Sr UX Researcher I - Raleigh, NC - HYBRID

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr UX Researcher I - Raleigh, NC - HYBRID

Company: Remitly

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-01-30

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead rapid discovery and evaluative research for internal, Generative AI-enabled tools, focusing on enhancing employee efficiency and effectiveness.

• Identify and deeply understand employee needs, pain points, and "jobs to be done" across diverse roles and workflows within the organization.

• Strategically select and apply a range of UX research methods, balancing the need for speed and rigor to inform product development.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, actionable guidance for cross-functional teams, driving product strategy and design decisions.

• Partner closely with product management, design, engineering, and AI practitioners to frame problems and co-create practical, user-centered solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for shaping internal tools powered by Generative AI. The emphasis on "sole researcher" for this initiative highlights a significant opportunity for impact and leadership, requiring a proactive and self-directed individual who can establish research best practices from the ground up. The focus on internal, employee-facing products differentiates it from typical customer-facing UX research roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead comprehensive discovery and evaluative research initiatives for internal tools that leverage Generative AI technologies.

• Conduct in-depth user interviews, usability testing sessions, surveys, and workshops to uncover user needs, pain points, and desired outcomes.

• Define and apply appropriate research methodologies, ensuring a balance between rapid iteration and robust data collection for AI-powered products.

• Translate raw research data into compelling narratives and actionable insights that directly influence product roadmaps and design iterations.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Managers, UX Designers, Engineers, and Data Scientists to co-define problem statements and co-develop innovative solutions.

• Utilize analytics and system data to triangulate findings and gain a holistic understanding of user behavior and product performance.

• Experiment with and apply Generative AI tools to streamline research operations, including planning, analysis, synthesis, and report generation.

• Independently manage multiple research projects concurrently, prioritizing effectively and delivering high-quality outcomes with minimal oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "rapid discovery and evaluative research" for "internal, GenAI-enabled tools" suggests a need for agility and a pragmatic approach to research. The responsibility to "manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal oversight" indicates a senior-level individual contributor role where autonomy and strategic decision-making are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-10 years of hands-on experience in User Experience (UX) research, with a proven track record of delivering impactful insights.

• Demonstrated experience conducting generative/discovery research to uncover unmet needs and inform product strategy.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience with a broad spectrum of UX research methods, including in-depth interviews, usability testing, surveys, contextual inquiry, and participatory workshops.

• Hands-on experience and practical application of Generative AI tools (e.g., LLMs for writing, summarization, analysis) in daily work, specifically to support research planning, data analysis, and synthesis.

• Strong proficiency in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for diverse audiences.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder collaboration skills, with the ability to influence product decisions.

• Experience researching and understanding the needs and workflows associated with internal or enterprise-level tools.

• Familiarity with Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) or similar outcome-focused frameworks for understanding user motivations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using research analysis and synthesis tools such as Qualtrics, Dovetail, NVivo, or similar platforms.

• Working knowledge of quantitative analysis methods and statistical concepts.

• Experience in fast-moving environments or agile development cycles.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and experimental design for product optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "Hands-on experience using Generative AI tools in daily work, including to support research planning, analysis, synthesis, or sensemaking" is a key differentiator for this role, indicating a forward-thinking approach to UX research. The emphasis on "internal or enterprise tools" research is also a significant specialization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 robust UX research case studies that demonstrate a full research lifecycle: problem definition, methodology selection, execution, analysis, and impact.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the research objectives, the specific methods employed, the key findings, and the concrete impact of the research on product development or business outcomes.

• Highlight projects where you successfully identified user needs or pain points and translated them into actionable product recommendations.

• Include examples of research conducted for internal or enterprise-facing products, if available.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal research processes, including how they plan, execute, and synthesize research activities efficiently.

• Be ready to explain how you manage trade-offs between research speed and rigor, especially in fast-paced environments.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to integrate qualitative insights with quantitative data (analytics, system data) to build a comprehensive understanding of user behavior.

• Be prepared to articulate how you would establish and evolve research practices for new product areas, such as internal GenAI tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior individual contributor role, especially one establishing practices, a portfolio demonstrating not just execution but also strategic thinking and process establishment is crucial. The emphasis on AI tool utilization in research processes should be a prominent feature.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

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

• Geographic differentials may apply to adjust for local market rates.

Benefits:

• Work-Life Integration:

  • Flexible working hours to accommodate personal needs and maximize productivity.
  • Sabbaticals for extended breaks and personal development.
  • Study assistance programs for continuous learning.
  • Shared parental leave to support new parents.

• Health & Wellness:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits through a multi-carrier program.
  • Wellness platform with incentives to encourage healthy lifestyles.
  • Headspace app subscription for mental well-being.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
  • Time-off Programs designed for rest and rejuvenation.
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance.
  • Life and Accidental Death insurance.
  • Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity insurance.

• Financial Security & Growth:

  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP) to invest in the company's growth.
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Health Care Spending Accounts (HCSA), and Dependent Care Spending Accounts (DCSA).
  • Commuter Spending Accounts to support commuting costs.

• Community & Impact:

  • Up to two days of paid leave annually for participation in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
  • Up to two days of paid leave annually to volunteer with a charity of your choice.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time, likely around 40 hours per week, with an emphasis on flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a national average; actual compensation will be influenced by location and specific experience. The extensive list of benefits highlights a strong commitment to employee well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, which are attractive to senior professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers, with a strong focus on legal and regulatory information. The company is a key part of RELX, a global leader in this space.

Company Size: Part of RELX, which has approximately 11,800 employees worldwide. LexisNexis Legal & Professional itself employs over 2,000 technologists, data scientists, and experts. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources, yet the immediate team might be smaller and more agile.

Founded: LexisNexis has a long history as a digital pioneer in legal information, being the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. RELX was founded in 1977. This longevity suggests stability and a deep understanding of professional information services.

Team Structure:

• You will be the sole UX Researcher initially supporting internal, employee-facing products powered by Generative AI, reporting into a broader design or product organization.

• This role requires close partnership with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and AI practitioners, indicating a highly collaborative, cross-functional team environment.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is core, with an emphasis on leveraging both qualitative UX research and quantitative system data/analytics.

• Application of AI and advanced technologies is a strategic priority, as evidenced by the focus on Generative AI products and the use of AI tools to accelerate research.

• A commitment to "Responsible AI Principles" guides the development and deployment of AI solutions.

• The company emphasizes improving productivity and transforming business practices through technology.

Company Website: https://www.remitly.com/ (Note: The job description mentions LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which is part of RELX. Remitly is a separate company. Assuming the provided URL is for Remitly, but the job description content is for LexisNexis/RELX. This needs clarification. For this enhancement, I will proceed assuming the content is for LexisNexis/RELX, as indicated by the description details.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's deep roots in information services and its forward-looking adoption of Generative AI create a unique environment where traditional research rigor meets cutting-edge technological application. The "sole researcher" aspect implies a high degree of autonomy and the potential to shape research strategy for a critical new product area.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Sr UX Researcher I" role, suggesting a senior individual contributor level. It implies a strong command of research methodologies, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to mentor or guide others as the team grows. The role is positioned to have significant influence on the direction of internal GenAI products.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a UX Researcher typically reports into a Design leadership role (e.g., Head of UX, Director of Design) or a Product Management leadership role. Given the "sole researcher" aspect, there may be direct mentorship from a senior researcher or a design lead.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of internal employees through better-designed Generative AI tools. This translates to increased productivity, reduced friction in workflows, and potentially a more positive employee experience, all of which contribute to the company's overall operational success and ability to serve its customers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in a New Domain: As the sole researcher for internal GenAI products, there's a significant opportunity to become a subject matter expert and a leader in this emerging area within the company.

• Team Expansion: Success in this role could lead to building out a dedicated research team for internal tools, offering opportunities for management and strategic team development.

• Skill Deepening: Continuous learning and application of AI in research provide avenues for developing highly sought-after skills in both UX research and AI-assisted workflows.

• Cross-functional Influence: Building strong relationships with product, design, and engineering will open doors to broader influence across product strategy and development processes.

• Career Progression: Potential career paths include Senior UX Researcher II, Lead UX Researcher, UX Research Manager, or specializing further in AI-human interaction research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr UX Researcher I" title, combined with the "sole researcher" responsibility for a high-impact area (internal GenAI tools), presents a unique growth trajectory. The individual will be instrumental in defining success metrics and best practices for this new domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a HYBRID role, meaning it combines remote work with in-office presence. The specific days in the office will likely be determined by team needs and collaboration requirements, fostering a balance between focused individual work and in-person team interaction.

Office Location(s): Raleigh, NC (RDU area). This location suggests a vibrant tech hub with potential for collaboration with other tech professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and close partnerships with product, design, and engineering teams emphasize a collaborative work setting, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Technology & Tools: Access to modern research tools, analytics platforms, and importantly, Generative AI tools will be integral to the daily workflow. The company's investment in AI suggests a technologically advanced environment.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and stakeholder meetings will complement remote collaboration, fostering a dynamic team dynamic.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with a strong emphasis on flexible working hours. This allows employees to tailor their schedules to optimize productivity and personal commitments, a key benefit for roles requiring deep focus and analytical work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Raleigh, NC, offers a blend of flexibility and in-person collaboration. The company's emphasis on flexible hours and well-being suggests a supportive work environment conducive to the concentration required for deep research work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your background and interest in UX research, particularly with AI.

• Portfolio Review & Deep Dive: Expect a session dedicated to reviewing your submitted portfolio. You will be asked to walk through 1-3 key case studies, detailing your role, methodology, findings, and the impact of your research. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your decision-making process, challenges faced, and how you utilized specific research techniques.

• Skills Assessment/Take-Home Exercise: A practical exercise might be given, potentially involving analyzing a dataset, outlining a research plan for a hypothetical internal tool, or synthesizing findings. This could be a take-home assignment or a live working session.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with potential collaborators (Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, AI Practitioners) will assess your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team and communicate research insights clearly.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm alignment with company values, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business or user impact of your research. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in task completion rate," "reduced user errors by 10%").

• Highlight AI Integration: Showcase specific examples of how you've used Generative AI tools to enhance your research process (planning, analysis, synthesis). Detail the tools used and the tangible benefits achieved.

• Structure Your Case Studies: Use a consistent structure: Problem/Opportunity, Your Role, Research Questions, Methodology, Participants, Findings, Recommendations, Impact.

• Showcase Adaptability: Include examples of how you've adapted research methods to meet project constraints (e.g., speed, budget, access to users).

• Prepare for "Why": Be ready to explain the rationale behind your methodological choices and how they aligned with the project goals.

• Internal Tool Experience: If you have experience with internal or enterprise tools, emphasize this. If not, draw parallels to customer-facing products and explain how your approach would translate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with common UX research challenges in enterprise/internal tool contexts (e.g., access to diverse users, defining success metrics for complex workflows, balancing multiple stakeholder needs).

• Practice articulating research findings and recommendations concisely and persuasively.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach establishing research practices for a new product area.

• Think about how you would measure the success and ROI of your UX research efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "internal, employee-facing products powered by Generative AI" means interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only conduct research but also strategically apply it to drive adoption and effectiveness of these new technologies within the organization. Demonstrating comfort with ambiguity and a proactive approach to establishing processes will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Qualtrics, Dovetail, UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback (or similar tools for survey creation, unmoderated testing, and qualitative data management).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Confluence, Jira, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Miro/Mural for collaborative whiteboarding and synthesis.

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel, R,

Python (for quantitative analysis), specialized qualitative analysis software.

• Generative AI Tools: Experience with LLM-based tools for tasks such as:
  • Research Planning: Generating research questions, participant screeners, or interview guides.
  • Data Analysis: Summarizing interview transcripts, identifying themes, extracting key quotes.
  • Synthesis: Drafting initial research reports or summarizing findings.
  • Sensemaking: Exploring complex datasets or generating hypotheses.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with product analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics) to complement qualitative research with behavioral data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not the primary focus, understanding how user feedback integrates with CRM systems or influences user segmentation can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Generative AI tools in daily work" and the need to "Apply AI tools to accelerate research planning, analysis, and synthesis" makes proficiency with AI-assisted research workflows a critical requirement, not just a preferred skill.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user (in this case, internal employees) to ensure products meet their needs effectively.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions are informed by research insights, analytics, and empirical evidence, aiming to optimize processes and outcomes.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (product, design, engineering, data science), fostering shared ownership and mutual respect.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies like Generative AI and constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, productivity, and user experience.

• Responsible AI: Adherence to ethical principles in the development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactively engaging with product managers, designers, and engineers throughout the research lifecycle, from problem framing to solution validation.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Embracing an agile approach where research insights are shared frequently to inform iterative design and development cycles.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing research findings, methodologies, and best practices across teams to build a collective understanding of user needs and product performance.

• Influence and Advocacy: Effectively communicating research insights to influence stakeholders and champion user needs in product strategy and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on Responsible AI and innovation, combined with the collaborative nature of product development, suggests a culture that values ethical application of technology and strong teamwork. The "fast-moving environments" imply a culture that is adaptable and responsive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Research Practices: As the sole researcher for internal GenAI products, a primary challenge will be defining and implementing effective research processes, methodologies, and best practices from the ground up.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: Working in "fast-moving environments" requires making trade-offs between the depth and breadth of research and the speed at which insights are needed to inform development.

• User Access for Internal Tools: Gaining access to a diverse range of internal employees across different roles and departments for research can sometimes be challenging due to their primary job responsibilities.

• Navigating AI Complexity & Trust: Researching user interaction with Generative AI tools involves understanding complex human-AI dynamics, building trust, and addressing potential ethical concerns or limitations.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating and measuring the impact and return on investment (ROI) of UX research, particularly for internal tools, will be crucial for ongoing support and resource allocation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization in AI Research: Deepen expertise in researching human-AI interaction, ethical AI, and the application of AI to accelerate research processes.

• Methodology Expansion: Develop advanced skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and potentially explore areas like causal inference or advanced statistical modeling.

• Product Strategy Influence: Gain experience in shaping product strategy and roadmaps for critical internal tools, moving beyond tactical research execution.

• Mentorship & Leadership: As the team grows, opportunities for mentoring junior researchers or leading research initiatives will emerge.

• Industry Engagement: Potential for attending industry conferences, publishing research, or contributing to the broader UX and AI research community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior individual contributors stepping into new, high-impact areas. The growth opportunities are significant, emphasizing the potential for this role to be a cornerstone for future UX research development within the company's AI initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing UX research practices for a new product area, particularly one involving emerging technologies like Generative AI." (Focus on process, stakeholder alignment, and early wins).

• "How do you balance the need for rapid research insights in a fast-moving environment with the importance of research rigor?" (Discuss methodologies, trade-offs, and iterative approaches).

• "Walk us through a case study where your research significantly influenced product decisions for an internal or enterprise tool. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Emphasize impact and your specific contribution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with internal, employee-facing products, and specifically those powered by Generative AI?" (Connect your skills and interests to the role's unique focus).

• "How would you collaborate with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to ensure user needs are met in the development of AI-powered tools?" (Highlight your partnership and communication skills).

• "How do you approach building trust and addressing concerns around AI adoption with internal users?" (Demonstrate empathy and understanding of human-AI interaction challenges).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize AI-Enhanced Projects: Lead with case studies that best showcase your experience with Generative AI in research or your experience with internal tools.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value and impact of your research findings and recommendations.

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss the choices you made regarding methodology, participant selection, and synthesis, explaining the rationale behind them.

• Show Your Process: Clearly explain your thought process from problem definition through to actionable insights. Use visuals (diagrams, screenshots) to illustrate your work.

• Focus on Recommendations: Ensure your recommendations are clear, actionable, and directly linked to your research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who are not only skilled researchers but also strategic thinkers capable of navigating the complexities of AI and enterprise product development. Demonstrating a proactive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr UX Researcher I position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workday job portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with UX research methodologies, work on internal/enterprise tools, and any practical application of Generative AI tools in a professional context. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest UX research case studies. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your research process, findings, and impact, with a specific emphasis on any projects involving AI or internal tools. Be ready to present these effectively.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience, research philosophy, and how your skills align with the specific requirements of this role, especially concerning Generative AI and internal product development.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with LexisNexis Legal & Professional, RELX, their Responsible AI Principles, and their strategic focus on AI. Understand the context of internal employee tools.

⚠️ 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.