendations that directly inform product strategy and design.
• Understanding of web, mobile app, and OTT product landscapes, particularly within the consumer (B2C) space.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles to ensure products are usable by a diverse range of users.
• Experience in digital media or publishing environments, with an appreciation for content creation and distribution.

Preferred Skills:

• Proven experience in evangelizing for the customer by effectively leveraging research, data, and user testing to influence product decisions.
• Experience working with senior management and presenting research findings with a clear, well-supported point of view.
• Experience working within a subscription-based business model, a news organization, or a content company/publisher.
• Familiarity with integrating behavioral analytics platforms with qualitative research insights.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (2-5 years) suggests a mid-level researcher capable of independent work but also benefiting from mentorship. The "Desired Qualifications" point towards a candidate who can not only execute research but also act as a strategic partner and advocate, influencing product direction and fostering a customer-centric culture. The emphasis on subscription models and news/content companies indicates a specific industry focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of UX research projects, highlighting your role and contributions.
• Include case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, methodology used, key findings, and the impact of your research on product decisions and outcomes.
• Showcase examples of how you have translated research insights into actionable recommendations for design and product strategy.
• Illustrate your ability to utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to support your findings and recommendations, effectively bridging different data types.
• Present evidence of your experience with different research methodologies and your rationale for choosing specific methods for different research questions.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented research processes, including research plans, participant recruitment strategies, and data analysis frameworks.
• Showcase your ability to create clear and compelling research reports, personas, and journey maps that effectively communicate user needs and behaviors to stakeholders.
• Illustrate your process for collaborating with design, product, and engineering teams to integrate research findings into the product development workflow.
• Demonstrate your approach to synthesizing complex data into concise, actionable insights that drive product improvements and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just list projects but tell a story of impact. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process, explain their choices, and quantify the results of their research whenever possible. Emphasis will be on how research directly influenced product strategy and user experience improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 USD per year. Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Access to a variety of company discounts and employee perks.
• Eligibility for company-sponsored benefits, reflecting NBCUniversal's commitment to employee well-being.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $80,000 - $120,000 for a UX Researcher with 3+ years of experience in the Englewood Cliffs, NJ area is competitive and aligns with industry benchmarks for this role and location. The benefits package is standard for a large media and entertainment company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment, Digital Content, News & Publishing. NBCUniversal is a global leader in entertainment, news, and digital content. The new Versant Media entity will focus on a specific portfolio of cable networks and digital assets, aiming for significant scale in news, sports, and entertainment. Company Size: NBCUniversal is a large enterprise (part of Comcast), and Versant Media, while a new entity, is expected to be substantial, comprising established media brands and digital platforms. This size implies structured processes, potential for extensive resources, and a corporate environment. Founded: NBCUniversal has a long history, with its current form stemming from mergers and acquisitions. The Versant Media spin-off is expected to be completed in 2025, creating a new, focused business unit.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated Product and Technology unit supporting CNBC, MSNBC, and E!Online.
• Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Director of Product Design, indicating a strong connection to the design function and a collaborative approach.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close partnerships are expected with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Data Analysts, and potentially editorial and commercial teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using research, data, and user testing to inform product strategy and design.
• User-Centricity: A core value, with the researcher acting as the primary advocate for user needs.
• Agile Product Development: Likely operating within an agile framework, requiring iterative research and feedback cycles.
• Cross-functional Synergy: Strong emphasis on collaboration to ensure alignment between editorial, technical, and commercial goals.

Company Website: https://www.nbcuniversal.com/ (for NBCUniversal context), with Versant Media being a new entity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The formation of Versant Media presents a unique opportunity to shape the culture and processes of a new organization from its early stages, while leveraging the stability and resources of NBCUniversal. The combination of journalistic content, digital product development, and commercial objectives requires a researcher who can navigate these diverse interests.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level UX Researcher. This role requires independent execution of research projects and the ability to influence product decisions, with a clear path for growth into senior research roles or specialized areas. Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Product Design, providing direct mentorship and guidance on research strategy and execution. This close reporting line facilitates career development and skill enhancement. Operations Impact: The UX Researcher directly influences the success of digital products for major news brands like CNBC, MSNBC, and E!Online. Their insights will guide the development of innovative features, improve user engagement, and potentially impact subscription models and advertising revenue by enhancing user experience and content consumption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, large-scale quantitative analysis, AI-driven research tools) and gain specialized knowledge in digital media and news consumption patterns.
• Leadership Potential: Develop skills in influencing stakeholders, leading research initiatives, and potentially mentoring junior researchers as the Versant Media team grows.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain a comprehensive understanding of product management, UX design, engineering, and the business objectives of a major media company.
• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like user acquisition, engagement, monetization, or specific platforms (mobile, web, OTT).

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a significant opportunity for growth within a newly established, yet well-resourced, media entity. The ability to influence product strategy from an early stage and contribute to the growth of prominent digital brands makes this a compelling mid-level career move.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at the Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey location. This suggests a traditional office environment conducive to in-person collaboration. Office Location(s): 900 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NEW JERSEY 07632. This location offers access to the New York metropolitan area's talent pool and industry connections.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature of the role facilitates spontaneous discussions, brainstorming sessions, and direct interaction with colleagues in Product, Design, and Engineering.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, potentially specialized UX research tools, analytics platforms, and collaboration suites.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct engagement with cross-functional teams, fostering a cohesive approach to product development.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a structured environment, but the dynamic nature of digital media and news may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or respond to urgent research needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role emphasizes the value placed on in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and spontaneous problem-solving within the product development lifecycle. This setting is ideal for building strong working relationships and fostering a shared understanding of user needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR review of application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Director of Product Design to delve into research experience, methodologies, and strategic thinking.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present selected case studies from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, findings, and impact. This will likely include discussing how research influenced product decisions.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers to assess collaboration style, communication, and ability to integrate research into product workflows.
• Executive/Stakeholder Interview: A final interview, potentially with senior leadership, to gauge strategic impact, communication clarity, and ability to influence high-level decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX research process, diverse methodologies, and demonstrable impact.
• Storytelling is Key: Structure each case study as a narrative: the problem, your unique approach, the methodology, key insights, actionable recommendations, and crucially, the measured outcomes or impact on the product and business.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "Usability testing led to a 15% reduction in task completion time," or "Research insights informed a feature that increased user engagement by 10%").
• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with cross-functional teams, how you presented findings, and how you addressed feedback.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your methodology choices, data analysis, and how you handled challenges or unexpected findings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Research Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a research problem for one of NBCUniversal's digital properties (e.g., improving the CNBC news app experience, understanding user needs for a new E!Online feature).
• Data Synthesis Exercise: You might be asked to interpret sample data or discuss how you would integrate qualitative and quantitative findings.
• Presentation Practice: Rehearse your portfolio presentation for clarity, conciseness, and impact. Practice articulating your thought process and defending your research decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the cornerstone of this application process. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they did, but why they did it and what the results were. Emphasis on strategic influence and cross-functional collaboration is expected.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Proficiency with tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), user interview scheduling and moderation (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and potentially specialized qualitative data analysis software (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo).
• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers to create prototypes for testing (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Collaboration Tools: Experience with platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for communication and remote collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Behavioral Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel to analyze user behavior data and integrate it with qualitative findings.
• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and reports to communicate insights.
• Reporting & Presentation Software: Proficiency in tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating compelling research reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how user data is collected and managed, potentially within a CRM context, can be beneficial.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) used by product and engineering teams for tracking research tasks and product backlogs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a UX Researcher is expected to be proficient in a range of qualitative and quantitative research tools, analytics platforms, presentation software, and collaborative communication suites. The ability to integrate insights from analytics tools with qualitative findings is a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Advocacy: A deep commitment to understanding and representing the needs and perspectives of the end-user in all product decisions.
• Data-Driven Insights: Valuing evidence and data (both qualitative and quantitative) as the foundation for strategic and design choices.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing findings openly, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared goals.
• Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new methodologies, understand emerging user behaviors, and contribute to innovative product solutions in the fast-paced media landscape.
• Impact & Accountability: Focusing on research that drives measurable improvements in user experience, engagement, and business outcomes, and taking ownership of research contributions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively participating in product development cycles, working alongside Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to ensure research is integrated seamlessly.
• Evidence-Based Communication: Presenting findings and recommendations in a clear, objective, and persuasive manner, backed by solid research data.
• Feedback Loops: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve research processes and product outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing research insights and best practices across teams to build a collective understanding of the user.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Versant Media, as indicated by NBCUniversal's broader values, likely emphasizes innovation, diversity, inclusion, and a strong work ethic. For a UX Researcher, this translates to a collaborative environment where user insights are highly valued and contribute directly to the company's success in the digital media space.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the often-competing priorities of editorial, technical, and commercial teams within news and media brands.
• Fast-Paced News Cycle: Adapting research methodologies and timelines to the rapid pace of news production and digital content updates.
• Synthesizing Complex Data: Integrating insights from various research methods and behavioral analytics to form a cohesive understanding of user behavior across different platforms (web, mobile, OTT).
• Demonstrating ROI of Research: Clearly articulating and measuring the impact of UX research on key business metrics in a competitive digital landscape.
• Cultural Shift: As part of a new entity (Versant Media), contributing to establishing and embedding a strong user-centric culture from the ground up.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Research Training: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, or pursue certifications in advanced UX research methodologies.
• Mentorship: Direct guidance from the Director of Product Design and potential mentorship from senior members of the product and technology teams.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep expertise in the digital news and media industry, understanding evolving consumer behaviors and monetization strategies.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn about product management, UX design principles, and the technical underpinnings of digital media platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a UX Researcher in a dynamic digital media environment, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for a mid-level professional looking to expand their influence and expertise within a major media organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Strategy: "How would you approach developing a research strategy for a new feature on the CNBC mobile app, considering both editorial goals and user engagement?"
• Methodology Choice: "Describe a time you had to choose between qualitative and quantitative methods for a research project. What factors influenced your decision, and what were the outcomes?"
• Influencing Stakeholders: "How do you present research findings to senior executives who may have differing opinions or priorities? Provide an example of a time you successfully influenced a product decision through your research."
• Problem Solving: "Walk me through a complex user problem you uncovered and how your research led to a solution. What were the key insights, and how were they translated into product changes?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Media Consumption: "What are your preferred news sources and how do you consume news and media digitally? What are your thoughts on current trends in digital journalism?"
• User Advocacy: "How do you prioritize user needs when they conflict with business objectives? Provide an example."
• Team Collaboration: "Describe your experience working with product managers, designers, and engineers. How do you ensure research is integrated effectively into their workflows?"
• Versant Media Vision: "What excites you about the formation of Versant Media and its focus on news and digital content?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each case study, clearly articulate the "What," "Why," and "So What." What was the problem? Why did you choose your methods? What were the findings, and what was the impact?
• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals (screenshots, mockups, charts, personas) to support your narrative and make your findings more digestible.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss the qualitative impact and how the research informed specific product decisions.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology, challenges faced, and alternative approaches you might have considered. Be ready to discuss your thought process.
• Tailor to NBCU/Versant: If possible, subtly weave in how your experience aligns with the goals of a digital media company like Versant Media.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating analytical rigor, strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and a genuine passion for understanding users within the digital media landscape. The portfolio presentation is paramount, so practice is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform. Ensure your resume and any requested documents are uploaded.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with qualitative and quantitative UX research methodologies, your work in digital media or publishing, and any experience with news or content platforms. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX research projects. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your approach, findings, recommendations, and demonstrable impact. Be ready to present this virtually or in-person.
• Research NBCUniversal & Versant Media: Understand the company's mission, its brands (CNBC, MSNBC, E!Online), and the strategic goals of the Versant Media spin-off. Familiarize yourself with their digital products.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common UX research interview questions, focusing on STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and practicing your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a UX Researcher role at a major media company undergoing a significant transition. All details, especially regarding the specific team structure and day-to-day responsibilities within Versant Media, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the interview process.