UX Researcher II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher II

Company: Brooklinen

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Design

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute end-to-end UX research studies, including usability testing, user interviews, and surveys, to inform product design and development.

• Collaborate closely with Product Design, Product Management, Engineering, and Brand teams to integrate customer insights into digital experiences.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, actionable recommendations that drive customer-informed decisions and improve digital customer journeys.

• Contribute to a deeper understanding of customer behavior, decision-making processes, and overall shopping experience within the eCommerce landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a UX Researcher II, indicating a need for demonstrated ability to independently execute research studies with strong attention to detail and quality, while also fostering growth into a more strategic research partner. The focus on "comfort creates happiness" and understanding customers' lives suggests a research approach that goes beyond transactional behavior to emotional and contextual insights.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute a variety of research methodologies, including moderated and unmoderated usability testing, in-depth user interviews, and quantitative surveys.

• Develop comprehensive research materials such as detailed discussion guides, precise survey instruments, and robust usability test plans.

• Validate product concepts, user flows, and experience improvements through rigorous research prior to and during the development lifecycle.

• Support the strategic planning and synthesis of research initiatives, working in close partnership with Product Design and various cross-functional stakeholders.

• Translate complex business questions and product challenges into well-defined research approaches, with guidance from senior team members.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into clear, concise, and actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Product Design, Product Management, Engineering, Brand, and other key stakeholders to effectively inform decision-making.

• Communicate research outcomes effectively through compelling readouts, presentations, and comprehensive written summaries tailored to diverse audiences.

• Ensure that critical research insights are consistently integrated into product roadmaps, design iterations, and overall business strategy.

• Contribute to research efforts focused on key digital customer journeys, including navigation, Product Detail Pages (PDPs), cart, checkout, and search functionalities.

• Cultivate a nuanced understanding of not only how customers shop but also the underlying decision-making processes within the context of their daily lives.

• Balance methodological rigor with the need for speed, delivering timely and impactful insights in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution and strategic contribution. The emphasis on "validating concepts, flows, and experience improvements before development" and "translating business questions into clear research approaches" suggests a proactive role in the product development lifecycle, moving beyond reactive feedback to shaping strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience specifically in UX research, product research, market research, or a closely related applied research setting.

• Proven track record of independently executing research studies from initial setup through final synthesis and reporting.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting and analyzing qualitative research methods such as usability testing (moderated and unmoderated), user interviews, and surveys.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in core UX research methodologies including usability testing, user interviews, surveys, and concept testing.

• Strong command of research planning, participant recruitment, study execution, and data synthesis.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings to diverse audiences.

• Proven experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional partners (Product Design, Product Management, Engineering, Brand) in a fast-paced, agile environment.

• Familiarity with common UX research tools such as UserTesting, Maze, Dovetail, and analytics platforms like Google Analytics.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching eCommerce platforms or other high-traffic digital experiences, with an understanding of online retail customer journeys.

• Familiarity with behavioral analytics tools and a strong interest in integrating qualitative insights with quantitative performance data.

• Experience supporting research across key customer journeys such as website navigation, product detail pages (PDPs), shopping cart, checkout processes, and search functionalities.

• Comfort and adaptability in navigating ambiguity and effectively managing multiple research priorities simultaneously.

• Demonstrated interest in leveraging emerging technologies, such as AI tools, to enhance research efficiency and effectiveness.

• Familiarity with design collaboration tools like Figma to facilitate research execution and communication with design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to Have" section strongly suggests that candidates with eCommerce experience, familiarity with analytics, and comfort with ambiguity will be highly competitive. The mention of Figma indicates a need for seamless collaboration with the design team, potentially involving direct use of design files for research setup.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX research projects, demonstrating proficiency in various methodologies.

• Clear documentation of research objectives, methodologies employed, key findings, and actionable recommendations for each project.

• Evidence of impact: Quantifiable results or qualitative improvements stemming directly from research insights and recommendations.

• Examples of how research findings influenced product or design decisions, illustrating the researcher's role in driving change.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of research process documentation, including study plans, discussion guides, survey instruments, and synthesis frameworks.

• Examples of how research insights were translated into user stories, design recommendations, or product requirements.

• Evidence of user journey mapping or persona development informed by research.

• Case studies detailing the process of validating concepts or testing user flows before development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-level UX Researcher, the portfolio should clearly articulate the researcher's individual contribution to projects, showcasing their ability to independently manage research lifecycles and translate insights into tangible business impact. The emphasis on "customer-informed decisions" and "improving digital customer journeys" means portfolios should highlight projects related to eCommerce, conversion optimization, and user satisfaction in online retail environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 – $135,000 annually. This range is determined by factors including the candidate's experience, skills, and current market data for UX Researcher II roles in the New York City metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% for employee-only).

• Fertility and family-building support (up to $20,000 lifetime).

• Retirement savings plan: 401(k) with a 4% company match.

• Generous paid parental leave: 16 weeks fully paid.

• Paid Time Off: 20 vacation days (increasing to 25 after 5 years), plus year-round Summer Fridays.

• Remote flexibility: Remote Thanksgiving week and the last week of December, with up to four additional approved remote weeks per year.

• Employee discount of 40% on Brooklinen products, plus a seasonal product allowance.

• Wellness support: Access to One Medical, Talkspace, and a $1,000 annual allowance via Joon for wellness activities.

• Professional development: One-month paid sabbatical at five years of service.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with a full-time employment type. Brooklinen offers a hybrid work schedule with two core in-office days (Tuesday–Thursday), providing flexibility for remote work outside of these core days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level UX Researcher in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on family support, work-life balance (parental leave, vacation, Summer Fridays, remote weeks), and employee well-being, which are attractive perks for professionals in the tech and design fields. The hybrid model with specific in-office days is a key detail for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Goods / eCommerce. Brooklinen operates within the competitive direct-to-consumer (DTC) home goods market, specializing in bedding and bath products. This industry context means a strong focus on customer experience, brand loyalty, and efficient online operations.

Company Size: Brooklinen is a growing company, likely falling into the mid-size category (e.g., 200-500 employees based on typical growth trajectories for successful DTC brands). This size often means a dynamic environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful, with opportunities for employees to shape processes and culture.

Founded: Founded in 2014. The company's relatively recent founding means it likely maintains a modern, agile, and innovation-driven culture, evolving rapidly to meet market demands and customer expectations in the digital space.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher II will report to the Director of Product Design, indicating a direct alignment with the product development and design functions.

• The role involves close partnership with Product Design, Product Management, Engineering, and Brand teams, suggesting a highly collaborative and integrated GTM (Go-To-Market) approach.

Methodology:

• Brooklinen's approach to research likely emphasizes a data-informed yet human-centered methodology, balancing qualitative insights with quantitative performance metrics.

• The goal is to understand customers deeply ("how they make decisions in the context of their everyday lives") to create truly resonant and intuitive digital experiences.

• The company values "care, collaboration, balance, and continuous growth," suggesting a supportive environment that encourages learning and team synergy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Brooklinen's focus on "comfort creates happiness" and their DTC model means that UX research is critical for understanding customer needs and preferences to drive sales and loyalty. The company culture appears to value employee well-being and professional development, which is a significant draw for talent seeking a balanced and impactful career.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a UX Researcher II, representing a mid-level position. It requires demonstrated independent research execution, the ability to translate findings into actionable insights, and a foundational understanding of the product development lifecycle. It's a stepping stone towards more senior research roles or specialized product research positions.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher II reports directly to the Director of Product Design. This allows for direct mentorship, clear guidance on research strategy, and close integration with the core design and product teams. The role also requires extensive collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and Brand, fostering cross-functional visibility and influence.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is measured by their ability to shape and improve the digital customer experience, directly influencing key metrics such as conversion rates, customer satisfaction, engagement, and retention. By ensuring that product and design decisions are grounded in customer understanding, the researcher contributes to a more intuitive, seamless, and ultimately more successful online shopping journey for Brooklinen customers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in various research methodologies, explore advanced qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, and potentially specialize in specific areas of the customer journey (e.g., checkout optimization, mobile experience).

• Strategic Partnership: Develop into a more strategic research partner, proactively identifying research opportunities and influencing product strategy at earlier stages of development.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and growth, potential to move into a Senior UX Researcher role, lead research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the overall UX research practice at Brooklinen.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader exposure to product management, engineering, and brand strategy, enhancing understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle and business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "grow into a more strategic research partner" phrasing in the job description is a key indicator of growth potential. Candidates should focus on demonstrating not just research execution skills but also strategic thinking and the ability to connect insights to business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Brooklinen operates on a hybrid work model, requiring two core in-office days per week (Tuesday–Thursday) at their New York City location. This model balances the benefits of in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is New York, New York. Specific office details would be provided during the interview process, but it's expected to be a modern office space designed to facilitate collaboration and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• The in-office days are designed for collaborative activities such as team meetings, brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and cross-functional workshops, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

• Access to necessary tools and technology will be provided, including collaboration software and potentially design tools like Figma for seamless integration with the product design team.

• The environment encourages open communication and knowledge sharing, promoting a culture where UX insights are readily discussed and applied across teams.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected. The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for remote work on Mondays and Fridays, and providing extended remote periods during holidays (Thanksgiving week, end of December) and up to four additional approved remote weeks annually. This structure aims to support work-life balance while ensuring team connectivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specific in-office days is a critical aspect of the work environment. Candidates should assess their comfort with this structure and how it aligns with their personal work preferences and productivity. The emphasis on collaborative days suggests that in-office time will be highly structured and purposeful.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to discuss qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role and company culture.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the Director of Product Design to assess research skills, strategic thinking, and fit within the Product Design team.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents 1-2 key UX research projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their process, findings, and impact. This is a critical stage to showcase practical application of skills.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product Management, Engineering, and/or Brand to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate research into broader product development efforts.

• Final Interview (Potentially): A final conversation to confirm fit and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 1-2 projects that best showcase your ability to conduct end-to-end research and drive tangible outcomes. Prioritize projects that align with eCommerce or digital product development.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your research objectives, the methodology you used and why, your key findings, and the actionable recommendations you provided.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if it was a collaborative project. Use "I" statements for your actions and "We" for team efforts.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify the results of your research whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion," "reduced task completion time by 30%"). If quantitative data is unavailable, focus on qualitative impact and how insights influenced decisions.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, how you handled challenges, how you synthesized conflicting data, and how you communicated your findings.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, stays within the allotted time, and is engaging. Be prepared to answer follow-up questions during and after the presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential research exercises or case studies. These might involve analyzing a given scenario, proposing a research plan for a specific product challenge, or interpreting a dataset.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, methodological rigor, and ability to derive actionable insights.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if explaining it to product managers or designers who may not have a deep research background.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a crucial component. Candidates should prepare to discuss their research process in detail, emphasizing how their work directly influenced product decisions and business outcomes, particularly within an eCommerce context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Proficiency with tools such as UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or similar platforms for conducting moderated and unmoderated usability testing and remote research.

• Survey Tools: Experience with survey platforms like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms, or Qualtrics for designing and deploying quantitative research instruments.

• Qualitative Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools like Dovetail, NVivo, or similar software for organizing, coding, and synthesizing qualitative data from interviews and usability sessions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand user behavior, track key metrics, and complement qualitative findings with quantitative data.

• Data Visualization Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools like Tableau, Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio), or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets for creating charts and dashboards to present findings can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Productivity & Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet) or Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, presentations, and communication.

• Design Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with Figma is listed as a "Nice to Have," indicating its importance for seamless collaboration with the Product Design team, potentially for setting up research within design files or reviewing prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of UserTesting, Maze, Dovetail, and Google Analytics signifies core tool requirements. The "Nice to Have" mention of Figma highlights the increasing integration of research within design workflows, suggesting that candidates comfortable with design tools will have an advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A core value likely emphasizing a deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the customer, ensuring their needs and experiences are at the forefront of all product and design decisions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership, encouraging open communication, shared problem-solving, and mutual support across departments like Product Design, Product Management, and Engineering.

• Curiosity & Growth: A culture that fosters continuous learning, encourages asking "why," and supports professional development, aligning with the "growth mindset" requirement.

• Care & Balance: Brooklinen's stated values of "care, collaboration, balance, and continuous growth" suggest a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and a sustainable work-life integration.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: While human-centered, the culture likely values using data (both qualitative and quantitative) to inform strategies and measure impact, promoting a rigorous approach to research and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Expect a collaborative style where UX researchers are embedded within or work very closely with product and design teams, participating in sprints, design reviews, and strategy sessions.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages direct and honest feedback, fostering a culture where insights and challenges are shared openly to improve processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of research findings and best practices across teams, potentially through regular readouts, internal documentation, or workshops.

• Efficiency & Agility: A willingness to adapt research methods and timelines to meet the demands of a fast-paced eCommerce environment, balancing rigor with practical application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated company values of "care, collaboration, balance, and continuous growth" are central. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values in their day-to-day work and research practice, particularly how they foster collaboration and contribute to a balanced work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Rigor and Speed: A primary challenge will be delivering high-quality, impactful research insights within the fast-paced timelines typical of eCommerce product development. This requires efficient planning, execution, and synthesis.

• Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Effectively bridging the gap between qualitative user insights and quantitative behavioral analytics to provide a holistic understanding of customer behavior and product performance.

• Driving Action from Insights: Ensuring that research findings are not just delivered but are actively understood, adopted, and acted upon by cross-functional teams to influence product and design decisions.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Comfort in dealing with evolving priorities, undefined problems, and iterative product development cycles, requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Expansion: Opportunities to refine existing research skills and potentially learn new methodologies, such as advanced quantitative analysis, diary studies, or ethnography, depending on project needs.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen understanding of the eCommerce landscape, particularly in the home goods sector, gaining insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and the specific challenges of online retail.

• Strategic Impact: Grow from an execution-focused role to a more strategic research partner, contributing to product strategy, roadmap planning, and the overall UX vision for Brooklinen's digital platforms.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Receive mentorship from the Director of Product Design and potentially mentor future junior researchers as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section directly points to areas where candidates can demonstrate their problem-solving skills and resilience. Highlighting past experiences in managing competing priorities or driving adoption of research findings will be crucial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance research rigor with tight deadlines. How did you ensure actionable insights were still delivered?" (Focus on prioritization, efficient methods, and stakeholder communication.)

• "How would you approach researching a new feature for our checkout process to ensure it's intuitive and reduces cart abandonment?" (Demonstrate your research planning process, method selection rationale, and key metrics you'd track.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Brooklinen and our mission to create comfort through our products?" (Research Brooklinen's brand, values, and recent initiatives. Connect your personal values and interests to their mission.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and balanced work environment?" (Provide specific examples of teamwork, open communication, and how you manage your workload to maintain balance.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Clearly define the problem, your approach/methodology, key findings, and actionable recommendations for each project. Use a narrative that tells a compelling story of user discovery and impact.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (e.g., screenshots, key quotes, data charts) to support your points without overwhelming the audience. Ensure any Figma artifacts or prototypes are well-understood in the context of your research.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your recommendations. If direct quantification is difficult, focus on how your insights informed strategic decisions or improved user experience metrics.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, methodology choices, and decision-making. Treat it as a collaborative discussion about problem-solving.

• Tailor to Brooklinen: If possible, select projects that have relevance to eCommerce, home goods, or digital customer journeys to draw stronger parallels.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with specific research tools mentioned (UserTesting, Maze, Dovetail, Google Analytics, Figma) and how they've used them to drive product improvements. The interview process emphasizes practical application and cross-functional collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher II position:

• Submit your application through the Brooklinen careers portal linked via Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Carefully curate your portfolio to highlight 1-2 key UX research projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end research capabilities, impact on product decisions, and relevance to eCommerce or digital customer journeys. Ensure your contributions are clearly defined.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 3+ years of relevant UX research experience, specific methodologies used, proficiency with required tools (UserTesting, Maze, Dovetail, Google Analytics), and your ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to present your portfolio projects effectively and answer questions about collaboration, problem-solving, and adapting to fast-paced environments.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Brooklinen's brand, products, mission, and recent news. Understand their customer base and the competitive landscape of the home goods eCommerce market. Prepare thoughtful questions about their UX research practice and product strategy.

⚠️ 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.

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