Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher

Company: Jobgether (Partner Company)

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Research

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Remote OK (within the United States)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives across both consumer and provider journeys within a complex, high-stakes marketplace.

• Uncover deep user insights by connecting emotional decision-making, behavioral data, and product signals to inform product strategy and design.

• Drive evidence-driven decisions by synthesizing qualitative and quantitative findings into clear, actionable recommendations for product, design, and service improvements.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including Product, Design, Engineering, Analytics, Marketing, Sales, and Operations.

• Leverage and contribute to modern research practices, including the responsible use of AI tools for synthesis and insight generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for a mission-driven company focused on improving outcomes for families navigating sensitive care decisions. The emphasis on a "high-stakes marketplace" and "sensitive care decisions" suggests a need for researchers with strong ethical considerations and empathy, particularly when dealing with vulnerable user groups. The mention of "responsible use of AI tools" indicates an innovative approach to research operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and execution of comprehensive qualitative and mixed-method research studies, including in-depth interviews, usability testing, surveys, journey mapping, diary studies, and concept validation.

• Develop and maintain a strategic research roadmap that directly aligns with overarching product strategies, critical business priorities, and cross-functional decision-making needs.

• Translate complex research findings into compelling, actionable insights and narratives that demonstrably influence product direction, user experience (UX) design, and overall service enhancements.

• Identify and articulate critical user pain points, unmet needs, trust gaps, and systemic experience issues that span the entire end-to-end care journey for both consumers and providers.

• Enhance research operations by developing and implementing standardized templates, streamlined participant workflows, robust insight repositories, and reusable research frameworks.

• Partner effectively with Product Management, Design, Engineering, Analytics, Marketing, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure seamless integration of qualitative research findings with quantitative data and behavioral analytics.

• Contribute to the definition and responsible implementation of AI-enabled research tools to accelerate research workflows, improve synthesis efficiency, and enhance decision support capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "develop and maintain a research roadmap aligned with product strategy" indicates a strategic, proactive approach beyond ad-hoc research requests. This implies the need for a researcher who can anticipate future needs and integrate research into the product development lifecycle proactively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in User Research, UX Research, Product Research, or comparable mixed-methods research roles.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in a wide range of qualitative research methodologies, including but not limited to user interviews, contextual inquiries, usability testing, ethnographic studies, and generative research techniques.

• Proficient in synthesizing research data into clear, compelling, and actionable insights, with a strong ability to communicate these findings through effective storytelling and presentation.

• Proven track record of influencing product strategy, influencing UX design decisions, and driving tangible product improvements through research outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments, prioritizing research efforts based on potential business and product impact.

• Experience integrating qualitative research findings with quantitative data, behavioral analytics, experimentation results, or other product data sources.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and influence cross-functional stakeholders at all organizational levels.

• Demonstrated curiosity and/or experience in utilizing AI tools to augment research workflows, enhance synthesis processes, or generate insights more efficiently.

• Strong portfolio showcasing robust research thinking, methodological rigor, and clear evidence of impact on product strategy and decision-making. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within marketplace platforms, the healthcare industry, complex consumer decision journeys, or other high-trust service environments.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and experimental design.

• Experience with advanced synthesis techniques and building research knowledge management systems.

• Familiarity with design thinking principles and agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Strong portfolio demonstrating research thinking, methodology, and impact on product decisions" is a critical requirement. Candidates should focus on showcasing projects where their research directly led to measurable product changes and business outcomes. The emphasis on "ambiguous environments" and "prioritizing research based on business and product impact" suggests a need for a self-starter who can navigate uncertainty and demonstrate ROI.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of research projects that clearly articulate the research problem, the methodologies employed, the insights discovered, and the subsequent impact on product or business outcomes.

• Demonstrations of research thinking, including how research questions were formulated, how methodologies were chosen, and how findings were synthesized.

• Evidence of influencing product strategy and design decisions, with specific examples of how research shaped the product roadmap or feature development.

• Case studies that highlight the ability to combine qualitative insights with quantitative data or behavioral analytics to provide a holistic understanding of user behavior.

• Examples of research operations improvements or the creation of reusable research frameworks, if applicable. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of ability to design and execute end-to-end research processes, from planning and recruitment to data collection, synthesis, and reporting.

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

• Documentation of how research insights were shared and advocated for within cross-functional teams and with senior leadership.

• Evidence of continuous improvement in research processes, potentially including the adoption of new tools or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on influencing product strategy and the mention of "improving research operations," a portfolio should ideally include examples of how the candidate has streamlined research processes, built insight repositories, or developed reusable frameworks that enhance team efficiency and knowledge sharing. The ability to demonstrate impact on "business outcomes" is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $135,000 - $160,000 USD annually.

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided salary information and industry benchmarks for Senior User Researchers in the United States with 5+ years of experience. The specified salary range aligns with typical compensation for senior-level research roles in tech companies, particularly those with a mission-driven focus and operating in complex markets. Factors such as specific location within the US (though remote is allowed, some companies may adjust based on cost of living), interview performance, and specific skill alignment can influence the final offer within this band.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary ($135,000 - $160,000 USD annually).

• Bonus opportunity of up to 10% of annual earnings, tied to individual and company performance.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance, rest, and well-being.

• Mission-driven work environment focused on making a significant social impact in the healthcare and family care sector.

• Opportunities to tackle complex, human-centered problems with high visibility across product development.

• Collaborative and cross-functional culture that emphasizes continuous learning and innovation. Working Hours:

• Typically a 40-hour work week is expected.

• While the role is remote, effective time management and availability for collaboration during core business hours (likely aligning with US time zones) are crucial. Flexibility may be offered, but consistent engagement and responsiveness are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and falls within the expected compensation for a Senior User Researcher in the US market. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and financial security. The mention of a "mission-driven environment" and "high product visibility" are significant non-monetary benefits that can be highly attractive to candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates in a sensitive and complex marketplace, likely within the Healthcare, Family Services, or Caregiving sector, focusing on connecting families with care providers. This industry context implies a strong emphasis on trust, ethical considerations, data privacy, and user well-being. The "high-stakes marketplace" suggests a need for rigorous, empathetic, and impactful research.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description suggests a growing organization with multiple product squads and cross-functional teams, likely placing it in the mid-size to large-size company category (e.g., 100-1000+ employees). This size typically offers both structured processes and opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the emphasis on modern research practices and AI tools suggests a company that is likely established but also forward-thinking and innovative.

Team Structure:

• The Senior User Researcher will likely operate within a dedicated Product or UX Research team, potentially reporting to a Director of UX Research or Head of Product.

• The role requires close collaboration with multiple product squads, each typically comprising Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Analysts.

• There will be significant interaction with other GTM functions such as Marketing, Sales, and Operations, demonstrating a company-wide commitment to understanding the customer. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core methodology will be the integration of qualitative research insights with quantitative data, behavioral analytics, and product signals to form a holistic understanding.

• User-Centric Product Development: The company prioritizes understanding user needs, pain points, and decision-making processes to directly shape product strategy, UX design, and service improvements.

• Agile & Iterative Approach: Given the mention of "squads" and influencing "product direction," an agile or iterative product development process is highly probable, requiring research to be integrated flexibly.

• Responsible Innovation: The company embraces modern tools and practices, including AI, but with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations and maintaining human judgment.

Company Website: https://jobgether.com/ (This is the platform's website; the actual partner company's website is not directly linked but implied through the application process.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "families navigating sensitive care decisions" and a "high-stakes marketplace" is a critical cultural indicator. This suggests a need for researchers who are not only skilled methodologically but also deeply empathetic, ethical, and committed to user well-being. The role is positioned at the intersection of user needs, business goals, and technological innovation (AI).

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, strategic influence, and responsibility for leading complex research initiatives. The role is expected to mentor junior researchers (if any) and act as a subject matter expert.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager, Director of UX Research, Head of Product, or a similar senior leadership role within the product organization. They will collaborate daily with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and other cross-functional stakeholders within various product squads.

Operations Impact: The Senior User Researcher has a direct and significant impact on the company's success by:

• Shaping Product Strategy: Providing foundational insights that inform the direction of new products, features, and services.

• Improving User Experience: Ensuring that products are intuitive, effective, and meet the critical needs of users, thereby driving adoption, retention, and satisfaction.

• Reducing Business Risk: Validating product concepts and designs early to mitigate the risk of building the wrong thing or introducing features that fail to resonate with users.

• Driving Business Outcomes: Directly influencing metrics related to user engagement, conversion, retention, and potentially revenue through well-researched product enhancements.

• Fostering a User-Centric Culture: Championing user needs and advocating for evidence-based decision-making across the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research: Potential to grow into a Lead User Researcher role, managing a team or a specific product area, or moving into a Research Manager/Director position.

• Strategic Influence: Deeper involvement in company-wide product strategy, OKR setting, and long-term roadmap planning.

• Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific areas, such as marketplace dynamics, healthcare user journeys, or advanced AI research applications.

• Mentorship: Guiding and mentoring junior researchers, fostering the next generation of talent within the organization.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management, Design Strategy, or other strategic roles within the company, leveraging their deep user understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's "Senior" title and the emphasis on influencing "product strategy" and "business impact" suggest that candidates should highlight their experience in strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and demonstrating measurable outcomes from their research. The growth opportunities are significant for an individual contributor who excels at strategic impact and leadership within their domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is listed as Remote OK within the United States, indicating a distributed or hybrid work model is supported. This means candidates can work from their home office or a co-working space.

Office Location(s): While the primary listing is for the United States, specific physical office locations for the partner company are not detailed. However, the remote nature allows candidates across the US to apply.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a highly collaborative atmosphere, leveraging digital tools for seamless communication and teamwork across distributed teams and product squads.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern research tools, collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Figma), and potentially advanced AI tools for research acceleration.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and other stakeholders through virtual meetings, workshops, and asynchronous communication channels. Emphasis on cross-functional alignment and shared understanding of user needs.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical.

• Flexibility in work hours is often a perk of remote roles, but availability for critical meetings, team syncs, and stakeholder interactions during core business hours (likely Eastern or Pacific Time, depending on company HQ) is essential for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a remote role, candidates should emphasize their ability to work autonomously, manage their time effectively, and maintain strong communication and collaboration habits in a virtual setting. Highlighting experience with remote collaboration tools and asynchronous communication is beneficial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by Jobgether's AI or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (from the partner company) to delve into experience, research philosophy, and alignment with the team's needs. Expect questions about past projects and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where candidates will present selected case studies from their portfolio. This is an opportunity to demonstrate research methodology, synthesis skills, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your thought process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders such as Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers or data analysts. These will assess collaboration skills, ability to integrate research with other data, and how you communicate insights to different audiences.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, VP of Engineering) to assess strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (e.g., marketplace experience, complex decision journeys, qualitative synthesis, influencing strategy).

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methods used, the key insights, and most importantly, the impact on product decisions, user experience, or business outcomes. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in task completion rate").

• Showcase Process: Walk through your research process, explaining why you chose specific methodologies and how you synthesized complex data.

• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end, highlighting your problem-solving approach.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, handling difficult stakeholders, dealing with ambiguity, and how you integrate qualitative with quantitative data.

• AI Tool Discussion: Be ready to discuss your experience or perspective on using AI in research, highlighting responsible use and maintaining rigor.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical problem or product area and asked to outline a research plan. Focus on defining clear research questions, selecting appropriate methods, and outlining a realistic timeline and deliverables.

• Insight Synthesis Exercise: You may be asked to synthesize a small dataset (e.g., interview snippets, survey results) into actionable insights and recommendations.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your work concisely and engagingly, ensuring you can articulate complex ideas clearly to different audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just methodological expertise but also strategic thinking, collaboration, and the ability to demonstrate real-world impact. The portfolio review is a critical component, so candidates should invest significant time in preparing compelling case studies that highlight their ability to drive product decisions and business outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for user recruitment, survey distribution, and potentially in-app feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Lookback).

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace/Microsoft 365, Miro/Mural for virtual whiteboarding and workshops.

• Design & Prototyping Tools (for review): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (to understand and test designs).

• AI-Enabled Research Tools: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience or familiarity with AI tools for tasks such as transcription, thematic analysis, sentiment analysis, or generating initial research hypotheses (e.g., Dovetail, Condens, specialized AI synthesis tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/Product Analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, Pendo (to combine qualitative insights with quantitative user behavior data).

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Looker, Power BI (to understand and present quantitative data alongside qualitative findings).

• Spreadsheet Software: Excel, Google Sheets for data analysis and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, HubSpot (to understand customer segmentation, sales funnels, and customer journey touchpoints from a business perspective).

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello (for understanding product development workflows and research integration).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI-enabled research tools" is a key differentiator. Candidates should highlight any experience or a strong understanding of how AI can be responsibly applied to enhance research efficiency, synthesis, and insight generation, while maintaining human oversight and ethical standards. Familiarity with combining qualitative data with quantitative analytics platforms is also crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user is paramount. Decisions are made with the user's needs and well-being at the forefront.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A blend of qualitative insights and quantitative data informs strategy and product development, moving beyond intuition to evidence.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close partnership across product, design, engineering, and other departments are fostered to ensure alignment and shared understanding.

• Impact & Accountability: Focus on delivering measurable outcomes and taking ownership of research's contribution to business goals and user success.

• Innovation & Learning: Embracing new methodologies, tools (like AI), and continuous learning to stay at the forefront of user research practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless integration with product squads and GTM teams, acting as a bridge between user needs and business objectives.

• Partnership Approach: Working collaboratively with Product Managers and Designers as strategic partners, not just service providers.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing insights, progress, and potential research needs to ensure stakeholders are informed and can contribute.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve research processes and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user advocacy, data-informed strategy, and collaborative execution. For a role in a sensitive sector, values related to user well-being, trust, and ethical research practices are likely to be implicitly or explicitly important. Candidates should demonstrate how their work aligns with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating in a complex, high-stakes marketplace with potentially evolving priorities requires strong prioritization and strategic thinking skills.

• Integrating Diverse Data: Effectively synthesizing qualitative insights with quantitative data, behavioral analytics, and product signals to form a cohesive narrative.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Persuading diverse teams and leadership to adopt research-backed recommendations, especially when they challenge existing assumptions or require significant investment.

• Scaling Research Operations: Improving efficiency and impact through better processes, tools, and knowledge management, especially in a growing organization.

• Responsible AI Adoption: Balancing the benefits of AI tools for speed and synthesis with the need for rigor, ethical considerations, and maintaining human judgment in research.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specialized research techniques or explore new methods relevant to the industry.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of advancements in user research, AI in research, and best practices within the healthcare/family services sector.

• Strategic Impact: Developing a stronger command of product strategy, business impact measurement, and influencing senior leadership.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to guide junior researchers and take on more leadership responsibilities within the research function.

• Cross-Functional Skill Building: Gaining deeper insights into product management, design, and analytics through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a proactive, strategic, and adaptable researcher. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement and skill development within a dynamic and impactful field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence product strategy with research findings. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking and impact.)

• "How do you prioritize research efforts when faced with multiple competing requests and limited resources?" (Highlight your prioritization framework, stakeholder management, and understanding of business impact.)

• "Imagine a new feature designed to help families make difficult care decisions. How would you approach researching its effectiveness and user adoption?" (Outline your research plan, including methods, target users, and key metrics.)

• "How do you balance speed and rigor in your research process, especially when using AI tools?" (Discuss your approach to AI, emphasizing ethical use, validation, and maintaining human oversight.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about our mission and the problem space we're addressing?" (Research the company's mission, values, and the specific challenges in the caregiving/marketplace sector.)

• "How do you foster a user-centric culture within cross-functional teams?" (Provide examples of how you advocate for users and encourage empathy.)

• "Describe your experience working in a 'high-stakes marketplace' or sensitive industry. What unique considerations does this bring to your research?" (Showcase your understanding of ethical research and user empathy.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each case study, aim for a 5-7 minute presentation that covers the problem, your approach, key insights, and impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, visually appealing slides that support your narrative without being text-heavy. Include key quotes or visuals if appropriate.

• Focus on "So What?": Clearly articulate the "so what" of your findings – what decisions were made, what changes were implemented, and what was the measurable outcome?

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Highlight how you partnered with Product, Design, and other teams throughout the research process.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, specific data points, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their research process in detail, emphasizing strategic alignment, stakeholder management, and measurable impact. Being able to articulate a clear research plan for a hypothetical scenario and discuss the nuances of working in a sensitive industry will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the application link provided by Jobgether to submit your resume and any requested information.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight your 5+ years of user research experience, specific methodologies used, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "qualitative research," "mixed-methods," "usability testing," "product strategy influence," and "AI-enabled research tools."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful research projects. Ensure each case study clearly demonstrates your research thinking, methodology, synthesis of insights, and, most importantly, the tangible impact your work had on product decisions and business outcomes. Prepare to present these compellingly.

• Research the Company: While the partner company isn't explicitly named, understand Jobgether's role and the general industry context (healthcare/family services marketplace). Research common challenges and opportunities in this space to inform your application and interview responses.

• Prepare for AI Screening: Be aware that Jobgether uses an AI-powered matching process. Ensure your application materials are clear, concise, and contain relevant keywords to be effectively identified.

⚠️ 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.