Sr. Mixed Methods UX Researcher

Blink UX
Full-time$120k-135k/year (USD)Lone Tree, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Mixed Methods UX Researcher

Company: Blink UX

Location: Lone Tree, CO

Job Type: Contract

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

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is embedded within a financial services client, focusing on enhancing the experience for call center representatives and the products they utilize, requiring a strong understanding of operations within regulated environments.

  • The position demands leading end-to-end UX research projects, from stakeholder interviews and research plan development to data analysis and synthesizing findings for actionable insights.

  • A key aspect involves inspiring change by leveraging both qualitative and quantitative data to inform stakeholders on creating more intuitive, accessible, and seamless user experiences.

  • Success in this role hinges on the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving setting, critically think to generate innovative research ideas, and collaborate effectively as a strategic partner in product decisions.

  • Continuous improvement is expected, with an emphasis on implementing new research techniques and adapting to industry best practices within financial services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is presented as a contract position within Blink UX's "Embedded practice," suggesting a long-term engagement directly supporting a specific client's operational needs. The focus on call center representatives and financial services implies a need for understanding internal user workflows and regulatory constraints, which are critical in operations-focused UX.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Define and drive the future user experience for call center representatives and the associated internal products.

  • Conduct comprehensive user research, including stakeholder interviews, to uncover user needs and pain points.

  • Develop and execute detailed research plans, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, tailored to project objectives.

  • Analyze large datasets, including statistical analysis, to determine necessary sample sizes and derive meaningful insights.

  • Synthesize findings from multiple research tracks into clear, actionable reports and presentations for stakeholders.

  • Inspire product improvements by effectively communicating research insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and leadership.

  • Facilitate stakeholder understanding of user needs to drive the creation of more intuitive, accessible, and seamless product experiences.

  • Support the delivery of concurrent research projects, managing timelines and deliverables efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

  • Continuously explore and implement new and innovative research techniques to enhance research quality and impact.

  • Act as a strategic partner to product and design teams, influencing product decisions with user-centered data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic research leadership and hands-on execution, characteristic of senior UX researchers operating in client-facing, embedded roles. The emphasis on "inspiring change" and "influencing stakeholders" points to the need for strong communication and persuasion skills, crucial for driving operational improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) research.

  • Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering multiple research projects concurrently.

  • Experience working within financial services or other highly regulated industries is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

  • Mastery of a wide array of qualitative research methods, including user interviews, usability testing, observational methods, and card sorting.

  • Proficiency in quantitative research methods, including survey design, data analysis, and basic statistical principles.

  • Ability to calculate and justify sample sizes for research studies.

  • Experience conducting both in-person and remote testing.

  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with large data sets and derive actionable insights.

  • Excellent storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executives.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).

  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of research projects from start to finish.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with advanced statistical analysis or data visualization tools.

  • Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies.

  • Experience in designing and implementing longitudinal research studies.

  • Knowledge of UX design principles and best practices.

  • Experience with accessibility research and guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years" experience coupled with a "Sr." title suggests a need for a candidate who can operate autonomously and mentor junior researchers if applicable. The emphasis on financial services and regulated industries indicates a requirement for understanding compliance, security, and complex operational workflows common in these sectors.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX research projects, with a clear emphasis on impact and results.

  • Demonstrated ability to define research goals, develop comprehensive research plans (qualitative and quantitative), and execute them effectively.

  • Case studies that highlight how research insights directly influenced product design and business outcomes, particularly within operational contexts.

  • Examples of synthesizing complex data (qualitative and quantitative) into clear, actionable recommendations for stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

  • Evidence of structured research processes, including detailed research plans, data collection protocols, and analysis methodologies.

  • Examples of how research findings were documented and shared with stakeholders, demonstrating effective communication and storytelling techniques.

  • Documentation illustrating collaboration with cross-functional teams (design, product management, engineering) throughout the research lifecycle.

  • Case studies demonstrating the iterative nature of research, showing how feedback loops were incorporated into product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, especially in an embedded context, the portfolio should not just showcase what was done, but how it impacted the business and operations. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the strategic thinking behind their research choices and the measurable outcomes of their work, particularly concerning efficiency and user satisfaction for internal users.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $135,000 per year (DOE)

Benefits:

  • Long-term contract engagement offering stability and deep project involvement.

  • Opportunity to work with a leading product design firm (Blink UX) and a major financial services client.

  • Exposure to cutting-edge product development within the financial sector.

  • Potential for professional development through working on diverse and challenging research initiatives.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week.

  • Hybrid work arrangement in Lone Tree, CO, requiring a balance of in-office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided for a contract role in Lone Tree, CO. This range is generally competitive for a Senior UX Researcher with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area. The "DOE" (Depending on Experience) indicates flexibility based on the candidate's qualifications and proven track record. Benefits are typical for a long-term contract role, focusing on the project's nature and client exposure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Product Design & Consulting, Financial Services (Client Industry)

Company Size: Blink UX is a well-established product design firm with multiple studios and labs globally. The specific client team size is not detailed but is implied to be substantial given the need for multiple UX researchers.

Founded: Blink UX was founded with a mission to partner with ambitious companies to create transformative products. The embedded practice supports long-term, deep engagements with key clients.

Team Structure:

  • The role is part of Blink's "Embedded practice," suggesting a dedicated team of Blink UX professionals working directly with a client.

  • Within the client's organization, the UX Researcher will likely collaborate closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and stakeholders within the call center operations division.

Methodology:

  • Blink UX emphasizes a human-centered design approach, grounded in rigorous research.

  • The embedded practice likely involves adapting Blink's methodologies to the client's operational workflows and existing processes.

  • A strong focus on data-driven decision-making, leveraging both qualitative insights and quantitative metrics to guide product strategy and improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The embedded nature of this role means the culture will be a blend of Blink UX's consulting ethos and the specific culture of the financial services client. Candidates should be prepared for a fast-paced, results-oriented environment common in both consulting and regulated industries.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Researcher (Embedded Contract)

This is a senior-level individual contributor role focused on specialized UX research within an operational context. It offers the opportunity to deeply influence product development for internal users (call center representatives) in a critical industry.

Reporting Structure:

  • The researcher will report to a manager at Blink UX for contract management and potentially professional development guidance.

  • Day-to-day project leadership and direction will come from client-side product managers, design leads, or program managers within the financial services organization.

Operations Impact:

  • The primary impact will be on improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction of call center representatives, directly influencing customer service quality and operational costs.

  • Research findings will guide strategic decisions for product roadmaps, feature development, and user interface design for internal tools.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Deepen expertise in UX research methodologies, particularly within financial services and regulated environments.

  • Develop advanced skills in stakeholder management and influencing product strategy in a large enterprise.

  • Gain experience in leading complex research initiatives from inception to implementation.

  • Potential for continued long-term contract engagements with the client or other Blink UX clients.

  • Opportunity to expand into UX research leadership roles or specialization areas within operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This embedded contract role offers significant growth in practical application of UX research within a complex operational setting. The growth opportunities are less about traditional internal promotions and more about skill deepening, client impact, and potential for extended engagements or specialized project work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work with in-office collaboration at the client's location in Lone Tree, CO.

Office Location(s): Lone Tree, Colorado, USA. This is a suburban area south of Denver, offering a mix of business parks and amenities.

Workspace Context:

  • The role will involve working within the client's established office space, likely featuring collaborative areas, meeting rooms, and individual workspaces.

  • Access to necessary technology and tools for UX research, data analysis, and communication will be provided by the client.

  • Opportunities for in-person collaboration with design, product, and engineering teams, as well as with call center representatives for direct observation and feedback.

Work Schedule:

  • Standard full-time professional schedule, approximately 40 hours per week.

  • Flexibility in remote work days, balanced with required on-site presence for team collaboration, meetings, and user interactions. Specific in-office days may be dictated by client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature requires a candidate who is self-motivated for remote work and comfortable with in-person collaboration. Understanding the dynamics of working within an established corporate environment, particularly in financial services, is key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by Blink UX recruiters to assess alignment with the role requirements.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the client's hiring manager or a senior member of the UX/Product team to discuss your experience, research approach, and fit for the specific project.

  • Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present one or more of your research projects, detailing your process, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage for evaluating your senior-level capabilities.

  • Team Interviews: Potentially interviews with other UX researchers, designers, or product managers on the client team to assess collaboration style and technical depth.

  • Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion and offer process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Impact: Select projects that clearly demonstrate how your research led to tangible improvements in user experience, operational efficiency, or business outcomes. Quantify results whenever possible.

  • Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your research process, from defining objectives and planning methodologies to synthesizing data and presenting findings.

  • Highlight Mixed Methods: Emphasize your ability to integrate qualitative and quantitative data to provide a holistic understanding of user behavior and needs.

  • Tailor to Financial Services: If possible, include examples relevant to internal tools, complex workflows, or regulated industries to demonstrate domain understanding.

  • Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives that highlight challenges, your approach, and the successful resolution or impact.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem related to call center operations or financial services.

  • Practice articulating your thought process for selecting appropriate research methods based on project goals and constraints.

  • Prepare to answer questions about how you handle ambiguity, conflicting stakeholder feedback, or challenging data sets.

  • Think about how you would measure the success of your research initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for a senior UX researcher. Candidates should prepare to walk through their most impactful projects, demonstrating strategic thinking, methodological rigor, and the ability to translate research into actionable business value, especially within an operational context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • UX Research Methods: Expertise in a wide array of qualitative and quantitative methods including:

    • User Interviews (in-person and remote)
    • Usability Testing (moderated and unmoderated)
    • Surveys (design, deployment, analysis)
    • Observational Methods (ethnography, contextual inquiry)
    • Card Sorting
    • Tree Testing
  • Data Analysis:

    • Proficiency with large data sets.
    • Solid understanding of basic statistics and ability to calculate sample sizes.
    • Experience with statistical software or libraries (e.g., R, SPSS, Python libraries) may be beneficial.
  • Productivity & Collaboration:

    • Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint for presentations, Excel for data analysis, Word for documentation).
    • Collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Tools for survey deployment and analysis (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms).

  • Usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly managing CRM systems, understanding how user data is captured and utilized within CRM or customer support platforms can be beneficial for context.

  • Familiarity with how insights can drive automation or process improvements within customer service operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description specifies Microsoft Office proficiency. While advanced analytics or visualization tools are not explicitly required, candidates with experience in these areas, especially if they can demonstrate how they use them to derive and present insights for operational improvements, will have an advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, in this case, the call center representative, to improve their daily work experience.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on research data and insights to inform product strategy and design choices, ensuring solutions are effective and impactful.

  • Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (product, design, engineering, client stakeholders) to achieve common goals.

  • Continuous Improvement: A mindset of always seeking to learn, innovate, and refine research methodologies and processes to deliver greater value.

  • Impact & Results: Focus on delivering research that drives measurable improvements in user experience, operational efficiency, and business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

  • Expected to be a proactive collaborator, engaging with stakeholders early and often to define research needs and share findings.

  • Comfortable working within a hybrid remote/in-office model, utilizing various communication tools to stay connected.

  • Will need to build strong relationships with client-side teams, acting as a trusted advisor on user research matters.

  • Openness to feedback and a willingness to adapt research approaches based on project needs and client context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a blend of consulting best practices (collaboration, impact) with the specific needs of operational roles (user-centricity for internal users, data-driven improvements). Candidates should be ready to discuss how they embody these values in their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating a Regulated Industry: Understanding and adhering to the compliance, security, and privacy requirements inherent in financial services.

  • Internal User Focus: Shifting from typical consumer UX research to focusing on internal users (call center representatives) and their specific operational workflows and tool needs.

  • Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to the demands of a client-driven, fast-paced project environment with evolving priorities.

  • Data Complexity: Working with potentially large and complex datasets from internal systems and user interactions.

  • Stakeholder Management: Influencing diverse stakeholders with potentially competing priorities and ensuring buy-in for research recommendations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry and its operational nuances.

  • Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunity to refine and expand expertise in mixed-methods research, particularly in enterprise and operational contexts.

  • Strategic Influence: Developing skills in translating research into strategic product roadmaps and influencing senior leadership.

  • Embedded Practice Experience: Gaining valuable experience in long-term client engagements with a leading product design firm.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Enhancing ability to work effectively with diverse professional teams in a corporate setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior researchers moving into specialized or embedded roles within complex industries. The growth opportunities focus on deepening domain knowledge and strategic influence, valuable for career advancement in UX research.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to define a research strategy for a complex problem with limited information. How did you approach it, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on your process for defining goals, choosing methods, and adapting.)

  • "How would you approach researching the user experience for call center representatives who use internal software daily? What are the key considerations?" (Demonstrate understanding of internal users and operational workflows.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working on a project within the financial services industry, specifically for call center representatives?" (Showcase genuine interest and understanding of the domain.)

  • "How do you ensure your research remains objective when working closely with a client's product team?" (Address potential biases and how you maintain integrity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure your case studies: Problem -> Your Approach (Methods & Rationale) -> Key Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact (Quantified if possible).

  • Be ready to dive deep: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, data analysis techniques, and how you handled challenges.

  • Showcase your role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially in a senior capacity where you likely led aspects of the project.

  • Focus on actionable insights: Emphasize how your findings led to tangible improvements or informed critical product decisions.

  • Prepare for live exercises (if applicable): Some interviews may include a small research-related task or problem-solving scenario.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating senior-level strategic thinking, methodological expertise, and the ability to drive impact within a business context. Emphasize your understanding of operational needs and the unique challenges of regulated industries.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX research position:

  • Submit your resume and a comprehensive UX research portfolio through the provided application link.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating mixed-methods research, experience with internal tools or operational workflows, and clear impact on user experience and business outcomes. Prioritize case studies relevant to financial services or regulated industries if available.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience, core UX research skills, and any relevant industry experience. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., mixed methods, qualitative, quantitative, usability testing, financial services, stakeholder management).

  • Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review your selected portfolio projects, practice articulating your research process and insights, and prepare to discuss your experience with hybrid work and client-facing roles. Research Blink UX and the financial services sector.

  • Company & Role Research: Understand Blink UX's approach to design and research, and familiarize yourself with the typical challenges and opportunities within call center operations in the financial services industry.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires 5+ years of UX research experience and a degree in a human behavior-related field. Proficiency in a wide array of research methods and experience in financial services or regulated industries is expected.