Senior Mixed Methods UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Mixed Methods UX Researcher

Company: PrizePicks

Location: Atlanta, GA / New York, NY (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Research

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end mixed methods UX research initiatives, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to inform product strategy and decision-making.

• Champion data-driven product development by synthesizing behavioral data with user insights to uncover member needs, motivations, and pain points.

• Elevate methodological standards and research practices within the organization, contributing to the growth of the UX research function.

• Partner closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and data scientists to identify key research objectives and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

• Mentor and coach junior researchers and cross-functional partners, fostering a culture of continuous learning and methodological excellence in user research.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a strong blend of qualitative and quantitative research skills, with a significant focus on integrating behavioral data and analytics with direct user feedback. The "Senior" title indicates expectations for independent leadership, strategic input, and mentorship. The company's focus on a fast-growing DFS platform suggests a need for research that balances speed with rigor to understand a dynamic user base.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, scope, and execute comprehensive mixed methods research studies, utilizing a diverse toolkit including usability testing, in-depth interviews, diary studies, longitudinal research, surveys, behavioral and log data analysis, and A/B test analysis.

• Own the complete research lifecycle within assigned product domains, from defining research questions and recruiting participants to synthesizing complex data and delivering impactful findings and strategic recommendations.

• Develop and deploy rigorous quantitative instruments, including survey design, sampling strategies, and data quality checks, applying appropriate statistical techniques to quantify user behaviors, attitudes, and market segments.

• Collaborate closely with data science and analytics teams to integrate behavioral data with qualitative insights, using quantitative findings to validate qualitative observations and vice-versa, thereby explaining the "why" behind user actions.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify critical research needs across the entire product lifecycle, ensuring research directly supports design validation and iteration processes.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, compelling, and actionable insights and strategic narratives through creative artifacts, reports, and presentations, directly linking them to product metrics and business objectives.

• Communicate research outcomes, insights, and recommendations effectively to a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leadership, advocating for user-centric decision-making.

• Mentor and coach junior and mid-level researchers, designers, and product partners on study design, methodology, and effective storytelling, and lead research debriefs and stakeholder alignment meetings.

• Contribute to building and refining the overall research practice by developing standards, reusable frameworks, templates, and repositories, and by exploring and integrating new methods and tools, including responsible AI applications.

• Champion accessibility and inclusive research practices to ensure insights represent the full diversity of the member base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a researcher who can operate autonomously and strategically, not just execute studies. The emphasis on "owning the end-to-end research process" and "translating findings into actionable insights, and strategic narratives" points to a role that requires strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills, typical of senior-level operations in product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Psychology, Human Factors, HCI, Anthropology, Statistics, Data Science, Sociology, or a closely related field. A Master's or PhD is preferred. Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in UX Research, Design Research, or Human Factors Engineering, with a demonstrable track record of leading mixed-methods research initiatives. Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with proven experience leading mixed-methods studies and executing both evaluative and generative research.

• Proven quantitative research proficiency, including survey design, sampling strategies, behavioral and log data evaluation, and advanced statistical techniques (e.g., segmentation, regression, significance testing).

• Proficiency in statistical software such as R, SPSS, or similar analytical tools.

• Experience working with product analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude) and experimentation data (e.g., A/B test results).

• Strong partnership experience with data science or analytics teams to triangulate insights.

• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, including senior leaders, and translate research into measurable business impact.

• Experience mentoring or coaching other researchers or cross-functional partners and contributing to research standards.

• Comfort with ambiguity, changing priorities, and adapting research methods while maintaining high quality.

• Self-awareness and drive, with a proactive approach to seeking feedback, balancing hands-on execution with strategic thinking, and driving consensus.

• Experience with remote testing and survey tools (e.g., dscout, UserTesting, UserZoom, Qualtrics).

• A strong curiosity and passion for understanding user needs, motivations, behaviors, and pain points. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced quantitative methods such as conjoint analysis, clustering, or causal inference.

• Prior research experience in consumer products, sports, or fantasy sports platforms.

• Experience in building and scaling research operations within an organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills clearly point to a "full-stack" UX researcher who can handle both the qualitative depth and quantitative breadth necessary for complex product decisions. The preference for advanced quantitative methods and domain experience (sports/consumer) suggests the company is looking for someone who can contribute sophisticated analytical rigor and industry-specific insights.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio or a collection of case studies that comprehensively showcase your end-to-end research process.

• At least one case study must demonstrate how you effectively combined qualitative and quantitative research methods, clearly articulating the rationale for choosing those specific methodologies.

• The portfolio should highlight the tangible impact of your research on an organization, team, product, or specific feature, emphasizing measurable outcomes and business value.

• Examples of how you translated research findings into actionable insights and strategic recommendations that drove product decisions and improvements.

• Documentation of your approach to participant recruitment, data collection, synthesis, and reporting for various study types. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of establishing or improving research processes, standards, and reusable frameworks within a team or organization.

• Examples of how you've documented research plans, methodologies, and findings for clear communication and knowledge sharing.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate research findings into product development workflows and decision-making processes.

• Experience in contributing to or managing a repository of research insights and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with mixed-methods case studies and demonstrable impact is critical. This suggests the company values researchers who can not only conduct research but also clearly articulate its value and influence product strategy. The "building and improving our research practice" responsibility also implies a need for candidates who can document and standardize their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For Senior UX Researcher roles in Atlanta, GA, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $120,000 - $170,000.

• For Senior UX Researcher roles in New York, NY, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $135,000 - $190,000.

• These ranges are based on industry benchmarks for senior-level UX research positions in these metropolitan areas, considering the hybrid work arrangement and the specific requirements for mixed-methods expertise. Benefits:

• Company-subsidized medical, dental, & vision plans.

• 401(k) plan with company match.

• Annual bonus potential.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) with a strong encouragement to take at least two weeks annually.

• Generous paid leave programs, including 16-week paid parental leave and disability benefits.

• Lifestyle enhancement program.

• Company-provided equipment (Windows & Mac options).

• Annual performance reviews with clear opportunities for growth and career development. Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a 40-hour work week, with an emphasis on flexibility and achieving objectives rather than strict adherence to clocked hours. This aligns with modern work schedules focused on productivity and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimated based on typical compensation for Senior UX Researchers in Atlanta and New York, factoring in the hybrid nature and specialized skill set. The listed benefits are comprehensive, reflecting a competitive package for a full-time role in the tech/gaming industry. The mention of "workplace flexibility and modern work schedules" suggests a results-oriented environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports Technology / Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Company Size: Over 550 employees (as of the job posting's context). PrizePicks is recognized as the fastest-growing sports company in North America.

Founded: PrizePicks was founded in 2019.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team likely operates within or in close collaboration with the Product and Design departments.

• Researchers partner extensively with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Scientists, indicating a highly cross-functional and collaborative environment.

• The role involves mentoring junior researchers, suggesting a team structure that supports learning and development.

• The company's rapid growth implies an agile and dynamic team environment. Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on "balancing speed and rigor" in research execution.

• Commitment to "data-driven decision-making" by integrating behavioral data with user insights.

• Focus on "advocating for our members" to ensure their needs are central to product development.

• Continuous improvement of research practices, including incorporating new methods and tools, and potentially exploring AI for analysis.

• Commitment to "accessibility and inclusive research."

Company Website: http://prizepicks.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: PrizePicks is positioned as a fast-paced, high-growth company in the competitive sports tech and DFS market. The culture values inclusivity, diverse backgrounds, and a passion for sports (though not necessarily deep fandom for all employees). The research function is integral to product development, requiring close collaboration and a blend of agility and methodological soundness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Mixed Methods UX Researcher. This level implies a significant degree of autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to lead complex projects independently. It also suggests a role that contributes to the broader strategy and practices of the UX research function.

Reporting Structure:

• While not explicitly stated, a Senior UX Researcher typically reports to a UX Research Lead, Director of Product, or Head of Design.

• The role requires close collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Scientists, forming a matrixed reporting or project-based interaction structure. Operations Impact:

• This role directly impacts product strategy and roadmap prioritization by providing deep user insights that inform feature development and platform enhancements.

• Research findings are expected to drive product decisions, improve user experience, increase member engagement, and ultimately contribute to PrizePicks' continued growth and market leadership.

• By blending quantitative and qualitative data, the researcher helps quantify the potential impact of product changes and validate the "why" behind user behaviors, directly influencing business outcomes. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a UX Research Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team and setting research strategy for larger product areas.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced quantitative methods, specific product domains (like gaming or sports analytics), or research operations.

• Strategic Influence: Increase influence on product strategy and roadmap development, becoming a key voice in product decision-making.

• Mentorship: Continue to develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring more junior team members.

• Research Practice Development: Play a key role in defining and evolving the research discipline within a rapidly growing company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation, coupled with responsibilities like mentoring and improving research practices, indicates a clear path for career progression beyond individual contribution. The company's rapid growth offers significant opportunities for individuals to shape and scale functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid position based at headquarters in Atlanta, GA, or New York, NY. This implies a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• Atlanta, GA

• New York, NY Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment with close partnerships with Product, Design, Engineering, and Data Science teams.

• Access to modern work tools and technology, including company-provided Windows and Mac equipment.

• The hybrid model suggests a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-person engagement.

• The environment is likely fast-paced and dynamic, characteristic of a rapidly growing tech company. Work Schedule:

• Flexible work schedule with a focus on results and getting the job done, rather than strict adherence to hours. This allows for work-life integration and accommodates different working styles, provided objectives are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in major cities like Atlanta and New York offers flexibility while maintaining the benefits of in-person collaboration. The emphasis on flexible schedules and results-orientation suggests a culture that trusts employees to manage their time effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, research philosophy, and how you approach mixed-methods research. Expect questions about your leadership and mentorship style.

• Portfolio Review / Case Study Presentation: A critical stage where you'll present 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio. This will likely include showcasing your end-to-end process, how you combined qualitative and quantitative methods, the challenges faced, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss how you connected findings to business metrics.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Scientists to assess your collaboration skills, ability to integrate research into product workflows, and how you communicate insights effectively to different technical and non-technical audiences.

• Leadership/Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, vision for the research function, and overall alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Mixed Methods: Clearly articulate why you chose a mixed-methods approach for specific projects and how the combination of qual and quant yielded richer insights than either alone.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible. Use metrics related to user behavior, engagement, conversion rates, satisfaction scores, or business KPIs.

• Detail Your Process: Walk through your methodology step-by-step, from defining research questions to synthesizing and delivering findings. Discuss any trade-offs made (e.g., speed vs. rigor) and how you managed them.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Start with the problem, outline your approach, detail your findings, and conclude with the actionable recommendations and their impact.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, challenges encountered, alternative approaches you considered, and how you handled conflicting data or stakeholder feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential scenario-based questions where you might be asked to outline a research plan for a given product problem or to interpret hypothetical data.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when discussing quantitative analysis and statistical significance.

• Prepare to discuss how you would partner with data science teams, what data you would seek, and how you would frame research questions to them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this is rigorous and designed to assess strategic thinking, methodological expertise, and collaboration skills. The portfolio review is paramount, so candidates should meticulously prepare detailed case studies demonstrating their ability to drive impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: dscout, UserTesting, UserZoom (for remote testing, interviews, and surveys).

• Quantitative Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms (for survey design, distribution, and data collection).

• Statistical Analysis Software: R, SPSS, Python (with libraries like Pandas, SciPy), SAS.

• Product Analytics: Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, or similar platforms for analyzing user behavior and product usage data.

• A/B Testing Analysis: Tools for analyzing experimentation results (e.g., Optimizely, VWO, internal A/B testing platforms).

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar for creating dashboards and communicating quantitative findings.

• Collaboration & Documentation: Jira, Confluence, Notion, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in interpreting and analyzing data from product analytics platforms to understand user journeys, feature adoption, and drop-off points.

• Ability to analyze A/B test results to determine statistical significance and recommend optimal product iterations.

• Experience in creating clear, concise reports and dashboards that communicate key user insights and behavioral trends to stakeholders. CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX research tools, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context for user segmentation and campaign effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of a wide array of research tools, spanning qualitative, quantitative, analytical, and collaborative software. Proficiency in statistical analysis tools like R or SPSS, alongside product analytics and A/B testing platforms, is crucial for the mixed-methods aspect of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user (member) experience in all product decisions.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Valuing evidence-based insights derived from both qualitative feedback and quantitative data to guide strategy and execution.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across product, design, engineering, and data science teams to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Growth: Embracing a fast-paced environment, seeking new methods, and contributing to the company's rapid expansion.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Championing research that reflects the diversity of the user base and ensures products are accessible to all.

• Integrity & Rigor: Balancing speed with methodological soundness to ensure research findings are reliable and impactful.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working cross-functionally on a daily basis.

• Emphasis on clear communication, active listening, and providing constructive feedback.

• Researchers are expected to be proactive in seeking alignment with stakeholders and integrating feedback into their work.

• A culture that encourages sharing knowledge and best practices, particularly through mentorship and team debriefs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of agility, data-informed decision-making, and user advocacy. The emphasis on collaboration and mentorship suggests a supportive yet high-performance environment within the product development lifecycle.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-growing company, there will be pressure to deliver insights quickly. A key challenge will be maintaining high methodological standards while meeting aggressive timelines.

• Data Integration Complexity: Effectively combining disparate qualitative and quantitative data sources can be complex. Synthesizing insights from behavioral data, survey results, and user interviews requires sophisticated analytical skills.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Translating research findings into concrete product changes and influencing diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, requires strong communication and persuasion skills.

• Rapidly Evolving Product Landscape: The DFS and sports gaming market is dynamic. Keeping research efforts aligned with evolving user needs and market trends will be an ongoing challenge.

• Scaling Research Practices: As the company grows, scaling the research function, developing standardized processes, and onboarding new team members will present organizational challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced quantitative techniques (conjoint analysis, causal inference) and novel qualitative methods.

• Domain Expertise: Developing deep knowledge of the Daily Fantasy Sports and sports analytics industries, understanding user motivations specific to this domain.

• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in mentoring, team leadership, and shaping research strategy within a growing organization.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhancing understanding of product management, engineering, and data science disciplines through close collaboration.

• Research Operations: Potential to contribute to or lead initiatives related to building and optimizing research infrastructure, tools, and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in high-growth tech companies, emphasizing the need for adaptability, strong analytical skills, and effective communication. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for both technical specialization and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you approach designing a mixed-methods research study to understand why users churn from the PrizePicks platform? What qualitative and quantitative methods would you prioritize, and why?

• Describe a time you had to balance speed and rigor in a research project. What trade-offs did you make, and how did you ensure the validity of your findings?

• How do you collaborate with data science and analytics teams? What questions would you ask them to start, and how would you integrate their data with your qualitative findings?

• How do you measure the business impact of your research? Can you provide an example of how your findings led to a significant product improvement or business outcome? Company & Culture Questions:

• What interests you about PrizePicks and the Daily Fantasy Sports industry?

• How do you approach mentoring junior researchers or cross-functional partners?

• How would you contribute to building and improving a research practice within a growing company?

• Describe your experience with advocating for user needs when faced with conflicting business priorities. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Case Studies: Choose 1-2 case studies that best showcase your mixed-methods expertise, end-to-end process, and demonstrable impact. Ensure one clearly highlights the integration of qualitative and quantitative data.

• Structure for Clarity: Use a consistent narrative structure: Problem/Opportunity -> Research Questions -> Methodology (Qual + Quant Rationale) -> Key Findings -> Actionable Insights & Recommendations -> Impact (Quantified Metrics).

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals to support your presentation. This could include user journey maps, personas, key quotes, statistical charts, or screenshots of product changes.

• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to deeply explain the "why" behind your methodological choices, synthesis approach, and recommendations.

• Anticipate Questions: Think about potential follow-up questions regarding challenges, alternative methods, stakeholder management, and ethical considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for this role requires not only demonstrating technical research skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration capabilities, and the ability to articulate value in business terms. The case study presentation is a crucial opportunity to showcase these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Mixed Methods UX Researcher position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly related to mixed-methods research, quantitative analysis (mentioning specific statistical techniques and software), qualitative methods, product analytics integration, and stakeholder influence. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest case studies, ensuring they clearly demonstrate your end-to-end research process, your ability to blend qualitative and quantitative methods, and the tangible impact your work has had. Prepare a concise presentation deck or digital portfolio.

• Research PrizePicks: Familiarize yourself with PrizePicks' product, market position, and recent news. Understand their user base and the competitive landscape of daily fantasy sports. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, concise explanations of methodology, and impactful delivery of findings and recommendations. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your process and decision-making.

⚠️ 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.