Senior UX Researcher, Interaction

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher, Interaction

Company: Match Group (Hinge)

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive UX research roadmap to inform product strategy for the Interaction product team at Hinge, a leading dating app.

• Conduct end-to-end mixed-methods research, encompassing both strategic and evaluative studies, to drive product decisions and enhance user connection experiences.

• Deliver clear, actionable insights derived from qualitative and quantitative data to accelerate product development and achieve Hinge's mission of inspiring intimate connections.

• Foster proactive cross-functional partnerships with Product Managers, Designers, and Data Scientists to identify key research opportunities and ensure research directly impacts product outcomes.

• Champion a team culture rooted in curiosity, rigor, deep user empathy, and a shared commitment to fun, while modeling honest and empathetic feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Dating Outcomes" research team, specifically focusing on the "Interaction" product team. This implies a deep dive into the user journey from matching to conversion into a real-world date, requiring a blend of user behavior analysis and understanding of relationship dynamics within a digital context. The emphasis on "velocity" suggests a fast-paced environment where research findings must be delivered promptly to influence ongoing product iterations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and own the UX research roadmap for the Interaction product team, aligning research initiatives with overarching product strategy and business objectives.

• Design, plan, and execute comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research studies throughout the product development lifecycle, from discovery and ideation to iterative testing and validation.

• Utilize a diverse toolkit of research methodologies, including but not limited to user interviews, surveys, usability testing, diary studies, A/B testing analysis, and competitive analysis, to gather robust user insights.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, compelling, and actionable narratives that effectively communicate user needs, pain points, and opportunities to cross-functional stakeholders.

• Proactively collaborate with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Data Science teams to define research questions, interpret findings, and translate insights into tangible product improvements that enhance user engagement and dating success.

• Act as a user advocate, ensuring the user's voice is central to product decision-making and contributing to a user-centric product development process.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research practices, tools, and methodologies within the Hinge UX Research team, and mentor junior researchers as needed.

• Explore and integrate emerging technologies, such as generative AI, into research methodologies to enhance research efficiency and uncover novel insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Shape research roadmap" indicates a strategic component where the researcher will actively define priorities and focus areas, rather than just executing pre-defined studies. The mention of "messaging or social media domain experience is a plus" suggests that understanding communication dynamics and social interaction patterns is highly relevant.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 4+ years of dedicated UX research experience within a consumer-facing product environment. Experience in the messaging or social media domain is highly desirable. Proven track record of leading end-to-end research projects that have demonstrably influenced product development and positively impacted key product metrics.

Required Skills:

• Mixed-Methods Expertise: Proficient in designing and executing both qualitative research (e.g., in-depth interviews, usability testing, ethnographic studies) and quantitative research (e.g., surveys, A/B testing analysis, statistical analysis).

• End-to-End Research Leadership: Ability to independently manage research projects from inception (defining research questions, methodology) through execution (data collection, analysis) to delivery (reporting insights and recommendations).

• Product Strategy Influence: Demonstrated capability to translate research findings into strategic product recommendations that drive product vision and roadmap development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven experience working effectively with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Scientists to embed user insights into the product development process.

• Strong Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex insights clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, driving action.

• User Empathy & Behavioral Analysis: Deep understanding of user motivations, behaviors, and needs, with the ability to analyze and interpret user data to uncover underlying patterns.

• Agile/Iterative Research: Experience conducting research in fast-paced, iterative development environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with consumer-facing products in the dating, social media, or messaging industries.

• Familiarity with generative AI tools and their application in UX research.

• Experience mentoring or guiding junior researchers.

• Proficiency in statistical analysis software or data visualization tools.

• A portfolio showcasing impactful research projects and their outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "4+ years" experience combined with the ability to "lead end-to-end research" and "shape the research roadmap" suggests this role is for a mid-to-senior level researcher who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic input. The emphasis on influencing "key product metrics" indicates a need for researchers who understand how their work directly contributes to business outcomes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of significant UX research projects. Each case study should clearly outline the research problem, the methodology employed (explaining why specific methods were chosen), the research process, key findings, and the resulting impact on product design or metrics.

• Impact Demonstration: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible. This could include metrics like improved conversion rates, increased user engagement, reduced task completion times, or positive shifts in user satisfaction scores.

• Methodological Diversity: Include examples demonstrating proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, highlighting your ability to apply the right method for the specific research question.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Illustrate how you have partnered with product, design, and engineering teams to integrate research insights into the product development lifecycle.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Provide examples of how you structure research plans, including defining objectives, target audiences, methodologies, timelines, and success metrics.

• Insight Synthesis & Reporting: Demonstrate your ability to synthesize raw data into clear, concise, and actionable insights. Examples of reports, presentations, or dashboards that effectively communicate findings to stakeholders are valuable.

• Iterative Research Cycles: Showcase how your research has informed iterative product improvements, demonstrating your ability to contribute to ongoing product refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on influencing product strategy and driving metrics, the portfolio should strongly emphasize the impact of the research, not just the process. Demonstrating how research directly led to product changes and positive business outcomes will be critical. The mention of generative AI suggests a forward-thinking approach, so any exploration of AI in research within the portfolio would be a strong plus.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $167,000 - $205,000 per year. This salary range is reflective of a position based in New York City. It will be subject to a geographic adjustment if an authorization is granted to work outside of the listed location. The final salary offered will depend on factors such as the candidate's experience, education, skills, internal peer equity, and market conditions.

Benefits:

• 401(k) Matching: 100% match on the first 10% of pre-tax contributions, up to $10,000 annually.

• Professional Growth: An annual Learning & Development stipend (available after three months of employment) and free access to over 6,000 Udemy courses from day one.

• Parental Leave: 20 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for birth and non-birth parents.

• Fertility Support: Access to fertility care through Carrot, including basic treatments and fertility preservation, with a stipend towards fertility preservation for employees and their spouses/domestic partners.

• Date Stipend: A monthly $100 stipend for employees to use on dates (romantic or otherwise).

• Hinge Premium: Free access for employees and their loved ones.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Participation in eight ERGs (Asian, Unapologetic, Disability, LGBTQIA+, Races, Women/Nonbinary, Parents) offering support, regular meetings, and events.

Working Hours: The posting mentions "40" hours, which is standard for a full-time role. However, the nature of UX research can sometimes require flexibility to accommodate user schedules for interviews and testing. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior UX Researcher role in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City, aligning with industry benchmarks for experienced professionals in tech and consumer products. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance (parental leave, date stipend) and professional development (L&D stipend, Udemy). The 401(k) matching is also a significant perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Dating / Social Technology. Hinge operates within the highly competitive and rapidly evolving online dating market, a segment of the broader technology and social media industry. This context implies a focus on user engagement, relationship building, and data-driven product innovation.

Company Size: Match Group is a large, publicly traded company (implied by the scale of benefits and operations). Hinge, as a prominent brand within Match Group, likely operates with a significant degree of autonomy while benefiting from the resources of its parent company. The specific size of the Hinge UX Research team is not detailed but is implied to be collaborative and supportive.

Founded: Hinge was founded in 2012, positioning it as a more established player in the "designed to be deleted" dating app category, focusing on serious relationships. This history suggests a product evolution driven by user feedback and a commitment to its core mission.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Researcher will be part of the "Dating Outcomes" research team, specifically supporting the "Interaction" product team.

• This team likely consists of other UX Researchers, potentially with specializations, working closely with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Data Scientists.

• The reporting structure will place the Senior UX Researcher under a lead researcher or a UX Research Manager, with significant collaboration across product verticals. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Hinge emphasizes understanding user behavior and employing data to inform decisions, which will be a core aspect of the research conducted.

• User-Centric Design: The company's mission ("inspire intimate connection to create a less lonely world") and success metric ("setting up great dates") underscore a deep commitment to user needs and outcomes.

• Iterative Development: The role's focus on both strategic and iterative research suggests a product development process that involves continuous learning and refinement based on user feedback.

Company Website: https://www.matchgroup.com/ and https://www.hinge.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: Hinge's positioning as "the dating app designed to be deleted" highlights a unique value proposition focused on helping users find lasting relationships, rather than just promoting app usage. This mission should inform the researcher's approach to understanding user success and satisfaction. The mention of "Match Group" indicates a larger corporate structure, which might influence operational processes and resources available to the Hinge team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Researcher role, indicating a level of expertise beyond entry-level or mid-level positions. Professionals at this level are expected to operate with significant autonomy, lead complex research initiatives, mentor others, and contribute strategically to product direction. They are not just executors but also influencers and strategists within their domain.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the "Dating Outcomes" research team and directly supports the "Interaction" product team. This suggests a matrixed reporting structure where the researcher has a functional lead (likely within UX Research) and a product lead (within the Interaction team). Collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, and Data Scientists will be constant.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is to deepen the understanding of user behavior related to initiating and developing connections on Hinge, directly influencing product features and strategies that aim to increase the success rate of users finding meaningful relationships and going on dates. This includes optimizing the matching process, conversation flow, and features that facilitate offline interactions, ultimately contributing to Hinge's mission and business goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research: Opportunity to lead significant research initiatives, influence the direction of UX research at Hinge, and potentially mentor junior researchers.

• Product Strategy Influence: Deep involvement in shaping the strategy for key product areas, gaining exposure to product management and business decision-making.

• Specialization: Potential to develop deep expertise in specific areas of user behavior related to online dating and relationship formation.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to diverse teams (Product, Design, Data Science, Engineering) provides opportunities to broaden understanding of the product development ecosystem.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into a Lead UX Researcher, Principal UX Researcher, or UX Research Manager role within Hinge or Match Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "shaping the research roadmap" and being a "proactive cross-functional partner" signifies a role that offers significant autonomy and strategic influence, paving the way for leadership opportunities within the UX Research discipline. The mention of "mentoring other researchers" also points to a growth path involving leadership and knowledge transfer.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is listed as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of in-office and remote work. This suggests a modern work environment that values flexibility while encouraging in-person collaboration for key strategic discussions and team building.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is New York, New York. This implies access to a vibrant tech hub with opportunities for networking and professional development within the city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional partnerships suggest a work environment that fosters collaboration through team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and shared project work.

• Tools & Technology: Researchers will have access to standard UX research tools, collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized software for data analysis and visualization. The mention of generative AI hints at a willingness to adopt cutting-edge technologies.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with researchers, product managers, designers, and data scientists, both virtually and in person, to share insights and align on product strategy.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the hybrid nature may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling. The need to conduct user research might occasionally require working outside standard hours to accommodate participant availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a significant factor for work-life balance and collaboration. The New York City location places the role within a major tech ecosystem, offering potential networking and career development advantages.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit.

• Research/Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key research projects, methodologies, and impact. This is a critical stage where your ability to articulate research strategy and outcomes will be evaluated. Expect to discuss your role in each project and the results achieved.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Data Scientists to assess collaboration skills, understanding of product development, and ability to translate research into actionable insights for their respective functions.

• Research Team Interview: Discussions with fellow UX Researchers to evaluate research acumen, methodological depth, and cultural fit within the research team. This may include scenario-based questions or a research challenge.

• Final Round: Potentially an interview with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, VP of Design) to discuss strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the insights, and most importantly, the impact your research had on the product and business. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Explain your thought process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

• Highlight Methodology: Be prepared to defend your methodological choices and explain why they were appropriate for the research questions and context.

• Showcase Collaboration: Demonstrate how you partnered with cross-functional teams and how your research integrated into their workflows.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work in a structured, easy-to-understand manner. Use visuals effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Product Challenges: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios related to Hinge's product (e.g., "How would you research ways to improve conversation success rates?" or "How would you evaluate a new feature for profile creation?").

• Methodology Application: Practice applying mixed-methods approaches to solve product problems. Think about both generative (understanding needs) and evaluative (testing solutions) research.

• Insight Generation: Focus on how you would derive actionable insights from hypothetical data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on practical application of research skills and demonstrated impact. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates value and methodology is paramount. The mention of "generative AI" suggests that questions or challenges might touch upon innovative research approaches.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, and user interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira, Confluence).

• Design & Prototyping Tools (for review): Familiarity with tools used by designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to understand prototypes and design iterations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for analyzing quantitative data (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• BI & Dashboard Tools: Experience with or ability to interpret data from platforms like Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, Tableau, or Looker for understanding user behavior metrics.

• Survey Analysis Tools: Tools within survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) for analyzing open-ended responses and survey data.

CRM & Automation: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data flows from product interactions into analytics platforms and potentially CRM-adjacent systems is beneficial for understanding the broader user journey and data ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, an understanding of the typical UX research and product development tech stack is expected. Proficiency in survey tools, user testing platforms, and data analysis software is crucial. Familiarity with product analytics tools like Amplitude or Mixpanel would be a significant advantage for understanding user behavior metrics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity: Hinge values transparency and honesty in actions and communication. For a researcher, this means being genuine in interactions with users and stakeholders, and presenting findings truthfully.

• Courage: Embracing challenging goals and tackling difficult problems. In research, this translates to conducting research on sensitive topics or pursuing insights that might be unconventional.

• Empathy: Deeply considering the perspectives of others. This is foundational to UX research, requiring a genuine effort to understand the user's experience, motivations, and emotions.

• Fun: Contributing to a positive and enjoyable work environment. This is balanced with rigor and empathy, suggesting a culture that values hard work but also camaraderie and positive team dynamics.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Partnership: Encourages researchers to actively seek out collaborations with Product, Design, and Data Science, rather than waiting to be assigned.

• Insight-Driven: Decisions are expected to be informed by user insights, fostering a culture where research findings are highly valued and integrated into strategic planning.

• Curiosity & Rigor: A culture that values asking "why" and approaching problems with a systematic, evidence-based methodology.

• Empathetic Feedback: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback within the team to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of Authenticity, Courage, and Empathy are directly applicable to the practice of UX research. A researcher embodying these values will be better equipped to build trust with participants and stakeholders, and to advocate effectively for user needs. The emphasis on "fun" suggests a dynamic and engaging workplace.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Velocity and Rigor: The need to deliver insights at "velocity" can sometimes conflict with the time required for deep, rigorous research. The challenge lies in finding efficient yet effective methods.

• Quantifying Impact: Clearly demonstrating the ROI of UX research can be challenging, especially in qualitative studies. Developing strong narrative and data linkage is key.

• Navigating Stakeholder Priorities: Aligning research priorities with the diverse and sometimes competing needs of Product, Design, and Business stakeholders requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Evolving Technology: Staying abreast of new research methodologies and technologies, including generative AI, and integrating them effectively into practice.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific methodologies or explore new ones, potentially through workshops, conferences, or internal training.

• Generative AI in Research: Exploring and experimenting with how AI can enhance research processes, from synthesis to participant recruitment.

• Product Strategy Acumen: Gaining deeper insights into product strategy and business operations through close collaboration with product teams.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior researchers, enhancing leadership and knowledge-sharing skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning from experts in Data Science, Product Management, and Design to broaden skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of the role, requiring adaptability and strategic thinking. The growth opportunities are significant, offering pathways for both specialization and broader leadership within the UX and product development fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach researching user needs for a new feature aimed at improving conversation initiation on Hinge?" (Focus on methodology, user segmentation, and potential hypotheses).

• "Describe a time when your research findings challenged a prevailing assumption within a product team. How did you present your findings and influence the team's decision?" (Focus on persuasion, data storytelling, and stakeholder management).

• "How would you design a research study to understand why users might delete the Hinge app, and what would be your primary metrics for success?" (Focus on defining research scope, metrics, and potential interventions). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Hinge's mission to inspire intimate connections, and how does that align with your approach to UX research?" (Assess mission alignment and user empathy).

• "How do you foster authenticity, courage, and empathy in your research practice and team interactions?" (Assess cultural fit and values alignment).

• "How do you see generative AI impacting the future of UX research, and how might you leverage it in this role?" (Assess forward-thinking and technological adaptability). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's objectives. Clearly articulate the problem you were solving.

• Methodology Justification: Explain why you chose specific research methods. Discuss any trade-offs or constraints.

• Insight Delivery: Present key findings with supporting evidence (e.g., user quotes, data points, video clips). Focus on actionable insights.

• Impact & Outcomes: Detail the product changes that resulted from your research and, if possible, quantify the impact on key metrics.

• Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with cross-functional teams and integrated findings into their workflows.

• Q&A Readiness: Prepare for detailed questions about your process, decisions, and the outcomes of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your strategic thinking, your ability to handle ambiguity, and your capacity to drive product decisions through research. Be prepared to discuss your experience with consumer-facing products and your understanding of dating app dynamics.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects relevant to consumer-facing products, user behavior analysis, and mixed-methods research. Emphasize case studies demonstrating impact on product metrics and strategic influence.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 4+ years of UX research experience, highlighting achievements in influencing product development and collaborating cross-functionally. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Research," "quantitative research," "qualitative research," "product strategy," and "mixed methods."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, insights, and impact for portfolio presentations. Prepare for scenario-based questions related to dating apps and product challenges. Research Hinge's product and its competitors.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hinge's mission, values, and recent product developments. Understand Match Group's broader portfolio and strategy. Be ready to discuss how your approach aligns with Hinge's culture of authenticity, courage, and empathy.

⚠️ 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.