User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher

Company: Roblox

Location: San Mateo, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Research

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct end-to-end mixed-methods research projects focused on core economic systems, developer monetization, and immersive brand experiences within the Roblox platform.

• Generate actionable qualitative and quantitative insights to inform product strategy, feature development, and platform evolution for creators, players, and brands.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Product Design, Engineering, Data Science, and Policy teams to ensure user needs are central to platform decisions.

• Combine qualitative research findings with behavioral platform data from Analytics and Data Science to build a comprehensive understanding of user engagement and economic health.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the "Economy" team within Roblox, highlighting a critical area for a platform with a massive creator and player base. The emphasis on "developer monetization workflows," "virtual economies," and "brand experiences" indicates a need for a researcher adept at understanding complex business and economic behaviors within a digital environment. The hybrid work model with 3 required days in the office suggests a need for strong in-person collaboration and integration with local teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute comprehensive, end-to-end mixed-methods research projects, including generative and evaluative studies, to understand creator monetization, payouts, advertising, and commerce workflows.

• Translate abstract user behaviors, pain points, and mental models of creators, players, and brands into clear, actionable product feature recommendations and strategic guidance.

• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (Design, Product, Policy, Legal, Engineering, Data Science) to facilitate research discussions, share findings, and provide concise feedback that informs feature roadmaps and overall product vision.

• Integrate qualitative research insights with behavioral platform data from Analytics and Data Science to develop a holistic view of user engagement, economic health, and platform dynamics.

• Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation by working closely with cross-functional teams to evolve research processes and methodologies.

• Clearly articulate research findings, strategic implications, and recommendations to Product Group leadership and other key stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-cycle research approach, from foundational discovery to informing specific features. The expectation to "translate abstract user behaviors" and "combine qualitative insights with behavioral platform data" signifies a need for a researcher who can bridge the gap between user sentiment and empirical data to drive impactful product decisions in a complex economic ecosystem.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Marketing Research, Sociology, Anthropology, or another social science field with a strong research emphasis.

• Equivalent practical work experience will also be considered. Experience:

• 4+ years of professional career experience specifically as a User Experience (UX) or Product Researcher.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting and leading end-to-end research projects. Required Skills:

• Mastery of a variety of research methods, with demonstrated comfort and expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

• Ability to identify and apply the most appropriate research methodology to answer specific research questions.

• Proficiency in at least one statistical analysis software such as SPSS, R, or Python.

• Experience with user research platforms like Qualtrics.

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to conduct database analysis using SQL.

• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills for articulating research findings and strategic implications.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and share work frequently, inviting and incorporating feedback from peers and management.

• A solutions-oriented and critical thought process, capable of ensuring research adequately answers questions and challenging the framing of questions when necessary. Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching economic systems, creator platforms, virtual economies, or brand interactions within digital environments.

• Familiarity with behavioral economics principles.

• Experience working within large-scale, high-traffic digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both qualitative and quantitative skills, along with specific tool proficiencies (SQL, SPSS, R, Python, Qualtrics), indicates a data-driven research environment. The emphasis on a "solutions and a tuned thought process" suggests the company values proactive problem-solving and critical thinking in their researchers, not just execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of research projects demonstrating end-to-end execution, from defining research questions to delivering actionable insights.

• Include examples of mixed-methods research, clearly articulating the rationale for combining qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Present case studies that highlight how your research directly influenced product decisions, feature development, or strategic direction, ideally within economic or platform contexts.

• Demonstrate proficiency in data analysis and synthesis, showcasing how you translated raw data (qualitative and quantitative) into clear, impactful recommendations.

• Highlight experience with collaboration and stakeholder management, illustrating how you partnered with Product, Design, and Engineering teams. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented research plans, methodologies, findings, and recommendations.

• Showcase your ability to articulate the "why" behind your methodological choices, explaining how they best served the research objectives.

• Illustrate how you have communicated complex research insights effectively to diverse audiences, including leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a User Researcher role, especially one focused on economic systems, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to demonstrate not just the ability to conduct research, but the ability to translate that research into tangible product improvements and business impact. The emphasis on mixed-methods and data synthesis is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Annual Salary Range: $159,250 - $193,240 USD Benefits:

• Equity compensation

• Health insurance (details not specified, but standard comprehensive coverage expected)

• Reasonable accommodations provided for candidates with qualifying disabilities or religious beliefs during the recruiting process.

• Potential for additional benefits as described on the Roblox Total Rewards page (link provided in original description). Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Hybrid work arrangement requires presence in the San Mateo, CA office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are optional for in-office presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to San Mateo, CA, reflecting the high cost of living and competitive tech market in the Bay Area. The inclusion of "equity compensation" is a significant benefit for tech roles at this level. The hybrid requirement is clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Online Gaming Platform / Metaverse Development. Roblox operates at the intersection of gaming, social media, and user-generated content platforms, creating a unique digital ecosystem.

Company Size: Large (Likely 1,000-5,000+ employees based on typical tech company structures for this type of role and platform scale).

Founded: 2004. Roblox has a long history of innovation in the online gaming and virtual worlds space, evolving from a game creation tool to a massive social platform.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will be embedded within product teams on the "Economy" vertical.

• They will report directly to the Senior Manager of User Research, indicating a structured research practice within the organization.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Product Designers, Engineers, Data Scientists, Policy experts, and Legal teams. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core principle, with a strong emphasis on combining qualitative user insights with quantitative platform data.

• A focus on user-centric design and development, ensuring user needs and behaviors are central to product evolution.

• Collaborative and iterative approach to product development, fostering a culture of shared learning and continuous improvement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Roblox's culture is likely fast-paced and innovative, driven by a mission to connect billions of people. The emphasis on "optimism and civility" suggests a focus on positive user experiences and community well-being, which will be relevant for research into economic systems and brand interactions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level User Researcher. This role is suitable for individuals with a solid foundation in research methodologies and a few years of professional experience, ready to tackle complex challenges and contribute significantly to product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The User Researcher reports to the Senior Manager of User Research, providing a clear line of mentorship and career development guidance. They will also work daily within cross-functional product teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the platform's economic health, developer success, and brand partner relationships. Insights generated will shape how value is created and exchanged on Roblox, influencing revenue streams and user engagement across its diverse user base.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in researching complex economic systems, virtual economies, creator monetization, and brand partnerships within a leading metaverse platform.

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to refine mixed-methods research skills, enhance data analysis capabilities (SQL, R, Python), and gain experience with large-scale behavioral data.

• Leadership Potential: Develop strategic thinking and influence by presenting findings to leadership, contributing to long-term product vision, and potentially mentoring junior researchers as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a significant opportunity to influence a core, high-impact area of Roblox's business. Growth will likely come from increasing complexity of research challenges, greater strategic input, and the chance to shape research practices within a rapidly expanding organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a requirement to be in the San Mateo, CA office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for team interaction, meetings, and focused work.

Office Location(s): San Mateo, CA. This location is within the San Francisco Bay Area, a major hub for tech companies, offering access to a vibrant ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic, fast-paced environment typical of a leading tech company.

• Collaboration will be key, with opportunities to interact with diverse teams (Product, Design, Engineering, Data Science) both in person and remotely.

• Access to standard office amenities and technology infrastructure to support research activities.

• The hybrid model balances structured in-office collaboration with flexibility.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with specific in-office days mandated for hybrid employees. Flexibility may exist outside of these core requirements, but the expectation is consistent engagement with the San Mateo team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a company that values both in-person collaboration and employee flexibility. The San Mateo location places the role in a competitive tech talent market.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into your experience, research methodologies, and understanding of the role's scope. Expect behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where you'll present 1-2 case studies from your portfolio. Focus on your process, impact, and ability to articulate findings clearly. Be prepared for questions about your methodology, decision-making, and how your research drove outcomes.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Sessions with potential collaborators (Product Manager, Designer, Engineer, Data Scientist) to assess your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team and communicate research insights relevant to their disciplines.

• Leadership Interview: Final discussion with senior leadership, potentially the Senior Manager of User Research or a Director, to assess strategic thinking and alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 1-2 projects that best showcase your end-to-end mixed-methods research skills, ideally with a focus on economic, platform, or behavioral insights.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline: the problem/opportunity, your research questions, methodologies used (and why), your process, key findings, and most importantly, the impact your research had on product decisions or business outcomes. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to a X% increase in creator retention," "informed a feature that improved user engagement by Y%").

• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you partnered with other teams. Use "we" when discussing team efforts but "I" when describing your specific contributions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodological choices, how you handled challenges, how you dealt with conflicting data, and how you communicated difficult findings.

• Showcase Tools: Be ready to discuss your experience with SQL, R/Python, SPSS, and Qualtrics, and how you leverage them in your research.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Research Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical research challenge related to Roblox's economy, creator tools, or player behavior. Think about how you would approach defining research questions, selecting methods, and delivering insights within a defined timeframe.

• Problem Framing: Practice articulating research problems and framing research questions that are actionable and relevant to business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential research challenge highlights the practical, outcome-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating not just research execution, but strategic thinking and measurable impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Qualtrics (explicitly mentioned), potentially others like SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, or similar for surveys and usability testing.

• Data Analysis & Statistical Software: SQL (required for database analysis), SPSS, R, Python (required for statistical analysis).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Confluence, Jira, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Miro/Figma (for collaboration and visualization).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Analytics Tools: While not specified, expect to integrate with Roblox's proprietary analytics platforms.

• Data Visualization: Tools to present findings clearly, potentially Tableau, Looker, or internal dashboarding tools.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data flows into product and marketing systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with platforms that manage user feedback and insights databases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of SQL, R/Python, SPSS, and Qualtrics indicates a strong preference for researchers comfortable with data analysis and quantitative methods, integrated with qualitative research practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user (creator, player, brand) in all product decisions.

• Data-Driven: Reliance on both qualitative insights and quantitative data to inform strategy and measure impact.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Working effectively across diverse teams, valuing different perspectives, and fostering an inclusive environment.

• Innovation & Iteration: A culture that encourages experimentation, learning from failures, and continuous improvement.

• Impact-Oriented: Focus on driving meaningful outcomes for the platform, creators, and users.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where researchers work embedded within product teams.

• Strong emphasis on cross-functional communication and shared understanding of user needs and research findings.

• Openness to feedback and iterative refinement of research processes and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Roblox's stated mission ("connect a billion people with optimism and civility") likely underpins their values. For this role, expect a culture that prioritizes ethical considerations in economic systems and interactions, alongside innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Economic Systems: Researching intricate virtual economies, monetization strategies, and brand partnerships requires deep understanding and rigorous methodology.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the diverse needs and priorities of creators, players, brands, and internal product teams.

• Scale of the Platform: Conducting research that is relevant and impactful across millions of diverse users and creators.

• Evolving Landscape: Staying ahead of trends in virtual economies, metaverse development, and digital commerce.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Platform Economics: Gain unparalleled experience in researching and shaping the economic backbone of a leading metaverse platform.

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to expand expertise in mixed-methods research, causal inference, and integrating behavioral data with qualitative insights.

• Strategic Influence: Grow in ability to influence product strategy and roadmap at a senior level.

• Industry Exposure: Work with cutting-edge technologies and business models in the rapidly evolving metaverse and creator economy space.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to tackle complex, high-impact challenges within a frontier industry, offering substantial growth for a motivated User Researcher.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach researching the impact of a new creator monetization feature on user engagement and platform revenue?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product roadmap with your research findings. What was the outcome?"

• "How do you balance the needs of different user groups (e.g., creators vs. players vs. brands) when they have conflicting priorities?"

• "What are the key ethical considerations when researching virtual economies and digital transactions?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Roblox's mission and the metaverse?"

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment?"

• "How do you ensure your research aligns with company values like 'optimism and civility'?"

• "Describe your experience working with Data Science and Product Management teams." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your research approach, key findings, and the measurable impact your recommendations had.

• Methodological Justification: Be ready to explain why you chose specific research methods and how they addressed the research questions effectively.

• Data Synthesis: Demonstrate how you synthesized both qualitative and quantitative data to form your conclusions and recommendations.

• Storytelling: Weave a narrative that highlights your problem-solving skills, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of research rigor, strategic thinking, data fluency, and collaborative spirit, all within the context of Roblox's unique platform and economic model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Roblox Careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 strong case studies that best represent your end-to-end mixed-methods research experience, particularly those demonstrating impact on product decisions or business outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with qualitative and quantitative research, specific methodologies, data analysis tools (SQL, R/Python, SPSS), and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your chosen portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication of your process, findings, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your methodological choices and answer in-depth questions.

• Research Roblox: Familiarize yourself with Roblox's platform, its economy, its creators, and its mission. Understand the challenges and opportunities within the metaverse and creator economy space.

⚠️ 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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