UX Researcher IV - GenAI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher IV - GenAI Company: Linda Werner & Associates Location: New York, New York, United States Job Type: Contract - 6 Month Position Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Date Posted: December 12, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid to Senior Level) Remote Status: Remote Solely (NYC strongly preferred)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives for Generative AI (GenAI) features within a leading social platform, directly influencing product strategy and development.
• Design, execute, and synthesize comprehensive research studies across all product lifecycle stages, from initial discovery to market readiness.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers to translate user needs into actionable product requirements and impactful GenAI experiences.
• Drive rapid iteration and inform go-to-market planning by delivering timely, data-driven insights and facilitating fast feedback loops on GenAI prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is UX Researcher, the focus on GenAI and influencing product strategy positions this role as highly strategic within the product development lifecycle, requiring a deep understanding of emerging technologies and user adoption patterns. The "IV" designation suggests a senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and manage end-to-end research roadmaps for GenAI initiatives, aligning with ambitious product goals and aggressive timelines.
• Independently lead the scoping, planning, execution, and synthesis of a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research studies tailored to GenAI product features.
• Act as a primary research liaison, fostering strong partnerships with UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineering teams to ensure research findings are deeply integrated into product decisions and feature development.
• Translate complex user behaviors and latent needs into clear, actionable insights that inform the strategic direction and feature prioritization of GenAI products.
• Oversee and manage relationships with external research vendors, ensuring high-quality data collection and efficient project execution to augment internal team capabilities.
• Facilitate and analyze rapid feedback on GenAI prototypes and early-stage features, enabling swift iteration cycles and informed product adjustments.
• Contribute to go-to-market strategies by providing user insights that support successful product launches and user adoption of GenAI functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "rapid iteration," "market readiness," and "go-to-market planning" suggests this role requires not only strong research execution but also a strategic mindset focused on product launch and user adoption, particularly within the fast-evolving GenAI space.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in user experience research, with a demonstrated ability to lead complex research projects independently.
• Proven experience conducting research within large-scale, complex product ecosystems, understanding the nuances of platform development.
• Demonstrated success in influencing product strategy and roadmaps through impactful user insights.

Required Skills:

• UX Research Expertise: Proven track record of successful research execution within large-scale product ecosystems, encompassing the full research lifecycle from planning to synthesis.
• Independent Project Leadership: Demonstrated ability to independently lead research projects from inception to completion, including scoping, planning, execution, and insight delivery.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (researchers, designers, product managers, engineers), driving alignment and momentum across disciplines.
• Qualitative Research Mastery: Extensive experience designing and executing rigorous qualitative research studies (e.g., interviews, usability testing, ethnographic studies, diary studies).
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Ability to leverage quantitative data to support qualitative hypotheses and inform product decisions, demonstrating a mixed-methods approach.
• Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex findings into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including executive stakeholders.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and balance competing priorities with sound judgment and a proactive approach.

Preferred Skills:

• GenAI/AI Technologies: Experience working with AI technologies, particularly in the context of product research or development, understanding user interaction with AI-driven features.
• Quantitative Research & Analytics: Expertise in advanced quantitative research methodologies (e.g., surveys, A/B testing, statistical analysis) and familiarity with analytics platforms for deeper data interpretation.
• Social Platform Experience: Familiarity with user behaviors and research challenges specific to social media platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "IV" in the title implies a senior leadership or deep technical expertise level. The requirements emphasize independence, strategic influence, and advanced qualitative skills, suggesting the need for a researcher who can operate with minimal supervision and drive significant product outcomes in a complex, fast-paced environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: A portfolio showcasing 3-5 detailed case studies that demonstrate end-to-end ownership of research projects from problem definition to impact. Each case study should clearly articulate the research question, methodology, challenges, key findings, and the tangible impact on product design and strategy.
• GenAI Focus: At least one case study should ideally highlight experience with emerging technologies, AI, or complex digital products, showcasing the ability to navigate novel research challenges.
• Methodological Diversity: Examples of various research methodologies employed, with a strong emphasis on qualitative techniques but also demonstrating an understanding of how to integrate quantitative data.
• Impact & Metrics: Clear articulation of how research insights led to specific product improvements, feature enhancements, or strategic shifts, ideally quantified with metrics (e.g., improved user satisfaction, increased engagement, reduced friction).
• Collaboration Evidence: Demonstrations of how research findings were communicated and socialized with cross-functional teams to drive consensus and action.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Evidence of structured research planning, including the development of clear research objectives, hypotheses, participant recruitment strategies, and detailed study protocols.
• Synthesis & Insight Generation: Examples of structured synthesis approaches, moving beyond raw data to identify themes, patterns, and actionable insights that directly address product objectives.
• Deliverable Formats: Showcase a range of deliverables, from detailed research reports and presentations to concise executive summaries and workshop outputs, tailored to different stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX Researcher role, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis on GenAI and influencing product strategy means candidates should highlight projects where their research directly shaped the direction of a product, particularly in novel or complex domains. The ability to demonstrate impact through metrics is crucial for senior roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the contract nature (6 months), seniority (IV level), and location (New York City), a competitive hourly rate or project-based compensation would be expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior UX Researchers in NYC with GenAI experience, the estimated range is $75 - $120 per hour, depending on experience, specific skill set, and negotiation.

Benefits:

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

Working Hours:

• Expected hours: 40 per week
• Schedule: 8 hour shift, Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar contract roles in New York City. Actual compensation will be determined by the hiring organization, Linda Werner & Associates, based on candidate qualifications, experience, and the specific terms of the contract. The benefits package listed is typical for contract roles, though some may be provided by the staffing agency rather than the end client directly.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Staffing and Recruitment / Technology Consulting (implied by the nature of the role and the client they serve). Linda Werner & Associates likely places highly skilled professionals into client organizations. Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but likely a medium-sized staffing firm focused on specialized talent acquisition. Founded: Not specified.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be embedded within the "Creation team" of a leading social platform client. This team likely comprises designers, product managers, engineers, and potentially other researchers focused on developing new features, particularly GenAI.
• The researcher will report to a lead within the client's product development organization, working closely with a dedicated research lead or manager.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, requiring seamless integration with product, design, and engineering counterparts to drive product strategy and execution.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs agile development methodologies, requiring researchers to adapt to fast-paced iteration cycles and provide continuous feedback.
• A data-driven approach is expected, with research insights being used to validate hypotheses, inform design decisions, and measure the success of GenAI features.
• Emphasis on user-centric design and a deep understanding of user needs will be paramount in shaping GenAI experiences.

Company Website: lwerner.com

📝 Enhancement Note: While Linda Werner & Associates is the direct employer, the role is embedded within a client's team. The description focuses heavily on the client's product development environment, implying a strong emphasis on innovation, user experience, and cutting-edge technology like GenAI.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Individual Contributor (UX Researcher IV), requiring significant autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead complex projects. It's a highly specialized role within the product development lifecycle, focusing on user-centered insights for cutting-edge technology. Reporting Structure: The researcher will work within the client's "Creation team" and report to a lead or manager within that client organization, rather than directly to Linda Werner & Associates' internal management structure. Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's insights will directly influence the strategy, design, and successful launch of GenAI features on a major social platform. This role has the potential for significant impact on user adoption, engagement, and the overall product roadmap, contributing to the platform's innovation and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in GenAI user research, becoming a go-to expert in this rapidly evolving field.
• Strategic Influence: Gain experience influencing high-level product strategy and contributing to go-to-market plans for innovative features.
• Client Exposure: Work within a leading social platform, gaining exposure to large-scale product development processes and high-profile projects.
• Contract Extension/Future Roles: Successful performance may lead to contract extensions or opportunities with other clients of Linda Werner & Associates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "IV" designation suggests a role with substantial responsibility and impact. Growth for a contractor typically involves deepening expertise, taking on more complex projects, or securing longer-term engagements. The primary growth path here is through specialized skill development in GenAI research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily remote, with a strong preference for candidates located in or able to commute to New York City if hybrid work becomes a possibility or for occasional in-person meetings. Office Location(s): The client's primary work environment is remote. While NYC is preferred, the role is listed as remote. The client organization is likely based in or has significant operations in New York City, given the preference.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is collaborative, requiring close interaction with product managers, designers, and engineers within the client's "Creation team."
• Access to GenAI prototypes, design tools, and research platforms will be provided by the client.
• The role demands a high degree of self-discipline and effective remote work practices to manage research projects and communicate findings efficiently.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, with an 8-hour shift. Flexibility may be possible within the core hours, but adherence to project deadlines is essential. The nature of research often requires adapting to participant availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "NYC strongly preferred" for a remote role suggests that while remote work is the default, the client values proximity for potential in-person collaboration, team building, or strategic alignment sessions, especially in a fast-paced GenAI development environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter from Linda Werner & Associates will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience level, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: An interview with the hiring manager or key members of the client's "Creation team" to dive deeper into research experience, GenAI knowledge, and collaboration skills. This stage will heavily focus on past project successes and problem-solving approaches.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents selected case studies from their portfolio. This is a critical step to demonstrate research methodology, insight generation, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your thought process, challenges, and how your research influenced product decisions.
• Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study: Potentially a take-home assignment or a live exercise simulating a research challenge related to GenAI features, assessing problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills under pressure.
• Final Interview: May involve a higher-level stakeholder or a final check on cultural fit and alignment with team values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant case studies. Prioritize those showcasing independent leadership, GenAI or complex tech experience, and clear impact.
• Focus on the "Why" and "So What": Clearly articulate the problem you were trying to solve, your research questions, your methodology, and critically, the insights you uncovered and the impact those insights had on the product. Use metrics where possible.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives. Describe the context, your role, the process, the findings, and the outcome. Highlight your decision-making process.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your methods, participant selection, data analysis, and how you handled challenges or conflicting findings.
• Tailor to GenAI: If you have GenAI-specific experience, highlight it. If not, emphasize your ability to quickly learn and adapt to new, complex technologies and user behaviors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand GenAI Use Cases: Familiarize yourself with current GenAI applications, potential user challenges, and ethical considerations. Think about how users might interact with GenAI features on a social platform.
• Practice Research Synthesis: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical problem and outline a research plan, including key questions, target users, and methodologies.
• Articulate Impact: Practice explaining how research findings translate into concrete product improvements and business value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical part for a UX Researcher role. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their work in detail, demonstrating not just execution but strategic thinking and the ability to drive product outcomes. The emphasis on GenAI means specific preparation around this technology is advised.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Experience with various qualitative research tools (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Dovetail, SurveyMonkey, Typeform) for usability testing, surveys, and data analysis.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with tools like Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), or Microsoft Office Suite for communication and documentation.
• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers and PMs, such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, to understand prototypes and provide feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Experience with tools for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) and potentially quantitative data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets; familiarity with SQL or R/Python for advanced analytics is a plus).
• Business Intelligence Tools: Exposure to BI tools like Tableau or Looker for understanding user behavior metrics and product performance, if applicable.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX Research function, but awareness of how user data is managed and how features are deployed within a CRM or product analytics system can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job doesn't list specific tools, a senior UX Researcher is expected to be proficient in a wide array of research platforms and collaboration tools. Familiarity with the tools used by designers and PMs is also advantageous for effective collaboration. The ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data is increasingly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product decisions, especially with novel GenAI features.
• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing research insights to fuel innovation and guide the development of cutting-edge GenAI functionalities.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong, collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams to ensure research is integrated and impactful.
• Impact & Ownership: Taking ownership of research projects and driving them to deliver measurable impact on product success and user experience.
• Adaptability & Agility: Thriving in a fast-paced, iterative environment, quickly adapting research plans and methodologies to meet evolving product needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out opportunities to collaborate with design, product, and engineering to identify research needs and share findings.
• Insight-Led Communication: Presenting research findings clearly and compellingly, focusing on actionable insights that drive consensus and decision-making.
• Feedback Integration: Open to providing and receiving constructive feedback on research approaches, study designs, and synthesized insights.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share best practices, learnings, and methodologies with team members and stakeholders to elevate the overall research practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture described is typical of innovative tech companies with a strong product focus. For GenAI, values like adaptability, ethical considerations, and a proactive approach to understanding user needs in a rapidly changing landscape would be highly prized.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of GenAI Development: The rapid evolution of GenAI technology presents a challenge in keeping research methodologies and insights current and relevant.
• Defining Novel User Needs: Understanding and defining user needs for entirely new GenAI capabilities, where established patterns may not exist.
• Balancing Ambition and Feasibility: Aligning ambitious product visions for GenAI with practical user adoption, ethical considerations, and technical constraints.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and application of research insights across diverse teams with varying priorities.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication within a remote work setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• GenAI Specialization: Opportunities to become an expert in researching AI-powered user experiences, a highly sought-after skill.
• Strategic Product Influence: Gaining hands-on experience shaping the product roadmap and go-to-market strategy for innovative features.
• Exposure to Leading Platforms: Working with a major social platform provides invaluable experience in large-scale product development and user engagement.
• Methodological Advancement: Exploring and applying new research techniques suited for AI and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working with cutting-edge technology like GenAI in a fast-paced environment. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to build deep expertise in a critical future-forward domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you independently led a complex research project for a novel product or feature. What was your approach, what were the key challenges, and what was the impact on the product?" (Focus on your end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and demonstrated impact).
• "How would you approach researching user needs for a new generative AI feature on a social platform? What specific methods would you consider and why?" (Demonstrate your understanding of GenAI, user behavior, and methodological flexibility).
• "Imagine your research findings contradict the initial product vision or a strong team hypothesis. How would you communicate these findings and influence the team's direction?" (Assess your communication, persuasion, and collaboration skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Generative AI and on a social platform?" (Show genuine curiosity and understanding of the domain).
• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and integrated into product development, especially within a remote, cross-functional team?" (Highlight your collaboration and communication strategies).
• "Describe your experience working with external research vendors. How do you manage these relationships to ensure quality and efficiency?" (Assess your vendor management skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, research questions, methodology, key findings, and impact.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in feature adoption," "reduced user errors by 20%").
• Highlight Your Process: Be ready to discuss your decision-making process for choosing methodologies, recruiting participants, and synthesizing data.
• Focus on GenAI Relevance: If you have GenAI experience, emphasize it. If not, draw parallels to other complex, novel, or emerging technologies you've researched.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate deep dives into your methods, challenges, and how you handled ambiguity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strategic thinking, a robust understanding of research methodologies, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable product decisions, especially within the context of GenAI. A strong portfolio presentation is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with UX research, GenAI, product strategy, qualitative research methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 strong case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end research process, impact, and ideally, experience with AI or complex technologies. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your approach, findings, and outcomes.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your experience and present your portfolio case studies concisely and compellingly. Practice explaining the "so what" and the impact of your research.
• Research the Client: While specific client details are limited, research common practices and user behaviors on leading social platforms and the current landscape of GenAI applications to inform your understanding and potential interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Linda Werner & Associates or their client before making application decisions. The salary range is an estimate and not a guarantee.