Sr. UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher

Company: WebTPA

Location: United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Insights

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy and definition by unearthing actionable, data-driven customer insights through comprehensive user research methodologies.

• Lead the design and execution of a variety of research initiatives, from exploratory studies to concept validation, to inform product development lifecycle.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with product management, design, engineering, and marketing teams to align research efforts with business goals and user needs.

• Serve as the primary advocate for the user, translating research findings into compelling narratives that inspire stakeholders and influence product prioritization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Researcher, indicating a need for independent leadership in research strategy and execution, and a significant impact on product decisions. The emphasis on "unearthing customer insights" and "guiding the experience" suggests a strategic function rather than purely tactical execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute robust user research plans, encompassing qualitative and quantitative methodologies, to address product definition and user experience challenges.

• Conduct exploratory research to identify unmet user needs and opportunities for innovation within the WebTPA product suite.

• Facilitate and moderate usability studies (formative and summative) to evaluate the effectiveness and intuitiveness of product designs and features.

• Collaborate closely with interaction and visual designers to integrate research findings into the design process, ensuring a user-centered approach.

• Partner with product managers and development teams to translate research insights into prioritized product requirements and feature enhancements.

• Develop comprehensive research strategies that align with project timelines and business objectives, ensuring efficient participant recruitment and study management.

• Synthesize complex research data into clear, concise, and actionable insights, presented through compelling narratives and visualizations for diverse stakeholder audiences.

• Act as a key liaison between research participants and internal teams, ensuring accurate representation of user feedback throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic planning (research strategies, product definition) and hands-on execution (designing and conducting studies, participant interaction). The emphasis on influencing product strategy and inspiring stakeholders with findings points to a senior-level expectation of thought leadership and communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in user research, UX research, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of impacting product strategy and design.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in designing and conducting a wide range of user research methodologies, including usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, contextual inquiry, and diary studies.

• Demonstrated ability to develop comprehensive research strategies that align with product roadmaps and business objectives.

• Strong analytical skills to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, identifying key user needs, pain points, and opportunities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings and insights clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Experience in participant recruitment, screening, and managing research logistics.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and engineers.

• Familiarity with the product development lifecycle and agile methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with statistical analysis and data visualization tools.

• Knowledge of accessibility best practices and inclusive design principles.

• Experience in the healthcare or insurance industry.

• Familiarity with remote research tools and platforms.

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "6+ years related work experience" and "Related Bachelor's degree" are foundational. The AI-identified skills such as "research strategy," "participant recruitment," and "stakeholder management" are critical for a senior role. The emphasis on "data-driven insights" and influencing "product strategy" suggests that candidates who can demonstrate a strategic impact will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end user research projects from inception to impact.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the research objectives, methodologies employed, participant profiles, and the challenges faced.

• Quantify the impact of your research on product decisions, user experience improvements, and business outcomes (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced support tickets, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Highlight your ability to adapt research methods to different project constraints and deliver actionable insights under tight deadlines.

• Include examples of how you have collaborated with design and product teams to translate research findings into tangible product improvements. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your process for developing research plans, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and outlining participant recruitment strategies.

• Provide examples of how you document research findings, including reports, presentations, and user journey maps, emphasizing clarity and actionable recommendations.

• Showcase your approach to managing research projects, including timelines, stakeholder communication, and resource allocation.

• Illustrate your process for advocating for user needs and ensuring research insights are effectively integrated into the product development workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis should be on demonstrating strategic thinking, methodological rigor, and measurable impact. Case studies should not just describe what was done, but why it was done, how it was done effectively, and what the outcome was. Quantifiable results are key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $92,100 - $149,600 annually. The typical annualized hiring range is $92,100 - $115,100. Final pay will be determined based on market competitiveness, internal equity, and the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, training, and experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life and global travel health insurance coverage.

• Income protection through short- and long-term disability programs.

• Generous leave programs, including paid time off, volunteer time off, 10 holidays, and 2 well-being days.

• Retirement Savings Plan with employer match.

• A comprehensive wellness program to support employee wellbeing.

• Additional voluntary benefits are available.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While specific schedules may vary, the hybrid work arrangement suggests flexibility for focused work and collaborative in-office sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is broad, with a defined hiring range. The "Final pay will be determined..." clause indicates flexibility based on candidate qualifications. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and financial security, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The inclusion of "paid time off, volunteer time off, 10 holidays and 2 well-being days" highlights a commitment to work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare and Insurance. WebTPA operates within the healthcare sector, focusing on third-party administration services. This context implies a need for research that understands complex user needs within a regulated and often sensitive industry.

Company Size: WebTPA is part of GuideWell, a larger organization. While exact WebTPA size isn't specified, GuideWell is a significant entity. This suggests a stable environment with established processes, but potentially with opportunities for impact within a specialized unit.

Founded: WebTPA has a history of providing third-party administration services. As part of GuideWell (which has a longer history), the company benefits from a legacy of service within the healthcare ecosystem.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Researcher will be part of the Experience Design team, collaborating closely with interaction and visual designers.

• This role will also work on cross-functional product teams, partnering with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders.

• The reporting structure likely places the UX Researcher under a Design Lead or Head of Experience Design, with direct collaboration lines to Product Management. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "data-driven insights" and a "user-centered approach" to product development.

• Research will be integrated into the product development lifecycle, from exploratory phases to concept validation and iterative design.

• Collaboration is key, with a focus on delivering actionable insights that guide strategic decisions and improve user experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: WebTPA's role as a third-party administrator within healthcare means user research will likely involve understanding the needs of multiple user groups: plan sponsors (employers), plan members (patients), and potentially healthcare providers. The company culture likely values precision, compliance, and a commitment to service excellence, which should be reflected in research approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It requires a high degree of autonomy in defining research agendas, executing studies, and influencing product strategy. The role is critical in bridging the gap between user needs and product development, acting as a key advisor to product and design teams.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will report to a Design Lead or Head of Experience Design. They will work closely with product managers and development teams, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate cross-functional dynamics.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on informing product strategy, improving user experience, and ultimately driving business goals through a deeper understanding of customer needs. Insights generated will directly influence feature prioritization, product design decisions, and the overall success of WebTPA's offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or user segments within the healthcare industry.

• Leadership: Transition into a UX Research Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team of researchers and setting the research vision.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Move into Product Management or Design Strategy roles, leveraging deep user understanding.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in UX research within the healthcare/benefits administration sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." title implies significant responsibility and the potential for mentorship. Growth opportunities should focus on deepening UX research expertise, taking on more strategic leadership, or potentially transitioning into related product roles, leveraging the deep user empathy developed.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "Full time" with a "Hybrid" work arrangement, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The role is based in the United States. While specific office locations are not detailed, candidates should expect to work from a designated WebTPA office on certain days, facilitating team collaboration and access to on-site resources.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused, deep work at home, while in-office days likely support collaborative sessions, brainstorming, and team building.

• Expect a professional office environment equipped with necessary tools and technology to support design and research activities.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with designers, product managers, and other key stakeholders will be available during in-office days.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours. The hybrid nature offers some flexibility in managing personal and professional time, though specific in-office days will likely be coordinated with team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A hybrid work arrangement is common for senior roles, balancing individual focus time with collaborative team engagement. Candidates should be prepared to commute to a WebTPA office as required by the team and company policy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, salary expectations, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discuss your experience, research philosophy, and approach to solving UX research challenges. Prepare to elaborate on your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you will present 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio, showcasing your research process, insights, and impact. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your methodology and decision-making.

• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Meet with potential collaborators, such as Product Managers, Designers, and Developers, to assess your teamwork and communication skills.

• Final Interview: May involve a senior leader or executive to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your role, the research process, the key insights, and the tangible outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research (e.g., "identified a usability issue that led to a 15% reduction in task completion time," or "informed a feature redesign that increased user engagement by 10%").

• Methodological Justification: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methods and how they were best suited to answer the research questions.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (screenshots, wireframes, personas, journey maps) to illustrate your work.

• Tailor: Select portfolio pieces that best align with the WebTPA industry and the specific requirements of this Sr. UX Researcher role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential take-home assignment or a live design/research exercise focused on a hypothetical problem relevant to WebTPA's business.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to product stakeholders.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to break down complex problems, identify key research questions, and propose appropriate methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare meticulously, focusing on articulating their strategic thinking, research process, and measurable impact. Expect questions that probe the depth of their understanding and their ability to translate research into business value.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Experience with platforms for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, and qualitative interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Zoom/Teams for remote moderation).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools used by design teams to understand and evaluate prototypes (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD). This facilitates collaboration and the ability to work with design artifacts.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for project management, communication, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Ability to analyze qualitative data (e.g., thematic analysis) and potentially quantitative data using tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or statistical software.

• Presentation Software: Mastery of tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating compelling research presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how user data is collected and utilized within CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) can be beneficial for context.

• Familiarity with how research insights can inform marketing automation or customer journey mapping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned are illustrative of a typical UX research environment. The most critical aspect is proficiency in research methodologies and the ability to use tools to facilitate and analyze research. Familiarity with design tools like Figma is also highly advantageous for close collaboration with designers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using research insights to inform strategy and product development, moving beyond intuition.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in working together across departments to achieve common goals and deliver exceptional user experiences.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to iterating on products and processes based on user feedback and ongoing research.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and client interactions, especially within the sensitive healthcare domain.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Marketing to ensure research is integrated throughout the product lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where feedback is shared openly and respectfully, leading to better product outcomes.

• Insight Sharing: Proactively disseminating research findings and insights to relevant stakeholders to drive understanding and action.

• Agile Approach: Adapting research plans and methods to fit agile development cycles and evolving project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at WebTPA, as part of GuideWell, likely emphasizes a service-oriented approach, integrity, and collaboration. A Senior UX Researcher should demonstrate a proactive, collaborative, and user-advocating mindset.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Needs with Business Agendas: Effectively navigating competing priorities and ensuring research insights are given due weight in product decisions.

• Researching Diverse User Groups: Understanding the distinct needs and behaviors of various stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem (patients, employers, providers).

• Demonstrating ROI of Research: Clearly articulating the business value and impact of UX research to stakeholders who may not be familiar with its methodologies.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting research methodologies to keep pace with agile development and deliver timely insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement more sophisticated research techniques, potentially including advanced quantitative analysis or causal inference.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in healthcare UX research, understanding regulatory requirements and user needs specific to the sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior researchers or contribute to building out the UX research practice within WebTPA.

• Conferences & Training: Support for attending industry conferences (e.g., CHI, UXPA) and pursuing relevant certifications or specialized training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The healthcare industry presents unique challenges and opportunities for UX researchers, particularly concerning data privacy, accessibility, and the complexity of user needs. Growth will likely involve mastering these nuances and demonstrating how research drives tangible business value in this sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product roadmap based on your research findings. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on persuasion, data storytelling, and impact.)

• "How do you prioritize research efforts when faced with multiple competing projects and limited resources?" (Highlight your strategic planning and prioritization skills.)

• "Walk me through your process for designing a research study from scratch for a new feature concept." (Demonstrate your methodological rigor and understanding of the research lifecycle.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about WebTPA and the healthcare/benefits administration industry?" (Showcase your research into the company and your understanding of the sector's user landscape.)

• "How do you collaborate with product managers and designers who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and lead to meaningful product improvements?" (Focus on translation of insights and follow-through.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the research questions, the methodology, key findings, recommendations, and the ultimate impact.

• Quantify Results: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the value of your work. If exact numbers are unavailable, use strong qualitative evidence of impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (e.g., snippets of reports, personas, journey maps, screenshots of designs influenced by your work) to illustrate your points.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, your decision-making process, and how you handled challenges or unexpected findings.

• Tailor to WebTPA: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with complex user needs, enterprise software, or regulated industries, if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on the portfolio presentation and articulating the strategic value of UX research. Candidates should be ready to discuss their process, their impact, and how they collaborate within a product team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the WebTPA careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best showcase your strategic thinking, methodological breadth, and demonstrable impact on product decisions. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your approach, key insights, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 6+ years of relevant experience, focusing on keywords identified in the job description (e.g., "user research," "customer insights," "product strategy," "usability studies," "stakeholder management"). Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice delivering your portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly. Be ready to articulate your research process, reasoning behind methodological choices, and the business impact of your work. Rehearse answers to common UX research interview questions.

• Research WebTPA: Familiarize yourself with WebTPA's services, target audience, and mission. Understand the healthcare and benefits administration industry to better contextualize your experience and articulate your interest.

⚠️ 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.

---