Senior UX Research Analyst

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Research Analyst Company: Dentsu (Merkle Brand) Location: Mumbai, India (Flexible/WFH Option available) Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Market Research Operations Date Posted: May 18, 2026 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Eligible

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute comprehensive qualitative research initiatives to uncover deep user insights and inform product/service strategy.
• Drive client engagement and satisfaction by translating complex research findings into actionable business recommendations and strategic guidance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the research operations function, focusing on process standardization and efficiency gains.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project delivery from inception to completion.
• Leverage a blend of on-ground and online research methodologies to capture diverse consumer interactions and perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior UX Research Analyst," the responsibilities and required skills lean heavily into Market Research Operations, including client management, project end-to-end ownership, and process improvement. The role requires a strong understanding of qualitative methodologies, client communication, and the ability to manage the entire research lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Engagement & Strategy:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, managing relationships from initial project briefing through post-study information delivery.
  • Conduct in-depth client conversations to understand their research needs and business objectives, guiding them towards appropriate research strategies.
  • Effectively communicate research findings and their impact on business goals to clients and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment and understanding.
• Research Design & Execution:
  • Design robust qualitative research frameworks, discussion guides, and questionnaires tailored to specific client objectives.
  • Execute both on-ground and online consumer interactions, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, online diaries, and surveys.
  • Moderate interviews and manage diary studies, ensuring ethical conduct and effective data collection.
  • Proficiently utilize video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) for remote interviews and usability studies.
• Analysis & Reporting:
  • Analyze complex qualitative data, identify patterns, and synthesize findings into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
  • Create high-quality research reports and presentations using tools like PowerPoint and Google Slides.
  • Design compelling proposals and pitches for new client studies, showcasing research capabilities and potential impact.
• Project & Operations Management:
  • Manage research projects end-to-end, ensuring timely delivery, quality standards, and budget adherence.
  • Proactively identify and resolve research-related and operational issues, including those arising during recruitment, moderation, analysis, and reporting.
  • Resolve escalations, implement corrective measures, and ensure successful issue closure to maintain client satisfaction.
  • Contribute to team meetings by actively participating, sharing ideas, and preparing relevant materials.
• Process Improvement & Quality Assurance:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and standardization within the research operations function to enhance efficiency and quality.
  • Consistently strive to exceed client expectations by maintaining a high level of quality in all client deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of core research skills and operational management, highlighting the need for a candidate who can not only conduct research but also manage the entire project lifecycle, client relationships, and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction, Marketing, Business, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in qualitative research, user experience research, or market research, with a proven track record of managing complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience in client-facing roles, managing stakeholder relationships, and presenting research findings to diverse audiences.

Required Skills:

• Qualitative Research Expertise: Deep understanding and hands-on experience with methodologies such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, ethnographic studies, diary studies, and surveys.
• Empathy & Active Listening: Ability to deeply understand and share user feelings, actively listen during interviews to elicit nuanced insights, and observe non-verbal cues.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong capability to analyze complex qualitative data, identify patterns, derive actionable insights, and solve multifaceted technical and non-technical issues throughout the research journey.
• Communication Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for client interactions, internal team collaboration, and creating comprehensive research documentation.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams (e.g., account managers, strategists, designers) and external stakeholders (clients, vendors).
• Business Acumen: Understanding of how research findings impact business goals and the ability to facilitate discussions with clients on strategic implications.
• Project Management: End-to-end project management skills, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing of research projects.
• Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity and respect towards participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring inclusive research practices.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to adjust to unexpected project developments and effectively handle research-related or operational issues on the go.

Preferred Skills:

• Quantitative Research Familiarity: Basic understanding of quantitative research methods to complement qualitative findings.
• UX/UI Principles: Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and how research insights inform design decisions.
• Cross-functional Team Leadership: Experience leading or mentoring junior researchers or cross-functional project teams.
• Client Relationship Management: Proven success in building and maintaining long-term client relationships.
• Proposal Development: Experience in crafting compelling research proposals and pitches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "non-technical" skills in the original description suggests a strong preference for candidates with exceptional soft skills, client management abilities, and a strategic mindset, in addition to core research competencies. The "10+ Years" experience level indicates a need for seasoned professionals capable of independent project leadership and complex problem-solving.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of End-to-End Projects: Showcase 3-5 significant qualitative research projects managed from inception to completion, detailing the client's business challenge, research objectives, methodology employed, key insights, and impact.
• Demonstration of Methodological Breadth: Include examples illustrating proficiency in various qualitative methods (e.g., in-depth interviews, focus groups, diary studies, ethnographic research).
• Client Communication Artifacts (Anonymized): Examples of client-facing deliverables such as proposals, discussion guides, interim updates, and final reports (ensure all client-confidential information is anonymized or generalized).
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Illustrate instances where you encountered and successfully resolved complex research or operational challenges, detailing your approach and the outcome.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: If applicable, provide examples of how you identified and implemented process improvements within research operations, highlighting efficiency gains or quality enhancements.

Process Documentation:

• Research Methodology Documentation: Clearly outline standard operating procedures for designing and executing qualitative research studies, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Client Briefing & Onboarding Process: Detail the workflow for engaging with new clients, understanding their needs, and setting clear project expectations.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis Frameworks: Document the systematic approach used for analyzing qualitative data, identifying themes, and synthesizing findings into actionable insights.
• Reporting & Presentation Standards: Establish guidelines for creating clear, compelling, and visually engaging research reports and presentations tailored for different stakeholder levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role with a strong client-facing component, a portfolio demonstrating not just research execution but also strategic thinking, client management, and operational excellence is crucial. The ability to showcase a structured approach to research processes and problem-solving will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: ₹2,500,000 - ₹4,000,000 per annum (INR)
• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX/Market Research Analysts in India with 10+ years of experience, considering the specified locations (Mumbai, Bangalore) and the company's profile (Dentsu/Merkle, a large global advertising and marketing services company). Factors such as the scope of responsibilities, client management expectations, and the hybrid/WFH flexibility have been considered. Salary data was cross-referenced from reputable Indian job boards and compensation analysis platforms.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), potentially including wellness programs and mental health support.
• Retirement & Financial: Provident Fund (PF) contributions, gratuity, and potential for performance-based bonuses or stock options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, certifications in UX research, market research, and related fields. Access to industry conferences and learning platforms.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours, hybrid/WFH options, and paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays).
• Other Perks: Potential for travel allowances for on-ground research, team-building activities, and employee assistance programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility is offered with potential for remote work and adjusted hours, especially given the WFH option mentioned. However, client needs and project deadlines may require occasional extended hours or weekend availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a senior-level position in India. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, negotiation, and the company's internal compensation structure. Benefits are typical for large multinational corporations in India.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising, Marketing, Media, and Digital Services. Dentsu is a global leader in advertising and marketing, with Merkle being a prominent data-driven, technology-enabled customer experience management company. Company Size: Dentsu operates globally with tens of thousands of employees. Merkle itself is a large agency network within Dentsu. This scale provides significant opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to a wide array of clients and projects. Founded: Dentsu was founded in 1906. Merkle was founded in 1988 and acquired by Dentsu Aegis Network in 2016. This history signifies a stable, established organization with a long-standing presence in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research Analyst will likely be part of a larger research, insights, or customer experience team within Merkle or Dentsu's India operations.
• This team may include other researchers (qualitative and quantitative), data analysts, strategists, and client service professionals.
• Reporting structure will likely be to a Research Lead, Director of Insights, or a senior client lead, with direct collaboration across account management, strategy, creative, and technology teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of agencies like Merkle, requiring close partnership with account managers, strategists, data scientists, creative teams, and technology specialists to deliver integrated client solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: A strong emphasis on leveraging data (both qualitative and quantitative) to inform strategy and drive client outcomes.
• Customer-Centricity: Focus on understanding the customer journey and experience to create effective marketing and CX solutions.
• Agile & Iterative Processes: Likely adoption of agile methodologies for project management and research execution, allowing for flexibility and rapid iteration.
• Technology Integration: Utilization of various MarTech and AdTech tools to enhance research capabilities and deliver integrated campaigns.

Company Website: https://www.dentsu.com/, https://www.merkle.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Dentsu and Merkle are part of the global advertising and marketing services industry. The role's success will depend on understanding client business objectives within this context and applying research insights to drive marketing and customer experience strategies. The company's size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also potential for diverse project work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Analyst. This implies a level of autonomy, expertise in core research methodologies, and the ability to manage significant parts of a project independently. Senior analysts are expected to mentor junior team members, handle more complex client requirements, and contribute to strategic planning. They are moving beyond execution to proactive advisory.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Research Analyst will likely report to a Research Manager, Director of Insights, or a senior client lead. They will collaborate closely with account directors, strategists, and creative teams to integrate research findings into broader client strategies and campaigns. This structure emphasizes cross-functional teamwork.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on enhancing client marketing effectiveness and customer experience through data-driven insights. By understanding user needs and behaviors, the analyst directly influences campaign strategy, product development, service design, and overall customer engagement, ultimately contributing to client business growth and Dentsu/Merkle's reputation for delivering impactful solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into roles such as Research Manager, Director of Insights, or Head of UX Research, leading teams and shaping research strategy.
• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific areas of UX research (e.g., generative research, evaluative research, accessibility research) or client industries.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles within Dentsu/Merkle, such as CX Strategy, Data Analytics, or Account Management, leveraging research expertise.
• Skill Expansion: Continuous learning opportunities in new research methodologies, emerging technologies, and advanced analytical techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the 10+ years of experience requirement and the "Senior" title, candidates are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and a strategic perspective on research's role in business outcomes, not just methodological execution. Growth paths are typical for agency environments, emphasizing client success and strategic advisory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a Dentsu/Merkle office location (Mumbai, Bangalore), but with a stated "Flexible/WFH an option." This suggests a hybrid work model where employees can split time between the office and remote work, or potentially work fully remotely if the role's demands allow and local regulations permit. The office environment is likely a modern corporate setting typical of a global advertising agency.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: DGS India - Mumbai - Thane Ashar IT Park
• Alternative/Potential: Bangalore, India
• These locations are in major business hubs, offering accessibility and a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are typically designed with collaborative zones, meeting rooms, and open-plan areas to foster teamwork and interaction.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and relevant software for research, analysis, and communication (e.g., company-provided laptops, access to specific research platforms, communication tools like Slack/Teams).
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with colleagues, clients, and vendors during office days, facilitating brainstorming, client presentations, and team building.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) apply.
• The "Flexible/WFH an option" suggests a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule, allowing for better work-life integration. However, client-facing responsibilities and project deadlines will dictate the need for availability during core business hours and occasional extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/WFH flexibility is a key aspect, indicating Dentsu/Merkle's adaptation to modern work trends. Candidates should be comfortable with both remote collaboration tools and in-person interactions when necessary.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and conduct a brief screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager (likely a Research Lead or Director) focusing on your experience with qualitative methodologies, client management skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A critical stage where you will be asked to present 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio, showcasing your approach to research, analysis, and client impact. This may involve a presentation followed by a Q&A.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with other team members or key stakeholders (e.g., account managers, strategists) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment.
• Final Interview (Optional): Potentially a final interview with a senior leader for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business impact of your research. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion rates," "informed the redesign of X feature, reducing user friction by Y%").
• Structure Your Narratives: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Client Challenge -> Your Role & Methodology -> Key Insights -> Recommendations -> Impact/Outcome.
• Highlight Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This demonstrates resilience and adaptability.
• Showcase Empathy & Client Handling: Demonstrate your ability to understand user needs and manage client expectations, especially in difficult situations.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear headings, concise text, and relevant visuals (anonymized).

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Client Brief: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical client brief, outlining your initial questions, proposed methodology, and key considerations.
• Data Interpretation: You might be presented with a small dataset or qualitative findings and asked to interpret them and propose next steps.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare answers for common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, and client management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates must be able to articulate their thought process, demonstrate strategic thinking, and clearly communicate the value proposition of their research work to business outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting online interviews, focus groups, and diary studies (e.g., UserTesting, Dovetail, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey for survey design).
• Video Conferencing: Proficient use of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet for conducting remote sessions.
• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides for creating client-ready reports and proposals.
• Collaboration Tools: Experience with project management or collaboration software like Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, or Microsoft Teams for internal communication and project tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Synthesis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools that aid in qualitative data analysis and synthesis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, ATLAS.ti) would be beneficial.
• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data organization and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Familiarity): Understanding of how research insights feed into CRM strategies is valuable, though direct CRM management may not be required.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools used for managing project timelines, tasks, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on tools directly supporting qualitative research execution, client communication, and project management. While advanced analytics tools might not be primary, an understanding of how research data integrates into broader marketing technology stacks is advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations, ensuring research directly contributes to their business success.
• Excellence & Quality: Upholding high standards in all aspects of research, from design and execution to analysis and reporting.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve common goals.
• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging a proactive and curious mindset, continuously exploring new methodologies, tools, and approaches to uncover deeper insights.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining ethical research practices, transparency, and a high level of professional conduct in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between research, account management, strategy, creative, and technology teams to ensure research insights are effectively embedded into client solutions.
• Open Communication: Promoting an environment where ideas and feedback are shared openly and respectfully, leading to continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team meetings, sharing learnings from projects, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the research function.

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of a large agency network, the culture likely values client focus, results, and teamwork. The "Senior" level implies an expectation to embody these values and potentially influence team culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Client Expectations: Balancing the unique needs and expectations of multiple clients with varying levels of research sophistication.
• Data Overload & Synthesis: Effectively managing and synthesizing large volumes of qualitative data to extract clear, actionable insights without getting lost in the details.
• Navigating Agency Pressures: Thriving in a fast-paced agency environment with tight deadlines, demanding clients, and the need for continuous business development.
• Staying Ahead of Methodological Trends: Keeping pace with evolving research techniques, digital tools, and changing consumer behaviors in a dynamic market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Access to training and development in specialized qualitative methods, mixed-methods research, and emerging research technologies.
• Client Strategy & Business Acumen: Opportunities to deepen understanding of marketing strategy, customer experience management, and broader business principles through client work and internal training.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior researchers, lead project teams, and develop leadership skills through formal programs or on-the-job experience.
• Industry Engagement: Encouragement to attend industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay abreast of best practices and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to grow within a leading global agency. The challenges are typical of senior roles in the industry, requiring strong resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to convince a skeptical client about the value of your research findings. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, persuasion, and business acumen).
• "How would you design a research study to understand the key drivers of customer loyalty for a new e-commerce platform?" (Assess your ability to translate business objectives into research plans).
• "Imagine a project deadline is approaching, but you've encountered unexpected recruitment challenges. How would you manage this situation to ensure timely delivery without compromising quality?" (Evaluate problem-solving, adaptability, and stakeholder management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dentsu and Merkle's approach to customer experience and marketing? How do you see your research skills contributing to our clients' success?" (Demonstrate your research on the company and your understanding of their business).
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Assess your fit with the agency's values and teamwork expectations).
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in UX and market research?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end capabilities, client management skills, and ability to drive business impact.
• Tell a Compelling Story: Frame each project as a narrative. Clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the insights you uncovered, and the tangible results achieved.
• Highlight Your Role: Emphasize your specific contributions and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, analysis process, and how you handled specific challenges.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not just a skilled researcher but also a strategic partner to clients, capable of navigating complex business challenges and driving measurable outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Research Analyst position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply directly through the Dentsu/Merkle careers portal or the provided link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, focusing on qualitative research methodologies, client management, end-to-end project leadership, and problem-solving achievements. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a concise and impactful portfolio showcasing 2-3 key case studies that demonstrate your strategic thinking, methodological expertise, client handling, and measurable impact. Ensure all client-confidential information is anonymized.
• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling, clarity, and demonstrating your ability to articulate complex insights and business value. Prepare for potential case study or strategy questions.
• Research Dentsu & Merkle: Understand their client base, recent work, and company values to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

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

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