UX Researcher (Remote from Bulgaria)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher (Remote from Bulgaria)

Company: Smartsheet

Location: Bulgaria

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic impact by leading critical user experience research initiatives for product development.

• Execute end-to-end research projects, adapting methodologies to meet evolving product and design questions.

• Uplevel insights to influence product strategy beyond tactical recommendations and inform cross-functional alignment.

• Collaborate closely with Product Design and development teams to translate research findings into actionable improvements and a superior user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on a UX Researcher with a strong emphasis on strategic influence and end-to-end research execution. The "remote from Bulgaria" specification indicates a need for candidates legally able to work in Bulgaria. The AI-derived experience level of "2-5" years aligns with the "3-5 years of experience" requirement, positioning this as a mid-level role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute comprehensive UX research projects from planning and methodology selection to analysis and reporting, ensuring alignment with product goals and business objectives.

• Employ a variety of generative and evaluative research methods (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing, contextual inquiry) to uncover user needs, pain points, and behaviors.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations for Product Designers, Product Managers, and Engineering teams.

• Develop and maintain a research roadmap for assigned product areas, prioritizing research questions based on business impact and user needs.

• Proactively identify opportunities to integrate user feedback and research insights into the product development lifecycle, influencing product strategy and feature prioritization.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Marketing, to ensure a shared understanding of user needs and drive a customer-centric approach.

• Contribute to the team's collective customer intuition by synthesizing findings from multiple research initiatives and competitive analysis.

• Stay abreast of emerging research methodologies, tools, and industry trends, particularly in the context of AI and its impact on user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to highlight the end-to-end nature of the role and its strategic importance within the Product Design and Development lifecycle. Emphasis is placed on translating insights into action and influencing product strategy, which are key differentiators for mid-level to senior UX Research roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Anthropology, Sociology, Communication, Design, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of proven experience in User Experience (UX) Research or a closely related field, with a portfolio showcasing impactful research projects.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a wide range of UX research methodologies and the ability to select the most appropriate method for specific research questions and project constraints.

• Strong analytical skills for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data to derive meaningful insights and actionable recommendations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and findings to diverse audiences, from individual contributors to executive leadership.

• Proficiency in understanding and articulating the implications of AI tools on data processing, including awareness of potential risks like bias and hallucinations.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt research approaches to fast-paced, agile environments.

• Legal eligibility to work in Bulgaria on an ongoing basis.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a SaaS product company environment.

• Familiarity with collaborative design and research tools.

• Experience in influencing product strategy and roadmapping.

• A strong understanding of human cognition and behavior principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are structured to emphasize practical experience and methodological breadth, aligning with the mid-level designation. The inclusion of AI literacy is a modern requirement, and the explicit mention of legal eligibility to work in Bulgaria is crucial for this specific remote role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of UX research projects, highlighting your end-to-end research process and impact.

• Case studies should clearly articulate the research problem, methodologies employed, key findings, and the resulting product or design improvements.

• Evidence of strategic thinking and how your research influenced product decisions beyond immediate design iterations.

• Demonstrations of how you adapt research methodologies based on project needs and constraints, showcasing both scrappy and in-depth approaches.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings clearly and concisely.

• Provide examples of how you've contributed to or maintained research roadmaps, demonstrating foresight and strategic planning.

• Illustrate your process for stakeholder communication, including how you present findings and drive consensus on action items.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role, a portfolio is paramount. This section emphasizes showcasing the entire research lifecycle, strategic influence, and adaptability, which are critical for demonstrating mid-level expertise. The focus on process documentation underscores the need for structured and repeatable research practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for UX Researchers with 3-5 years of experience in Bulgaria, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between 45,000 BGN and 75,000 BGN annually. This range accounts for the cost of living in Bulgaria, the specific requirements of a remote role, and the expertise Smartsheet seeks.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holiday allowances.

• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training, conferences, and workshops.

• Stock options or equity grants as part of the compensation package.

• Remote work stipend to support home office setup and ongoing expenses.

• Access to Smartsheet's advanced collaborative work management platform.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate different time zones within Bulgaria and allow for effective collaboration with global teams, with core hours likely aligning with European business days.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical compensation for mid-level UX Researchers in Bulgaria, considering the remote nature of the role. Benefits are detailed to reflect standard offerings for a company like Smartsheet, with a focus on professional growth and remote work support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software as a Service (SaaS), Work Management Platforms. Smartsheet operates in a competitive market, emphasizing efficiency, collaboration, and data-driven insights for businesses. This context means user experience is a critical differentiator.

Company Size: Smartsheet is a large, established tech company, indicated by its potential for significant employee numbers and established processes. This size offers opportunities for substantial impact and career growth within structured teams.

Founded: Smartsheet was founded in 2005, bringing over two decades of experience and a mature product offering. This history suggests a company that values innovation, stability, and customer-centric development.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is led by a Sr. Manager, UX Research, and comprises researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

• Researchers typically work embedded within product pods or focus areas, collaborating closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is central, with a strong emphasis on qualitative and quantitative research to inform strategy.

• Human-centered design principles guide product development, ensuring user needs are at the forefront.

• Iterative product development cycles allow for continuous research and feedback integration.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the role within Smartsheet's operational environment, highlighting the company's industry position, size, and history. The team structure emphasizes collaboration, which is key for a UX Researcher.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Researcher. It involves executing research independently, contributing to strategic discussions, and beginning to influence product priorities. The scope extends from feature-level impact to broader experience pillars.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher reports directly to the Sr. Manager, UX Research. This provides mentorship and guidance while allowing for autonomy in day-to-day research activities.

Operations Impact: UX Research at Smartsheet directly impacts product strategy, feature development, and overall user satisfaction. By providing deep user insights, the researcher helps shape a product that is intuitive, valuable, and competitive, ultimately driving user adoption, retention, and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative analysis, quantitative modeling, AI-driven research techniques).

• Strategic Influence: Progression to Senior UX Researcher roles, leading larger research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and taking on more significant strategic influence over product roadmaps.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Potential to lead research efforts for major product initiatives or new product lines, collaborating with executive stakeholders.

• Domain Expertise: Develop deep knowledge in specific product areas within Smartsheet, becoming a subject matter expert for those domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role within a typical UX research career path, emphasizing the potential for growth from mid-level to senior positions and the strategic impact the role has on the business.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully remote. This allows for flexibility in work location within Bulgaria and a focus on results rather than physical presence.

Office Location(s): Remote work legally established within Bulgaria. This ensures compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations for the employee.

Workspace Context:

• A fully remote setup requiring self-discipline and effective time management.

• Access to Smartsheet's collaborative platform and digital tools to facilitate teamwork and communication.

• Opportunities to connect with colleagues through virtual team meetings, social events, and dedicated communication channels.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility to manage personal schedules, provided core collaboration hours are met.

• Expectations for responsiveness during designated business hours for key stakeholders and team members, particularly those in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this role is highlighted, emphasizing the need for self-management and digital collaboration tools. The flexibility and autonomy are presented as key aspects of the remote work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, understanding of the role, and remote work eligibility in Bulgaria.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive with the Sr. Manager, UX Research, focusing on experience, research philosophies, and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present 1-2 key case studies from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage for evaluating practical skills.

• Cross-functional Interview(s): Interviews with Product Managers and/or UX Designers to assess collaboration style, communication, and ability to integrate research into product development.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Director or VP level stakeholder to discuss broader career aspirations and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select 2-3 diverse projects that showcase your end-to-end research capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to drive impact.

• For each project, clearly articulate the context, research questions, chosen methodologies, your specific role, key findings, and the actionable outcomes or recommendations.

• Be prepared to discuss challenges encountered and how you navigated them.

• Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% improvement in task completion rate," "informed a product change that reduced churn by X%").

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for behavioral questions about your experience with challenging research scenarios, stakeholder management, and influencing product decisions.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of AI's role in UX research and how you approach potential ethical considerations like bias.

• Practice articulating complex research findings in a concise and compelling manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a realistic outline of the interview stages common for UX Researcher roles in tech companies, with specific advice on portfolio presentation and preparation for challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Collaboration Platform: Smartsheet (candidates are expected to become proficient if not already).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (for understanding and reviewing designs).

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Axure RP, Proto.io (for interactive prototypes used in testing).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Platforms: SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms.

• Analytics Tools: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude (for understanding user behavior data).

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (for presenting quantitative findings).

CRM & Automation:

• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze (for remote usability testing and participant recruitment).

• Qualitative Data Analysis: Dovetail, NVivo, ATLAS.ti (for organizing and analyzing qualitative data).

• Project Management: Jira, Asana (for tracking research projects and tasks).

📝 Enhancement Note: This outlines a typical tech stack for a UX Researcher. Familiarity with these tools is expected, and the inclusion of Smartsheet itself highlights the company's product as a tool the candidate will use daily.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and experience.

• Data-Driven: Relying on evidence and insights from research to inform decisions and validate hypotheses.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new ways to improve the user experience and product offerings.

• Impact-Oriented: Focusing efforts on initiatives that deliver tangible value to users and the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Fostering strong, trust-based relationships with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers.

• Transparency: Openly sharing research plans, findings, and challenges with relevant stakeholders.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking opportunities to contribute research insights early and often in the product development process.

• Constructive Feedback: Willingness to give and receive feedback to improve research quality and product outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are typical for user-centric product organizations, emphasizing the researcher's role as an advocate and partner within the product development ecosystem.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Strategic vs. Tactical Research: Effectively managing time and resources to address both immediate design needs and long-term strategic questions.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Navigating differing opinions and priorities to ensure research insights are acted upon.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting research methodologies to keep pace with agile development sprints.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Access to training and resources to explore cutting-edge research techniques, including those leveraging AI.

• Domain Expertise: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of Smartsheet's platform.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced UX researchers and leaders within the team.

• Industry Conferences & Publications: Support for attending relevant UX research conferences and potentially contributing to industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies common challenges in UX research roles and links them to specific growth opportunities relevant to the field and Smartsheet's context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you influenced product strategy with your research. What was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic impact, data-driven recommendations, and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you prioritize research questions when faced with multiple competing needs from different teams?" (Demonstrate your framework for prioritization, considering business impact, user needs, and resource constraints.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Smartsheet and our mission to help people achieve anything?" (Research Smartsheet's product, values, and recent news. Connect your passion for user experience with their goals.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and designers who may have different perspectives?" (Emphasize your communication skills, empathy, and ability to build consensus through data.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Choose a project that best showcases your ability to drive strategic impact." (Focus on a project where your research led to significant product or strategic shifts, not just minor UI tweaks.)

• "Walk us through your process for adapting research methodologies to fit project constraints and timelines." (Use an example that demonstrates flexibility and resourcefulness, perhaps a mix of generative and evaluative methods.)

• "How did you measure the success or impact of your research recommendations?" (Be prepared to discuss metrics, user feedback, or business outcomes directly linked to your work.)

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, methodological rigor, collaboration skills, and understanding of remote work and AI's impact, directly aligning with the job description.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Smartsheet careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 1-2 key projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end research process, strategic influence, and impact on product development. Tailor your presentation to showcase how your work aligns with Smartsheet's mission.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, proficiency in relevant UX research methodologies, and specific achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "generative research," "evaluative research," "strategic impact," and "AI literacy."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, insights, and impact using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your approach to remote collaboration and AI considerations.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Smartsheet’s product, target audience, and company values. Understand their competitive landscape and how UX research contributes to their success.

⚠️ 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.