Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Grindr

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end UX research initiatives within defined product areas, translating user needs into actionable product and business strategies.

• Lead mixed-method research programs, integrating qualitative depth with quantitative rigor to inform decisions at scale for a global platform.

• Proactively shape the research agenda, identifying high-leverage opportunities that align with product roadmaps and business objectives.

• Serve as a strategic partner to Product, Design, and Data Science, embedding user evidence into critical decision-making processes.

• Conduct sensitive research on topics such as sexual health and identity with methodological care and ethical considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a lean, high-ownership UX Research team at Grindr, emphasizing strategic influence and proactive research agenda setting rather than reactive support. The focus on AI-native platform development and sensitive user topics requires a researcher adept at both technical and empathetic approaches.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete research lifecycle for product areas, from initial problem framing and question definition to the delivery of actionable insights and recommendations.

• Design and execute robust mixed-method research studies, including large-scale surveys, conjoint analysis, statistical analysis, and in-depth qualitative interviews.

• Proactively identify and prioritize research opportunities that align with strategic product goals and business imperatives, developing a forward-looking research roadmap.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Data Scientists to influence product strategy, identify potential risks, and challenge assumptions with user evidence.

• Lead research efforts on sensitive and personal topics such as sexual health, men's wellness, and LGBTQ+ experiences, ensuring participant safety, privacy, and trust.

• Enhance the team's quantitative research capabilities by introducing scalable methodologies and frameworks to elevate research standards across the organization.

• Effectively communicate complex research findings and their implications to diverse audiences, from core product teams to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic foresight, methodological expertise (especially in quantitative research), and strong cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "sensitive topics" suggests a need for researchers comfortable with cutting-edge technology and ethical considerations in user research.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Statistics, or a related field is typically expected for Senior UX Researcher roles.

Experience: 5+ years of dedicated product research experience, with a proven track record of independently managing and executing research within fast-paced, complex product environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to independently own end-to-end research projects in a dynamic product setting.

• Strong foundation in mixed-method research design and execution.

• Demonstrated quantitative research depth, including experience with large-scale surveys, conjoint analysis, and statistical analysis.

• Experience conducting research on sensitive or personal topics with a focus on trust-building, participant safety, and privacy.

• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams, acting as a strategic peer to Product and Design.

• Experience researching consumer products with large, diverse user bases, particularly in social, dating, health, or community-focused sectors.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex research findings to various stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience leveraging AI tools within research workflows.

• Familiarity with product development in AI-native platforms.

• Deep understanding of or passion for LGBTQ+ community experiences, sexual health, and wellness topics.

• Experience operating within lean, high-trust environments with a high degree of autonomy.

• Ability to seamlessly transition between strategic framing and hands-on research execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of robust research methodology, strategic influence, and comfort with sensitive subject matter. The "AI-native" aspect suggests a preference for candidates who are adaptable and forward-thinking regarding technology integration in research.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of end-to-end research projects, demonstrating ownership from problem identification to impact.

• Examples of mixed-method research designs, illustrating the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Case studies detailing how research insights directly influenced product strategy, roadmap decisions, or key business outcomes.

• Evidence of experience conducting research on sensitive topics, highlighting ethical considerations and participant care.

• Examples of quantitative analysis, such as survey design and interpretation, or statistical findings. Process Documentation:

• Detail the process for framing research questions and defining research objectives in collaboration with product teams.

• Illustrate the methodology for selecting appropriate research methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed) based on project goals.

• Provide examples of how research findings were synthesized, translated into actionable recommendations, and communicated to stakeholders.

• Showcase experience in building a research agenda that proactively addresses product development needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on strategic influence and mixed-method expertise, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's process for identifying research opportunities, designing studies, and driving impact. Demonstrating experience with sensitive topics and quantitative rigor will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided salary range is $134,087 - $178,782 USD annually. This range is competitive for a Senior UX Researcher in San Francisco, CA, considering the experience level and the tech industry standards for a company of Grindr's size and impact.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, with full premium coverage for the employee and partial coverage for dependents.

• Generous Family Formation support, including up to $300,000 for fertility treatments (IVF), surrogacy, egg freezing, and adoption.

• Retirement savings plan: 401(k) with a 6% company match and immediate vesting.

• Competitive compensation package including industry-competitive salary, company bonus, and equity for all employees.

• Industry-leading Gender-Affirming Care offerings, with up to 90% cost coverage, access to Included Health, and monthly stipends for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

• Flexible vacation policy encouraging work-life balance.

• Two company-wide rest weeks per year to ensure employee well-being.

• Monthly stipends for cell phone, internet, wellness, food, and commuting.

• On-site perks include breakfast and lunch.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, a standard full-time role typically involves 40 hours per week. The hybrid model requires 2 days in the San Francisco office, allowing for flexibility on the remaining workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on the provided data. The benefits package is extensive, with notable offerings in family formation and gender-affirming care, reflecting Grindr's commitment to employee well-being and inclusivity. The mention of "Grindr Mode" suggests a culture that values high performance but also sustainable work practices.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Social Media/Dating Platforms, AI-Native Platform Development)

Company Size: Less than 200 employees, indicating a lean and agile operational environment.

Founded: Grindr has a history dating back to 2009, evolving into a significant player in the digital connection space and now entering a new phase as a public, AI-native company.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is small and embedded within the product organization, working closely with Product, Design, and Data Science.

• This structure fosters direct collaboration and ensures research is central to product direction.

• Researchers are expected to act as strategic voices, influencing roadmaps and business decisions, rather than solely functioning as a support service. Methodology:

• Grindr operates on an "AI-native" platform strategy, integrating AI across products and operations.

• The company emphasizes "Grindr Mode": moderately hardcore day-to-day, truly hardcore when it counts, focusing on outcomes over outputs.

• There's a strong emphasis on moving fast, staying lean, and tackling complex technical problems at scale.

• Research is viewed as a strategic asset, shaping product direction and informing business decisions through user evidence.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by its lean structure, rapid pace, and a strong focus on AI integration and user impact. The "Grindr Mode" operating principle suggests a high-performance environment that balances intensity with sustainability. The company's mission to serve the LGBTQ+ community is a core cultural driver.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Researcher role, indicating a level of autonomy, strategic responsibility, and mentorship potential. It requires an individual who can independently drive research initiatives and influence product direction.

Reporting Structure: The UX Research team is lean and embedded, likely reporting into a Head of Design or Head of Product. Collaboration is expected to be peer-to-peer with Product Managers and Designers.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Researcher has a direct impact on product strategy, user experience, and business outcomes by providing critical user insights. This role shapes the direction of features and products that affect millions of users globally, particularly within sensitive areas like sexual health and identity. The research directly informs the development of an AI-native platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to expand quantitative research skills, potentially leading initiatives in scalable survey design, statistical modeling, and AI-driven research methodologies.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop expertise in shaping research agendas for complex product portfolios and influencing senior leadership on product strategy.

• Domain Specialization: Deepen knowledge in critical areas such as sexual health, LGBTQ+ experiences, and community-driven platforms, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Team Expansion: As the UX Research function grows, there may be opportunities to mentor junior researchers or lead specific research domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Senior UX Researcher at Grindr likely involves increasing strategic impact, expanding methodological expertise, and potentially taking on leadership roles within a growing research function, all within a unique and impactful domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring presence in the San Francisco office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This setup facilitates in-person collaboration while offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, California. Specific details about office amenities and accessibility would need to be confirmed, but it's situated in a major tech hub.

Workspace Context:

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

• The lean structure implies a high degree of autonomy and direct impact on product decisions.

• Access to modern technology and tools, including a focus on AI integration in workflows.

• The company culture, "Grindr Mode," suggests a dynamic and focused work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, with flexibility on remote days. The hybrid model is structured with specific in-office days to maximize collaborative opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing in-person collaboration with remote flexibility. The San Francisco location places the role in a vibrant tech ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio, focusing on relevant experience, mixed-method expertise, and impact.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your background, research philosophy, experience with sensitive topics, and alignment with Grindr's culture and operating model ("Grindr Mode").

• Research Deep Dive/Case Study: Presentation of a past research project, detailing your process, methodologies, insights, and the resulting impact. This will likely include a focus on quantitative aspects and cross-functional influence.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product, Design, and Data Science partners to assess collaboration style, strategic thinking, and ability to integrate user evidence into product development.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Clearly articulate the business and product outcomes driven by your research. Quantify impact where possible.

• Mixed-Methods Focus: Present at least one project that effectively combines qualitative and quantitative methods, explaining the rationale for the approach.

• Sensitive Topics Handling: Include a project that demonstrates your ability to navigate sensitive subject matter with ethical care, trust-building, and participant privacy in mind.

• Strategic Framing: Highlight how you proactively identified research opportunities and shaped research agendas, not just executed assigned tasks.

• Communication Clarity: Ensure your portfolio pieces are well-organized, visually appealing, and clearly communicate your thought process and findings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach research for specific Grindr product areas or challenges, especially those involving AI integration or sensitive user needs.

• Practice articulating your research process and findings concisely and compellingly, as if presenting to a mixed audience of researchers and non-researchers.

• Think about how you would measure the success of your research initiatives and their contribution to business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only research skills but also strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and comfort with sensitive topics and a fast-paced, AI-focused environment. A strong, impact-driven portfolio is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for survey creation, participant recruitment, and usability testing (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, UserTesting.com, Maze).

• Data Analysis Software: Statistical packages (e.g., SPSS, R, Python libraries like Pandas/SciPy) for quantitative analysis, and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo).

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Google Workspace, Confluence, Jira for team communication and project management.

• AI Tools: Proficiency or willingness to integrate AI tools into research workflows for tasks like transcription analysis, synthesis, or insight generation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with product analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics) to complement research findings with behavioral data.

• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker) to present findings effectively.

CRM & Automation: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how research insights feed into CRM strategies and marketing automation can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of traditional UX research tools and methodologies, with an increasing emphasis on quantitative analysis and the integration of AI tools. Familiarity with product analytics platforms will be advantageous for a holistic understanding of user behavior.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: Focus on delivering tangible results that affect users and the business, embodying "outcomes over outputs."

• AI-Native Mindset: Embracing and integrating AI into workflows to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• High-Trust, Lean Environment: Operating with autonomy, taking ownership, and contributing to a culture where individuals are empowered to define their work.

• Community Focus: Deep care and respect for the LGBTQ+ community, bringing genuine curiosity and empathy to research on identity, health, and relationships.

• Excellence and Rigor: Commitment to high-quality work, whether in qualitative depth or quantitative precision, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects.

Collaboration Style:

• Peer-to-Peer Partnership: Working as a strategic equal with Product, Design, and Data Science, actively shaping roadmaps and challenging assumptions.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Effectively communicating research insights to drive consensus and decision-making across different departments.

• Agile and Fast-Paced: Adapting quickly to changing priorities and contributing within a lean, startup-like environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values individuals who are proactive, data-driven, and deeply committed to the company's mission. The "Grindr Mode" operating principle suggests a high-performance environment that encourages initiative and accountability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Sensitive Topics: Conducting research on sexual health, identity, and personal relationships requires exceptional ethical judgment, trust-building skills, and methodological care.

• Balancing Qualitative Depth with Quantitative Scale: Effectively integrating deep qualitative insights with statistically robust quantitative data to inform decisions for a large, diverse user base.

• Operating in a Lean, Fast-Paced Environment: Proactively defining research needs and managing a broad scope with limited resources requires strong prioritization and self-direction.

• Integrating AI into Research: Staying at the forefront of AI advancements and effectively incorporating AI tools into research processes to enhance efficiency and uncover new insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Quantitative Research Expansion: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced statistical analysis, experimental design, and large-scale survey methodologies.

• AI in Research: Learning and applying AI tools for research synthesis, analysis, and insight generation.

• Product Strategy Influence: Developing skills in translating research findings into strategic product recommendations and contributing to roadmap development.

• Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of LGBTQ+ community needs, sexual health research best practices, and the dynamics of community-driven platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly tied to the unique nature of Grindr's platform and user base, offering significant opportunities for professional growth in specialized areas of UX research.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the research agenda for Grindr's AI initiatives, balancing user needs with technological advancements?" (Prepare to discuss your process for identifying strategic research opportunities and prioritizing them.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product decision with user evidence, particularly when facing resistance or differing opinions from stakeholders." (Prepare a case study focusing on cross-functional influence and communication.)

• "How would you design a research study to understand the nuanced needs of specific segments within the LGBTQ+ community regarding sexual health information on Grindr?" (Focus on methodological rigor, ethical considerations, and participant recruitment strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Grindr's mission and its role within the LGBTQ+ community?" (Research Grindr's impact initiatives and company values.)

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a 'lean, high-trust' environment and embracing 'Grindr Mode'?" (Reflect on your experience in fast-paced, autonomous roles and your work ethic.)

• "How do you approach ensuring data privacy and participant safety when researching sensitive topics?" (Discuss your ethical framework and practical measures.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with the business problem or opportunity, clearly state your research objectives, detail your methodology (especially mixed-methods), present key insights, and conclude with actionable recommendations and demonstrated impact.

• Quantify Where Possible: For quantitative aspects, present clear data visualizations and statistical findings. For qualitative, use compelling quotes and thematic summaries.

• Highlight Strategic Contribution: Emphasize your role in shaping the research questions, influencing product strategy, and driving business outcomes, not just executing tasks.

• Address Sensitive Topics: Be prepared to discuss your approach to ethical research within sensitive domains, demonstrating empathy and rigor.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, methodological flexibility (especially mixed-methods and quantitative), ethical awareness for sensitive topics, and strong cross-functional collaboration skills within Grindr's unique cultural context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight 5+ years of product research experience, specifically mentioning mixed-method expertise, quantitative analysis (surveys, conjoint, statistical analysis), and experience with sensitive topics. Use keywords from the job description like "product strategy," "user evidence," and "cross-functional influence."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your end-to-end research ownership, mixed-method capabilities, strategic impact, and experience with sensitive subjects. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your approach, key findings, and measurable outcomes.

• Prepare for Case Study Presentation: Practice walking through a selected portfolio project, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your strategic thinking and collaborative approach. Be ready to answer questions about your methodology and the impact of your work.

• Research Grindr: Understand Grindr's mission, product, user base, and their commitment to AI and the LGBTQ+ community. Familiarize yourself with their "Grindr Mode" operating principle and be prepared to discuss how your work style aligns.

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

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