UX Researcher, Gemini on Watch
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: UX Researcher, Gemini on Watch Company: Google Location: Mountain View, California, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience Research / Product Research Date Posted: October 8, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years) Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Drive user-centric product development by conducting in-depth qualitative and quantitative user experience research.
- Influence cross-functional stakeholders, including executive leadership, to champion user needs and integrate research-driven insights into product strategy.
- Manage research projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with broader product goals and efficient resource allocation for Gemini on Watch products.
- Explore user behaviors, needs, and motivations through a variety of research methodologies to inform the design of innovative and delightful user experiences.
- Contribute to the evolution of AI-powered experiences, specifically within the wearables domain, by understanding user interactions and pain points.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on User Experience Research (UXR) within a product development context, specifically for Google's Gemini on Watch initiatives. The emphasis on influencing stakeholders, managing projects, and working with AI and wearables indicates a strategic and impactful research position.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
- Conduct primary research, including field studies, interviews, diary studies, participatory workshops, ethnography, surveys, usability testing, and logs analysis to uncover user needs, pain points, and behaviors.
- Translate complex user data and research findings into actionable insights and clear, compelling recommendations for product managers, designers, and engineers.
- Collaborate closely with design, product management, and engineering teams to define research questions, methodologies, and product roadmaps.
- Own the end-to-end research process for specific product features or initiatives, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality research outputs.
- Influence product strategy and design decisions by effectively communicating research findings and advocating for user-centric solutions to stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
- Lead goal and strategy discussions by analyzing, consolidating, and synthesizing information about user, product, service, or business needs.
- Evaluate the impact of products and services on users and the broader ecosystem through research.
- Stay abreast of the latest UX research methodologies, tools, and industry trends, particularly in the AI and wearables space.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution and strategic influence. The emphasis on "owning" projects, influencing "stakeholders across organizations," and leading "goal and strategy discussions" points to a mid-to-senior level researcher expected to operate with significant autonomy and impact.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Master's degree or PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Statistics, Psychology, Anthropology, or related field is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in an applied research setting, such as product development or academic research, focusing on user behavior and product usability.
- 2 years of experience conducting UX research on products, managing research projects, and working within a large, matrixed organization.
- 3 years of experience working directly with executive leadership (e.g., Director level and above) to present findings and influence strategic decisions.
Required Skills:
- Expertise in a wide range of research methods, including usability studies, contextual inquiries, 1:1 interviews, unmoderated research studies, field studies, surveys, and diary studies.
- Strong analytical and synthesis skills to derive actionable insights from qualitative and quantitative data.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate research findings and their implications to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive user-centric product decisions.
- Experience managing research projects, including planning, execution, and delivery within project timelines.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative, and matrixed organizational environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with AI tools and living with AI experiences, understanding user interactions with intelligent systems.
- Experience conducting UX research specifically for Wearables products.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis and data visualization techniques.
- Experience with log analysis for understanding user behavior at scale.
- Knowledge of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles and Cognitive Science concepts.
📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in traditional UX research methods combined with specific experience in AI and wearables. The preference for advanced degrees and experience with executive leadership indicates a role that requires sophisticated research design and strategic influence.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX research projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of user needs and a tangible impact on product development.
- For each project, clearly articulate the research problem, your role and responsibilities, the methodologies employed, key findings, and the resulting design or product decisions.
- Highlight projects that involved complex problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and influencing stakeholders at various levels.
- Include examples of how research insights led to measurable improvements in user experience, product adoption, or business outcomes.
- Demonstrate experience with a variety of research methods, with a preference for those relevant to AI and wearables.
Process Documentation:
- Present case studies that detail your process for defining research objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, recruiting participants, conducting research, analyzing data, and synthesizing findings.
- Provide examples of how you have documented research processes to ensure consistency and scalability for future research initiatives.
- Showcase your approach to integrating research findings into the broader product development lifecycle, including how you collaborate with design and product teams to implement recommendations.
📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to provide a strong portfolio that not only showcases research expertise but also demonstrates strategic impact and process efficiency. The emphasis on "influencing stakeholders" and "measurable improvements" suggests a need for portfolio pieces that highlight business value derived from research.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- US Base Salary Range: $129,000 - $185,000 annually.
Benefits:
- Bonus: Eligibility for performance-based bonuses.
- Equity: Potential for stock options or grants.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health insurance, dental, vision, retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off, parental leave, and other wellness programs.
- Professional Development: Access to internal and external training, conferences, and mentorship programs.
- Perks: May include on-site amenities, employee discounts, and more.
Working Hours:
- Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate research project needs and collaboration across time zones.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a base salary only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits, which are common for roles at this level within Google. The range is competitive for a UX Researcher role in the Mountain View, CA area.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Technology (Software, AI, Consumer Electronics) Company Size: Large (Google is a global technology giant with tens of thousands of employees). Founded: 1998. Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful, fostering a culture of innovation, user focus, and data-driven decision-making.
Team Structure:
- The User Experience team at Google is multidisciplinary, comprising UX Designers, Researchers, Writers, Content Strategists, Program Managers, and Engineers.
- UX Researchers typically report into a UX Research leadership structure, often embedded within specific product areas or feature teams.
- Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and potentially Marketing and Legal teams.
Methodology:
- Google emphasizes a user-first approach, with research being integral to product development from ideation to post-launch analysis.
- Data analysis and insights are paramount, driving iterative improvements and strategic direction.
- Workflow planning involves agile methodologies, with research integrated into sprint cycles.
- Automation and efficiency are key, with a focus on scalable research solutions and leveraging internal tools.
Company Website: https://www.google.com
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is known for its emphasis on innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a strong user focus. The UXR role is deeply integrated into the product development lifecycle, requiring strong collaborative skills and the ability to influence diverse teams.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level User Experience Researcher. It involves significant autonomy in research design and execution, direct influence on product strategy, and interaction with executive leadership. The focus on "Gemini on Watch" suggests specialization within an emerging and high-impact product area.
Reporting Structure: UX Researchers typically report to a UX Research Manager or Lead within a specific product area. They work closely with Product Managers and UX Designers who may report into separate product or engineering leadership. The role requires navigating a matrixed organization to achieve research goals.
Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to shaping the user experience of Google's Gemini on Watch products. By providing critical user insights, this researcher will influence product direction, feature development, and overall user satisfaction, thereby contributing to the success and adoption of these new technologies.
Growth Opportunities:
- Specialization: Develop deep expertise in AI-powered user experiences and the unique challenges and opportunities of wearable technology.
- Leadership: Progress to senior or principal researcher roles, leading larger research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and shaping research strategy for significant product areas.
- Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into product management, UX design leadership, or program management roles by leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development.
- Skill Development: Continuously learn and apply new research methodologies, tools, and statistical techniques through Google's extensive learning resources.
📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UX Researcher at Google is robust, offering opportunities for both deep specialization and broader career advancement within the tech industry. The "Gemini on Watch" focus provides a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI and wearable technology development.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Google operates modern, amenity-rich office spaces designed for collaboration and innovation. The Mountain View campus is known for its dynamic environment.
Office Location(s): Mountain View, California, USA. This location serves as a primary hub for many of Google's product development teams.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace is typically open-plan with dedicated areas for focused work, team collaboration, and informal meetings.
- Access to state-of-the-art research labs, usability testing facilities, and advanced technology tools is standard.
- There are ample opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of colleagues across different disciplines, fostering a rich learning environment.
Work Schedule: While the standard work week is 40 hours, Google often offers flexibility. However, for an on-site role focused on collaboration and product development, consistent presence in the office is expected, especially during core working hours to facilitate team syncs and research activities.
📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Mountain View is typical for roles at Google that involve close collaboration with product teams and leverage campus resources for research. The environment is designed to foster innovation and cross-pollination of ideas.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application and resume, followed by a short phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, research philosophy, and fit for the specific team and project.
- Research Panel Interviews: Typically 3-5 interviews with other UX Researchers, Designers, and Product Managers. These sessions will focus on your research methodology, problem-solving skills, ability to influence, and specific project experiences. Expect behavioral questions and discussions about your portfolio.
- Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 in-depth case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, insights, and impact.
- Final Interview: May involve a discussion with a Director-level stakeholder or a senior researcher to assess strategic thinking and overall fit.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to AI and wearables, your ability to influence product decisions, and your experience with diverse research methodologies.
- Tell a Story: For each case study, structure your narrative to clearly outline the problem, your approach, the key findings, the impact, and what you learned. Use visuals to support your presentation.
- Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your research (e.g., increased user satisfaction, reduced task completion time, improved conversion rates).
- Highlight Influence: Clearly articulate how you communicated your findings and influenced product direction or design iterations.
- Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect interviewers to ask detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and how you handled challenges.
Challenge Preparation:
- Methodology Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of various research methods and justify your choices for specific research questions.
- Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical scenarios where you might need to quickly define a research approach for a new product feature or a complex user problem.
- Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would navigate difficult conversations with stakeholders who may have differing opinions or priorities.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Google is rigorous and designed to assess a candidate's end-to-end research capabilities, strategic thinking, and collaborative potential. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is crucial for success.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Research Platforms: Familiarity with various qualitative and quantitative research tools, including survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), user interview tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and unmoderated testing platforms.
- Prototyping & Design Tools: While not a designer, understanding how to work with prototypes created in tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is beneficial for usability testing.
- Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and quantitative analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).
Analytics & Reporting:
- Internal Google Tools: Expect to utilize proprietary Google tools for data analysis, reporting, and user feedback aggregation.
- Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools to create clear and compelling visualizations of research data (e.g., Tableau, Google Data Studio, or internal equivalents).
CRM & Automation:
- While not directly managing CRM systems, understanding how user data is captured and utilized in CRM or product analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) can be advantageous for contextualizing research.
📝 Enhancement Note: While Google uses many proprietary internal tools, candidates should highlight proficiency with common industry-standard research and analytics software. Experience with AI-specific research tools or platforms for analyzing user interactions with AI agents would be a significant advantage.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- User Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs, ensuring products are intuitive, useful, and delightful.
- Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in technology.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Basing strategic and design decisions on robust data and user insights.
- Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated.
- Impact: Driving meaningful change and delivering high-quality products that positively affect users globally.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: UXRs are embedded within product teams, working daily with designers, PMs, and engineers.
- Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest feedback through regular syncs, design reviews, and informal discussions.
- Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in UXR community events, sharing learnings, and contributing to best practices within Google.
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture strongly emphasizes collaboration and a user-centric approach. UX Researchers are expected to be proactive communicators and integral members of product teams, contributing to a shared vision for product success.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in AI and wearable technology and understanding their implications for user experience.
- Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively advocating for user needs while considering technical constraints and business objectives.
- Influencing Diverse Stakeholders: Navigating complex organizational dynamics and gaining buy-in from various teams and leadership levels.
- Scaling Research: Developing efficient and effective research strategies that can support the rapid pace of product development at Google.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Cutting-Edge Research: Working on novel AI and wearable products provides unparalleled opportunities to explore new research frontiers.
- Mentorship: Access to experienced researchers and leaders within Google's extensive UXR community.
- Internal Resources: Extensive training programs, workshops, and access to research tools and databases.
- Conferences & Publications: Opportunities to present research at industry conferences and contribute to academic publications.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges due to the innovative nature of AI and wearables, but these challenges are matched by ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development within a leading technology company.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder who was resistant to your research findings. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on persuasion, data, and negotiation.)
- "Imagine you're tasked with researching a new AI feature for a smartwatch. What are the first 3 research questions you would ask, and why?" (Demonstrate your ability to frame research problems and prioritize key unknowns.)
- "How would you balance the need for deep, qualitative user insights with the demand for rapid, quantitative data in a fast-paced product development cycle?" (Showcase your understanding of mixed-methods research and pragmatic application.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What excites you about working on AI for wearables at Google?" (Research Google's AI strategy, Gemini, and their Wear OS initiatives. Connect your passion to these areas.)
- "How do you see your role contributing to Google's mission of organizing the world's information?" (Frame your research impact in terms of user understanding and product improvement.)
- "Describe your ideal collaboration with a product manager and a UX designer." (Highlight your teamwork, communication, and shared ownership approach.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Focus on Impact: For your chosen case studies, emphasize the so what? – how did your research lead to actual product improvements or strategic shifts?
- Methodological Justification: Be ready to explain why you chose specific methodologies and how they were best suited to answer your research questions.
- Address Challenges: Be transparent about any obstacles you faced (e.g., recruitment issues, unexpected findings) and how you overcame them.
- Concise Storytelling: Practice telling your case study stories within a defined timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes per case study) to allow for Q&A.
📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research execution, but also strategic thinking, influence, and a deep understanding of user-centered product development within a large tech organization.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
- Submit your application through the Google Careers portal via the provided URL.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with user experience research methodologies, AI/wearables exposure, stakeholder influence, and project management. Use keywords from the job description.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your research process, insights, and impact, specifically emphasizing projects relevant to AI, wearables, or complex product development. Ensure it's easily shareable (e.g., PDF, dedicated website).
- Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common UX research interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions and articulating your research strategy for hypothetical scenarios.
- Research Google's UX: Familiarize yourself with Google's approach to user experience, their current AI initiatives (especially Gemini), and their work in the wearables space.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience in applied research settings, with expertise in various research methods. Preferred qualifications include a master's or PhD and experience working with executive leadership and AI tools.