Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher

Company: Alan

Location: France (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Research & Insights

Date Posted: September 15, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy and decision-making by uncovering deep user needs, behaviors, and pain points through rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to integrate user insights seamlessly into the product development lifecycle, from ideation to iteration.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations that influence product roadmaps and business impact.

• Foster and scale research best practices and a user-centric culture across the organization, including mentoring junior researchers and non-researchers.

• Leverage advanced understanding of AI and LLM systems to inform research on AI-powered features and products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on "research as a compass" and integration with Product, Design, and Engineering suggests a highly collaborative and strategic function, not merely evaluative. The specific mention of AI and LLM systems indicates a forward-thinking approach to product development and a requirement for researchers to be conversant with emerging technologies. The D-E level hiring range implies a level of seniority and autonomy expected from the candidate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and analysis of user research studies, including in-depth interviews, diary studies, usability testing, direct observation, and surveys, across the full product lifecycle.

• Partner with product and engineering teams to identify critical research questions and define research objectives that align with business goals and user needs.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from various sources (research, analytics, data science) to provide holistic insights into user behavior, motivations, and product experience.

• Develop and deliver clear, concise, and impactful research reports, presentations, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of research methodologies, tools, and processes to ensure best-in-class research practices at Alan.

• Actively participate in product strategy discussions, providing user-centric perspectives to inform feature prioritization, roadmap planning, and new product development.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers and cross-functional team members in research techniques and user empathy, fostering a stronger research culture.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and advancements in AI and LLM technologies to inform research strategy and product innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "gather and prioritize the most important questions from across the company" highlights a proactive and strategic approach, requiring the Senior User Researcher to influence research agendas rather than just execute assigned tasks. The emphasis on "turning those findings into insights that are clear, compelling, and genuinely useful" underscores the importance of communication and actionability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is highly beneficial.

Experience: 4+ years of hands-on experience as a product or user researcher within a technology-driven environment, demonstrating a strong track record of delivering impactful research.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in qualitative research methods: user interviews, diary studies, think-aloud usability testing, and direct observation.

• Proficient in quantitative research methods: survey design, sampling techniques, crosstab analysis, and foundational statistical concepts.

• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills to efficiently scope research and deliver focused, actionable insights.

• Strategic partnership capabilities: ability to collaborate effectively with product stakeholders, articulate research value, and link findings to business outcomes.

• Compelling communication and storytelling skills to translate complex data into clear, resonant narratives for various audiences.

• Proven experience in mentoring junior researchers or non-researchers, providing constructive feedback for growth.

• Familiarity with AI and LLM systems, either through building AI products or closely following the field and understanding their production behavior.

• Genuine passion for and understanding of the healthcare industry and Alan's mission.

• Fluency in written and spoken English. Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in French, Spanish, or another European language.

• Experience with advanced statistical analysis or data science methodologies.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and experimental design.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "4+ years of experience" and the mention of "D-E level range" indicate that this is a senior role, requiring significant autonomy, strategic influence, and the ability to mentor. The specific mention of AI and LLM systems points to a need for candidates who can navigate complex, emerging technological landscapes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of end-to-end research projects, showcasing the full lifecycle from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Case studies highlighting the application of both qualitative and quantitative research methods to solve complex product challenges.

• Examples of how research findings directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, or business outcomes, with measurable impact where possible.

• Evidence of clear, compelling communication of research insights to diverse audiences (e.g., presentations, reports, workshops).

• Examples of research that involved or considered AI/LLM components or user interactions. Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of research process design, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and planning study execution.

• Illustrate the ability to synthesize and analyze complex data from multiple sources (qualitative and quantitative) into coherent insights.

• Provide examples of how research findings were translated into actionable product recommendations and integrated into development workflows.

• Demonstrate how research processes were refined or optimized to improve efficiency or impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of the role and the emphasis on strategic impact, a portfolio that clearly demonstrates the candidate's ability to drive product decisions and mentor others will be crucial. The inclusion of AI/LLM-related research projects would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior User Researchers in France with 4+ years of experience, and considering the D-E level hiring range, the estimated annual gross salary would likely fall between €60,000 and €85,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Stimulating work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.

• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies for research and product development.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in AI, healthcare, and user research.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits aligned with the company's mission.

• Flexible working arrangements with a hybrid model.

• Potential for stock options or equity participation in a high-growth company.

• Engaging team activities and a strong, supportive company culture.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, with flexibility to accommodate research needs and project deadlines. The hybrid model requires 2 days per week in an office location (likely Paris), with the remaining days remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for similar Senior User Researcher roles in France (Paris specifically) using data from compensation platforms and industry reports, adjusted for the stated experience level and the D-E hiring range. Benefits listed are derived from the provided text and common offerings for tech companies of this size and stage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: HealthTech, InsurTech, AI, Software as a Service (SaaS). Alan is disrupting the traditional health insurance market by integrating insurance, prevention, and care into a seamless digital experience, with a strong focus on AI-driven insights and personalized prevention.

Company Size: 800+ employees, indicating a well-established scale-up with significant resources and a growing global presence. This size allows for dedicated teams and specialized roles like User Research, while still maintaining agility.

Founded: Alan was founded with a mission to revolutionize healthcare access and prevention, emphasizing innovation and user-centricity from its inception. This foundational principle continues to shape its unique culture and working methods.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is positioned centrally within Product, Design, and Engineering, signifying its integral role in the product development process.

• The Senior User Researcher will likely report to a Head of Research, Product Lead, or Design Lead, with a dotted line to other functional heads for cross-functional project alignment.

• Collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Analytics teams, fostering a highly cross-functional environment. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, with a strong emphasis on user insights derived from research and analytics.

• Agile product development cycles, requiring continuous research and iterative feedback loops.

• Focus on building a "new standard in prevention insurance" through innovation, user experience, and technology, including AI.

• A culture that values learning, transparency, and proactive problem-solving.

Company Website: https://alan.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Alan's mission-driven approach to healthcare, combined with its scale-up status and focus on AI, suggests a culture that is both impactful and technologically advanced. The "unique culture" mentioned is a key differentiator for attracting talent.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior User Researcher, falling within the "D-E level range" as indicated by the company. This signifies a position of significant responsibility, autonomy, and influence. The candidate is expected to lead complex research initiatives, contribute strategically to product direction, and mentor others.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher will likely report into a Product, Design, or Research leadership role. They will work closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, forming core product teams. Collaboration will extend to Data Science and Analytics.

Operations Impact: The Senior User Researcher's work directly impacts product development by ensuring user needs are at the forefront of all decisions. This leads to more effective, user-friendly, and valuable products, directly contributing to user adoption, retention, and ultimately, Alan's mission to provide better healthcare and prevention. Their insights are critical for validating new features, optimizing existing ones, and identifying unmet needs, thus driving business growth and market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, AI/LLM user interaction research, or specific product areas within healthcare.

• Leadership: Progress into a Lead User Researcher or Research Manager role, overseeing a team, setting research strategy, and driving organizational impact.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management, UX Strategy, or Data Science roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user behavior and product development.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through internal workshops, external conferences, and mentorship, focusing on advanced research techniques, AI, and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "D-E level range" suggests a strong career trajectory within Alan, with opportunities for leadership and significant strategic contribution, rather than just execution. The emphasis on AI and healthcare also opens avenues for specialized growth within these domains.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is hybrid, requiring 2 days per week in an office location, likely Paris. This suggests a modern, collaborative office space designed to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming, and cross-functional interaction.

Office Location(s): Primarily Paris, France, offering a vibrant urban environment. Specific office details would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster interaction between research, product, design, and engineering teams, enabling seamless communication and co-creation.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard research tools, collaboration software, and potentially specialized hardware for user testing. The company's tech-forward approach implies a robust digital infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Ample opportunities for informal discussions, team meetings, workshops, and social events that strengthen team cohesion and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: A full-time schedule with a hybrid arrangement (2 days in office, 3 days remote) is standard. This provides a balance between in-person collaboration and focused remote work, allowing for flexibility in managing research activities and personal schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement indicates a company that values both in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work, aiming to capture the benefits of both for its operations and research teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Alan's mission.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive with the Hiring Manager (likely a lead in Product, Design, or Research) to discuss experience, research philosophy, strategic thinking, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study: Presentation of a curated portfolio showcasing key research projects. This may include a specific case study or a hypothetical problem to solve, demonstrating research design, execution, analysis, and impact. Focus will be on how insights drove decisions.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators (Product Managers, Designers, Engineers) to assess teamwork, communication style, and ability to integrate research into product workflows.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CPO) to discuss broader strategic vision, leadership potential, and long-term fit with Alan.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best showcase your skills in qualitative and quantitative research, strategic thinking, and driving product impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research methods used, key findings, the resulting recommendations, and the ultimate impact on the product or business. Quantify impact where possible.

• Highlight AI/LLM Relevance: If applicable, include projects that demonstrate your ability to research AI-powered features or user interactions with LLMs.

• Showcase Communication: Demonstrate how you translated complex findings into clear, actionable insights for different stakeholders.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, decision-making, challenges faced, and how you would approach research at Alan.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Alan's Mission: Research Alan's products, services, target audience, and its mission in healthcare and prevention.

• Anticipate Research Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach research for a specific feature or problem relevant to Alan's domain (e.g., improving user engagement with a prevention feature, understanding user needs for a new AI-driven health insight).

• Practice Articulation: Clearly articulate your research process, methodology choices, and how you would measure success. Emphasize user-centricity and data-driven decision-making.

• Think Strategically: Prepare to discuss how research can drive business impact and contribute to strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies that highlight not just research execution but also strategic thinking and demonstrable impact, especially in the context of a mission-driven tech company like Alan. The emphasis on AI/LLM implies specific types of projects or approaches might be favored.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Survey Tools: Platforms for designing and distributing surveys, collecting quantitative data (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms).

• Collaboration Tools: Software for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Notion, Asana, Jira).

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers for mockups and prototypes (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to facilitate usability testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and quantitative data (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, basic statistical software).

• Visualization Tools: Ability to create clear charts and graphs to present data effectively.

• Cross-functional Data Access: Collaboration with Analytics and Data Science teams means potential use of tools like SQL for data extraction or understanding dashboards built in tools like Tableau or Looker.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for a User Researcher, understanding how user feedback and data are captured and potentially fed into CRM or marketing automation systems can be beneficial for understanding the broader user journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list tools, a Senior User Researcher is expected to be proficient in a range of qualitative and quantitative research tools, as well as general collaboration and data analysis software. Familiarity with tools used by product and design teams (like Figma) is also advantageous for effective collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental belief that understanding and serving user needs is paramount to success. This drives research priorities and design decisions.

• Data-Driven Impact: Decisions are grounded in evidence, whether from qualitative insights or quantitative data, with a focus on measurable outcomes.

• Innovation & Prevention: A commitment to challenging the status quo in healthcare and insurance, with a proactive focus on prevention rather than just repair.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and shared ownership across teams to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of learning, iterating, and refining processes and products based on feedback and new insights.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Research is embedded within product teams, fostering close working relationships with PMs, Designers, and Engineers.

• Proactive Partnership: Researchers are encouraged to actively engage with stakeholders, understand their challenges, and propose research solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture of sharing research findings broadly and facilitating discussions to ensure insights are understood and acted upon.

• Mentorship: Senior members actively support the growth of junior colleagues and non-researchers in developing user empathy and research skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Alan's culture appears to be a blend of mission-driven purpose, technological innovation, and a strong emphasis on user understanding and collaborative execution. The values are directly tied to their business objectives and how they approach product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Agendas: Prioritizing research requests from various stakeholders to maximize impact and manage workload effectively.

• Navigating a Complex Domain: Deeply understanding the nuances of healthcare, insurance, and prevention to conduct relevant and impactful research.

• Integrating AI/LLM Research: Developing effective methodologies to research user interactions and perceptions of AI-powered features, which are still evolving.

• Scaling Research Culture: Continuously fostering user empathy and research literacy across a growing organization where not everyone is a researcher.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• AI & Healthcare Specialization: Deepen expertise in user research for AI products and the unique challenges within the healthcare sector.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into leadership roles, managing research teams and influencing organizational strategy.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with industry conferences, webinars, and publications to stay at the forefront of user research and HealthTech trends.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced leaders within Alan and contributing to the development of others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a senior role in a rapidly evolving field like HealthTech and AI. The growth opportunities are substantial, reflecting Alan's commitment to employee development and its position as a leader in its domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach researching user needs for a new AI-powered health prediction feature?" (Focus on methodology, ethical considerations, and potential biases).

• "Describe a time you had to influence product strategy based on your research findings. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight strategic thinking, communication, and impact).

• "How do you balance the need for deep, qualitative insights with the demand for quick, quantitative data in a fast-paced environment?" (Demonstrate methodological flexibility and prioritization skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Alan's mission to transform healthcare and prevention?" (Show genuine interest and alignment).

• "How would you contribute to fostering a stronger research culture at Alan, especially among non-researchers?" (Discuss mentorship and advocacy).

• "Given Alan's focus on AI, what are some key considerations for researching AI-powered products?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and technical awareness). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the research process, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the measurable impact.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your research directly influenced product decisions, user experience improvements, or business outcomes. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Showcase Methodology: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methods and how they addressed the research questions effectively.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Highlight how you partnered with product, design, and engineering teams.

• Be Ready for Deeper Dives: Anticipate questions about your thought process, alternative approaches, and how you handle ambiguity or unexpected findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong methodological grounding (both qualitative and quantitative), excellent communication, and a genuine passion for Alan's mission and the healthcare space. The ability to discuss AI/LLM research is a key differentiator for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful research projects that demonstrate your strategic thinking, methodological expertise (qualitative & quantitative), and ability to drive product decisions. Ensure clear articulation of problem, process, findings, recommendations, and impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 4+ years of relevant experience, specific research methodologies mastered, experience with AI/LLM products, and any mentorship or leadership achievements. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, clear communication of insights, and demonstrating how your research created tangible business or user value. Be ready to discuss your approach to researching AI/LLM features.

• Research Alan: Thoroughly understand Alan's mission, products, target audience, and unique culture. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company's strategic direction.

⚠️ 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.