Midlevel User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Midlevel User Researcher

Company: Paradox Interactive

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research (UX Research)

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct end-to-end user research studies, from planning and design to data analysis and reporting, to inform game development decisions.

• Develop and refine research methodologies, testing environments, and operational processes within the User Research team.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including game designers, producers, and marketing to ensure player needs are integrated into game development.

• Synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights and present findings to stakeholders at various levels.

• Contribute to building a best-in-class User Research team by actively participating in team development and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on applying user research principles within the gaming industry, emphasizing a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods to directly impact game design and player engagement. The "midlevel" designation suggests a need for independent execution of research projects with some guidance, and a growing ability to influence stakeholders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive user research studies, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies (e.g., playtesting, interviews, surveys, focus groups, diary studies), and developing research protocols.

• Coordinate with game development teams and other stakeholders to establish research goals, define project scope, and manage timelines effectively for research initiatives.

• Collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data using rigorous and reliable research approaches to identify user behaviors, needs, and pain points.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, translating complex data into strategic recommendations for game design, feature development, and overall player experience.

• Present research results, insights, and project updates in an engaging and persuasive manner to diverse audiences, including game developers, producers, and leadership.

• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the User Research team's methodology, tools, and operational processes, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.

• Maintain a strong understanding of current gaming industry trends, player demographics, and market dynamics to inform research strategies and recommendations.

• Support the Head of User Research in developing and scaling the User Research function within Paradox Interactive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to research, requiring the candidate to manage studies independently while also contributing to the strategic growth of the User Research function. The emphasis on "actionable insights" and "stakeholder alignment" points to a need for strong communication and influencing skills beyond pure research execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, or a related field.

Experience: 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in user research, service design, or a closely related field, with a strong preference for experience within the games industry.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience designing and leading a variety of qualitative research methods, including playtesting, in-depth interviews, surveys, focus groups, and diary studies.

• Demonstrated experience with quantitative research methodologies and data analysis techniques.

• Ability to effectively coordinate and communicate with diverse stakeholders, including game developers, designers, producers, and other researchers, to align on research objectives and timelines.

• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills, with the ability to articulate research findings clearly and persuasively.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• A deep personal interest in gaming, including a strong understanding of current market trends and player behaviors. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with service design principles and practices.

• Familiarity with experimental psychology and cognitive psychology concepts as applied to user behavior.

• Experience with Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles and their application in product development.

• Experience managing research projects with tight timeframes and delivering objective, actionable results.

• Demonstrated ability to challenge established views and advocate for user-centered design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience in the games industry and a strong personal interest in gaming are critical differentiators for this role. The blend of qualitative and quantitative skills, coupled with stakeholder management, indicates a need for a well-rounded researcher capable of operating effectively in a fast-paced development environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct user research projects that demonstrate a progression of skills and responsibilities.

• For each project, clearly articulate the research objectives, chosen methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), the participant recruitment strategy, and the data analysis techniques employed.

• Include examples of research deliverables such as reports, presentations, personas, journey maps, or user flows, highlighting how these artifacts informed product decisions.

• Quantify the impact of your research where possible, using metrics or case study evidence to demonstrate how your insights led to improvements in game design, user experience, or player engagement.

• Highlight your ability to manage research projects from initiation to completion, including stakeholder communication and timeline management. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your approach to defining research plans, including how you align with stakeholders on scope, goals, and timelines.

• Provide examples of how you document research protocols, survey instruments, interview guides, and other research materials.

• Showcase your methods for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, including any specific tools or frameworks used for analysis.

• Illustrate your process for translating raw data into clear, actionable insights and compelling presentations that drive decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with quantifiable impact and clear process documentation is crucial for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, explaining their decision-making process and the tangible outcomes of their research. This demonstrates not just research capability but also business acumen and an understanding of how research drives product success.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Midlevel User Researchers in Stockholm, Sweden, with 2-3 years of relevant experience in the games industry, the estimated annual salary range is approximately SEK 450,000 - SEK 650,000. This range accounts for the cost of living in Stockholm, the specific requirements of the role, and the competitive landscape for specialized research talent within the gaming sector.

Benefits:

• 12-month fixed-term employment contract.

• 30 days of paid vacation annually, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs and resources.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training and attendance at industry conferences.

• Access to Paradox Interactive's extensive game library and internal playtesting sessions.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment with a passion for gaming.

• Potential for future career growth and opportunities within the company, subject to performance and business needs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate research study needs and project deadlines. The role is based on-site in Stockholm, Sweden.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research from reputable Swedish job market data sources and international salary comparison tools for UX/User Researchers in major European tech hubs. The benefits listed are common for the industry and region, with the 30 days of paid vacation being a significant perk in Sweden. The fixed-term nature of the contract is also a key detail.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment (Video Games). Paradox Interactive is a renowned global publisher and developer of PC strategy games, known for its deep and engaging titles that foster strong community engagement.

Company Size: Paradox Interactive is a medium-to-large sized company within the gaming sector, with a significant employee base that allows for specialized teams like User Research while maintaining a collaborative and accessible atmosphere.

Founded: Paradox Interactive was founded in 1997, bringing decades of experience and a deep understanding of the PC gaming market. This long history contributes to a stable yet innovative company culture.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is part of the Product Development or Game Development division, comprising eight dedicated professionals.

• The team operates under the Head of User Research, suggesting a structured reporting line and clear leadership.

• Collaboration is highly cross-functional, involving close partnerships with game designers, producers, QA testers, marketing teams, and other development disciplines to integrate player feedback throughout the game development lifecycle. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a strong emphasis on using research insights to inform game design and improve player experience.

• A player-centric approach is core, ensuring that the needs and feedback of the player community are central to development processes.

• Iterative development is supported by continuous user feedback loops, allowing for testing and refinement of game mechanics, features, and overall usability.

• Methodological diversity is encouraged, leveraging a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques to gain a holistic understanding of player behavior and preferences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on strategy games implies a player base that values depth, complexity, and long-term engagement, which will likely shape the types of research questions and methodologies employed. The established history and size suggest a professional yet passionate environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the Mid-Level of the User Research career path. It signifies a transition from supporting senior researchers to independently owning and executing research projects. The individual is expected to contribute to methodological advancements and mentor junior team members as they develop.

Reporting Structure: The Midlevel User Researcher reports directly to the Head of User Research. This structure provides clear guidance and mentorship while allowing for significant autonomy in day-to-day research activities. The reporting line also facilitates direct communication of insights and challenges to leadership.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's work directly influences the design, development, and ultimately the success of Paradox Interactive's games. By providing critical player insights, this role helps mitigate development risks, enhance player satisfaction, improve retention rates, and contribute to the overall market competitiveness and profitability of the games.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, longitudinal studies, VR/AR user testing) or game genres.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Senior User Researcher role, taking on more complex projects, leading research initiatives, and mentoring junior researchers.

• Methodological Innovation: Contribute to evolving the user research practice at Paradox by introducing new tools, techniques, and frameworks.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in influencing broader product strategy and collaborate with leadership on defining player-centric product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities emphasize a path for specialization and leadership within the User Research domain, aligned with the company's commitment to developing its internal talent. The impact is directly tied to game success, making this a high-visibility role for those passionate about player experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and is an on-site role. Paradox Interactive likely provides a modern office environment conducive to collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The office is located at Magnus Ladulåsgatan 4, Stockholm, 118 66, Sweden. This location in Stockholm likely offers good accessibility via public transportation and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment will likely feature collaborative spaces designed for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional discussions, crucial for coordinating research with development teams.

• Dedicated Research Facilities: Access to quiet spaces or dedicated testing environments suitable for conducting playtests, interviews, and usability sessions, equipped with necessary hardware and software.

• Tools & Technology: A standard professional technology setup, including reliable computing hardware, software for data analysis and reporting, and access to specialized user research tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent informal and formal interactions with fellow researchers, game designers, producers, and other members of the development teams, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). While core hours are expected, there may be flexibility to accommodate research study schedules, such as evening or weekend playtesting sessions if required, with appropriate compensation or time-off adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and immersion in the company's culture. The description of the workspace highlights the need for both focused individual work and dynamic team interaction, typical of a creative and collaborative game development studio.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio by the hiring team to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Head of User Research to delve deeper into your experience, research philosophy, and understanding of the gaming industry.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage will likely involve a practical exercise or case study. You may be asked to outline how you would approach a specific research problem related to one of Paradox's games or a hypothetical scenario. This assesses your research design, analysis, and synthesis skills.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: An opportunity to meet with other members of the User Research team and/or key stakeholders from game development (e.g., designers, producers). This assesses your collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final conversation with a senior leader or HR to discuss terms, answer any remaining questions, and confirm mutual fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. Use clear headings for each project, detailing the problem statement, your role, methodologies, findings, and impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visual examples of your work (e.g., screenshots of reports, key slides from presentations, anonymized quotes from participants).

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, demonstrate the tangible results of your research. How did your insights lead to better game design, increased player satisfaction, or improved metrics?

• Tailor to Paradox: Highlight projects that align with Paradox's strategy games, or demonstrate transferable skills in understanding complex systems and player motivations.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and how you handled difficult stakeholder feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Paradox Games: Familiarize yourself with Paradox Interactive's game portfolio. Understand their genres, core mechanics, and target audience.

• Think About Player Motivations: Consider what drives players of grand strategy games. What are their key needs, pain points, and desired outcomes?

• Methodology Application: Be ready to propose appropriate research methods for specific game development challenges (e.g., testing a new game mechanic, understanding player progression friction, evaluating UI/UX for complex interfaces).

• Data Synthesis: Practice synthesizing hypothetical data into clear, actionable insights that could influence game design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a practical assessment of research skills and the ability to apply them within the context of game development. A strong, well-curated portfolio that demonstrates impact and a clear understanding of Paradox's games and player base will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Tools for conducting and analyzing interviews, focus groups, and usability tests (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Dovetail, Qualtrics for qualitative surveys).

• Quantitative Research Platforms: Tools for designing, distributing, and analyzing surveys, as well as statistical analysis software (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms, SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• Data Analysis & Synthesis Tools: Software for coding qualitative data, performing thematic analysis, and visualizing quantitative results (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Excel, Google Sheets).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools to manage research projects, track progress, and collaborate with team members and stakeholders (e.g., Jira, Trello, Asana, Confluence).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Dashboarding Tools: Experience with creating clear and insightful dashboards to present research findings and track key player experience metrics (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker Studio).

• Gaming Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with platforms that track in-game player behavior and engagement, even if not directly managed by UR, understanding their outputs is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user feedback integrates with customer databases or ticketing systems (e.g., Zendesk) for bug tracking or feature requests can be advantageous.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools may be beneficial for streamlining research processes, though not explicitly required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a broad range of tools for both qualitative and quantitative research, along with strong analytical and reporting capabilities. Proficiency in standard office productivity suites and collaboration tools is assumed. Experience with gaming-specific analytics platforms or tools for managing player feedback would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core belief that the player experience is paramount and should guide all development decisions. This means actively advocating for player needs and ensuring their voice is heard throughout the development process.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: A commitment to using evidence from user research, alongside other data sources, to make informed and objective choices about game design and features.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines. The User Research team values open communication, mutual respect, and shared ownership of game quality.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly learn, adapt, and refine research methodologies and processes to deliver more impactful insights and enhance team efficiency.

• Passion for Gaming: A shared enthusiasm for video games, understanding the player's perspective, and contributing to the creation of engaging and memorable gaming experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively embeds itself within development cycles, working closely with game designers, producers, and other stakeholders to provide timely and relevant research support.

• Transparent Communication: Encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of both successes and challenges to foster a learning environment.

• Proactive Partnership: Researchers are encouraged to proactively identify research opportunities and engage with development teams early in the process, rather than solely reacting to requests.

• Knowledge Sharing: Regular internal team meetings, presentations, and documentation sharing to build collective knowledge and ensure best practices are disseminated across the User Research function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a culture that is deeply rooted in understanding and serving players, supported by rigorous data and strong teamwork. This means the ideal candidate will be both analytical and collaborative, with a genuine passion for gaming.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Rigor with Development Pace: Game development often involves tight deadlines. A key challenge is conducting sound research while delivering insights quickly enough to be actionable within these timelines. Strategy: Develop efficient research protocols and prioritize research questions based on impact and urgency.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Translating research findings into concrete design changes can be challenging, especially when faced with pre-existing ideas or strong opinions within the development team. Strategy: Focus on clear, compelling communication of actionable insights and building strong relationships with stakeholders.

• Researching Complex Systems: Paradox's strategy games are known for their depth and complexity, which can make user research challenging. Understanding player interaction with intricate systems requires nuanced approaches. Strategy: Employ a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to unpack player cognition and behavior within these complex game ecosystems.

• Evolving Gaming Landscape: Staying abreast of new technologies, player trends, and evolving research methodologies in the fast-paced gaming industry requires continuous learning. Strategy: Actively engage in industry events, academic research, and internal knowledge sharing to keep skills sharp.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Deep Dives: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques, particularly those relevant to game user research.

• Industry Exposure: Attending game industry events (e.g., GDC) to network, learn about industry best practices, and stay updated on player trends.

• Mentorship: Guidance from the Head of User Research and senior team members on career progression, research strategy, and stakeholder management.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn from game designers, producers, and engineers, gaining a deeper understanding of the game development pipeline and other disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a user researcher in a fast-paced game development environment, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear paths for professional development within the user research field and the broader gaming industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance research rigor with tight development deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure actionable insights were still delivered?" (Focus on prioritization, efficiency, and communication strategies.)

• "How would you approach researching the player experience for a complex grand strategy game like [mention a Paradox title]? What methods would you prioritize and why?" (Demonstrate understanding of game complexity and appropriate methodological choices.)

• "Imagine a game feature you researched received overwhelmingly negative player feedback. How would you present this to the development team and what steps would you recommend?" (Focus on constructive delivery of bad news and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of Paradox Interactive's game portfolio and its player base? How do you think this influences user research?" (Showcase research into the company and its specific market.)

• "How do you see the role of User Research contributing to the success of a game studio like Paradox Interactive?" (Align your understanding of the role's impact with the company's goals.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders who were resistant to user feedback. How did you navigate that situation?" (Assess your ability to advocate for the user and manage interpersonal dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Clearly articulate the problem or question your research aimed to address and its significance to the game or project.

• Showcase Your Process: Walk through your methodology choices, explaining why specific qualitative and quantitative methods were selected.

• Highlight Key Insights: Focus on the most impactful findings and how they directly translated into design recommendations or decisions. Use visuals to illustrate these points.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or evidence of how your research contributed to positive outcomes (e.g., improved usability scores, increased player engagement, reduced friction points).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your analytical process, challenges faced, and alternative approaches you might have considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of research expertise, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the gaming industry and Paradox's specific context. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to effectively communicate their impact and value.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Midlevel User Researcher position at Paradox Interactive:

• Submit your application through the Paradox Interactive careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Tailor your Resume/CV: Highlight your 2-3 years of relevant user research experience, emphasizing any work within the games industry. Use keywords from the job description such as "qualitative research," "quantitative research," "playtesting," "stakeholder coordination," and "data analysis." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio that clearly showcases 3-5 of your strongest user research projects. Ensure it demonstrates your end-to-end research process, methodological variety, and the actionable impact of your insights. Prioritize projects relevant to complex systems or player engagement.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, articulate why you are passionate about user research in gaming and specifically why you are interested in Paradox Interactive and their titles. Address how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements and demonstrate your understanding of their player base. If you don't meet every single requirement, explain how your passion, attitude, and interest can compensate.

• Prepare for a Case Study: Anticipate a practical exercise or case study during the interview process. Research Paradox's games and consider common user research challenges in the strategy genre to prepare your approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.