UX Researcher II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher II Company: Linda Werner & Associates Location: Seattle, Washington, United States Job Type: Contract Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Research Date Posted: 2025-07-23T22:15:46 Experience Level: 5+ Years Remote Status: Remote (Must be local to Greater Seattle area)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on conducting end-to-end user research initiatives, acting as a key driver for product innovation and design within a social gaming platform.
• The position requires a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with an emphasis on mixed-methods approaches to uncover comprehensive user insights.
• Successful candidates will be adept at translating complex research findings into actionable recommendations that directly influence product strategy and development roadmaps.
• This is a contract position, ideal for seasoned UX researchers seeking to contribute to a fast-paced, iterative product environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data mentions "UX Researcher II," the responsibilities and qualifications align with a mid-to-senior level UX Researcher role. The "II" designation suggests a level of autonomy and leadership in research projects, requiring not just execution but also strategic scoping and impactful communication of findings. The company's focus on a social gaming platform implies a need for research that understands user engagement, community dynamics, and platform usability for a broad audience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end execution of user research studies, from defining scope and research questions to synthesizing and presenting findings.
• Design and implement a variety of research methodologies, including but not limited to user interviews, surveys, usability testing (remote and in-person), and diary studies.
• Manage participant recruitment, study logistics, and data collection processes to ensure high-quality and timely research outcomes.
• Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to identify key user behaviors, needs, pain points, and opportunities for product improvement.
• Develop compelling narratives and actionable insights from research findings, communicating them effectively through written reports, presentations, and workshops to diverse stakeholders (e.g., product managers, designers, engineers).
• Collaborate closely with product management, design, engineering, and other cross-functional teams to integrate user insights into the product development lifecycle, ensuring user-centered design principles are applied.
• Champion user advocacy within the organization, fostering a deeper understanding of user needs and behaviors across all teams.
• Continuously refine research processes and methodologies to improve efficiency, impact, and the quality of insights delivered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the full scope of an end-to-end research role, encompassing study design, execution, analysis, and communication. The emphasis on "actionable insights" and "influencing product strategy" highlights the strategic impact expected of this position. Collaboration with product managers, designers, and engineers is a critical component, underscoring the need for strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) preferred in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Anthropology, or a closely related field. This provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding user behavior and research methodologies.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of dedicated UX research experience, with a proven track record of leading and executing research projects. Experience gained either within an in-house product team at a Fortune 500 company or within a reputable consultancy setting is highly valued.
• Demonstrated experience in applying a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from discovery to validation.
• Proven ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and managing timelines effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Mixed Methods Research: Expertise in designing and executing studies that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a holistic understanding of user behavior and attitudes.
• Qualitative Moderation: Proficiency in conducting user interviews, focus groups, and usability tests with strong facilitation and probing skills.
• Survey Design & Analysis: Ability to create well-structured surveys and analyze quantitative data using statistical methods and relevant tools.
• Research Study Design: Skill in scoping study objectives, defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and developing detailed research plans.
• Data Synthesis & Storytelling: Capacity to synthesize complex data from multiple sources into clear, concise, and compelling narratives that drive understanding and action.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present research findings effectively to various audiences, including executive leadership.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Marketing.
• Adaptability & Agility: Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing project needs and priorities, working efficiently in an iterative product development environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research for social gaming platforms or online communities.
• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and experimental design.
• Proficiency with user research platforms and tools (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Dovetail, Miro).
• Experience in mentoring or guiding junior researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been detailed to reflect the expectations of a "UX Researcher II." This includes specifying the preferred educational background and detailing the types of experience (in-house vs. consultancy). The skills section is comprehensive, emphasizing the core competencies of a mixed-methods researcher, including specific methodologies, analytical capabilities, and crucial soft skills like communication and collaboration. Preferred skills are added to indicate areas that would make a candidate stand out.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 end-to-end UX research case studies that demonstrate a strong understanding of research methodology and impact.
• Each case study should clearly articulate the research problem, the chosen methodology, the research process (including challenges and solutions), key findings, and the tangible impact of the research on product decisions and outcomes.
• Demonstrate proficiency in mixed-methods research within the portfolio, highlighting how qualitative and quantitative data were integrated to provide comprehensive insights.
• Showcase strong data synthesis and storytelling abilities through well-structured and visually appealing presentations or reports.
• Preference for portfolios that include examples of research conducted for digital products, ideally within consumer-facing or platform environments.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of well-documented research plans, including clear objectives, hypotheses, participant criteria, and methodological choices.
• Evidence of effective participant recruitment strategies and ethical data handling practices.
• Demonstration of rigorous data analysis techniques, both qualitative (e.g., thematic analysis) and quantitative (e.g., statistical analysis of survey data).
• Portfolio pieces that illustrate the ability to translate raw data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are crucial for UX research roles. This section emphasizes the need for case studies that demonstrate the full research lifecycle and impact. Specific guidance on showcasing mixed-methods expertise, data synthesis, and actionable insights is provided, aligning with the role's core responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for a contract UX Researcher II with 5+ years of experience in the Seattle, WA area, a competitive hourly rate would likely range from $60 to $90 per hour. This estimate is derived from analyzing similar contract roles in the tech sector in major metropolitan areas, factoring in the specialized skills required for mixed-methods research and stakeholder engagement. The final rate will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skill set, and the overall project scope.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Working Hours:

• Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.
• Standard workdays are Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility for extended hours, including potential work on Saturdays and Sundays, may be required to meet project deadlines and accommodate research participant availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the experience level, role, and location. The benefits listed are standard for contract positions offered through staffing agencies like Linda Werner & Associates. The working hours indicate a full-time commitment with potential for weekend work, which is common in contract research roles to meet project timelines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• The company, Linda Werner & Associates, operates within the staffing and recruitment sector, placing professionals in various roles. The specific team this role supports is within a client company that is a "leading global platform for social gaming." This implies a dynamic, fast-paced technology environment focused on user engagement, community building, and entertainment. The operations of the hiring team are centered around product development, innovation, and user experience enhancement within the gaming domain.

Company Size:

• Information on Linda Werner & Associates' specific size is not provided, but they are a professional services firm. The client company where the researcher will be embedded is likely a medium to large-sized tech company, given it's a "leading global platform" with millions of users. This size suggests a structured product development process, established research practices, and a significant user base to study.

Founded:

• The founding date for Linda Werner & Associates is not provided. The client company's founding date is also not specified, but its status as a "leading global platform" suggests it has been operating for a significant period and has achieved substantial scale.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated UX Research team within the client company's product organization. This team plays a crucial role in advocating for user-centered design, working closely with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Engineers.
• The research team's reporting structure is not explicitly stated, but it's common for UX Researchers to report to a Lead UX Researcher, a Director of Product Design, or a Head of Product.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a defining characteristic, with researchers expected to partner extensively with Product Management for strategic input, Design for ideation and iteration, and Engineering for implementation feasibility.

Methodology:

• The client company emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and agility, suggesting a modern product development approach. This likely involves agile methodologies, iterative design processes, and a data-informed decision-making culture.
• User research is integrated throughout the product lifecycle, from initial concept validation to post-launch analysis.
• The team values a data-driven approach to product development, meaning research insights are expected to be robust and directly inform strategic choices.

Company Website:

• While the input provides the domain lwerner.com, this refers to the staffing agency. The client's website is not directly provided but can be inferred from the description as a major social gaming platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the role by describing the client's industry and team dynamics. The emphasis on "innovation, inclusivity, and agility" provides insight into the expected work environment and operational philosophy of the product team. The cross-functional collaboration aspect is highlighted as a key element for success in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a "UX Researcher II," indicating a mid-level to senior individual contributor role. It requires a strong command of research methodologies and the ability to independently manage research projects from inception to completion. The "II" designation suggests a level of autonomy beyond junior roles, with expectations for strategic input and leadership in research design and execution.

Reporting Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely report to a more senior researcher (e.g., Lead UX Researcher, Senior Manager of UX Research) or a Director of Product Design. The immediate team will consist of other researchers, UX/UI designers, and Product Managers with whom they will collaborate on a daily basis.

Operations Impact:

• The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing product strategy and design decisions for a global social gaming platform. By providing critical user insights, the researcher helps to shape features, improve user experience, drive engagement, and ultimately contribute to the platform's success and revenue growth. The research findings will guide product innovation, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of development efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative analysis, complex survey design, causal inference) or specialize in areas relevant to social gaming (e.g., community dynamics, player motivation, monetization).
• Leadership Development: Potential to take on lead roles on larger, more complex research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the evolution of research practices within the organization.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various aspects of product development and business strategy by working closely with product management, design, engineering, and potentially marketing and data science teams.
• Contract-to-Hire Potential: While a contract role, successful performance could lead to opportunities for extensions or conversion to a full-time position within the client company, offering further career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact of a UX Researcher in a tech environment. The "II" designation is interpreted as a mid-to-senior level role with a significant impact on product strategy. Growth opportunities are framed around skill development, leadership, and potential for long-term employment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The position is listed as Remote, with the requirement to be local to the Greater Seattle area. This suggests that while the work is primarily remote, there may be occasional needs for in-person collaboration, meetings, or user research sessions within the Seattle metropolitan region. The client company likely operates a modern tech office environment when in-person work is required.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is remote. However, the requirement to be local to the Greater Seattle area implies that the client company's headquarters or a significant office presence is within this region. This proximity is often a requirement for remote roles to facilitate occasional in-person meetings, team-building events, or user research activities.

Workspace Context:

• The remote work setup will require a dedicated home office space conducive to focused work and participation in virtual meetings.
• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital tools and platforms, necessitating strong virtual communication skills and comfort with remote team dynamics.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with the operations team (UX researchers, designers, PMs) will be through scheduled video calls, team meetings, and collaborative digital workspaces.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• The role may require flexibility for extended hours, including potential work on Saturdays and Sundays, as needed to meet project deadlines or accommodate specific research participant schedules. This flexibility is common in research roles that must adapt to user availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the work environment, emphasizing the remote nature with a local requirement. It highlights the need for a suitable home workspace and strong virtual collaboration skills. The flexibility in work hours is noted as typical for research roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter from Linda Werner & Associates will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest in the role.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Candidates will then typically interview with the hiring manager (potentially a Lead UX Researcher or Director of UX) and potentially one or two other team members (e.g., a Senior UX Researcher, a Product Manager, or a UX Designer). This stage focuses on in-depth discussion of research experience, methodologies, problem-solving skills, and collaboration style.
• Portfolio Presentation: A critical part of the process will be a portfolio presentation. Candidates will be asked to walk through 2-3 key case studies, detailing their research process, insights, and impact. This is where candidates demonstrate their ability to synthesize and communicate findings effectively.
• Skills-Based Exercise/Challenge: Some companies may include a take-home assignment or a live problem-solving exercise to assess practical research skills, analytical thinking, and approach to a hypothetical research challenge.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader in Product or Design to assess overall fit and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 diverse case studies that best represent your skills in mixed-methods research, problem-solving, and driving impact. Ensure these showcase your end-to-end research process.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate: the business/product problem, your research objectives, the methodology chosen and why, your role and process, key findings, and the resulting impact or recommendations. Use a clear, logical flow.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in feature adoption," "reduced user error rates by 20%"). If direct quantification is difficult, focus on how your insights influenced key product decisions.
• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you partnered with cross-functional teams (PMs, designers, engineers) and how you integrated their perspectives or shared your findings.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, how you handled challenges, how you dealt with conflicting data, and how you communicate sensitive findings.
• Technical Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a well-organized PDF, a personal website, or a shared drive) and that you can present it smoothly via screen share.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Client: Research the client's social gaming platform, its target audience, and its competitive landscape.
• Methodology Focus: Be prepared to discuss why you would choose specific research methods for particular product questions.
• Problem Decomposition: Practice breaking down vague product problems into specific, researchable questions.
• Communication Clarity: Prepare to clearly articulate your thought process, methodology, and recommendations, even under time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a detailed breakdown of a typical UX research hiring process, with specific advice tailored to portfolio presentations and potential challenges. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical skills, strategic thinking, and impact through well-structured case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Proficiency in platforms like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar for moderated and unmoderated usability testing and feedback collection.
• Survey Tools: Expertise in creating and deploying surveys using tools such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Typeform for quantitative data gathering.
• Qualitative Analysis Software: Familiarity with tools like Dovetail, NVivo, or ATLAS.ti for organizing, coding, and analyzing qualitative data (interview transcripts, usability test notes).
• Collaboration & Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for reviewing designs and prototypes, and Miro or Mural for collaborative brainstorming and affinity mapping.
• Communication & Project Management: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for daily communication and collaboration, and tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing research project timelines and tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic to intermediate skills in analyzing quantitative data, potentially using spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets) or more advanced tools like R or Python for statistical analysis, if applicable to the role.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms like Tableau or Power BI for visualizing user data and creating dashboards, though direct hands-on experience might be less critical than understanding how to interpret the data.
• Product Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel to understand user behavior patterns and track key metrics within the product.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user feedback and research insights can be integrated into CRM systems or customer feedback loops might be beneficial.
• Familiarity with workflow automation tools is generally not a primary requirement for UX Researchers, but understanding how research findings can automate improvements or inform automated processes is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the typical technology stack for a UX Researcher, focusing on tools used for research execution, data analysis, and collaboration. This helps candidates understand the technical environment and prepare accordingly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the product development process. This means prioritizing user needs and feedback in all decision-making.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: A strong reliance on empirical evidence and research insights to guide product strategy and design choices, rather than relying solely on intuition or opinion.
• Collaboration & Inclusivity: A belief in the power of diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving. The team likely values open communication, mutual respect, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Agility & Iteration: A culture that embraces rapid iteration, learning from feedback, and adapting quickly to new information or changing market conditions. This means being comfortable with experimentation and continuous improvement.
• Impact Orientation: A focus on delivering tangible outcomes and measurable results that improve the user experience and contribute to business goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are expected to work seamlessly with Product Managers to define research goals aligned with product strategy, and with UX Designers to inform design iterations and validate solutions.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and frequent communication channels with stakeholders to share progress, solicit feedback, and ensure alignment on research findings and recommendations.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing research insights across teams and departments, potentially through regular presentations, wikis, or shared repositories, to build a collective understanding of the user.
• Feedback Loops: Embracing constructive feedback on research plans, methodologies, and findings from peers and stakeholders to refine approaches and improve the quality of the research output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the expected cultural fit and operational values of the team. It highlights the importance of user advocacy, data-driven approaches, collaboration, and agility, which are critical for success in a modern tech product environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Methodologies: Effectively integrating qualitative insights with quantitative data to form a cohesive and actionable narrative, especially when findings may appear contradictory.
• Pace of Iteration: Keeping up with the rapid iteration cycles common in social gaming platforms and ensuring research findings are delivered in a timely manner to influence ongoing development.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder opinions and priorities to ensure research recommendations are understood, accepted, and acted upon.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a remote or hybrid work environment, ensuring all team members feel connected and informed.
• Defining Success Metrics: Establishing clear metrics for research success and demonstrating the ROI of research efforts to leadership.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and apply more sophisticated research techniques, such as causal inference, advanced statistical modeling for user behavior, or specialized ethnographic methods.
• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in UX research, social gaming, and user engagement strategies through internal knowledge sharing, industry conferences, and online resources.
• Mentorship: Potential to receive mentorship from senior researchers or design leaders within the organization, gaining insights into career progression and strategic thinking.
• Tool Proficiency: Opportunities to become proficient in new research tools and technologies that emerge in the market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential challenges and outlines growth pathways, providing candidates with a realistic view of the role and its development potential. It highlights the need for adaptability and continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to choose between qualitative and quantitative methods for a research study. What was your rationale, and what were the outcomes?"
  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss a specific project where you made a methodological choice. Explain the product context, the research questions, and why your chosen method(s) were most appropriate for answering them. Highlight how you integrated findings if you used mixed methods.
• "Describe a situation where your research findings contradicted stakeholder assumptions or popular opinion. How did you present your findings, and what was the result?"
  • Preparation: Prepare a case study demonstrating your ability to deliver potentially difficult feedback diplomatically. Focus on how you used data to support your conclusions and how you navigated stakeholder pushback to influence product decisions.
• "Walk me through your process for a research project from start to finish. What are your key considerations at each stage?"
  • Preparation: Have a clear, step-by-step narrative of your research process, covering problem definition, study design, recruitment, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Emphasize your systematic approach and attention to detail.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on a social gaming platform, and what do you see as unique research challenges in this domain?"
  • Preparation: Research the client's platform (if possible) and the social gaming industry. Think about user motivations, community dynamics, engagement loops, and potential ethical considerations in gaming research.
• "How do you typically collaborate with Product Managers and Designers? Can you give an example of a successful collaboration?"
  • Preparation: Prepare examples showcasing your ability to integrate research into the product development workflow. Focus on how you partner to define problems, brainstorm solutions, and iterate based on findings.
• "How do you measure the impact of your research?"
  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss your approach to demonstrating the value of UX research, using metrics, case studies, and testimonials to highlight how your insights led to concrete product improvements or business outcomes.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on the "Why" and "So What": For each case study, clearly explain why you chose your methods and so what were the ultimate impacts of your research.
• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals (screenshots, mockups, graphs, quotes) to make your presentation engaging and to illustrate your findings and process effectively.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Stick to the most impactful aspects of each case study. Be prepared to dive deeper into details if asked, but start with a high-level overview.
• Demonstrate Adaptability: Be ready to discuss any challenges you faced during a project and how you adapted your approach to overcome them.
• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows well, stays within any time limits, and that you can articulate your points clearly and confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for interview preparation, providing specific types of questions candidates can expect and actionable advice on how to answer them, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in mixed-methods research, qualitative moderation, survey analysis, and end-to-end research project management. Prioritize case studies that showcase impact and collaboration.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of UX research experience, mentioning specific methodologies used and the types of products or industries you've worked with. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio case studies in detail, focusing on your research process, insights, and the impact of your work. Prepare to answer behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the social gaming industry and the client's company mission (if identifiable) to demonstrate genuine interest and provide context for your research approach.

⚠️ 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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