Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: FanDuel

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States; New York City, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research (UXR) / Product Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drives user-centric product development by conducting advanced qualitative and quantitative research for FanDuel's Sports team, integrating user insights directly into the product design lifecycle.

• Leads the planning, execution, and analysis of complex user research studies, including diary studies and unmoderated/moderated sessions, to uncover deep user needs and behaviors.

• Collaborates strategically with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Marketers, and Analysts to translate research findings into actionable product improvements and strategic recommendations.

• Leverages analytics and experimentation data to inform research strategies and validate findings, ensuring a data-driven approach to user understanding.

• Mentors and coaches junior researchers, fostering a culture of research excellence and effective stakeholder communication within the UX and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under UX Research, but its emphasis on integrating with product, design, engineering, and marketing teams, along with leveraging analytics and AI tools for efficiency, strongly positions it within the broader GTM and Product Operations sphere. The specific focus on a "Sports team" within FanDuel suggests a need for understanding a highly engaged and potentially specialized user base.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive user research plans, encompassing generative and evaluative methods, to deeply understand user needs, pain points, and behaviors within the FanDuel Sports product ecosystem.

• Conduct advanced qualitative research, including in-depth interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiries, and diary studies, to uncover nuanced user insights and inform product strategy.

• Integrate quantitative data from analytics platforms and experimentation (A/B testing) into research methodologies to triangulate findings and provide a holistic view of user engagement.

• Analyze and synthesize complex research data, identifying key themes, patterns, and actionable insights that directly inform product roadmaps, feature development, and design iterations.

• Proactively identify opportunities for product improvement based on research findings and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate these opportunities into concrete design and development recommendations.

• Communicate research findings and strategic recommendations effectively to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, product managers, designers, and engineers, through compelling presentations, reports, and workshops.

• Mentor and guide junior UX researchers, providing expertise on research craft, stakeholder management, and the application of advanced research techniques.

• Stay abreast of emerging UX research methodologies, tools, and industry best practices, particularly those related to AI and automation in research, to enhance team efficiency and research impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Coach junior researchers on stakeholder collaboration and research craft" indicates a senior-level role with leadership potential, requiring strong mentoring and communication skills beyond just individual research execution. The integration of "analytics and experimentation data" is a critical operations-aligned task for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in User Experience Research, with a proven track record of conducting impactful research within product development cycles.

• Demonstrated success working collaboratively within cross-functional teams, including UX Design, Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Data Analytics.

• Experience conducting a variety of research methodologies, including but not limited to usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, diary studies, card sorting, and heuristic evaluations. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in User Experience Research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, and the ability to select the most appropriate methods for specific research questions.

• Strong ability to synthesize complex data from multiple sources (user interviews, surveys, analytics, A/B tests) into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to present research findings and influence product decisions with diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated understanding of product development lifecycles and experience integrating user research insights at various stages of design and development.

• Working knowledge of AI capabilities and limitations as they apply to user research, including leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency and augment qualitative and quantitative analysis.

• Experience with user research platforms, survey tools, and data analysis software. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the sports, gaming, or a heavily regulated industry, understanding the unique user needs and compliance considerations.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and the ability to collaborate with experimentation teams.

• Experience with user research repositories and knowledge management systems.

• Proficiency in data visualization tools for presenting research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "working knowledge of AI capabilities and limitations as they apply to user research" is a significant differentiator, highlighting a forward-thinking approach to research operations and efficiency gains. The "5+ years" experience combined with coaching responsibilities clearly places this role at a senior level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of user research projects, demonstrating your ability to define research problems, select appropriate methodologies, execute studies, and deliver actionable insights that have influenced product outcomes.

• Examples of how you have integrated quantitative data (analytics, A/B testing results) with qualitative findings to build a comprehensive understanding of user behavior and product performance.

• Demonstrations of your ability to conduct complex research methods like diary studies, ethnographic research, or longitudinal studies, highlighting the insights gained and their impact.

• Evidence of your collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Engineering) and how your research directly contributed to product strategy and decision-making. Process Documentation:

• Clear documentation of your research process, from planning and participant recruitment to data analysis and reporting, emphasizing efficiency and rigor.

• Examples of how you have developed and refined research templates, participant screeners, interview guides, or analysis frameworks to standardize and improve research operations.

• Demonstrate experience in translating research findings into clear, concise, and compelling deliverables (e.g., personas, journey maps, insight reports, presentations) that are easily understood and actionable by product teams.

• Showcase your approach to managing research timelines, budgets (if applicable), and ethical considerations, ensuring research is conducted responsibly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher, a portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase completed research but also the strategic thinking behind it, the process followed, and the demonstrable impact on product success. The emphasis on integrating analytics and AI tools suggests a need for portfolio pieces that highlight efficiency gains or data-driven insights.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $112,000 - $154,000 USD per year

• This range is dependent on a variety of factors including relevant experience, location, business needs, and market demand. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance options, including medical, vision, and dental plans.

• Specialized health programs for fertility and family planning, and robust mental health support.

• Fitness benefits and wellness programs to support employee well-being.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and sick leave policies.

• Eligibility for annual bonuses and long-term incentive opportunities, based on individual and company performance.

• 401k retirement savings plan with up to a 5% company match.

• Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs.

• Pet insurance for employees' furry companions.

• Life insurance and disability insurance coverage. Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week.

• #LI-Hybrid designation suggests a flexible arrangement, with expectations for in-office collaboration on certain days, balanced with remote work flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and competitive for a senior-level UX Researcher in major US tech hubs like Atlanta and New York. The detailed benefits list is comprehensive, reflecting a strong employee value proposition. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside on-site presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports Technology & Entertainment / Online Gaming & Wagering

Company Size: Likely 1,000 - 5,000 employees (based on typical structure of large gaming companies and their operations).

Founded: FanDuel was founded in 2009, indicating a mature company with established processes but also a dynamic, evolving culture characteristic of the tech and gaming sectors.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of the UX & Design team, specifically supporting the "Sports team." This team is likely composed of Product Managers, Product Designers, Content Designers, Engineers, Marketers, and Analysts.

• Reporting structure will be to a UX Research Lead or Head of UX/Design, with direct collaboration across multiple product pods or feature teams within the Sports vertical.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, emphasizing a matrixed environment where insights from research are shared and integrated across disciplines to achieve common product goals. Methodology:

• FanDuel emphasizes a data-driven approach, integrating user insights with analytics and experimentation to inform product strategy and decision-making.

• The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging research into user needs and product gaps to drive innovation and enhance the customer experience.

• Emphasis is placed on delivering a "best-in-class" sports gaming experience, suggesting a focus on user satisfaction, engagement, and operational excellence in product delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: FanDuel's position as a leader in sports technology and gaming implies a fast-paced, innovative, and competitive environment. The "Sports team" focus suggests a deep dive into a specific user segment with high expectations for engagement and performance. The hybrid work model and emphasis on collaboration point to a culture that values both individual contribution and team synergy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor

• This role is positioned as a Senior Individual Contributor, responsible for leading complex research initiatives, mentoring junior staff, and significantly influencing product strategy. It represents a significant step up from an early-career researcher, requiring strategic thinking, advanced methodological expertise, and strong stakeholder management skills. Reporting Structure:

• The Senior UX Researcher will report into a leadership role within the UX & Design organization, likely a UX Research Manager or Director. They will work closely with Product Managers and Design Leads within the dedicated "Sports" product area, creating a collaborative, cross-functional reporting dynamic. Operations Impact:

• The primary impact of this role is on driving user-centricity within the product development process, directly influencing the design and functionality of FanDuel's Sports offerings. By uncovering critical user insights, the researcher helps to optimize user journeys, increase engagement, improve conversion rates, and ultimately contribute to revenue growth and customer loyalty. Their work directly supports the company's mission to provide a best-in-class sports gaming experience. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within the sports/gaming industry or specific product areas (e.g., sports betting, fantasy sports, casino).

• Leadership: Progress into a Lead UX Researcher role, managing a team of researchers, or transition into a Product Management or Design Leadership position by leveraging deep user understanding and strategic product thinking.

• Skill Development: Expand capabilities in advanced analytics integration, AI-driven research techniques, and cross-functional strategy development. Opportunities for attending industry conferences, workshops, and advanced training programs.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related operational roles within Product Management, Marketing Operations, or Data Strategy, leveraging a strong understanding of user behavior and product performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior level implies a path towards leadership or deep specialization. The hybrid nature and cross-functional collaboration are key to understanding how this role integrates into broader GTM operations and product strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model

• The "#LI-Hybrid" designation indicates a blend of in-office and remote work. This setup is designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion through in-person interaction while offering flexibility. Office Location(s):

• Atlanta, Georgia, United States

• New York City, New York, United States

• Employees are expected to work from one of these designated office locations, with specific days in-office determined by team needs and company policy. Workspace Context:

• The workspace likely supports collaboration with dedicated team areas, meeting rooms equipped for presentations and workshops, and individual workstations. Access to robust technology infrastructure, including high-speed internet, collaborative software, and necessary research tools, is standard.

• The environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, characteristic of the sports and gaming industry, encouraging proactive engagement and problem-solving. Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals across product, design, engineering, and marketing functions. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected around project deadlines and research participant availability. The hybrid model allows for a structured balance between remote focus time and in-office collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment. For a Senior UX Researcher, this means balancing independent research analysis and design with collaborative sessions, workshops, and team syncs in the office. Understanding the expectations for in-office days is crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on relevant experience and qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to assess your experience, research approach, understanding of user needs, and fit with the team and company culture.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present a selection of your past UX research projects. This is a critical step to demonstrate your skills, process, and impact. Expect to discuss your methodology, challenges, insights, and the outcomes of your work.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders such as Product Managers, Product Designers, and Engineers to evaluate your collaboration skills, ability to integrate research into product development, and communication effectiveness.

• Senior Leadership/Final Interview: A final interview, potentially with a senior leader, to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit within FanDuel's broader vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, diversity of methods, and impact. Prioritize projects relevant to

FanDuel's industry (sports, gaming, mobile apps) or complex user problems.

• Structure Your Story: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The problem or opportunity you addressed.
  • Your role and responsibilities.
  • The research questions you sought to answer.
  • The methodology you employed and why it was the best fit.
  • Key insights and findings.
  • The impact of your research on product decisions or business outcomes (quantify where possible).
  • Lessons learned.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams, how you translated insights into actionable recommendations, and how you navigated any challenges.

• Showcase Data Integration: If possible, include examples where you've integrated quantitative data (analytics, A/B tests) with qualitative findings.

• Address AI/Efficiency: Be prepared to discuss how you've leveraged or would leverage AI tools or other efficiency measures in your research process.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, stays within the allotted time, and clearly conveys your expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case study exercises or hypothetical research scenarios during interviews. These might involve analyzing a given problem, proposing a research plan, or interpreting mock data.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, strategic thinking, and ability to apply research principles to real-world business challenges.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach research for a product like FanDuel's Sports app, considering its user base and competitive landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a crucial element for a Senior UX Researcher. Candidates should be prepared to articulate not just what they did, but why they did it, and what the impact was. Highlighting AI/efficiency aspects is key given the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for conducting unmoderated and moderated usability testing, remote research, and participant recruitment.

• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms for designing and distributing surveys for quantitative data collection.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural for collaborative ideation, journey mapping, affinity diagramming, and synthesizing research findings.

• Product Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms to access and interpret user behavior data.

• Experimentation Platforms: Understanding of A/B testing tools (e.g., Optimizely, VWO) and how to collaborate with teams using them.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in analyzing data from product analytics tools (as listed above) to complement qualitative research.

• Ability to use data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) to present quantitative findings effectively. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, familiarity with how user data is managed within CRMs or customer data platforms (CDPs) can be beneficial for understanding user segmentation and outreach.

• Awareness of automation tools used in research recruitment or data processing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on integrating analytics and AI tools suggests that experience with data analysis platforms and an understanding of how to leverage AI for research efficiency are highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product decisions, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A reliance on both qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy, validate hypotheses, and measure the impact of product changes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of cross-functional collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives and working together to achieve common goals. "We are One Team!" is a stated principle.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly explore new ideas, refine processes, and enhance the user experience through iterative development and learning.

• Integrity & Accountability: Operating with honesty, transparency, and taking ownership of outcomes, especially in a regulated industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Works closely with Product Managers and Designers to define research objectives and integrate findings into roadmaps.

• Consultative: Acts as a subject matter expert, guiding product teams on the best research approaches and interpreting complex user data.

• Advocacy: Champions the voice of the user, ensuring their needs and perspectives are considered in strategic discussions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participates in sharing research insights across teams through presentations, workshops, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: FanDuel's stated principle "We are One Team!" underscores a collaborative and inclusive culture. The values align with robust operations practices: user-centricity, data-driven decisions, and continuous improvement are hallmarks of effective GTM and product operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-paced gaming environment, there's a constant tension between delivering research quickly to meet product timelines and ensuring the research is robust and methodologically sound.

• Integrating Diverse Data Streams: Effectively combining qualitative insights with complex quantitative data from analytics and experimentation can be challenging, requiring strong analytical and synthesis skills.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Translating research findings into compelling narratives that drive action and change within a busy product organization, especially when dealing with differing opinions or priorities.

• Staying Ahead of User Expectations: The sports and gaming landscape is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning about user behaviors, market trends, and emerging technologies (like AI) to ensure research remains relevant.

• Navigating a Regulated Industry: Understanding and accounting for the complexities of operating within a regulated industry (e.g., responsible gaming, compliance) in research design and recommendations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of the sports betting and iGaming industry, understanding user motivations, competitive landscapes, and regulatory nuances.

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques, including AI-assisted analysis, predictive modeling for user behavior, and advanced qualitative methods.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior researchers and potentially leading research initiatives for major product launches.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gain a broader understanding of product management, design strategy, and marketing operations through close collaboration.

• Professional Development: Access to industry conferences, workshops, and training programs focused on UX research, data analytics, and product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a proactive, strategic, and adaptable researcher who can operate effectively in a dynamic, data-rich, and regulated environment. The growth opportunities are well-defined for a senior-level professional.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to use both qualitative and quantitative data to solve a complex product problem. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on synthesis, methodology, and impact.)

• "How would you approach researching a new feature for our FanDuel Sports app that aims to increase user engagement during live sporting events?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, methodology selection, and understanding of the product context.)

• "Imagine you've found conflicting insights from two different research studies. How would you reconcile these findings and present them to the product team?" (Showcase critical thinking, data interpretation, and stakeholder communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why FanDuel? What interests you about our company and the sports/gaming industry?" (Research FanDuel's mission, values, recent news, and articulate your genuine interest.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with remote and in-office team members." (Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and maintain productivity across different work modalities.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and influence product decisions, especially when facing pushback?" (Emphasize your influence, communication, and advocacy skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Know Your Audience: Tailor your presentation to resonate with product, design, and engineering stakeholders. Focus on the "so what" of your research.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the business impact of your research (e.g., "resulted in a 15% increase in feature adoption," "reduced user errors by 20%").

• Showcase Process Efficiency: Be ready to discuss how you efficiently managed your research projects, and specifically, how you've used or would use AI tools to streamline tasks like synthesis, analysis, or recruitment.

• Focus on Collaboration: Clearly articulate how you partnered with other disciplines and how your insights were integrated into their work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, participant selection, and data analysis techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, data-driven approaches, collaborative skills, and an understanding of how research directly impacts business outcomes in a fast-paced, competitive industry. Highlighting AI/efficiency is a key differentiator.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your portfolio to highlight 2-3 impactful UX research projects. Emphasize your strategic approach, diverse methodologies, and quantifiable impact. Specifically, include examples of how you've integrated quantitative data or used AI tools to enhance research efficiency and insights.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of UX research experience, focusing on achievements relevant to product development, cross-functional collaboration, and data integration. Use keywords from the job description such as "user insights," "research methodologies," "data analysis," "AI capabilities," and "stakeholder collaboration."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, key learnings, and impact. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how your research has influenced product strategy and decisions, especially within a dynamic environment like sports/gaming. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your senior-level expertise.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research FanDuel, its products (especially the Sports app), its mission, and its company culture. Understand the competitive landscape of sports technology and gaming. Be prepared to discuss why you are a strong cultural fit and how your skills align with FanDuel's stated values, such as "We are One Team!"

⚠️ 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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