UX/UI Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Researcher Company: Ruby Labs Location: Ukraine (Remote within ± 4 hours of CET) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-01 Experience Level: Mid-to-Senior (2-5 years) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product enhancement and user experience improvement through rigorous UX research and data-driven design insights.
• Develop and refine user personas, customer journey maps, and usability studies to inform product strategy and development cycles.
• Create intuitive wireframes, prototypes, and mockups for both desktop and mobile applications using industry-standard design tools.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and designers, to ensure seamless user integration and adoption.
• Conduct comprehensive competitor and market analysis to identify user pain points, behaviors, and emerging trends, influencing product roadmap decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX/UI Researcher," the responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of research and design execution, making this role crucial for the product development operations pipeline. The emphasis on rapid iteration and supporting products from early ideation to scaling suggests a need for robust process management and data analysis within the UX function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth competitor and market research to analyze user behaviors, identify pain points, and understand user flows and needs.
• Evaluate and analyze existing user interfaces, including the company's own solutions, to identify areas for enhancement and optimization.
• Utilize design tools such as Visily (preferred) or Figma to create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
• Develop comprehensive user personas, detailed customer journey maps, and conduct rigorous usability studies to support data-informed product decisions.
• Foster close collaboration with product managers, engineering teams, and designers to ensure the seamless integration of user-centric design principles into the product lifecycle.
• Validate and iterate on design concepts through a variety of methods, including A/B testing, user surveys, in-depth interviews, and quantitative analytics.
• Synthesize and document research findings, translating complex data into actionable insights and presenting them clearly to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Continuously monitor and stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and UX best practices to proactively refine and improve the company's design and research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "support products from early-stage ideation through scaling to large user bases and significant marketing investment (e.g., 0 to millions in spend within months)" indicates a need for the researcher to understand the impact of UX on growth metrics and marketing ROI, a key aspect of revenue operations alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of proven experience in UX research and UI/UX design, with a strong track record of contributing to successful product launches and iterations.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in UX research methodologies, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and heuristic evaluations.
• Strong ability to create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and mockups using design software like Visily (preferred) or Figma.
• Proven experience in developing user personas and customer journey maps to guide product development and strategy.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data to drive user-centered design decisions.
• Solid understanding of user-centered design (UCD) principles, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), and usability best practices.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and marketing.
• Experience in fast-paced startup environments with a capacity for rapid iteration and adaptation to changing priorities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate research findings and design recommendations clearly to stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better understand technical constraints and opportunities.
• Experience with UI frameworks, specifically HeroUI.
• Hands-on experience with A/B testing tools, heatmaps, and analytics platforms such as Google Analytics and Hotjar.
• Experience leveraging AI-powered tools to enhance research, prototyping, or analysis workflows.
• Experience supporting products through significant growth phases, including early ideation and scaling to millions of users and marketing spend.
• A proactive approach to identifying and solving complex user experience problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for Visily and the mention of "AI-powered tools" suggest an organization that embraces modern, efficient design and research workflows. The "2+ years" requirement points towards a mid-level role, but the mention of supporting rapid growth and significant marketing investment implies that candidates with a broader strategic understanding and experience in high-impact scenarios will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects and UI/UX design work, demonstrating a strong understanding of the design process from research to final output.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, research methodologies employed, design process, key decisions made, and the quantifiable impact of the solutions.
• Examples of wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs for both desktop and mobile platforms.
• Evidence of user research conducted, including insights derived from user interviews, usability tests, and data analysis.
• Demonstrations of how user feedback and research findings directly influenced design iterations and product improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research processes, findings, and design iterations in a clear and organized manner, facilitating knowledge sharing within the team.
• Experience in establishing and refining UX workflows to ensure efficiency and quality in design and research execution.
• Documentation of user journey maps, personas, and usability test plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that includes "quantifiable impact" and "how user feedback and research findings directly influenced design iterations" aligns with operations best practices, emphasizing data-driven results and process-oriented improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided, for a Mid-to-Senior UX/UI Researcher role with 2-5 years of experience, operating remotely within the CET time zone (Ukraine, Armenia, Moldova, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia), typical compensation benchmarks in these regions can range from $2,500 to $5,000 USD per month, depending on specific experience, skill set, and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Remote Work Environment: Full flexibility to work from any location, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO): Encourages employees to take necessary time off to rest and recharge without strict day limits.
• Paid National Holidays: Standard paid time off for national holidays.
• Company-provided MacBook: Essential hardware provided to facilitate work.
• Flexible Independent Contractor Agreement: Offers autonomy, potential tax advantages, and entrepreneurial flexibility.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility to align with the CET timezone for optimal collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Flexible Independent Contractor Agreement" is a significant benefit that impacts how compensation and benefits are structured, providing autonomy but also requiring the candidate to manage their own taxes and social contributions. The absence of a salary range necessitates careful negotiation based on regional market data and the value brought to the company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Consumer Products (Health, Education, Entertainment). Ruby Labs (referred to as WinTech in the description) is focused on innovation and creating cutting-edge consumer products. Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the mention of "fast-growing team" and "rapid iteration cycles" suggests a dynamic, possibly startup or scale-up environment. Founded: Not specified, but the company presents itself as forward-thinking and innovative.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Researcher will be part of the product development team, working closely with product managers, designers, and developers.
• Collaboration is central, with a focus on seamless integration of UX insights into the product lifecycle.
• The team likely operates in an agile or iterative development methodology, requiring close communication and feedback loops.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with research findings directly informing design and product strategy.
• Emphasis on user-centered design principles and continuous improvement through user feedback and testing.
• Adoption of modern tools and technologies, including AI-powered solutions, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Company Website: https://rubylabs.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "cutting-edge consumer products" across diverse sectors implies a need for adaptability and a broad understanding of different user bases. The "fast-growing team" and "rapid iteration cycles" point to an environment that values agility, proactive problem-solving, and continuous learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior UX/UI Researcher. This level typically involves independent execution of research projects, mentoring junior team members (if applicable), and contributing significantly to product strategy through research insights. Reporting Structure: Likely reports into a Head of Product, Product Lead, or Lead UX Designer, depending on the team's organizational structure. The role requires close collaboration with product managers and engineering leads. Operations Impact: The UX/UI Researcher plays a critical role in optimizing the user experience, which directly impacts user adoption, retention, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the commercial success of the products. Their work influences product development efficiency and the effectiveness of marketing investments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative analysis, large-scale quantitative studies) or design tools.
• Leadership Development: Transition into a Lead UX Researcher or UX Design Lead role, managing research initiatives and potentially a team.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience in product management or product strategy by deeply integrating research insights into business decisions.
• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in the health, education, or entertainment sectors where the company operates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on supporting products through scaling and significant marketing investment suggests that growth opportunities may also involve influencing how UX research impacts growth marketing operations and customer acquisition cost (CAC) optimization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. The company operates globally with a distributed team, emphasizing flexibility and asynchronous work where possible, while requiring core overlap for collaboration. Office Location(s): Not applicable due to the fully remote nature, but the operational focus is within the CET timezone.

Workspace Context:

• A highly collaborative digital environment where communication and feedback are facilitated through various online tools.
• Access to modern design and research software, including company-provided MacBooks.
• Opportunities to interact with a diverse, international team, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
• A culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week with flexibility, requiring availability for collaboration within the CET timezone. This allows for efficient team syncing and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature and the requirement for CET timezone overlap highlight the need for strong self-management, proactive communication, and an understanding of distributed team collaboration dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of applications and portfolios, typically taking 3-5 business days.
• Recruiter Screening (40 minutes): An initial conversation to assess overall fit, motivation, experience alignment, and understanding of the role's requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their career journey and interest in Ruby Labs.
• Final Interview (60 minutes): A more in-depth discussion with hiring managers or key team members, focusing on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, project examples, and cultural fit. This stage often includes a deep dive into portfolio items.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies for each significant project. For each case study:
  • Problem: Clearly define the user problem or business objective.
  • Role: Detail your specific contributions and responsibilities.
  • Process: Outline the research and design methodologies used (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, wireframing, prototyping).
  • Solution: Showcase the final designs and explain the rationale behind them.
  • Impact: Quantify the results or outcomes achieved (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, positive user feedback).
• Highlight Research-to-Design Link: Explicitly demonstrate how your research insights directly informed your design decisions and led to tangible improvements.
• Tool Proficiency: Showcase your skills with Visily, Figma, and any other relevant tools mentioned.
• AI Tool Integration: If you have experience with AI tools in UX, be prepared to discuss how they were leveraged to enhance efficiency or outcomes.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Present information clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific UX research or design problem relevant to Ruby Labs' products.
• Think about how you would conduct competitor analysis or a usability study for a new feature.
• Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making criteria, emphasizing a data-driven and user-centric approach.
• Consider how you would present findings to stakeholders with varying levels of UX understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is relatively streamlined (two stages). The portfolio is critical, and candidates should focus on demonstrating the direct link between research and design outcomes, as well as their ability to work in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Visily (preferred), Figma. These are essential for creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.
• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey).
• Analytics & Data Visualization: Google Analytics, Hotjar (for heatmaps and session recordings), and potentially other analytics platforms for understanding user behavior and conversion metrics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics for tracking website traffic, user behavior, and conversion funnels.
• User Behavior Analytics: Tools like Hotjar for visual insights into user interactions on the website/app.
• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or more advanced statistical software for analyzing qualitative and quantitative research data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX impacts CRM data and customer lifecycle management can be beneficial. Familiarity with how user feedback loops into CRM systems or marketing automation platforms can be a plus.
• Integration Tools: Awareness of how design and research data might integrate with development pipelines or product management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Visily is explicitly highlighted. The mention of analytics tools and heatmaps indicates a data-intensive approach to UX, requiring the researcher to be comfortable with metrics and performance tracking, a key aspect of operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the product development process.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Relying on research, analytics, and user feedback to guide all design and product choices.
• Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing insights, and fostering a shared understanding of user needs.
• Innovation & Iteration: Embracing new ideas, experimenting with different approaches, and continuously refining products based on learnings.
• Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced environment with the ability to pivot and adapt to changing requirements and market conditions.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with close partnerships between UX, Product Management, and Engineering.
• Open communication channels are encouraged to share findings, discuss challenges, and align on product direction.
• A culture of constructive feedback is expected to drive continuous improvement in both products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user advocacy, data rigor, and collaborative execution, all critical components for an effective operations function within a product team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting to frequent changes and delivering high-quality UX research and design within tight timelines.
• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating user insights into designs that also meet business objectives and technical constraints.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration with a distributed team across different time zones.
• Scaling User Bases: Ensuring research and design strategies can scale effectively as the user base grows significantly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement more sophisticated research techniques.
• Tool Mastery: Deepening expertise in advanced features of design and research tools, including emerging AI-powered solutions.
• Product Strategy Input: Gaining influence on product roadmaps and strategy through impactful research insights.
• Cross-Functional Understanding: Expanding knowledge of product management, development processes, and marketing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of the role and the company, requiring proactive problem-solving and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are tied to deepening technical skills and increasing strategic influence within product operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Approach: "Describe your process for conducting user research for a new feature, from initial hypothesis to final recommendations. How would you tailor this for a fast-paced environment?" (Focus on methodology, stakeholder alignment, and iterative feedback loops).
• Design Problem Solving: "Walk us through a challenging UX design problem you solved. What was the problem, your approach, the trade-offs you considered, and the outcome?" (Highlight analytical thinking, design rationale, and impact).
• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you effectively collaborate with product managers and developers who may have different priorities or perspectives on user experience?" (Focus on communication strategies, negotiation, and building consensus).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ruby Labs and our mission to create innovative consumer products?" (Research the company's products and market position).
• "How do you ensure your work aligns with a remote-first, collaborative team culture?" (Discuss your experience with remote work tools and communication).
• "How do you measure the success of your UX research and design efforts?" (Prepare to talk about metrics and impact).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling stories that showcase your problem-solving journey and impact.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your designs and research.
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your research and design process, emphasizing how user insights drove your decisions.
• Tool Demonstration: Be ready to briefly showcase key artifacts or interactive elements from your portfolio if requested.
• Enthusiasm and Fit: Convey your passion for UX and your enthusiasm for contributing to Ruby Labs' innovative products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a clear, data-driven process that links research directly to design outcomes and business impact, especially within a fast-paced, remote environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies detailing your UX research process, wireframing/prototyping skills, and the measurable impact of your designs. Highlight projects where user insights directly led to product improvements.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 2+ years of experience in UX research and UI/UX design, using keywords from the job description like "user interviews," "usability testing," "wireframing," "Figma," and "data-driven decisions." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience with specific research methodologies and design tools. Practice articulating your problem-solving approach and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams. Be ready to explain your portfolio work clearly and concisely.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Ruby Labs' product portfolio and their stated mission to understand their market position and innovation focus. This will help you tailor your answers to demonstrate cultural fit and genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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