UX researcher | Mid-Senior

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher | Mid-Senior Company: Nord Security Location: Kaunas, Lithuania / Vilnius, Lithuania Job Type: Full Time Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Research Date Posted: 2025-09-25 Experience Level: Mid-Senior

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead end-to-end UX research initiatives, from study design and participant engagement to insightful analysis and actionable delivery, directly influencing product strategy and development.
• Champion a user-centric approach by translating complex user understanding into clear, compelling narratives that drive product and business outcomes across cross-functional teams.
• Actively contribute to a research-informed culture by empowering non-researchers with guidance and tools to conduct their own user research, fostering broader user empathy.
• Balance strategic, long-term user insights with tactical, immediate research needs, ensuring research efforts are both impactful and efficient.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a proactive and influential UX Researcher who can not only conduct research but also evangelize its importance and impact throughout the organization. The focus on empowering others and integrating insights into decision-making highlights a mature research function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Initiate, plan, and execute comprehensive qualitative UX research studies using diverse methodologies to uncover user needs, behaviors, and pain points within digital applications.
• Analyze research data to synthesize meaningful insights, translating findings into clear, engaging, and reusable formats (e.g., reports, presentations, workshops) for product teams, designers, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Actively integrate research insights into the product development lifecycle, ensuring they inform design iterations, feature prioritization, and strategic product direction.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and engineers to identify research questions, define study objectives, and ensure research outcomes align with business goals.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and reliable source of user knowledge to foster a data-driven product culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a researcher who can manage the entire research lifecycle independently and effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences, emphasizing the ability to influence product decisions through research.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field is often preferred for foundational research principles.

Experience: Proven experience (typically 2-5 years) in conducting hands-on qualitative UX research for digital applications, demonstrating a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and research methodologies.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in qualitative research methods: user interviews, usability testing (moderated and unmoderated), contextual inquiry, diary studies, and survey design.
• Ability to map and analyze user flows, user journeys, and entire user lifecycles to understand the holistic user experience.
• A proactive, curious, and self-driven mindset with a demonstrated ability to take ownership, navigate ambiguity, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Proficiency in connecting research findings directly to product and business objectives, articulating the ROI of user insights.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a talent for visual storytelling and creating engaging, interactive formats that inspire action and drive change.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated experience building and managing Research Operations (ResearchOps), including participant recruitment panels, research repositories, and standardized research processes.
• Experience in training and mentoring non-researchers (e.g., product managers, designers) to conduct foundational user research, fostering research literacy across teams.
• Familiarity with quantitative research methods and analytics tools to complement qualitative findings.
• Enthusiasm for exploring and implementing new research tools, methods, and technologies to enhance research effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mid-Senior" designation implies a need for a candidate who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, mentor others, and contribute to the strategic direction of UX research within the company, rather than just executing assigned tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX research projects, clearly detailing your role, research questions, methodologies employed, and the impact of your findings.
• Case studies that demonstrate your ability to conduct qualitative research on user-facing digital applications, including examples of user interviews, usability tests, and journey mapping.
• Evidence of translating research insights into actionable recommendations that influenced product design and business outcomes.
• Examples of how you've shared research findings in engaging and impactful ways, such as through presentations, workshops, or interactive formats.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to research planning, including study design, participant recruitment, and ethical considerations.
• Showcase your analytical process for synthesizing qualitative data, identifying key themes, and formulating actionable insights.
• Provide examples of how you document research processes and findings for knowledge sharing and future reference, potentially including elements of ResearchOps.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of the candidate's research process, analytical skills, and ability to drive product impact. Candidates should focus on showcasing the "why" and "how" behind their research, not just the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 2900 - 4900 EUR Gross per Month.

Benefits:

• Access to Nord Security Products: Opportunity to use and experience the company's suite of cybersecurity solutions (NordVPN, NordLayer, NordLocker, etc.) firsthand.
• Professional Growth: Access to internal/external training events, online courses, conferences, and books to support continuous learning and career development.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive private health insurance, online and on-site fitness activities, and access to mental health resources (Calm, Headspace, Mindletic) and therapy options.
• Team & Social: Engaging team-building events, parties, and activities with provided food coupons, gifts, and a strong sense of community.
• Work-Life Balance: Additional vacation days based on tenure, extra paid leave for illness or special occasions, and flexible working time arrangements.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility in scheduling to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-senior UX Researcher in Lithuania. The extensive benefits package, particularly in health, wellbeing, and professional development, indicates a company culture that values employee growth and holistic support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity and Internet Privacy Solutions. Nord Security is a prominent player in this sector, known for its suite of consumer and business-focused privacy and security tools, including the flagship NordVPN. Company Size: Over 1400 employees, positioning it as a large, established tech organization with a global reach. This size suggests a structured environment with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career progression. Founded: 2012. With over a decade of operation and achieving "tech unicorn" status, Nord Security has a proven track record of innovation and market success.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of the UX Research team, which operates within the broader Product Design department.
• This department oversees the entire product development process, utilizing both technical and human-centered methods to identify and solve issues.
• The role will involve close collaboration with product managers, UI/UX designers, engineers, and other stakeholders across product teams.

Methodology:

• The Product Design department employs a blend of user understanding and business outcome alignment.
• Research is conducted with a focus on delivering actionable insights that directly shape product decisions and user experiences.
• Emphasis is placed on human-centered design principles, integrating user needs throughout the product lifecycle.

Company Website: https://nordsecurity.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Nord Security's rapid growth and "unicorn" status suggest a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The company culture appears to value proactivity, achievement, and honest communication, which are key attributes for success in this research role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Senior UX Researcher. This level typically implies a candidate who can independently manage complex research projects, mentor junior researchers (if applicable), and contribute to the strategic direction of UX research practices. They are expected to be a subject matter expert in qualitative research methods and a strong advocate for the user.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a Lead UX Researcher, UX Research Manager, or Head of Product Design. The role involves significant collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's insights will directly influence product strategy, feature development, and overall user experience across Nord Security's product portfolio. By ensuring products are user-centered, the researcher contributes to customer satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, business growth and market leadership in cybersecurity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific product areas (e.g., VPN, business solutions) or research methodologies, becoming a go-to expert.
• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior UX Researcher or Lead UX Researcher role, managing research projects, mentoring team members, and shaping research strategy.
• ResearchOps Development: Contribute to or lead the development of ResearchOps practices, improving efficiency and scalability of the research function.
• Cross-functional Influence: Deepen influence across product teams, potentially leading research initiatives that span multiple product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "shaping product success" and "connecting user understanding with product and business outcomes" suggests that this role offers significant opportunities for impact and career advancement within a rapidly growing tech company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Nord Security operates modern office spaces in Kaunas and Vilnius, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. While the exact setup isn't detailed, tech companies of this size typically offer well-equipped workspaces with amenities.

Office Location(s):

• Kaunas, Lithuania
• Vilnius, Lithuania

Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely collaborative, encouraging interaction between researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers.
• Access to necessary research tools and technology will be provided to support the research process.
• Opportunities for informal and formal knowledge sharing with fellow researchers and design professionals are expected.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility in daily hours to promote a healthy work-life balance and accommodate personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's commitment to flexibility and employee wellbeing, as outlined in their benefits, suggests a supportive work environment that values work-life integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios for alignment with core requirements.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion focused on your experience, research philosophy, approach to problem-solving, and how you handle ambiguity and collaboration. You'll likely be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.
• Research Case Study/Take-Home Assignment: A practical exercise to assess your research planning, execution, and analysis skills. This might involve a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual presentation of a past project.
• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Meetings with designers, product managers, or engineers to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate insights into product development.
• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, cultural fit, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of qualitative methods and demonstrate significant impact.
• Focus on Process and Impact: Clearly articulate your research process, the challenges you faced, the decisions you made, and the tangible outcomes or learnings that resulted from your work. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to a 15% improvement in task completion rate").
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives with a clear beginning (problem/goal), middle (research process/methods), and end (insights/recommendations/impact).
• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use visuals (e.g., personas, journey maps, key quotes) to support your points.
• Tailor to the Role: Highlight experiences and skills that directly align with the job description, especially regarding qualitative methods, influencing stakeholders, and empowering others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Nuances: If given a take-home assignment, thoroughly read and understand the prompt. Identify the key research questions and constraints.
• Prioritize and Scope: For research challenges, demonstrate your ability to prioritize research questions and scope a study effectively within given constraints.
• Articulate Your Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific methods, participant criteria, and analysis techniques.
• Present Clearly: Practice presenting your findings and recommendations concisely and persuasively, anticipating potential questions from a diverse audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only your technical research skills but also your ability to collaborate, influence, and drive impact within a product team. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is your most critical asset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Interview & Usability Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for conducting moderated and unmoderated remote testing.
• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Tools such as Miro, FigJam, or Mural for collaborative research planning, synthesis, and ideation.
• Survey Tools: Platforms like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or Google Forms for creating and distributing questionnaires.
• Note-Taking & Synthesis: Tools for organizing research notes, creating affinity diagrams, and synthesizing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, Condens, or even robust spreadsheet/document management).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While primarily qualitative, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) can be beneficial for context and complementing findings.
• Proficiency in presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote) for creating compelling reports and sharing insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX Researcher role, but understanding how user data is managed within CRM systems (like Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms can provide valuable context for user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is focused on qualitative research, an understanding of how to leverage and integrate with quantitative data and tools can provide a more comprehensive view and enhance the impact of research insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core belief that understanding and prioritizing user needs is fundamental to building successful products.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using research insights to inform product decisions, rather than relying solely on intuition or assumptions.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure research is integrated and impactful.
• Proactivity and Ownership: Encouraging individuals to take initiative, identify opportunities, and drive research efforts forward independently.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of constantly seeking to refine research processes, methods, and the impact of insights shared.

Collaboration Style:

• Nord Security fosters a collaborative environment where team players are valued. Researchers are expected to work closely with product managers, designers, and engineers.
• The company values honest communication, encouraging open feedback and transparent discussions.
• There's an expectation for team members to be "self-movers," taking initiative and contributing actively to team goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes proactive contribution and teamwork, aligning well with the role's responsibility to influence product decisions and empower others in the research process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Strategic vs. Tactical Research: Effectively managing a workload that includes both long-term strategic insights and immediate, tactical research needs requires strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Moving beyond simply delivering insights to actively influencing product roadmaps and design decisions requires strong communication, persuasion, and relationship-building skills.
• Empowering Non-Researchers: Guiding and enabling colleagues with limited research experience to conduct effective user research presents a pedagogical challenge that requires patience and clear guidance.
• Scaling Research Operations: As the company grows, contributing to or leading the development of scalable research processes (ResearchOps) can be complex but rewarding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to deepen expertise in various qualitative research methods and potentially explore emerging techniques.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain insights into product management, engineering, and business strategy by working closely with these teams.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior researchers or leaders within the product design function, or to mentor junior team members.
• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences and workshops to stay abreast of the latest trends in UX research and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to hone skills in research strategy, stakeholder management, and potentially ResearchOps, providing a strong foundation for future career growth in UX research leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research under tight deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure the quality of your insights?" (Focus on process, prioritization, and managing constraints.)
• "How do you ensure your research findings are not just presented, but actively adopted and acted upon by product teams?" (Highlight communication, stakeholder engagement, and follow-up strategies.)
• "Tell me about a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder needs or opinions when presenting research findings." (Demonstrate diplomacy, data-backed arguments, and conflict resolution.)
• "How would you approach teaching a product manager or designer to conduct basic usability testing?" (Showcase your ability to mentor and simplify research concepts.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Nord Security and our mission?" (Research the company's products, values, and market position.)
• "How do you see yourself contributing to our culture of 'future shapers' and 'restless achievers'?" (Connect your proactive mindset and drive to the company's stated values.)
• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product managers and designers." (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and user advocacy.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the research questions, methodology, key findings, recommendations, and the impact.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals like personas, journey maps, quotes from participants, and wireframes to illustrate your process and findings.
• Highlight Impact: Focus on the "so what?" of your research. How did your work influence the product, user experience, or business outcomes? Quantify results if possible.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and challenges encountered.
• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth, confident, and engaging delivery within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss how you've influenced product decisions and how you approach empowering others in research, as these are explicitly mentioned as key aspects of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Nord Security careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights your strongest qualitative UX research projects, specifically those involving digital applications and demonstrating impact. Tailor the showcased projects to align with Nord Security's products and mission where possible.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with qualitative research methods, your ability to connect insights to business outcomes, and any experience in mentoring or empowering others in research. Use keywords from the job description.
• Research Nord Security: Familiarize yourself with Nord Security's products (NordVPN, NordLayer, etc.), their mission, company values, and recent news. This will be crucial for interview discussions and demonstrating genuine interest.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice discussing your portfolio projects using a clear, structured approach, focusing on your process, challenges, and the impact of your research. Be ready to answer behavioral and situational questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and influencing.

⚠️ 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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