Sr. UX Researcher I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher I

Company: Elsevier

Location: Home based - Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: 6-8 years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads UX Research strategy for a business or product line, driving a deep understanding of user behaviors, needs, and motivations.

• Expertly utilizes a range of research and testing methodologies to inform product development and strategy.

• Collaborates closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, and other stakeholders to integrate user feedback into the design and development lifecycle.

• Proactively identifies and analyzes user pain points and market opportunities to guide product innovation and improvements.

• Mentors and guides junior researchers, fostering a culture of user-centricity and continuous learning within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. UX Researcher I," the responsibilities and experience level suggest a role focused on individual contribution with leadership in research strategy and mentorship, rather than direct people management. The focus on "Product Operations" in the category is inferred from the deep integration of UX research into the product lifecycle and the need to share findings across the organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Research Strategy & Execution: Define and lead the UX research strategy for assigned product areas, including planning, designing, and conducting qualitative and quantitative research studies.

• Data Synthesis & Insights Generation: Evaluate and synthesize user data from various sources (e.g., analytics, customer feedback, usability testing) to generate actionable insights that inform product decisions.

• Design Collaboration & Iteration: Partner with UX Designers to ensure user feedback and testing results are continuously integrated into the design process, facilitating iterative improvements.

• Stakeholder Communication & Advocacy: Share research findings, insights, and recommendations effectively with stakeholders across the organization, including product, design, engineering, and business teams, to champion user needs.

• Methodology Expertise & Mentorship: Apply a variety of UX research techniques (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing, ethnographic studies) and mentor junior researchers on best practices and technical skills.

• Market & Competitive Analysis: Understand the competitive landscape and regulatory environment relevant to Elsevier's products, and segment markets to identify specific needs of sub-segments.

• Problem Definition & Solution Recommendation: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze research briefs, identify the core problems being addressed, and recommend data-driven solutions.

• Research Tool Proficiency: Utilize research analysis tools and software, including Qualtrics, Lookback, and UserTesting.com, to an expert level for effective data collection and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "sharing research findings with the organisation" and "aligning/coaching the team to ensure customer needs are met," suggesting a strategic role that influences broader product direction and team practices, beyond just executing research for specific features.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a design-related discipline such as Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Product Design, Design, Graphic Design, or a related field is preferred, but not required. Experience:

• Suggested Minimum Years of Experience: 6-8 years in UX Research or a similar user-focused research role.

• Critical Experiences (Required for entry into this role): None explicitly listed, but demonstrated expertise in leading research initiatives and mentoring is implied. Required Skills:

• UX Research Methodologies: Deep expertise in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research methods (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, surveys, ethnographic research, card sorting, tree testing).

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from diverse sources to derive actionable insights.

• Research Tools Proficiency: Expert-level command of industry-standard UX research tools such as Qualtrics, Lookback, and UserTesting.com.

• Stakeholder Communication: Proven ability to effectively communicate research findings, insights, and recommendations to diverse audiences, including product, design, and business stakeholders.

• User-Centered Design Principles: Strong understanding and application of user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, fostering collaborative relationships and contributing to a shared understanding of user needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Research Strategy Development: Experience in defining and leading research strategies for product lines or business units.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Demonstrated ability to informally mentor and guide junior researchers.

• Market Segmentation: Experience in identifying and analyzing needs within specific market sub-segments.

• Understanding of Tech Stack: Familiarity with the organization's technology stack to better understand research contexts and collaborate with technical teams.

• Competitive & Regulatory Analysis: Experience in analyzing competitor offerings and understanding the impact of regulatory environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expert user of a number of research and testing methodologies" and "mentors other researchers" highlights the seniority of the role, requiring not just execution but also strategic guidance and knowledge transfer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end UX research process, from problem definition and research design to analysis and impact.

• Methodology Application: Highlight the diverse research methodologies employed and the rationale behind choosing specific methods for different research questions.

• Data Visualization & Insights: Include examples of how data was synthesized and visualized to communicate key findings and actionable insights to stakeholders.

• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify the impact of research findings on product decisions, user experience improvements, and business outcomes where possible.

• Collaboration Examples: Illustrate how research was conducted collaboratively with design, product, and engineering teams.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plans: Examples of well-defined research plans outlining objectives, methodologies, participant recruitment, and timelines.

• Analysis Frameworks: Documentation of analytical approaches used to interpret qualitative and quantitative data.

• Deliverable Formats: Showcase various formats of research deliverables, such as reports, presentations, personas, journey maps, and usability findings summaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Sr." title and emphasis on strategy, a portfolio should demonstrate not just execution but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to influence product direction through research.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• U.S. National Base Pay Range: $95,300 - $158,800 annually.

• Geographic Differentials: May apply in some locations to better reflect local market rates.

Benefits:

• Annual Incentive Bonus: Eligibility for an annual incentive bonus program.

• Country Specific Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package tailored to the specific location, with details available via the provided link.

• Health & Wellness: (Inferred) Typically includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with wellness programs.

• Retirement Savings: (Inferred) Likely includes a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: (Inferred) Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a national average for the US. For a remote role based in Pennsylvania, actual compensation could vary slightly based on local market data and cost of living, though the provided range is generally competitive for a senior UX researcher. The benefits listed are explicitly mentioned or strongly inferred from standard corporate offerings for a company of Elsevier's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Scientific, Technical, and Medical (STM) Information and Publishing. Elsevier is a global leader in providing information and analytics solutions for professionals in science and health.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with a significant global presence. (Elsevier is part of RELX, a multinational information and analytics company).

Founded: Elsevier has a long history, with its origins tracing back to 1880.

Team Structure:

• UX Research Team: Part of a broader UX/Product Design organization. Likely comprises researchers of varying seniority levels.

• Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX Researcher I will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Director, and will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, UX Designers, Visual Designers, and Engineering teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working across departments to ensure user-centricity is embedded in product development and strategy.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes understanding and meeting the needs of its professional users through rigorous research.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Research findings are used to inform product design, feature prioritization, and strategic planning.

• Agile Development: Likely operates within an agile framework, requiring researchers to integrate seamlessly into iterative development cycles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Elsevier's position in the STM industry implies a focus on complex information products, rigorous data analysis, and serving highly specialized professional audiences. This context is crucial for understanding the depth and nuance required in UX research.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is positioned as an experienced practitioner who leads research initiatives, influences strategy, and mentors others. It is a step towards potential lead or management roles in UX Research.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a UX Research Manager or Director, working closely with Product Managers and UX Designers. This structure allows for both guidance and significant autonomy.

Operations Impact: Directly influences the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of Elsevier's digital products and platforms by ensuring they meet the complex needs of scientific and healthcare professionals. This impacts user satisfaction, research output, and ultimately, the success of the products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research: Opportunity to lead research initiatives for major product lines and shape the research agenda.

• Mentorship Development: Formalize and expand mentorship skills, potentially guiding a team of junior researchers.

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific research methodologies or user segments within the STM domain.

• Transition to Management: Potential pathway to a UX Research Manager role, involving people management and strategic oversight.

• Cross-functional Influence: Expand influence across product strategy, marketing, and business development through impactful research insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "I" in "Sr. UX Researcher I" suggests a specific level within a broader "Sr. UX Researcher" band, implying a defined progression path. The role offers significant growth in strategic influence and mentorship within the UX research discipline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. The role is based from home, offering flexibility and autonomy.

Office Location(s): Home-based within Pennsylvania, United States. This indicates a need to be legally based in or authorized to work in Pennsylvania.

Workspace Context:

• Home Office Setup: Requires a dedicated, productive home office environment conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Extensive use of video conferencing, collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams), and project management tools for seamless interaction with distributed teams.

• Access to Resources: Ensures access to necessary software, research tools, and company networks remotely.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is typical. Flexibility may be available, but requires coordination with global teams and adherence to project deadlines. Emphasis on asynchronous communication where possible to accommodate different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature requires strong self-discipline, proactive communication, and proficiency with virtual collaboration tools. The specific location requirement (Pennsylvania) may be due to tax, legal, or operational reasons for Elsevier.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, salary expectations, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, research philosophy, and approach to problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present 1-2 detailed case studies showcasing their research process, methodologies, insights, and impact. This will likely involve a presentation to the hiring manager and/or a panel of UX researchers and designers.

• Skills-Based Exercise/Challenge: May involve a take-home assignment or a live exercise to assess specific research skills, analytical abilities, or problem-solving approaches relevant to Elsevier's products.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (UX Designers, Product Managers) to assess collaboration style and functional fit.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader to confirm overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, methodological rigor, and ability to drive impact.

Focus on projects where your research directly influenced product decisions.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate:

  • The Problem/Opportunity: What was the business or user problem?
  • Your Role & Responsibilities: What specifically did you do?
  • Research Approach: Why did you choose these methods?
  • Key Findings & Insights: What did you learn?
  • Recommendations & Impact: How did your research influence the product/business? Quantify impact where possible.

• Showcase Methodology: Explain your choice of research methods and how they were executed. Highlight any innovative approaches.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Illustrate how you worked with designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, challenges faced, and how you would handle similar situations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Elsevier's Domain: Research Elsevier's product portfolio, target users (scientists, healthcare professionals), and the challenges they face.

• Practice Research Design: Be ready to outline a research plan for a given problem, justifying your methodology.

• Data Interpretation: Prepare to analyze sample data (qualitative or quantitative) and derive insights.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for senior UX roles. Candidates should prepare to not only present their work but also defend their methodological choices and articulate the business value of their research.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualtrics: Expert-level proficiency for survey design, distribution, and data analysis.

• Lookback: For moderated and unmoderated remote usability testing and user interviews.

• UserTesting.com: A leading platform for on-demand user feedback and usability testing.

• Analytics Packages: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or product-specific analytics platforms to contextualize research findings.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with platforms such as Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or built-in reporting features within analytics platforms to create dashboards and reports.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is captured and managed within CRM or product analytics systems can be beneficial for contextualizing research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in Qualtrics, Lookback, and UserTesting.com is explicitly mentioned as a requirement for "expert level" use, making these critical skills for candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing research and data to identify opportunities and drive product improvements.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Learning & Improvement: Embracing new methodologies, tools, and feedback to enhance research practices.

• Impact & Accountability: Focusing on delivering actionable insights that lead to measurable positive outcomes for users and the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Inclusive: Actively seeking input from team members and stakeholders, and ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.

• Transparent Communication: Openly sharing research plans, findings, and challenges to foster trust and alignment.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing and receiving feedback in a way that promotes growth and improves outcomes.

• Agile Integration: Seamlessly integrating research activities into agile development sprints, adapting to evolving project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Elsevier's culture likely values intellectual rigor, scientific accuracy, and a commitment to serving professional communities. This translates to a research environment that is thorough, evidence-based, and focused on deep user understanding.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex User Needs: Researching the needs of highly specialized scientific and healthcare professionals requires deep domain understanding and sophisticated research approaches.

• Data Overload: Synthesizing insights from vast amounts of data generated by complex digital platforms can be challenging.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring research insights are consistently understood and acted upon by diverse stakeholder groups across different departments and time zones.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote environment.

• Balancing Research Depth with Speed: Delivering timely insights within fast-paced product development cycles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge UX research techniques.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in specific scientific or healthcare domains relevant to Elsevier's product portfolio.

• Strategic Influence: Develop skills in shaping research strategy and influencing product roadmaps at a higher level.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Gain experience in formally mentoring junior researchers, potentially leading to future leadership roles.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to conferences, workshops, and training programs to stay abreast of the latest trends in UX research and information science.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an opportunity to tackle complex research challenges within a critical industry, with significant potential for professional growth in both research expertise and strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence product strategy based on research findings. What was the challenge, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic thinking, communication, and impact.)

• "How do you prioritize research efforts when faced with multiple competing product requests or deadlines?" (Assess prioritization skills, stakeholder management, and resourcefulness.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a research plan for a new product feature. What factors do you consider?" (Demonstrate structured thinking, methodology selection, and proactive planning.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and effectively communicated to different types of stakeholders (e.g., engineers, product managers, executives)?" (Highlight communication skills, adaptability, and focus on actionable insights.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Elsevier and our mission to serve science and health professionals?" (Showcase research into the company and its domain.)

• "How do you foster a user-centric culture within product teams?" (Demonstrate advocacy for users and collaborative approach.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior researchers. What is your approach to helping them develop their skills?" (Highlight leadership potential and collaborative spirit.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in UX research?" (Showcase commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives with a clear beginning (problem), middle (your research process), and end (impact/resolution).

• Visuals: Use clear, concise slides with effective visuals (e.g., key quotes, screenshots, simplified diagrams of processes, impactful charts). Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time limits. Focus on the most critical aspects of each project.

• Data Interpretation: Clearly explain how you interpreted data and translated it into meaningful insights.

• Proactive Questions: Prepare questions for the interviewers about the team, current challenges, and opportunities within Elsevier's UX research function.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic thinking, methodological expertise, strong communication, and the ability to drive tangible product and business impact through research.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Elsevier careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight the 6-8 years of UX research experience, specific methodologies used, proficiency with Qualtrics, Lookback, and UserTesting.com, and any experience mentoring junior researchers. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that includes 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your research process, insights, and impact. Ensure it showcases your ability to lead research strategy and collaborate effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Elsevier's products, target users (scientists, healthcare professionals), and recent news or initiatives. Understand their mission and how UX research contributes to it.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.

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