User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher

Company: Peloton

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Research

Date Posted: June 8, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on understanding user behavior and informing product strategy through rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• The User Researcher will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, Data Scientists, and Engineers to translate user insights into actionable product improvements.

• Responsibilities include building and executing research plans, conducting various research studies, and synthesizing findings into clear, concrete recommendations.

• The position requires proficiency in a range of research methods, strong analytical skills, and the ability to effectively communicate insights to drive product innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is User Researcher, the emphasis on working with Product Managers, Designers, Data Scientists, and Engineers, and the goal of informing product strategy and optimization, places this role firmly within the broader product development lifecycle, often intersecting with GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies by ensuring product-market fit through user validation. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to research efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Designers, Content Designers, Product Managers, Data Analysts, and Engineers, to define research objectives and align on methodologies.

• Develop and execute comprehensive research plans, selecting appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methods to address key product and UX research questions and generate actionable insights.

• Work closely with Research Coordinators to define recruitment strategies, manage logistics, schedule participants, and handle incentives for research studies.

• Conduct regular discovery research (user interviews, diary studies, surveys), tactical research (iterative usability studies), and evaluative research (usability studies, concept evaluations, benchmarking, heuristic evaluations) on Peloton products.

• Define, design, and implement moderated and unmoderated usability studies across various stages of the product development lifecycle, from flat designs and prototypes to beta and finished digital experiences.

• Analyze and synthesize research and testing data, compiling findings into clear, concrete reports and presentations for stakeholders to inform product improvements.

• Contribute to the formulation of research documentation to deepen the understanding of Peloton-specific user behavior patterns.

• Systematically document and track takeaways from testing and research to ensure insights are easily referenced and applied to future projects, fostering a knowledge-sharing culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle research process, from planning and execution to analysis and dissemination of findings. The emphasis on "concrete insights," "product improvements," and "user behavior patterns" indicates a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and measurable impact on product development and user experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors Engineering, Psychology, or a related field.

• Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of dedicated User Research and Testing experience.

• Demonstrated experience in developing processes to organize work across multiple individuals and teams. Required Skills:

• Expertise in fundamental usability testing methodologies.

• Familiarity and/or experience with a variety of primary research methods (e.g., user interviews, diary studies, surveys).

• Proficiency in analyzing and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative research data.

• Ability to report findings in a concise and concrete manner, suitable for product development teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Versatility in applying both remote and in-person user research methodologies.

• Effective communication and storytelling skills to convey research insights persuasively.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and execute projects efficiently.

• Openness to learning new methodologies and tools as required.

• Comfort and proficiency in incorporating AI tools into research workflows to enhance efficiency and productivity.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

• Self-starter mentality with the ability to operate autonomously while proactively seeking support and guidance when needed.

• High attention to detail. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced research methods beyond basic usability testing.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and experimental design.

• Experience with specific user research platforms or tools for unmoderated studies.

• Knowledge of product development lifecycles and agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Master's degree in specific fields, coupled with 2+ years of experience, positions this as a mid-level role. The emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative methods, data synthesis, and the ability to translate research into actionable product improvements are critical for success. Proficiency with AI tools is a modern requirement, indicating an expectation for efficiency and leveraging technology in research.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 impactful user research projects, detailing the research problem, methodology, process, and outcomes.

• Clearly articulate the user insights generated and how they directly influenced product design decisions or strategy.

• Demonstrate the ability to define research objectives and select appropriate methodologies for diverse research questions.

• Provide evidence of quantitative and qualitative data analysis and synthesis skills, presented in a digestible format.

• Include examples of how research findings were communicated to stakeholders to drive action and product improvements. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of research plans, including timelines, participant criteria, and study protocols.

• Showcase how you have documented research findings, including user personas, journey maps, or detailed reports.

• Demonstrate an ability to create or refine processes for organizing research work, managing participant recruitment, and ensuring data integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a User Researcher role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the researcher's thought process, methodological rigor, and impact. The emphasis on "actionable insights," "product design decisions," and "stakeholder communication" aligns with the operational aspect of research – ensuring it serves a clear business purpose and drives tangible outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,389 - $166,100 USD per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.

• Access to Mental Health Services.

• 401k retirement plan.

• Tuition Reimbursement program.

• Student Loan Paydown Plans.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Fertility and Adoption Support.

• Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Child Care and Family Care Discounts.

• Free access to Peloton Digital App.

• Apparel and Product Discounts.

• Commuter Benefits.

• Citi Bike Discount.

• Pet Insurance.

• And many other benefits.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the New York City headquarters. For operations roles, benefits like tuition reimbursement, student loan paydown, and ESPP can be significant factors in total compensation and career development. The comprehensive list of benefits indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Connected Fitness, Technology, E-commerce, Media. Peloton operates within the dynamic and competitive fitness technology sector, blending hardware, software, and content to create a unique user experience.

Company Size: Peloton is a large, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: PTON), employing millions of Members globally and a significant number of employees. This scale implies established processes, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for impact within defined structures.

Founded: 2012. Founded in New York City, Peloton has rapidly grown into a global brand, emphasizing innovation and a strong member-centric approach.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is part of a larger Product and Design organization.

• This role reports to the Director of User Research, indicating a structured reporting line within the research function.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Designers, Data Analysts, and Engineers, highlighting a cross-functional, product-centric team environment. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, integrating qualitative and quantitative research insights.

• Focus on iterative product development, with research informing continuous improvement and optimization.

• Encouragement to leverage AI tools for efficiency and productivity within research workflows.

• A commitment to understanding and improving the "Peloton Member" experience across all touchpoints.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Peloton's culture is typically associated with innovation, community, and a passion for fitness. For a User Researcher, this translates into understanding a highly engaged user base and contributing to a product that profoundly impacts daily routines. The company's size suggests opportunities for specialized research and career growth within a robust organizational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level User Researcher (2-5 years of experience). It involves independent execution of research projects, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and contributing to the strategic direction of product development through user insights.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Director of User Research, providing mentorship and guidance. This structure allows for exposure to higher-level research strategy and leadership decision-making.

Operations Impact: User Research plays a critical role in ensuring product-market fit, optimizing user experience, and driving adoption and retention. Insights from this role directly influence product roadmaps, feature prioritization, and overall business objectives by ensuring the product meets user needs and expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, large-scale quantitative studies, generative research).

• Leadership: Progress to Senior User Researcher, leading larger research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing more significantly to product strategy.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain deeper understanding of product management, design, and data science, potentially leading to roles with broader product ownership or strategy influence.

• Tool Proficiency: Become an expert in utilizing and integrating advanced research tools, including AI-powered solutions, to enhance research efficiency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a User Researcher typically involves moving from individual contributor to a senior role with greater strategic influence, potentially leading research teams or specializing in complex research areas. The hybrid work environment and the company's focus on innovation suggest ample opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in New York City, with potential for some remote work as per the hybrid arrangement. This location offers access to a vibrant tech and design community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with designers, product managers, and engineers, suggesting an open and interactive workspace, both in-office and virtually, facilitated by digital collaboration tools.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard user research tools, prototyping software, and potentially internal data analytics platforms. The role also specifically mentions incorporating AI tools for research efficiency.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, and product reviews are likely part of the workflow, fostering continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the research team and with product teams.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) with the flexibility afforded by a hybrid work arrangement. This allows for focused work sessions, whether in the office or remotely, while balancing personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is common in tech and design roles, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. For a User Researcher, this means being adept at conducting research both in-person and remotely, and using digital tools effectively for collaboration and data sharing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A brief conversation, likely with a recruiter, to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Deep Dive: A session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing key projects, methodologies, and impact. This is a critical stage for demonstrating research capabilities and strategic thinking. Expect questions about your process, decision-making, and how you handle challenges.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers to assess collaboration skills, understanding of product development, and ability to integrate research into the product lifecycle.

• Research Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise, potentially involving analyzing a dataset, critiquing an existing product, or outlining a research plan for a given problem. This tests problem-solving skills and research design.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Director of User Research or a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Peloton's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project. For each project, clearly outline: the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the research questions, methodologies used, key findings, and the impact/outcome.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in task completion rate," "identified critical usability issues that were resolved before launch").

• Show Your Process: Detail your thought process, including how you chose your methods, how you synthesized data, and how you navigated challenges.

• Visuals: Use visuals (e.g., journey maps, personas, key quotes, screenshots) to make your findings more engaging and understandable.

• Tailor: Understand Peloton's products and users. Highlight projects that demonstrate experience relevant to their ecosystem.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself with Peloton's hardware, software, and content. Use the product if possible.

• Research Methodologies: Be prepared to discuss various qualitative and quantitative methods and when to apply them.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach common UX problems (e.g., low engagement, user confusion, onboarding issues).

• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting small datasets or user feedback to draw actionable conclusions.

• Communication: Prepare to clearly articulate your ideas, justify your recommendations, and present them concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a User Researcher emphasizes practical application of skills and the ability to translate research into business value. A strong portfolio is essential, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their process and the impact of their work in detail. The mention of AI tools in the job description might mean they'll ask about your experience or thoughts on using AI in research.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Usability Testing Platforms: Tools for conducting moderated and unmoderated usability studies (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

• Survey Tools: Platforms for creating and distributing surveys (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers, such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, for reviewing and testing prototypes.

• AI Research Tools: The role explicitly mentions incorporating AI tools, suggesting familiarity with AI-powered solutions for tasks like transcription, sentiment analysis, or data synthesis may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in analyzing qualitative data (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) and potentially quantitative data (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, basic statistical software).

• Reporting & Visualization Tools: Ability to create clear reports and presentations, potentially using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or even basic dashboarding tools.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira, for communication and project management.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how user research insights feed into CRM strategies or product automation features could be beneficial. Familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot might be a plus for understanding the broader user data landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of user research tools is expected. The specific mention of AI tools is a key differentiator, indicating that candidates who can demonstrate experience or a proactive approach to using AI in research will be highly valued. Understanding how research integrates with product development tools (like Figma) and data analysis platforms is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Member-Centricity: A core value at Peloton, emphasizing a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

• Innovation: Encouragement to explore new ideas, methodologies, and technologies (including AI) to push the boundaries of connected fitness.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and working effectively across diverse functional teams.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from research and analytics to inform strategic choices and product development.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of always seeking ways to enhance products, processes, and user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Analysts to ensure research is integrated throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback on research methodologies, findings, and recommendations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing research insights and best practices within the research team and across the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Peloton's culture likely fosters a fast-paced, innovative environment where user empathy is paramount. For a User Researcher, this means being an advocate for the user, effectively communicating their needs, and contributing to a shared understanding of the user experience across the company.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-paced tech environment, researchers often face pressure to deliver insights quickly while maintaining methodological integrity. Developing efficient research processes and managing stakeholder expectations will be key.

• Diverse User Base: Peloton serves a wide range of users with varying fitness levels, motivations, and technical proficiencies. Research must account for this diversity to ensure inclusivity.

• Integrating AI Tools: Effectively leveraging AI in research workflows requires experimentation, critical evaluation of AI outputs, and ensuring ethical considerations are met.

• Translating Insights into Action: The challenge of ensuring research findings are not just reported but actively understood and implemented by product teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and apply more complex research techniques, potentially including advanced statistical analysis, longitudinal studies, or ethnographic research.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant UX research conferences (e.g., CHI, UXR Conference) or pursuing certifications.

• Mentorship: Guidance from the Director of User Research and senior team members, fostering professional development and career advancement.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to product strategy, design thinking, and data analytics through close collaboration with these teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for mid-level researchers in dynamic tech companies. The growth opportunities are strong, particularly with Peloton's focus on innovation and its established structure, offering paths for specialization and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to choose between a faster, less rigorous research method and a slower, more rigorous one. What was your decision and why?" (Assesses trade-offs, methodological understanding)

• "How would you approach researching a completely new feature for the Peloton platform that has no existing user data?" (Tests generative research planning, problem definition)

• "Imagine Product Management wants to understand why engagement has dropped for a specific workout type. Outline your research plan." (Evaluates research design, hypothesis generation, and stakeholder alignment) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Peloton as a company and its mission?" (Assesses passion, cultural fit)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are communicated effectively to stakeholders who may not have a research background?" (Tests communication, storytelling, impact articulation)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid team environment. What strategies do you use to stay connected and productive?" (Evaluates adaptability, collaboration) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the business or user problem your project aimed to solve.

• Detail Your Role: Specify your contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Explain Your Method: Justify why you chose specific methods and how they addressed your research questions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals. Present key findings, user quotes, and artifacts (e.g., personas, journey maps).

• Focus on Impact: Quantify the outcomes of your research and how it influenced the product or business.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decisions, challenges, and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating methodological rigor, clear communication, and a user-centric approach. Candidates should be ready to articulate the impact of their work and how they integrate research into the product development lifecycle, especially considering the hybrid nature and potential use of AI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Peloton Careers portal, ensuring all fields are completed accurately.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in qualitative and quantitative research, specific methodologies used, and quantifiable achievements in influencing product decisions. Use keywords from the job description such as "User Research," "Usability Testing," "Data Synthesis," and "AI Tools."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your most impactful research projects. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your process, findings, and the tangible impact on product development or user experience. Be ready to present this virtually or in-person.

• Research Peloton: Familiarize yourself with Peloton's products, services, and mission. Understand their target audience and current market position. Consider how your research skills can contribute to their continued success.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common UX research interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating strategic thinking.

⚠️ 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.