UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Company: Ziff Davis Shopping Location: United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations Date Posted: August 14, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct comprehensive user research to uncover user needs, validate product concepts, and improve user experience across Ziff Davis Shopping's digital portfolio.
• Partner closely with Product Managers, Product Designers, and Engineering teams in the US and UK to integrate user insights into product development and design strategies.
• Champion user-centered design principles and evangelize the importance of UX research across product and business teams to foster an insights-driven culture.
• Utilize a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to gather actionable data and translate findings into clear, impactful recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the broader operations framework, focusing on user insights as a critical input for product development and strategic decision-making. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and process improvement aligns with typical Revenue Operations and GTM Operations functions that rely on deep customer understanding to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and synthesize user research studies across the product lifecycle, from discovery and concept validation to usability testing.
• Employ a diverse toolkit of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including user interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, diary studies, card sorting, and usability testing.
• Translate user needs, tasks, and goals into tangible artifacts such as user stories, journey maps, and detailed user requirements.
• Communicate research findings and actionable recommendations effectively through compelling visual storytelling (e.g., highlight videos, decks, storyboards) to champion user perspectives within product and design teams.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for research initiatives and integrate qualitative findings with quantitative data analysis to provide deeper, more robust insights.
• Facilitate insight-sharing workshops and collaborative sessions to ensure research outcomes directly inform product and design strategies.
• Provide support for vendor-managed research projects, including active participation in live observations and contributing to probing questions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research processes, tools, and best practices to enhance the overall effectiveness of the insights function and research operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic role in bridging user needs with product development, which is crucial for optimizing the customer journey and, by extension, revenue generation. The focus on "actionable recommendations" and "insight-sharing workshops" points to a need for strong analytical and communication skills to drive operational improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Psychology, Sociology, or a closely related field. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience in applied user research, with a proven track record of integrating research insights into product and design practices.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting user research across various methods and product development stages.
• Experience with research, prototyping, and collaboration tools such as UserTesting.com, Figma, and various survey platforms is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and understanding of their appropriate application for different research objectives.
• Strong grasp of user-centered design principles and usability best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to present findings clearly and persuasively to cross-functional teams.
• A natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation to uncover user needs and translate them into actionable insights.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality research outputs.
• Ability to balance user advocacy with practicality, proposing solutions that are feasible within fast-paced, evolving environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience integrating qualitative findings with quantitative data for richer, more comprehensive insights.
• Facilitation skills for insight-sharing workshops and cross-functional collaboration sessions.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and how UX research fits within sprint cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level suggests a role that can operate with a degree of autonomy, contributing significantly to research strategy and execution. The emphasis on "integrating insights into product and design practices" and "actionable recommendations" indicates a need for candidates who can drive tangible business outcomes through research.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing end-to-end user research projects, highlighting the research process from planning and execution to synthesis and impact.
• Include examples of how research insights directly influenced product decisions, design iterations, or strategic planning, with clear articulation of the outcomes.
• Showcase proficiency in using various research tools and platforms, demonstrating adaptability across different methodologies.
• Highlight experience in translating complex user data into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and refining research plans, including participant recruitment strategies, methodology selection, and data analysis frameworks.
• Examples of creating user journey maps, personas, or other artifacts that synthesize research findings and articulate user needs.
• Demonstrate experience in documenting and presenting research results in formats that are easily digestible and actionable for product, design, and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is implicitly required for UX Researcher roles to demonstrate practical application of research skills. Candidates should prepare to showcase projects that highlight their ability to drive product improvements and demonstrate the impact of their research on business objectives, aligning with the operational goals of enhancing user experience and customer satisfaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is $90,000 to $120,000 annually.
• Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as job location, specific skills, experience level, and education.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including domestic partner coverage.
• Pet insurance.
• Flexible Vacation / Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Charitable Giving Programs: Paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.
• Family Planning Programs: Including MAVEN Fertility Concierge.
• Pregnancy and Paid Parental Leave (up to 16 weeks).
• 401K savings plan with employer match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
• Wellness Programs: Gym reimbursement, Lose It! and Calm subscriptions.
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements.
• Access to diverse and inclusive employee resource groups (ERGs).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid and remote work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a UX Researcher role with 2-3 years of experience in the US market. The comprehensive benefits package reflects a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which can positively impact team morale and productivity, indirectly supporting operational efficiency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Ziff Davis Shopping operates within the e-commerce and digital media industry, focusing on providing consumers with tools and information to discover deals and make informed purchasing decisions. This sector demands agility, data-driven decision-making, and a strong focus on user experience to maintain competitiveness and drive revenue.

Company Size:

• As part of Ziff Davis, Inc., Ziff Davis Shopping benefits from the resources and stability of a larger organization while maintaining the focus of a dedicated business unit. This dual structure often allows for both established processes and a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Founded:

• Ziff Davis has a long history dating back to 1927, evolving through various media and technology ventures. Ziff Davis Shopping, as a business unit, leverages this legacy while focusing on modern e-commerce and consumer-facing digital brands like RetailMeNot and Offers.com.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely be embedded within or closely collaborate with product, design, and engineering teams, acting as a central point for user insight generation.
• Reporting structure is not specified but typically falls under a Head of Product, Director of UX, or a dedicated Research Lead.
• Cross-functional collaboration will be key, working with Product Managers for strategic direction, Product Designers for feature ideation and iteration, and Engineers for technical feasibility and implementation. Collaboration also extends to marketing and data analytics teams to triangulate insights.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs a mix of agile methodologies, incorporating user research throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, combining qualitative user feedback with quantitative analytics to validate hypotheses and inform product roadmaps.
• Workflow optimization is implicitly driven by research findings, aiming to improve user task completion, engagement, and conversion rates.

Company Website:

• https://www.ziffdavis.com/ (Company URL was provided as null, using the parent company's URL for context)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Ziff Davis's positioning in the digital commerce space helps frame the UX Researcher's role in driving user satisfaction and, consequently, commercial success. The emphasis on collaboration with international teams (US and UK) suggests a need for strong cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is an individual contributor position at an early-to-mid career level for a UX Researcher. It requires practical experience in applying research methodologies and translating insights into actionable product improvements. The focus is on execution and contributing to the research strategy rather than leading a team.

Reporting Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely report to a senior member of the Product or Design team, such as a Director of Product Management or Head of UX Design. They will work closely with Product Managers and Product Designers on specific projects.

Operations Impact:

• The UX Researcher's impact is directly tied to improving the user experience of Ziff Davis Shopping's digital products. By ensuring products are intuitive, valuable, and engaging, this role contributes to higher user satisfaction, increased conversion rates, improved customer retention, and ultimately, revenue growth. Their insights help optimize the customer journey, a critical component of revenue operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in various qualitative and quantitative research methods, learn new tools, and contribute to refining research operations and processes.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Potential to influence product strategy and design direction by effectively communicating user needs and advocating for user-centered approaches.
• Specialization: Possibility to specialize in specific areas of research (e.g., generative research, evaluative research, accessibility research) or product domains within Ziff Davis Shopping.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced product managers, designers, and potentially senior researchers within the broader Ziff Davis organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation in applied UX research within a commercial context. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening research expertise and increasing influence on product development, which are valuable for advancing a career in product operations or user experience strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The company offers "Hybrid, Remote and Flexible work arrangements," suggesting a modern workplace model that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. This allows for a mix of focused individual work and team-based interaction.

Office Location(s):

• While the primary listing is "United States," the role explicitly mentions collaboration with teams in the UK, indicating a globally distributed team structure. Specific office locations within the US are not detailed but are likely in key tech hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative environment where UX Researchers work closely with product and design teams, participating in brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and insight-sharing workshops.
• Access to standard UX research tools (e.g., UserTesting.com, Figma, survey platforms) is expected, supporting efficient data collection and analysis.
• Opportunities for interaction will be frequent with core product teams, but also with broader stakeholders across marketing, engineering, and potentially data science.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid and flexible work arrangements allow for adaptability in scheduling, accommodating both collaborative needs and individual work preferences, which is beneficial for deep-dive research tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and flexible work model caters to modern workforce expectations and can enhance productivity by allowing employees to optimize their work environment. This flexibility is crucial for roles that require focused analysis and deep thinking, common in UX research operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Expect interviews with the hiring manager and key team members (Product Managers, Designers) to discuss your experience, research approach, and problem-solving skills.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, walking through specific research projects, methodologies used, insights generated, and the resulting impact on product development. Prepare to discuss your process and decision-making.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home assignment or a live case study simulating a research problem, requiring you to outline a research plan, identify key questions, and propose methods.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final round with senior leadership to discuss strategic thinking and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 projects that best showcase your skills across different research methods and product stages. Focus on projects with clear impact.
• Structure Your Narratives: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your research goals, the methodology employed, your specific role and contributions, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting outcomes or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Highlight Process: Detail your research process – how you planned, recruited participants, conducted the research, analyzed data, and synthesized findings. Emphasize your thought process and decision-making rationale.
• Showcase Communication: Prepare to present your findings compellingly, using visual aids (e.g., slides, highlight reels) to convey insights effectively. Practice articulating complex information clearly and concisely.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the impact of your research. Did it lead to a measurable increase in conversion rates, task success, or user satisfaction?

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Plan Development: Be prepared to outline a research plan for a given product or feature, identifying research questions, target user segments, appropriate methodologies, and success metrics.
• Methodology Justification: Be ready to explain why you chose specific research methods for particular problems and how they align with business objectives.
• Insight Synthesis: Practice synthesizing findings from hypothetical data sets or case study descriptions into actionable recommendations.
• Stakeholder Communication: Think about how you would communicate research findings and advocate for user needs to different stakeholders (e.g., engineers, marketing, executives).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and communication. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just their knowledge of research methods but also their ability to translate those methods into tangible product improvements and business value, a key aspect of operational effectiveness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, UserZoom (or similar for remote usability testing and participant recruitment).
• Prototyping & Collaboration Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Miro, Mural (for collaborative design reviews and idea generation).
• Survey Platforms: SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms (for quantitative data collection and feedback surveys).
• Data Analysis & Synthesis Tools: Spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets), potentially qualitative data analysis software (e.g., DovTail, NVivo), and tools for creating visual presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics can be beneficial for understanding user behavior quantitatively and complementing qualitative findings.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker Studio) to present data effectively alongside research insights would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed within CRM systems or customer data platforms (CDPs) can provide context for user segmentation and research targeting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of UX research tools is crucial. The ability to integrate insights from these tools with broader business data (like from analytics or CRM) demonstrates a more holistic, operations-minded approach to understanding the user and driving business outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value of prioritizing the user's needs and experience in all product decisions, ensuring that research directly informs and improves the user journey.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of both qualitative and quantitative data to validate hypotheses and make informed strategic choices.
• Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment where insights are shared openly and research is integrated seamlessly into product development workflows.
• Curiosity & Continuous Learning: Encouraging a mindset of continuous exploration to uncover user needs and staying updated on evolving research methodologies and best practices.
• Impact & Actionability: Focusing on delivering research that leads to tangible improvements and actionable recommendations that drive product success and business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role actively integrates with Product Management and Product Design, working in lockstep to define research needs and translate findings into product strategies.
• Process Improvement Focus: A culture that encourages refining research processes, tools, and best practices to enhance efficiency and the quality of insights.
• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing research findings and learnings across teams through workshops, presentations, and documentation to build a collective understanding of the user.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values and collaboration style suggest an environment where research is valued as a critical input for operational efficiency and product success. This aligns with the broader goals of revenue and sales operations, which rely heavily on understanding and optimizing customer interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Needs with Fast-Paced Development: A common challenge is aligning research timelines with agile development sprints and the need for rapid product iteration. Candidates should be adept at prioritizing research efforts and adapting methodologies.
• Integrating Insights Across Diverse Products: Ziff Davis Shopping manages multiple brands (RetailMeNot, Offers.com, etc.), requiring researchers to understand diverse user bases and product contexts.
• Accessing and Synthesizing Diverse Data: Effectively combining qualitative research findings with quantitative data from various sources (analytics, surveys, A/B tests) can be complex.
• Advocating for User Needs: Continuously championing user perspectives and ensuring research insights are prioritized and acted upon by stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to focus on and develop expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., generative research, diary studies, advanced quantitative analysis).
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to evolving UX research techniques and tools through internal sharing and potentially external conferences or training.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining a deeper understanding of product management, design processes, and engineering constraints by working closely with these teams.
• Mentorship: Learning from senior team members and contributing to the growth of the research function within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for UX Researchers in dynamic digital companies. Successfully navigating these challenges offers significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development, particularly in areas related to operational efficiency and strategic impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Strategy: "How would you approach understanding user needs for a new feature on RetailMeNot? What research methods would you employ, and why?" (Focus on demonstrating your process, methodology selection, and ability to tailor research to specific goals.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to present research findings that contradicted a stakeholder's existing beliefs. How did you handle it?" (Prepare examples showcasing your communication, persuasion, and diplomatic skills.)
• Problem-Solving & Insights: "Imagine our user engagement has dropped by 10% on Offers.com. How would you investigate the root cause using UX research?" (Showcase your analytical thinking, ability to form hypotheses, and plan research to validate them.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Knowledge: "What do you know about Ziff Davis Shopping and its brands, like RetailMeNot? What excites you about our user base?" (Research the company's brands and mission. Understand their market position.)
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to collaborate with product managers and designers? What does a healthy UX research partnership look like to you?" (Articulate your ideal collaborative workflow and communication style.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your research? Can you provide an example of how your research led to a measurable business outcome?" (Prepare to discuss metrics and demonstrable impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the insights, and the impact.
• Visuals: Use compelling visuals (screenshots, user flows, highlight reels) to illustrate your points and make your findings memorable.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most critical aspects of each project and be prepared to go deeper on specific areas if asked.
• Interaction: Engage your interviewers by asking clarifying questions and inviting discussion on your findings and recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research expertise but also strategic thinking, strong communication, and a collaborative mindset, all crucial for operational success and influencing product direction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided job portal link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your experience with the research methods mentioned (interviews, surveys, usability testing) and showcasing your ability to translate findings into actionable insights relevant to e-commerce or digital products.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2-3 years of applied research experience, specific methodologies used, and any experience with relevant tools like UserTesting.com or Figma. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, methodology choices, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that align with the responsibilities and qualifications listed.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Ziff Davis Shopping's brands (RetailMeNot, Offers.com, etc.) and their market position. Understand their user base and the types of experiences they offer.

⚠️ 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.