UX Research Intern - Tech

Catawiki
Full-timeβ€’Amsterdam, Netherlands

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Intern - Tech

Company: Catawiki

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Job Type: Internship

Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: August 14, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Support critical user experience research initiatives to understand buyer behavior and motivations across the entire customer journey.

  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including interviews, usability tests, and surveys, to gather actionable insights.

  • Collaborate closely with Product, Design, Engineering, and Data teams to translate user insights into data-driven product decisions and improvements.

  • Contribute to the organization's understanding of customer pain points and opportunities by synthesizing existing research and making it accessible.

  • Develop practical skills in research planning, execution, analysis, and communication within a fast-paced, tech-driven marketplace environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Research Intern," the responsibilities and collaboration with Product, Design, and Data teams strongly indicate a connection to Product Operations and GTM strategy, as UX research directly informs product development and market fit. The emphasis on understanding the "buyer journey" and translating insights into "product decisions" highlights its operational impact.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Support the planning and execution of qualitative research studies, including user interviews, focus groups, and contextual inquiries, to uncover deep user needs and motivations.

  • Assist in the design and deployment of quantitative research instruments such as surveys and A/B tests to measure user behavior and validate hypotheses at scale.

  • Conduct usability testing sessions, observing user interactions with prototypes and live products to identify friction points and areas for design improvement.

  • Analyze qualitative data from interviews and usability tests, identifying recurring themes, patterns, and actionable insights that directly inform product strategy.

  • Contribute to the synthesis of quantitative data from surveys and behavioral analytics, correlating user feedback with observable actions to build a holistic understanding of the user experience.

  • Partner with Product Managers and Designers to define research questions, select appropriate methodologies, and ensure research findings are effectively integrated into the product development lifecycle.

  • Support participant recruitment processes, ensuring diverse and representative user groups are engaged for research studies.

  • Organize and maintain a repository of past research findings, making insights easily accessible and reusable for various teams across the organization to foster a customer-centric culture.

  • Assist in communicating research findings and recommendations through compelling presentations, reports, and other deliverables to stakeholders at various levels.

  • Gain practical experience in translating complex user behaviors and motivations into clear, actionable recommendations that drive product innovation and enhance the buyer journey.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to emphasize the operational impact of UX research. Specific actions like "analyzing qualitative data," "synthesizing quantitative data," and "integrating research findings into the product development lifecycle" highlight the role's contribution to product operations and GTM efficiency by ensuring product-market fit.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Currently enrolled and pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Behavioral Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, or a closely related field from a Dutch university.

  • Academic coursework or thesis work demonstrating a strong foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and user psychology. Experience:

  • Previous experience with qualitative or quantitative research, gained through university projects, a thesis, internships, or other relevant work. Required Skills:

  • Curiosity about People: A genuine interest in understanding human behavior, motivations, and decision-making processes.

  • Research Mindset: Systematic approach to problem-solving, strong analytical skills, and a desire to learn and apply various research methods.

  • Clear Communication: Excellent listening skills, ability to articulate complex themes clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, for diverse audiences.

  • Qualitative Research Methods: Familiarity with techniques such as user interviews, usability testing, diary studies, and contextual inquiries.

  • Quantitative Research Methods: Basic understanding of survey design, data collection, and initial data analysis principles.

  • Data Synthesis: Ability to process and analyze information from multiple sources to derive meaningful insights.

  • Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment, contributing to shared goals.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with specific UX research tools for session recording, survey deployment, or prototype testing.

  • Familiarity with behavioral data analysis and connecting qualitative findings with quantitative metrics.

  • Exposure to A/B testing methodologies and interpreting test results.

  • Understanding of product development lifecycles and agile methodologies.

  • Experience in synthesizing and organizing research documentation for knowledge sharing.

  • Basic understanding of statistical analysis or data visualization tools.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The skills are tailored to a UX Research Intern role but framed with an operations lens. "Data Synthesis," "Collaboration," and "Clear Communication" are crucial for operations roles that bridge technical and business functions. The emphasis on understanding "behavioral data" and "quantitative metrics" connects UX research directly to product performance and GTM effectiveness.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase at least one significant project that demonstrates a systematic approach to understanding user needs or pain points.

  • Include examples of research planning, including how research questions were defined and methodologies selected.

  • Present analyzed research findings, highlighting key insights and their implications for product or service improvement.

  • Demonstrate the ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations for design or product teams.

  • If applicable, include examples of how research was communicated to stakeholders. Process Documentation:

  • Ability to document research processes clearly, including participant recruitment, interview guides, and analysis frameworks.

  • Understanding of how research findings are documented and shared within a product development workflow.

  • Familiarity with organizing and archiving research materials for future reference and team accessibility.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are adapted to an internship level but emphasize the core of operations: process, documentation, and actionable outcomes. For an intern, the focus is on demonstrating potential and understanding of these concepts rather than extensive experience. "Documenting research processes" and "organizing research materials" align with operations' need for structured knowledge management.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • As an internship, compensation will be competitive and aligned with Dutch university internship standards. This typically ranges from €400 to €700 per month, depending on the level of study and specific responsibilities.

  • Research Methodology: This estimate is based on general market data for internships in the Netherlands, particularly in tech hubs like Amsterdam, and accounts for the intern's experience level and the duration of the program. Specific details are typically provided during the offer stage.

Benefits:

  • Learning and Growth: Direct mentorship from experienced UX Researchers, Designers, Product Managers, and Data Specialists.

  • Professional Development: Opportunities to build practical UX Research skills and gain exposure to real-world product development.

  • Company Vouchers: A €100 Catavoucher upon joining and a €50 Catavoucher on your birthday for use on the Catawiki platform.

  • "Pursue Your Passion" Day: An additional day off each year to dedicate to personal interests and development.

  • Additional Leave: Extra leave provided for key work anniversaries and important life events, fostering work-life balance.

  • Inclusive Environment: Access to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Working Hours:

  • This is a full-time internship position.

  • Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate academic schedules where reasonable and agreed upon with your manager.

  • The hybrid work model requires a minimum of two days per week in the Amsterdam office.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for internships in Amsterdam. The benefits are tailored to highlight professional development and unique company perks that appeal to early-career professionals, aligning with growth-oriented operations roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Online Marketplace / E-commerce / Collectibles. Catawiki operates as a unique online auction platform specializing in curated, extraordinary, and special objects, differentiating itself from general e-commerce sites. This focus on curated items implies a deep understanding of niche markets and collector psychology.

Company Size: 800+ employees. This indicates a scale-up environment with established processes but also room for agility and individual impact, typical for roles in operations that require both structure and adaptability.

Founded: Catawiki was founded in 2008. This history suggests a mature company with a proven business model, likely having developed robust operational frameworks while remaining innovative.

Team Structure:

  • UX Research Team: A dedicated team of UX Researchers who will provide direct guidance and mentorship.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role involves close collaboration with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, Engineering teams, and Data Analysts, reflecting the integrated nature of product development and operational excellence.

  • Reporting: Interns typically report to a Senior UX Researcher or a UX Research Lead, who oversees their projects and development.

Methodology:

  • Customer-Centric Approach: Strong emphasis on understanding customer behavior, motivations, and pain points as the foundation for product decisions.

  • Data-Informed Decisions: A blend of qualitative insights and quantitative data is used to guide product strategy and development.

  • Agile Development: Likely operates within an agile framework, where research findings are integrated iteratively into product sprints.

  • Impact-Driven: Focus on driving tangible impact on customer experience and business outcomes through research.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes Catawiki's unique position in the market and its culture, which is crucial for operations professionals to understand how their work contributes to the broader business strategy. The mention of "scale-up," "agile development," and "data-informed decisions" are key operational indicators.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed to provide foundational experience in User Experience Research. It serves as a stepping stone into roles within Product Operations, GTM Strategy, or specialized UX Research functions. The scope is focused on learning and contributing under supervision.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a Senior UX Researcher or UX Research Lead, providing direct mentorship and project guidance. This structure ensures consistent feedback and learning opportunities.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is supervised, their work directly influences product design and development by providing crucial user insights. This research informs decisions that affect buyer acquisition, retention, and overall customer satisfaction – key metrics for GTM and revenue operations.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Development: Intensive learning in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, and user psychology through hands-on experience and mentorship.

  • Industry Exposure: Gaining practical experience within a leading online marketplace, understanding the nuances of e-commerce operations and user behavior in a curated platform context.

  • Networking: Building professional relationships with experienced researchers, designers, product managers, and data specialists.

  • Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future junior or full-time positions within Catawiki or gain valuable experience for roles in related fields.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This section frames the internship as a crucial developmental phase for future operations professionals. The "Operations Impact" is clearly defined in terms of influencing buyer acquisition and retention, which are core GTM and revenue operations goals. Growth opportunities are focused on skill acquisition and industry exposure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid setup combining office-based and remote work. The Amsterdam office is designed to inspire collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Amsterdam, Netherlands. Specific office details (e.g., accessibility, amenities) are usually provided upon request or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to foster interaction and idea exchange, crucial for cross-functional teams like Product, Design, and Research.

  • Access to Tools: Interns will have access to the necessary research tools and software, as well as collaboration platforms used by the teams.

  • Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to engage with team members, participate in team meetings, and learn from experienced professionals in a structured yet dynamic setting.

Work Schedule:

  • Full-time internship (approx. 40 hours per week).

  • Minimum of two days per week required in the Amsterdam office to facilitate collaboration and team integration.

  • Flexibility may be accommodated for academic commitments, subject to manager approval.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The description of the workspace emphasizes collaboration and access to tools, which are essential for operations roles that often rely on integrated systems and team synergy. The hybrid model with specific office days is a common operational requirement for fostering team cohesion.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of CV and Cover Letter to assess academic background, research interest, and alignment with internship requirements.

  • First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): Focus on understanding your motivation, research mindset, communication skills, and basic knowledge of UX research concepts. This may include behavioral questions about past projects.

  • Case Study/Portfolio Review: A practical exercise or discussion of your portfolio to assess your approach to research questions, analysis, and insight generation. This is where you demonstrate your ability to think systematically and communicate findings.

  • Final Interview (Potential Cross-functional Stakeholders): May involve discussions with Product or Design team members to assess collaboration potential and understanding of how research impacts product decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process for each project – how you defined the problem, chose your methods, conducted the research, and analyzed the results.

  • Highlight Insights: Emphasize the key insights you uncovered and, importantly, the recommendations you made based on those insights.

  • Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to explain the potential impact of your findings or recommendations on user experience or product goals.

  • Be Concise: Present your work clearly and efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects. For an intern, demonstrating understanding and potential is key.

  • Tailor to Catawiki: Briefly explain why you are interested in Catawiki and how your skills can contribute to their mission.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared to discuss a research project (academic or personal) in detail.

  • Think about how you would approach a hypothetical research problem related to Catawiki's platform (e.g., understanding why users might abandon an auction, or how to improve the discovery phase).

  • Practice articulating your research approach, potential methods, and expected outcomes clearly and concisely.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio advice are geared towards an intern role but emphasize core operations skills: systematic thinking, data-driven insights, clear communication, and understanding impact. The "case study/portfolio review" is a critical operational assessment tool.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Research Platforms: Likely to use tools for survey creation (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms), usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze), and potentially interview/session recording tools.

  • Collaboration Tools: Standard office suites (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office) for document creation, analysis, and presentations.

  • Communication Platforms: Slack or Microsoft Teams for internal team communication and collaboration.

  • Project Management Tools: Potentially Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking research tasks and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Analysis Software: Basic proficiency with spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets) for organizing and analyzing quantitative data.

  • Presentation Software: Proficiency in tools like Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Keynote for communicating findings.

  • Potentially: Exposure to analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Mixpanel, depending on team integration.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly operating CRM or automation tools, an understanding of how user data from these systems informs research and product decisions is beneficial.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The tools listed are typical for a UX Research intern but are framed within an operational context. Understanding how these tools contribute to data collection, analysis, and communication is crucial for operations roles that leverage insights for business improvement. The mention of "analytics platforms" and "user data" connects UX research to broader data operations.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Taking Ownership and Driving Impact: Encouraged to take initiative on assigned research tasks and understand how their contributions lead to tangible product improvements.

  • Openness to Change and Feedback: A culture that values constructive criticism and adaptability, crucial for iterating on research methods and product designs.

  • Passion for Mission and Customers: A shared enthusiasm for Catawiki's unique marketplace and a genuine commitment to understanding and serving its diverse customer base.

  • Data-Driven Curiosity: A culture that values asking "why" and seeking evidence through research to inform decisions, fostering a scientific approach to product development.

  • Collaboration and Inclusivity: Emphasis on working effectively across teams and respecting diverse perspectives within a multicultural environment.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Regular interaction with Product, Design, Engineering, and Data teams to ensure research is relevant and actionable.

  • Open Communication: Encouragement of dialogue, idea sharing, and constructive feedback loops between team members.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote learning from each other's work, including sharing research findings and best practices.

  • Iterative Improvement: A mindset that embraces continuous learning and refinement of both research processes and product offerings based on user insights.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture and values are directly pulled from the company's stated principles but interpreted through an operations lens. "Taking Ownership," "Data-Driven Curiosity," and "Cross-functional Integration" are hallmarks of effective operations teams.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Research Scope: Learning to manage research projects within defined timelines and resource constraints, a common challenge in operations.

  • Translating Insights: Effectively bridging the gap between user feedback and actionable product requirements, requiring strong analytical and communication skills.

  • Navigating Ambiguity: Working with evolving research questions and product priorities in a dynamic scale-up environment.

  • Integrating Diverse Data: Learning to combine qualitative user feedback with quantitative behavioral data for a comprehensive understanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Formal Training: Access to mentorship and guidance from experienced UX Researchers and Product professionals.

  • Practical Application: Hands-on experience across the full UX research lifecycle, from planning to reporting.

  • Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the operations of a successful global e-commerce marketplace.

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen understanding in specific research methods or areas of user psychology relevant to the business.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed in a way that highlights transferable skills valuable in operations roles, such as managing scope, translating data, and navigating ambiguity. The growth opportunities are clearly linked to skill development and professional advancement within the operations and product development domain.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to understand a user's problem or motivation. What was your approach, and what did you learn?" (Assesses curiosity and research mindset)

  • "Imagine we want to understand why buyers might drop off before completing a bid on Catawiki. What research methods would you consider, and why?" (Assesses methodological thinking and problem-solving)

  • "How would you communicate complex research findings to a team that is focused on development deadlines?" (Assesses communication and stakeholder management skills) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Catawiki's unique marketplace and its mission to sell special objects?" (Assesses passion and cultural fit)

  • "How do you approach receiving feedback on your work, especially if it's critical?" (Assesses openness to feedback)

  • "What does 'driving impact' mean to you in the context of a UX research internship?" (Assesses understanding of ownership and contribution) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Start with the 'Why': Clearly state the objective of your project and the problem you aimed to solve.

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, quotes, key data points) to illustrate your research process and findings.

  • Focus on Insights & Recommendations: Dedicate ample time to explaining what you learned and what actionable steps you proposed.

  • Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges faced, and alternative approaches.

  • Practice Your Narrative: Ensure your story flows logically and highlights your key contributions and learning.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe for the core qualities mentioned in the job description: curiosity, research methodology, communication, and alignment with company values. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes clarity, impact, and actionable outcomes, which are critical for operations roles.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this UX Research Internship position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

  • Tailor your CV and Cover Letter: Highlight your academic background in relevant fields (Psychology, HCI, Behavioral Science, etc.), any prior research experience (university projects, thesis), and your specific interest in user experience research and Catawiki's mission.

  • Prepare your Portfolio: Select 1-2 strong examples of research projects that showcase your analytical skills, understanding of research methodologies, and ability to derive insights. For an intern, academic projects are perfectly acceptable.

  • Practice your Pitch: Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining your process, findings, and recommendations. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

  • Research Catawiki: Familiarize yourself with Catawiki's platform, its unique offerings, and its company values. Understand how UX research contributes to their success in the specialized marketplace.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates must be enrolled at a Dutch university and pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field like psychology or human-computer interaction. You should have a strong interest in user research and be available for a full-time six-month internship starting in September or October 2026.