Senior UX Researcher, Google Health

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher, Google Health

Company: Google

Location: Mountain View, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Research

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX research initiatives for advanced human-AI interaction within Google Health's AI coaching experiences.

• Develop and implement novel research methodologies to evaluate complex, non-deterministic AI behaviors and multimodal interfaces.

• Translate intricate AI capabilities into intuitive, user-centric product experiences through close collaboration with engineering, product management, and design teams.

• Drive product strategy and priorities by synthesizing user needs, product requirements, and business objectives through rigorous research.

• Leverage Generative AI and advanced research tools to accelerate qualitative data synthesis, streamline research operations, and scale insights across the Google Health product portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the intersection of User Experience Research and Artificial Intelligence within the healthcare domain, requiring a deep understanding of both human-computer interaction principles and the nuances of AI-driven products. The emphasis on "non-deterministic AI behaviors" and "agentic experiences" suggests a need for researchers who can navigate ambiguity and test systems that learn and adapt over time.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and execute end-to-end research roadmaps focused on human-AI interaction, with a specific emphasis on personalization, user trust, agency, and mental models to inform the design of agentic AI experiences in the Google Health app.

• Design, develop, and adapt novel research methodologies and frameworks to effectively evaluate complex, non-deterministic AI behaviors, multi-turn conversational journeys, and multimodal interfaces.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Intelligence Teams, Conversation Designers, Model Designers, Engineers, and other UX Researchers to translate complex AI capabilities into intuitive, user-centric, and impactful product experiences.

• Lead and own project priorities, vision, and strategy discussions by conducting in-depth analysis, consolidation, and synthesis of user, product, service, and business needs.

• Proactively leverage Generative AI (e.g., Gemini) and advanced research tools to accelerate qualitative data synthesis, streamline research operations, enhance research efficiency, and scale actionable insights across the Google Health product development lifecycle.

• Conduct primary research, including but not limited to: field studies, in-depth interviews, diary studies, ethnography, surveys, usability testing, and logs analysis, to uncover user behaviors, motivations, and pain points related to AI health coaching.

• Contribute to the growth of Google's UXR community by sharing knowledge, mentoring junior researchers, and participating in regular meetups and internal tool development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic and leadership-oriented role, requiring the candidate to not only execute research but also to define the research agenda and influence product strategy. The explicit mention of "agentic experiences" and "non-deterministic AI behaviors" indicates a need for advanced research skills beyond traditional usability testing, likely involving longitudinal studies, complex experimental designs, and a strong understanding of AI ethics and user perception of AI.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.

• Preferred: Master's degree or PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Statistics, Psychology, Anthropology, or a related field. Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in an applied research setting (e.g., product research, academic research) or a similar role.

• Preferred: 5 years of experience conducting UX research on products, with a strong track record of working directly with executive leadership (e.g., Director level and above).

• Preferred: 3 years of experience managing complex research projects, particularly within large, matrixed organizations. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in a wide range of research methods, including but not limited to usability studies, contextual inquiries, 1:1 interviews, and unmoderated research studies.

• Demonstrated experience researching and validating novel technologies, with a specific focus on testing non-deterministic user experiences.

• Hands-on experience utilizing AI/LLM-based tools (e.g., Gemini) for research tasks such as thematic analysis, survey drafting, desk research, or rapid prototyping.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills to consolidate and interpret complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence product direction. Preferred Skills:

• Experience conducting user research specifically for complex, emerging technologies such as conversational interfaces, intelligent assistants, or health coaching AI solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to and integrate new technologies, software, or AI-assisted tools into day-to-day research workflows to enhance efficiency and impact.

• Experience with research related to user trust, agency, mental models, and personalization in AI-driven products.

• Familiarity with research operations (R&D Ops) best practices for scaling research efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred qualifications emphasize experience with cutting-edge AI technologies, particularly in conversational AI and health coaching, which are core to the Google Health app's mission. The expectation of working with executive leadership and managing projects in a matrixed organization points to a senior-level role requiring strong strategic thinking and cross-functional influence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX research projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership, from research design and execution to insight generation and impact on product development.

• For each project, clearly articulate the research questions, methodologies employed, participant recruitment strategy, data analysis process, and key findings.

• Provide concrete examples of how research insights directly influenced product decisions, design iterations, or strategic direction, ideally with measurable outcomes or impact metrics.

• Highlight experience with complex or novel technologies, showcasing your ability to adapt research methods to unique challenges, such as testing AI-driven features or non-deterministic experiences.

• Include examples of how you have utilized AI/LLM tools or advanced research methodologies to enhance research efficiency, data synthesis, or insight generation. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate proficiency in documenting research plans, methodologies, and findings in a clear, concise, and actionable manner suitable for product teams and stakeholders.

• Provide examples of how you have developed or adapted research processes to meet specific product needs or to evaluate emerging technologies.

• Showcase an understanding of how to integrate research insights into product development workflows, from early ideation to post-launch analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of research skills and strategic impact. The emphasis on "novel methodologies" and "non-deterministic AI behaviors" means candidates should highlight projects where they went beyond standard practices to tackle complex research challenges. Quantifying impact is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $159,000 - $230,000 USD per year.

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided Google salary band for this role in the US and aligns with industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researchers in major tech hubs like Mountain View, CA, considering the specialized nature of AI and health tech.

Benefits:

• Bonus Target: 15% annual bonus target, tied to individual and company performance.

• Equity: Stock options or grants, reflecting Google's compensation philosophy for key roles.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Parental Leave: Extended paid leave for new parents.

• Wellness Programs: Access to various wellness initiatives and resources.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and conference attendance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours.

• While the role is on-site, Google often offers flexibility in daily schedules, allowing for adaptation around research needs and personal commitments, subject to team and manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a direct reflection of Google's stated compensation for this role. The benefits listed are typical for large tech companies and are designed to attract and retain top talent in specialized fields like AI research within healthcare.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically focused on Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, and Healthcare Technology. Google Health is a company-wide initiative aiming to improve global health outcomes through technology.

Company Size: Google is a large, publicly traded technology company with tens of thousands of employees globally.

Founded: Google was founded in 1998. The "Google for Health" initiative represents a significant and ongoing commitment to leveraging Google's technological expertise for health-related advancements.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team at Google is part of a larger UX organization, working in close collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and Design.

• This Senior UX Researcher will be embedded within the Google Health division, specifically working on AI coaching experiences.

• The team is multi-disciplinary, including UX Researchers, Product Managers, Intelligence Specialists, Conversation Designers, and Model Designers, fostering a highly collaborative environment.

• Reporting structure likely involves a UX Research Lead or Manager, with direct collaboration across product development teams. Methodology:

• Google emphasizes a user-centered design philosophy, where "Focus on the user and all else will follow" is a core principle.

• Research is deeply integrated into the product development lifecycle, from early exploration to iterative refinement and launch.

• A strong emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative insights to inform product strategy and design.

• The company encourages innovation and the exploration of new research methodologies to tackle complex challenges, particularly with emerging technologies like AI.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is known for its innovation, data-driven approach, and focus on user impact. Within Google Health, there's an added layer of mission-driven work focused on improving global health outcomes, which can be a significant motivator for employees. The collaborative nature of product development at Google means strong cross-functional communication skills are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Researcher position, indicating a role with significant autonomy, responsibility, and a focus on strategic impact. It requires leading research initiatives, mentoring junior colleagues, and influencing product direction at a high level.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Lead within the Google Health division. They will work closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Designers, requiring strong collaboration and influence skills across these functions.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of Google Health's AI coaching experiences. By understanding user needs and behaviors, the researcher will shape how millions of users interact with AI for their health, influencing user adoption, trust, and health outcomes. This role is crucial for ensuring that AI technologies are developed responsibly and ethically to serve user well-being.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/ML research, human-AI interaction, conversational AI, or health tech research.

• Leadership: Progress to Principal UX Researcher, Research Manager, or lead research strategy for larger product areas.

• Mentorship: Mentor junior researchers, contribute to UXR community best practices, and potentially lead research operations initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams and cutting-edge AI technologies across Google.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the future of AI in healthcare through research and innovation, potentially through publications or presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google offers robust career development frameworks. For a Senior UX Researcher, growth typically involves increasing scope of influence, leading more complex or strategic research areas, and potentially moving into management or principal individual contributor roles. The emphasis on AI and health makes this a particularly high-growth and impactful career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based on-site in Mountain View, CA, at Google's headquarters. Google offices are known for their modern design, collaborative spaces, and extensive amenities.

Office Location(s): Mountain View, California, USA. This location offers a vibrant tech ecosystem and is Google's primary campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open-plan office setting with various types of workspaces, including collaborative zones, quiet focus areas, and meeting rooms equipped with advanced AV technology.

• Tools & Technology: Access to cutting-edge research tools, software, and the full suite of Google's internal development and collaboration platforms. This includes AI/LLM tools for research acceleration.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for informal and formal interactions with research peers, product managers, designers, and engineers, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours expected. However, Google generally supports flexible working arrangements within teams to accommodate research needs and employee well-being, with the expectation that on-site presence is maintained for key collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's campuses are designed to foster innovation and collaboration. For a researcher, this means access to resources and a community that supports deep work and cross-pollination of ideas. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and team cohesion for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and role fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your background, research philosophy, and motivation for the role.

• Portfolio Review / Research Deep Dive: A critical stage where you'll present 2-3 key research projects from your portfolio. Expect detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making process, impact, and how you handled challenges. Be prepared to discuss your experience with AI/LLM tools and novel research methods.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential collaborators (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Engineers) to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to influence product decisions.

• Senior Leadership Interview: A final interview, potentially with a Director or VP, to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with Google's culture and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your end-to-end research process, your ability to handle complex or novel technologies (especially AI), and your demonstrated impact on product outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the tangible results of your research (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%", "informed a strategic pivot that saved Z resources").

• Highlight AI/LLM Use: Clearly articulate how you've used AI/LLM tools in your research process, the benefits derived, and any lessons learned.

• Tell a Story: Structure your project presentations as compelling narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your approach, the key insights, and the resulting actions and impact.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to defend your methodological choices, discuss alternative approaches you considered, and elaborate on how you synthesized findings and communicated them to stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Scenarios: Be prepared for questions that present hypothetical research challenges related to AI health coaching. Think about how you would approach them, what methods you would use, and what potential pitfalls you'd anticipate.

• Methodology Adaptation: Practice explaining how you would adapt standard research methods to evaluate complex AI behaviors or novel interfaces.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've navigated differing opinions or influenced stakeholders with your research findings, especially when dealing with complex technical domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Google is rigorous and multi-faceted. For a Senior UX Researcher role, especially in AI and Health, the portfolio review and cross-functional interviews are crucial. Candidates should focus on demonstrating not just research skills but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to drive impactful product decisions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Google's internal suite of research tools for participant recruitment, survey deployment, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, or internal equivalents), and data analysis.

• AI/LLM Tools: Proficiency with tools like Gemini or other large language models for tasks such as thematic analysis, survey drafting, literature reviews, and rapid prototyping.

• Qualitative Data Analysis Software: Experience with tools like NVivo, Dovetail, or similar for coding, analyzing, and synthesizing qualitative data.

• Quantitative Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) or spreadsheet software (e.g., Google Sheets, Excel) for analyzing survey data and logs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Looker, or Google Data Studio for creating dashboards and reports that communicate research findings effectively.

• Product Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools that track user behavior within products (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to complement qualitative insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how insights can feed into product development pipelines is beneficial. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) is also expected for workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google heavily utilizes its own internal tools, but candidates should highlight proficiency with industry-standard equivalents. The emphasis on AI/LLM tools for research is a key differentiator for this role, indicating a forward-thinking approach to research operations and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs, ensuring products are helpful, usable, and desirable.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on rigorous research and data analysis to inform strategic product decisions and measure impact.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork, open communication, and shared ownership of product success.

• Innovation & Impact: A drive to push boundaries, explore new technologies, and create products that have a meaningful positive impact on users' lives, especially in health.

• Continuous Learning: An environment that encourages ongoing learning, skill development, and adaptation to new technologies and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are embedded within product teams, working daily with engineers, product managers, and designers to ensure research is integrated seamlessly into the development process.

• Data Synthesis & Storytelling: A collaborative approach to synthesizing complex findings and presenting them in clear, compelling narratives that drive consensus and action among diverse stakeholders.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback on research plans, methodologies, and findings to ensure rigor and relevance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in UXR community events, internal forums, and team meetings to share best practices, lessons learned, and emerging trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is built on a foundation of innovation, user advocacy, and collaboration. For this role within Google Health, there's an added layer of purpose-driven work aimed at improving global health, which often attracts individuals passionate about making a societal impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Evaluating Non-Deterministic AI: Developing effective research methods to understand and predict user interactions with AI systems that learn and adapt over time, where outcomes are not always predictable.

• Balancing Innovation and User Needs: Ensuring that cutting-edge AI features are not only technologically advanced but also genuinely meet user needs, build trust, and are ethically implemented, especially in sensitive health contexts.

• Translating Complex AI to Intuitive UX: Bridging the gap between sophisticated AI capabilities and user-friendly interfaces that are easy to understand and control.

• Scaling Research in a Large Organization: Efficiently conducting research and disseminating insights across multiple product teams and stakeholders within a complex, matrixed environment.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working with emerging technologies and rapidly evolving product roadmaps, requiring adaptability and resilience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI/ML Research Specialization: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in human-AI interaction, conversational AI, and the application of AI in healthcare.

• Methodology Innovation: The chance to develop and publish novel research methodologies for evaluating complex AI systems, contributing to the broader field of UX research.

• Leadership Development: Access to Google's extensive leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways to advance into senior leadership or management roles.

• Industry Conferences & Publications: Support for attending and presenting at leading UX research and AI conferences, enhancing professional visibility and knowledge sharing.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Immersion in cutting-edge AI development, health science, and product strategy through close collaboration with experts in these fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are at the forefront of UX research, particularly concerning AI. Successfully navigating these challenges offers significant opportunities for professional growth and impact, positioning the researcher as a leader in a rapidly evolving field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a research roadmap for a complex, emerging technology like AI coaching. How do you prioritize research questions and methodologies?"

• "How would you approach evaluating user trust and agency in an AI-driven health coaching experience? What novel methods might you employ?"

• "Imagine a scenario where users are misunderstanding the capabilities of our AI coach. How would you research this issue and what product implications would you explore?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Google Health? What interests you about applying UX research to healthcare and AI?"

• "How do you see your research influencing the product strategy for AI-powered health tools, and how would you collaborate with product and engineering teams to achieve that?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with data that challenged their existing beliefs. How did you approach it?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline: 1) The Business/Product Context & Problem, 2) Your Research Objectives, 3) Your Methodology (and why you chose it), 4) Key Findings & Insights, 5) The Product Impact/Recommendations, and 6) Metrics of Success (if available).

• Highlight AI/LLM Use: Explicitly call out how you leveraged AI/LLM tools in your research process, detailing the specific tasks and benefits.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the tangible outcomes of your research – how it changed the product, improved user experience, or informed strategic decisions. Use data and metrics to support your claims.

• Be Ready for 'What Ifs': Prepare to discuss alternative approaches you considered, how you would handle unexpected findings, or how you would scale your research process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google interviews are designed to assess not only technical skills but also problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. For this role, demonstrating a deep understanding of AI, a user-centric approach to health tech, and strong collaborative capabilities will be key.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Google Careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with AI/LLM tools, novel research methodologies, human-AI interaction, and impactful research in complex product environments, especially within health or related tech sectors.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, specific research methods used, leadership examples, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process and impact through detailed case studies from your portfolio. Prepare to discuss your approach to evaluating AI behaviors and influencing product strategy.

• Company Research: Deeply research Google Health's mission, current products, and the broader impact of AI in healthcare. Understand Google's user-centric philosophy and collaborative culture.

⚠️ 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.