UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher (Program & Practice Focus)

Company: Red River

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied 5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Implied by "office-flex" and location context)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a strategic UX Researcher position focused on enhancing the overall research practice and systems within Red River's product development ecosystem.

• The position requires a full-stack researcher capable of both tactical study execution and strategic program-level improvements, acting as a force multiplier for the research team.

• Key responsibilities include conducting mixed-methods research, identifying cross-portfolio trends, and optimizing participant recruitment and research quality standards.

• The role emphasizes driving consistency, efficiency, and strategic alignment across all research functions, with a focus on data integrity and the use of AI synthesis tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "UX Researcher (Program & Practice Focus)" combined with responsibilities like "cross-portfolio insights," "systems that support a mature research organization," and "force multiplier for the team" indicates a role that transcends individual product research. It suggests a focus on operationalizing and scaling the research function itself, similar to a Product Operations or Research Operations (ResOps) role within a larger GTM or Product organization. The emphasis on "playbook usability," "workflow documentation," and "participant recruitment optimization" further supports this interpretation. The implied experience level is mid-to-senior given the strategic and systemic nature of the responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct evaluative and generative research studies within specific product areas to deliver rapid, actionable insights supporting design and engineering sprints.

• Partner with embedded UX Researchers to execute recurring research cycles, adhering to established protocols for consistent, high-quality data collection.

• Pilot, refine, and document new research methodologies and "playbooks" to enhance team adoption and scale best practices across the organization.

• Execute end-to-end participant recruitment and screening, leveraging database insights to optimize sample representation and uphold rigorous data integrity and participant "freshness" standards.

• Utilize and monitor AI synthesis tools in analysis workflows, validating AI outputs against human insights to ensure accuracy, ethical standards, and efficiency.

• Identify and analyze trends across the product portfolio, contributing to cross-portfolio insights and strategic research initiatives.

• Analyze participant and recruiting patterns to drive improvements in research quality, standards, and user access.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: direct research execution ("evaluative and generative studies") and operational improvement of the research function ("pilot, refine, and document new research methodologies," "optimize sample representation," "utilize and monitor AI synthesis tools"). This blend is characteristic of roles that bridge individual contributor research with operational excellence, often seen in mature product organizations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX Researcher roles. Advanced degrees may be preferred for more strategic or program-focused positions.

Experience: Implied 5-10 years of experience in UX research, with a demonstrated ability to conduct mixed-methods research and contribute to the operational aspects of a research practice. Experience in program management or research operations is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in conducting foundational and usability studies (moderated and unmoderated).

• Ability to maintain pace with rapid sprint cycles while ensuring research rigor.

• Demonstrated experience piloting, refining, and documenting new research methodologies and "playbooks."

• Strong skills in participant recruitment and screening, with an understanding of database analytics for sample optimization.

• Experience utilizing and evaluating AI synthesis tools for research analysis.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and senior researchers.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in program management or research operations (ResOps).

• Familiarity with enterprise open source software environments.

• Experience identifying and analyzing trends across a product portfolio.

• Skills in developing and optimizing research workflows.

• Experience with advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a "full-stack" capability, meaning the candidate should be comfortable with both hands-on research execution and the strategic, systemic aspects of improving the research function. The mention of "practice maturity" and "program & practice focus" suggests a need for someone who can not only do research but also help build and scale the research capability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a range of mixed-methods research projects (evaluative and generative, moderated and unmoderated).

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to deliver rapid insights and drive product decisions within sprint cycles.

• Present examples of how you have contributed to developing, refining, or documenting research methodologies, playbooks, or workflows.

• Showcase experience with participant recruitment strategies, including how you've ensured diverse and representative samples.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your ability to document research workflows and methodologies clearly and concisely, suitable for team adoption.

• Highlight experience in creating or improving research protocols to ensure consistency and data integrity.

• Showcase how you have contributed to the continuous improvement of research processes, from recruitment to analysis and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with a "Program & Practice Focus," the portfolio should go beyond just showcasing individual studies. It needs to demonstrate the candidate's ability to think about research as a system, to improve processes, and to scale best practices. This means including examples of documentation, methodology refinement, and contributions to the research infrastructure itself.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $96,440.00 - $154,190.00 annually. The final offer will be based on qualifications, experience, and job location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Flexible Spending Account (healthcare and dependent care).

• Health Savings Account (for high-deductible medical plans).

• Retirement 401(k) with employer match.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Paid parental leave plans for all new parents.

• Leave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leave.

• Additional benefits: Employee stock purchase plan, family planning reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time). The hybrid work arrangement implies a degree of flexibility in scheduling, but core hours likely align with typical business operations for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is broad, reflecting the "Mid-Senior Level" implied experience and the potential for specialization within the role. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a large enterprise technology company, with specific mentions of parental leave and stock purchase plans that are attractive to many professionals. The "hybrid" work environment suggests flexibility, which is a common benefit in modern tech roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Enterprise Open Source Software Solutions. Red Hat is a leader in Linux, cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Implied by "Spread across 40+ countries," extensive benefits, and structured hiring processes). Red Hat is a significant global player.

Founded: 1993. Red Hat has a long-standing history and established reputation in the open-source and enterprise software markets.

Team Structure:

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

• This specific role will likely report to a UX Research Lead, Manager, or Director, and will collaborate closely with embedded UX Researchers, Product Managers, Designers, and Engineering teams.

Methodology:

• Red Hat's culture is deeply rooted in open source principles: transparency, collaboration, and community-driven innovation.

• Expect a data-driven approach to decision-making, with a strong emphasis on evidence gathered through research.

• The company values continuous improvement, iteration, and a willingness to experiment with new tools and methodologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Red Hat's open-source ethos is a critical aspect of its culture and operational approach. This translates to a collaborative, transparent, and intellectually curious work environment. For a UX Researcher, this means a focus on evidence-based decision-making and a willingness to share findings openly. The "program and practice focus" suggests Red Hat is investing in maturing its research operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior individual contributor level with a strong emphasis on operational excellence within the research function. It's a step beyond purely tactical research execution, involving systemic improvements and strategic contributions to the research practice itself.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a UX Research Manager or Director. Will collaborate extensively with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and potentially other operations or program management functions.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher will significantly impact product development by ensuring research insights are high-quality, relevant, and efficiently delivered. By improving the research practice, this role will enable faster decision-making, higher product quality, and better user experiences across Red Hat's broad product portfolio. The focus on participant recruitment and data integrity directly supports the reliability and validity of the evidence base used for strategic product decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in program management for research, research operations, specific research methodologies, or cross-portfolio strategic research.

• Leadership: Transition into leadership roles managing research teams or specific research programs as the practice matures.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to lead the adoption of new research tools and methodologies, including AI-driven analysis, and to mentor junior researchers.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Engage in high-impact projects that span multiple product lines and influence strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Program & Practice Focus" is a key differentiator. It suggests a growth path that can lead into Research Operations leadership, strategic research planning, or even broader Product Operations roles, rather than solely focusing on individual product UX research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Red Hat offers flexibility with in-office, office-flex, and fully remote options depending on role requirements. Given the Raleigh location and the nature of collaborative research, a hybrid model is most probable, allowing for in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. This is a major tech hub, offering a vibrant ecosystem for tech professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative environment where research findings are shared openly and debated constructively.

• Access to standard UX research tools, collaboration platforms, and potentially internal Red Hat developed tools for research management and analysis.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with designers, product managers, engineers, and other researchers to integrate research into the product development lifecycle.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility inherent in a hybrid and open-source culture, particularly for focused research and analysis tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "open and inclusive environment" at Red Hat means the workspace likely fosters diverse perspectives and encourages contributions from all levels. For a UX Researcher, this translates to an environment where user insights are valued and can genuinely influence product direction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, methodology, and understanding of the role's strategic aspects.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where candidates present 1-3 case studies from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, impact, and ability to articulate findings. This will likely focus on projects that showcase both direct research execution and contributions to process improvement.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other UX Researchers, Designers, or Product Managers to assess collaboration skills and technical depth.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the insights derived, and the tangible impact of your research on product decisions and outcomes. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to X% improvement in task completion," "informed a feature that increased user engagement by Y%").

• Showcase Process Improvement: For this specific role, highlight projects where you identified inefficiencies in research processes, proposed solutions, or implemented new methodologies/documentation.

• Demonstrate Mixed Methods: Include examples of both qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability tests) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics) research, and explain how you integrated them.

• Explain Your Role: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially in team-based projects.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your experience with AI synthesis tools, participant recruitment optimization, and how you would approach scaling research practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential take-home assignment or a live exercise focused on a research problem, methodology design, or process improvement scenario.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when discussing trade-offs or challenges.

• Be ready to discuss your approach to ensuring data integrity and ethical considerations in research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "program and practice focus," interviewers will be keen to see how the candidate thinks about research beyond individual studies. They will look for evidence of strategic thinking, process optimization skills, and the ability to act as a "force multiplier." The portfolio presentation is critical for demonstrating this.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for conducting moderated and unmoderated studies (e.g., UserTesting, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics).

• Collaboration Tools: Standard office suites and collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, Jira, Confluence).

• Prototyping/Design Tools (for review): Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD to understand design artifacts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools for analyzing qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, Excel, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• AI Synthesis Tools: Experience with or willingness to learn and validate AI-powered tools for analyzing and synthesizing research data.

• Dashboarding Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI for visualizing research findings and trends may be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how research insights feed into product management and development pipelines is key. Familiarity with project management tools like Jira is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "AI synthesis tools" is a key technological requirement, indicating Red Hat's adoption of modern research technologies. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with such tools, their understanding of their capabilities, and their approach to validating AI-generated insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Openness & Transparency: Embracing the open-source ethos in sharing research findings, methodologies, and challenges.

• Collaboration: Working closely with diverse teams (Design, Product, Engineering) to integrate user insights into the development process.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Prioritizing evidence from research to inform strategy and product development.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to enhance research quality, efficiency, and impact.

• Innovation: Willingness to experiment with new research methods and tools to stay at the forefront of the field.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work together to achieve common goals.

• Emphasis on constructive feedback, open dialogue, and shared ownership of product success.

• Researchers are expected to be proactive in sharing insights and engaging with stakeholders to ensure research is understood and acted upon.

📝 Enhancement Note: Red Hat's core values are deeply embedded in its operational culture. For a UX Researcher, this means being comfortable with transparency, actively contributing to a collaborative ecosystem, and being a champion for user-centricity backed by rigorous data.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Research: Balancing the need for deep, strategic insights with the demands of rapid sprint cycles across a large product portfolio.

• Cross-Portfolio Synthesis: Effectively synthesizing research findings from disparate product teams to identify overarching trends and strategic opportunities.

• Adoption of New Methodologies: Championing and integrating new research tools and processes (like AI synthesis) across a potentially diverse set of teams.

• Ensuring Data Integrity: Maintaining high standards for participant recruitment and data quality across a complex ecosystem.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research methodologies.

• Research Operations Expertise: Developing deep skills in scaling and managing research programs.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with the broader open-source and enterprise technology communities.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced researchers and leaders within Red Hat and the wider industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the "program and practice focus" of the role. Overcoming these challenges will require strong strategic thinking, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to process improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a systemic issue in a research process and how you addressed it." (Focus on process documentation, methodology refinement, or recruitment optimization).

• "How would you approach synthesizing research findings across multiple product teams to identify portfolio-level trends?" (Prepare examples of cross-functional analysis and reporting).

• "Discuss your experience with AI synthesis tools in research. What are their strengths and limitations, and how do you ensure the validity of AI-generated insights?" (Be ready to discuss practical application and critical evaluation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Red Hat's open-source culture and how do you see it influencing your approach to UX research?" (Research Red Hat's open-source principles and how they apply to user advocacy).

• "How do you collaborate with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure research insights are effectively integrated into product development?" (Provide examples of cross-functional partnership and communication).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly outline the Business/Product Problem, Your Role & Responsibilities, Research Questions, Methodology, Key Findings, Recommendations, and Impact.

• Highlight Process: Explicitly call out any contributions you made to improving research processes, documentation, or tools within your case studies.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and specific outcomes wherever possible to demonstrate the value of your research.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions on specific methodological choices, participant selection, and how you handled unexpected results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to operate at a strategic and operational level within UX research, not just as an individual researcher. Demonstrating an understanding of "program and practice" is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Red Hat careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize keywords related to UX research, mixed-methods research, program management, process improvement, participant recruitment, and AI synthesis tools. Highlight achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve research operations and act as a force multiplier.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase both direct research impact and contributions to research process enhancement. Ensure clear documentation of your role, methodology, findings, and quantifiable impact.

• Research Red Hat: Familiarize yourself with Red Hat's products, its open-source culture, and its commitment to innovation. Understand how UX research contributes to their overall business strategy.

• Practice your presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clear articulation, strategic insights, and the ability to answer in-depth questions about your process and impact.

⚠️ 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.

---