Senior UX Researcher - Mixed Methods

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher - Mixed Methods

Company: Linda Werner & Associates

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: User Experience Research / Product Research

Date Posted: 2026-04-27T19:14:48

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end mixed-methods research initiatives, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to deeply understand user behaviors and needs.

• Partner closely with product managers, designers, data scientists, and engineers to translate research findings into actionable product strategy and development guidance.

• Drive product innovation by identifying user pain points and opportunities through rigorous data analysis and synthesis.

• Leverage advanced AI-native research tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of research processes and insights generation.

• Contribute to go-to-market strategies by providing user-centric recommendations and validation for product launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position for 5 months, requiring 40 hours per week. The focus is on foundational user experience work, suggesting a need for deep dives into core product functionality and user journeys, rather than just surface-level improvements. The emphasis on AI-native tools indicates a forward-thinking research environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive research roadmaps that align with product team objectives, managing multiple projects concurrently.

• Design and conduct a variety of qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews (IDIs), usability testing, contextual inquiries, and diary studies.

• Implement and manage quantitative research studies, such as surveys, benchmarking, card sorting, and tree testing, to validate hypotheses and measure user experience.

• Analyze and synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data, identifying key themes, patterns, and insights that directly inform product design and strategy.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations clearly and persuasively to cross-functional stakeholders, including leadership.

• Integrate AI tools into research workflows to automate tasks, enhance analysis, and accelerate the delivery of insights.

• Collaborate with data scientists to triangulate qualitative findings with quantitative data for a holistic understanding of user behavior.

• Support competitive research efforts by designing and managing large-scale surveys and analyzing competitor product offerings from a user experience perspective.

• Facilitate the design and evaluation of ability-based tasks and foundational product experiences, ensuring user-centricity throughout the development lifecycle.

• Manage relationships with external vendors or research partners when outsourcing specific research components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for "Go-to-market planning" suggests that the research outcomes are expected to directly influence launch strategies, requiring the researcher to go beyond identifying problems to proposing solutions that drive market success. Managing "outsourced research components" implies a need for project management and vendor oversight skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Social Science, Business, or a related field.

Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in UX research, product research, or a closely related field, with a demonstrable track record of leading impactful research initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in mixed-methods research design and execution, encompassing both qualitative (e.g., IDIs, usability testing, contextual inquiry, diary studies) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, benchmarking, card sorting, tree testing) methodologies.

• Strong analytical and statistical skills for interpreting complex quantitative data and drawing statistically sound conclusions.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage the entire research lifecycle, from planning and design to execution, analysis, and reporting.

• Proficiency with a range of industry-standard research tools, including usability platforms (e.g., UserTesting, UserZoom), qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., dscout), and information architecture testing tools (e.g., Optimal Workshop).

• Familiarity with design and prototyping tools such as Figma or Origami to effectively collaborate with design teams.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings and their implications to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-driven or AI-native research methodologies and platforms, demonstrating a proactive approach to leveraging emerging technologies.

• Ability to seamlessly integrate AI tools into both qualitative and quantitative research workflows to enhance efficiency and insight generation.

• Experience conducting longitudinal research, such as diary studies, to track user behavior and attitudes over extended periods.

• Strong 1:1 qualitative moderation skills with a keen ability to build rapport and elicit deep insights from participants.

• Experience in leading competitive research surveys and managing outsourced research components effectively.

• Versatility as a research generalist, coupled with robust quantitative depth and statistical analysis capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a Bachelor's degree is listed, the 8+ years of experience requirement strongly suggests that practical experience and a strong portfolio will be heavily weighted, potentially making advanced degrees secondary. The emphasis on "AI-native research tools" and "AI tools to enhance research efficiency" indicates a significant preference for candidates who are not only aware of AI but actively applying it in their research practice.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex research projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership and impact.

• Clearly articulate the research problem, your specific role and contributions, the methodologies employed (qualitative and quantitative), and the key insights generated.

• Highlight how your research directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, or business outcomes, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Include examples of your ability to synthesize mixed-methods data to provide a holistic understanding of user needs.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies that illustrate your process for developing research plans, from defining research questions to selecting appropriate methodologies.

• Showcase examples of your workflow for analyzing and synthesizing both qualitative and quantitative data, including any advanced analytical techniques or AI tools used.

• Include evidence of how you translate research findings into actionable recommendations and present them effectively to cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrate your process for iterative research and how you incorporate feedback into subsequent research phases or product iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the emphasis on mixed-methods and AI tools, the portfolio should not only showcase the what but the how and why of the research process. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their decision-making frameworks for choosing methodologies, their approach to managing research complexity, and their strategies for integrating AI into their workflow. Showing how they've influenced product strategy with data-driven insights is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Researcher with 8+ years of experience in New York City, a contract role typically ranges from $70 to $110 per hour, depending on the specific company, project scope, and the candidate's expertise, particularly with AI tools. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for contract UX research roles in high-cost-of-living areas and the specialized skills required for this position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Dental Insurance coverage.

• Robust Health Insurance plan.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) option for tax-advantaged medical expenses.

• Life Insurance policy for financial security.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Retirement Plan contributions or access.

• Vision Insurance coverage.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically scheduled Monday to Friday within standard business hours, with potential for flexibility depending on research participant availability and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a contract position in New York City. Actual compensation will vary based on the candidate's specific experience, the precise scope of the 5-month contract, and negotiation. The benefits package is standard for contract roles and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company name, Linda Werner & Associates, suggests a potential focus on consulting, professional services, or a specialized agency. Without explicit industry information, we infer a professional services environment that values expertise and client-focused solutions. This would imply a culture that is collaborative, results-oriented, and values strong communication.

Company Size: As the company name includes "Associates," it could range from a boutique firm to a mid-sized consultancy. For operations roles, this often means a more agile environment with direct impact, but potentially fewer established formal processes compared to a large corporation.

Founded: As this information is not provided, we infer that the company has been established long enough to have a defined market presence and a client base, suggesting a degree of stability and experience in its field.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team likely operates in a matrixed structure, with researchers reporting functionally to a research lead or manager while being embedded within specific product teams.

• This role will report to a Senior UX Research Manager or Lead, with direct collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, Data Scientists, and Engineers within a designated product pod.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights methods are central to the role, with an expectation of rigorous, evidence-based research.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be applied to research processes, aiming for efficiency and impact, especially with the use of AI tools.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly through the adoption of AI-native research tools to streamline research operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size are inferred. A dedicated UX Research team within a consulting or agency context emphasizes client delivery and project-based work. The "Associates" in the name could imply a flexible or project-based staffing model, which is common for contract roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. Senior UX Researchers are expected to lead complex projects, mentor junior team members, and significantly influence product strategy. They are key contributors to the overall research practice, often setting standards and championing best practices.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Lead, who oversees the research function and strategy. Within product teams, they will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Design Leads, acting as the primary voice of the user.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is measured by the quality and actionability of research insights that directly shape product roadmaps, improve user experience, increase adoption rates, and contribute to business objectives such as customer satisfaction and retention. The success of product launches and ongoing product improvements hinges on the researcher's ability to uncover and communicate user needs effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methods (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, longitudinal studies, generative AI research techniques) or product domains.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX Researcher role, managing a small team of researchers, or a UX Research Manager position, overseeing the entire research function and strategy.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior researchers, helping them develop their skills and career paths.

• Strategic Influence: Become a key strategic partner to product leadership, shaping the long-term vision and user-centricity of the company's offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Contract 5 Month Position" nature of this role means that direct career progression within Linda Werner & Associates might be limited. However, the experience gained, especially with AI tools and high-impact product teams, will significantly enhance the candidate's marketability for future permanent or contract roles. The focus is on skill development and portfolio building.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is remote, the company's likely nature as a professional services firm or consultancy suggests a culture that values professional collaboration and client-facing excellence. The remote work environment should facilitate focused individual work while maintaining strong virtual connections.

Office Location(s): Remote positions are available for candidates based in New York City or California. This indicates a preference for candidates within specific time zones for easier collaboration with core teams, but with the flexibility of remote work.

Workspace Context:

• The remote workspace should be conducive to deep work and focused research activities.

• Access to robust collaboration tools and a reliable internet connection are essential for seamless virtual interaction with cross-functional teams.

• Opportunities for virtual team-building and knowledge-sharing sessions will be important to foster a sense of connection and collaboration despite the remote setup.

• The company likely utilizes cloud-based platforms for project management, communication, and research data storage.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, provides a structured framework. However, flexibility may be required for scheduling interviews with participants across different time zones or for urgent research needs, which is common in contract roles supporting fast-paced product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature, combined with specific location requirements (NYC or California), suggests a need for candidates familiar with remote collaboration best practices and potentially adaptable to West Coast/East Coast time zone overlaps.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your background in mixed-methods research and your experience with AI tools.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, research philosophy, and approach to leading complex projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that highlight your expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meet with key stakeholders like a Product Manager, Designer, or Data Scientist. Focus on how you collaborate, translate insights, and integrate research into the product development lifecycle.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio. Prepare to walk through your process, methodologies, findings, and the impact of your research. This is where demonstrating your AI tool proficiency will be crucial.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your mixed-methods expertise, your ability to handle complex problems, and your impact on product outcomes. Prioritize projects where you've used AI tools.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your research objectives, the methodologies used, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams and influenced decisions.

• Demonstrate AI Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific AI tools you've used, how they improved your workflow, and the types of insights they helped uncover.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be prepared for detailed questions about your process and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of various qualitative and quantitative methods in different scenarios.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate hypothetical research challenges and how you would approach them, including tool selection and stakeholder management.

• Insight Synthesis: Prepare to explain how you synthesize complex data from multiple sources into clear, actionable insights.

• AI Integration: Consider how you would approach integrating new AI research tools into an existing workflow or how you've done so previously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on practical application and portfolio demonstration. Candidates should prepare to articulate their research process in detail, especially concerning the integration and benefits of AI tools, and how their findings translate into tangible product improvements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: UserTesting, Lookback, dscout (for remote moderated/unmoderated testing, interviews, diary studies).

• Quantitative Research Platforms: UserZoom, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Typeform (for surveys, A/B testing, benchmarking).

• Information Architecture Testing: Optimal Workshop (for card sorting, tree testing, first-click testing).

• Design/Prototyping Tools: Figma, Origami (for collaborating with designers, reviewing prototypes, and potentially creating study stimuli).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Software: SPSS, R, Python (for advanced quantitative analysis and statistical modeling).

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (for creating dashboards and communicating quantitative findings).

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets (for data organization, basic analysis, and reporting).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, HubSpot (familiarity is beneficial for understanding how user data integrates with broader business metrics, though direct CRM management is not the core responsibility).

• Project Management Tools: Asana, Jira, Trello (for managing research timelines, tasks, and collaboration within product teams).

• AI-Native Research Tools: Candidates are expected to be familiar with or eager to learn tools that leverage AI for tasks such as participant recruitment, transcription analysis, sentiment analysis, theme identification, and automated reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI-native research tools" is a significant differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AI in research, even if it's through emerging tools or experimental use. Proficiency in statistical analysis is also a key differentiator for the quantitative aspect of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core value that emphasizes basing product and strategic decisions on robust user research and data analysis.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the product development process.

• Collaboration and Transparency: Fostering an environment where research insights are shared openly and teams work together towards common goals.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging the exploration of new research methodologies and tools (especially AI) to drive efficiency and deliver cutting-edge insights.

• Impact and Accountability: Focusing on delivering research that has a tangible impact on product success and taking ownership of research outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are expected to be deeply embedded within product teams, working as equal partners with product managers, designers, and engineers.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing updates, preliminary findings, and strategic recommendations to keep stakeholders informed and aligned.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing feedback on research plans, methodologies, and insights to continuously improve the research practice.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in internal research forums, sharing best practices, and contributing to the growth of the research community within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. For a contract role, adaptability and the ability to quickly integrate into existing teams and workflows are highly prized.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-paced environment, the challenge is to conduct thorough, high-quality research without compromising project timelines. This requires efficient planning and execution, often leveraging AI tools.

• Synthesizing Complex Data: Integrating insights from diverse qualitative and quantitative sources, including AI-generated analyses, to form a cohesive and actionable narrative.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating complex research findings and driving consensus among diverse stakeholders with potentially competing priorities.

• Adapting to Evolving Tools: Staying current with and effectively integrating new AI-driven research tools and methodologies into existing workflows.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication across distributed teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Research: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI-native research tools, enhancing your skillset in automated analysis, insight generation, and research efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deepen understanding of product management, design, and engineering processes by working closely with these functions.

• Strategic Impact: Develop a stronger capacity for influencing product strategy at a senior level through impactful research.

• Methodological Breadth: Further refine expertise in mixed-methods research and potentially explore specialized quantitative techniques.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with high-impact projects, valuable for future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in the practical application and mastery of AI research tools, which is a significant emerging trend in the field. The contract nature of the role means that growth is focused on skill acquisition and experience rather than long-term career pathing within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex research problem you tackled using mixed-methods. How did you decide which qualitative and quantitative approaches to use, and what were the key challenges in synthesizing the data?" (Focus on your decision-making process and synthesis capabilities, especially if AI was involved).

• "How do you ensure your research findings translate into actionable product decisions? Walk me through a time your research directly influenced a product strategy or feature." (Prepare a case study demonstrating impact and collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about this specific contract role and Linda Werner & Associates?" (Research the company's website and any publicly available information about their projects or values).

• "How do you approach collaborating with product managers, designers, and engineers who may have different perspectives or priorities?" (Highlight your communication and stakeholder management skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 1-2 High-Impact Projects: Choose projects that best exemplify your senior-level expertise, mixed-methods approach, and successful application of AI tools.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project: Problem -> Your Role/Approach -> Methodologies (Qualitative/Quantitative/AI) -> Key Insights -> Recommendations -> Impact (Quantifiable if possible).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, data analysis techniques, challenges encountered, and how you ensured the validity and reliability of your findings.

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly articulate how you used AI tools and the specific benefits they provided (e.g., speed, depth of analysis, new insights).

• Focus on Actionability: Emphasize how your research led to concrete actions and positive outcomes for the product or business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely probe your ability to not only perform research but to strategically apply it and leverage modern tools like AI. Be ready to discuss your thought process behind methodological choices and your approach to driving product impact through user insights.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse portal.

• Craft a tailored resume: Highlight your 8+ years of experience in UX/product research, emphasizing your proficiency in mixed-methods research, quantitative analysis, and any experience with AI-native research tools. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 1-2 detailed case studies that showcase your ability to lead end-to-end research projects, particularly those involving mixed methodologies and AI tools. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your approach, key insights, and impact.

• Practice your presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and the strategic application of research. Be ready to discuss your methodology, AI tool usage, and collaboration strategies.

• Research the company: Familiarize yourself with Linda Werner & Associates' work, values, and any available information about their client projects to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.