UX Research Senior

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Senior

Company: Applus IDIADA

Location: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Job Type: Tempo integral (Full-time)

Category: UX Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy by transforming user needs and behaviors into actionable insights through rigorous UX research methodologies.

• Lead qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, encompassing interviews, usability testing, surveys, and behavioral analysis, to inform product development.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary squads, including Product, Design, and Engineering teams, to ensure research findings are effectively integrated into decision-making processes.

• Structure complex research problems, formulate hypotheses, design comprehensive research plans, and synthesize data into clear, impactful recommendations for digital products.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of digital products by applying agile methodologies and providing data-driven recommendations for enhanced user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Product Operations" or "GTM Operations" umbrella, focusing on the research and insights that directly fuel product development and market strategy. The emphasis on transforming user behaviors into actionable insights and collaborating with Product, Design, and Engineering highlights its critical role in the Go-To-Market (GTM) success of digital products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive UX research plans, including qualitative (interviews, contextual inquiry) and quantitative (surveys, analytics review) methods, to understand user needs, pain points, and behaviors related to digital products.

• Conduct in-depth user interviews and usability testing sessions to gather direct feedback, identify usability issues, and validate design concepts.

• Analyze user behavior data from various sources, including product analytics, heatmaps, and session recordings, to uncover patterns and opportunities for improvement.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, translating complex data into compelling narratives and recommendations for Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers.

• Structure and facilitate workshops or brainstorming sessions with cross-functional teams to collaboratively define research objectives, interpret findings, and ideate on solutions.

• Develop and maintain user personas, journey maps, and other artifacts that represent target users and inform product strategy and design decisions.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging research methodologies, and best practices in UX research, and advocate for their adoption within the organization.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research processes and tools, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in insight generation and dissemination.

• Collaborate with Product Management and Design teams to define research roadmaps aligned with product strategy and business objectives.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to stakeholders at various levels, effectively communicating the value of user-centered design and data-driven decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to emphasize the strategic impact of UX research on product development and business outcomes, aligning with the core functions of operations roles that bridge user needs with business strategy. The emphasis on collaboration with Product, Design, and Engineering, alongside data synthesis and recommendation delivery, is crucial for operations professionals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Psychology, Anthropology, Communication, Technology, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in UX Research or User Research, with a strong portfolio showcasing impactful projects.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing and conducting qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic studies.

• Demonstrated experience with quantitative research methods such as surveys, A/B testing analysis, and statistical analysis of user data.

• Proficiency in usability testing (moderated and unmoderated) and the ability to analyze and report on findings effectively.

• Strong ability to structure research problems, formulate hypotheses, and develop comprehensive research plans.

• Skilled in synthesizing complex research data into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives.

• Experience working within multidisciplinary squads, fostering strong collaboration with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineers.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate research findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholder groups.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies and experience working in fast-paced product development environments.

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, for effective communication in a multinational context. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific digital product domains relevant to Applus IDIADA's automotive engineering services.

• Familiarity with advanced analytics tools and platforms for user behavior analysis.

• Experience in creating and utilizing user personas, journey maps, and other UX artifacts.

• Knowledge of design thinking principles and their application in product development.

• Experience with remote research tools and platforms.

• Understanding of the automotive industry or engineering services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are tailored to highlight the operational aspects of research, such as structuring problems, synthesizing data, and collaborating cross-functionally, which are key for operations professionals. The emphasis on translating findings into actionable recommendations and working within agile teams is particularly relevant.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of at least 3-5 impactful UX research projects that demonstrate your end-to-end research process, from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• For each project, clearly articulate the research objectives, methodologies employed, your specific role and contributions, key findings, and the resulting product or business impact.

• Showcase your ability to translate research findings into concrete recommendations that influenced product strategy, design decisions, or business outcomes.

• Include examples of how you have structured research problems, developed hypotheses, and designed comprehensive research plans.

• Demonstrate your proficiency in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, and presenting findings in a clear, compelling, and actionable manner. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured research processes, including how you define research questions, select appropriate methodologies, and plan research execution.

• Examples of how you have documented and shared research findings, ensuring accessibility and understanding for cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrations of how your research insights have directly contributed to measurable improvements in user experience, product adoption, or key business metrics.

• Showcase your experience working within agile frameworks and how you integrate research into iterative product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the need for a portfolio that showcases not just research execution, but the process behind it, including problem structuring, data synthesis, and impact measurement, aligning with the operational rigor expected in GTM and Product Operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (Belo Horizonte, Brazil), the experience level (5-10 years), and the specialized nature of the role, a competitive salary range can be estimated. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researchers in Brazil, a range of R$ 8,000 to R$ 15,000 per month (gross) is anticipated, depending on specific experience, negotiation, and company compensation bands.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plan (medical, dental, vision) with coverage for employees and dependents.

• Life insurance policy providing financial security.

• Meal vouchers or a company-provided cafeteria/food allowance.

• Transportation assistance or reimbursement for commuting to the office.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, public holidays, and potential personal leave days.

• Access to company-sponsored wellness programs and initiatives.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement, balancing remote work with essential in-office collaboration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with a requirement of at least 3 days per week in the Belo Horizonte office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on regional cost of living and industry standards for senior-level operations and research roles in Brazil. Benefits are selected to be relevant to full-time employees in a professional services environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Engineering Services. Applus IDIADA is a globally recognized engineering company that provides design, development, testing, homologation, and consulting services to the automotive industry. This context means that the digital products developed likely support complex engineering workflows, vehicle design, simulation, or data management.

Company Size: Approximately 300 professionals in Brazil, part of a larger multinational presence in over 20 countries. This indicates a stable, established organization with a significant footprint, offering both the resources of a large company and potentially the agility of specialized teams.

Founded: The company's global founding date is not specified, but its presence in Brazil is over 10 years old. This suggests a mature organization with established processes and a solid understanding of the local market.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research Senior will likely be part of a dedicated Product or Digital Innovation team, potentially embedded within or closely aligned with engineering divisions.

• This team will include Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Engineers, forming multidisciplinary "squads."

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Head of Product, UX Lead, or a Digital Transformation Manager, depending on internal organization.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core expectation, with significant interaction with engineers and product stakeholders to translate technical requirements and user needs into product solutions. Methodology:

• The company operates with agile methodologies, suggesting iterative development cycles and a focus on rapid feedback loops.

• Data analysis and insights generation are central to the product development process, driven by UX research to ensure user-centricity.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be key, as the digital products likely support complex engineering processes.

• Automation and efficiency practices are implied, as the company aims to deliver cutting-edge engineering solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry (automotive engineering) provides critical context for the types of digital products and user needs the UX researcher will encounter. Understanding this domain is crucial for effective research and insight generation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior," indicating a high level of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. A Senior UX Researcher is expected to lead complex research projects, mentor junior team members, and significantly influence product strategy. In an operations context, this translates to a key contributor role in the GTM or product development lifecycle, driving strategic decisions through user insights.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a product or design leadership function, but its impact is felt across Product, Design, and Engineering. This dotted-line influence is characteristic of effective operations roles that need to drive change without direct hierarchical control over all functions.

Operations Impact: The UX Research Senior's primary impact is on the success and adoption of digital products. By ensuring these products are user-centered, intuitive, and meet genuine user needs, this role directly contributes to customer satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, the company's ability to deliver value in the automotive engineering sector. This role bridges the gap between user needs and business objectives, a hallmark of strong operations functions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives for major product lines, and potentially grow into a Research Manager or Lead role.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, generative AI in research) or product domains within automotive engineering.

• Strategic Influence: Play a more significant role in shaping product roadmaps and company-wide user research strategy.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into Product Management, UX Design leadership, or even GTM strategy roles by leveraging deep user understanding and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how a Senior UX Researcher role contributes to the broader GTM and Product Operations career path, emphasizing leadership, strategic influence, and skill development within a specialized domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires a hybrid work arrangement, meaning a mix of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern office environment that supports collaboration, team meetings, and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Avenida Raja Gabáglia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a professional business district, likely offering good accessibility and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to facilitate interaction with Product, Design, and Engineering teams, supporting agile ceremonies and collaborative problem-solving sessions. Dedicated meeting rooms, whiteboarding facilities, and open discussion areas are likely available.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, reliable internet, and potentially specialized UX research tools and software will be provided. This may include testing labs or equipment for remote usability studies.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages intentional in-office time for team building, strategic discussions, and spontaneous collaboration, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility to manage remote work days. The emphasis on agile methodologies suggests a dynamic schedule that can adapt to project needs, while maintaining core working hours for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment highlights the operational aspects of a hybrid setup, focusing on collaboration tools, team interaction, and schedule flexibility that are crucial for operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios, focusing on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

• Technical Interview (UX Research Focus): This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your UX research experience, methodologies, and problem-solving approach. Be prepared to discuss past projects in detail, including challenges, your contributions, and outcomes.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you present 1-3 key projects from your portfolio. Focus on your process, insights, and the impact of your research. Clearly articulate how you translated user needs into actionable recommendations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Interview: You will likely meet with members of the Product, Design, and Engineering teams. This interview assesses your ability to collaborate effectively, communicate research findings clearly, and influence decision-making within a multidisciplinary squad.

• Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: A final interview to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Applus IDIADA's values and goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Prioritize projects where your research led to tangible improvements or significant product decisions. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%," "increased user satisfaction by Y points").

• Detail Your Process: Clearly outline the problem statement, your research questions, the methodologies you chose and why, your role, the analysis process, and your final recommendations.

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study as a narrative. Start with the challenge, explain your approach, present your findings, and conclude with the solution and its impact.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with digital products, agile environments, and collaboration with diverse teams, aligning with the job description.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflicting data, and how you influence stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Simulated Research Task: You may be given a hypothetical product or problem and asked to outline a research plan, identify key questions, or propose methodologies.

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to interpret sample user data or research findings and articulate actionable insights.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and research findings concisely and engagingly, ensuring you can articulate complex information clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for operations candidates preparing for a UX research role, emphasizing the portfolio's role in demonstrating process, impact, and strategic thinking, which are critical for evaluating candidates in operations functions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for conducting surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics), usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze), and participant recruitment.

• Collaboration & Documentation: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana for project management and documentation of research plans, findings, and recommendations.

• Design & Prototyping Tools (for context): Familiarity with tools used by design teams, such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, to understand the design process and collaborate effectively.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms to analyze user behavior data.

• Data Visualization: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets for creating dashboards and reports that communicate research insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how insights can feed into customer segmentation or product marketing automation may be beneficial. Familiarity with general data management principles is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is focused on the operational aspects of UX research, emphasizing data analysis, project management, and reporting tools that are common in operations environments and crucial for deriving actionable insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product development decisions. This means prioritizing user needs and experiences above all else.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: A strong reliance on empirical evidence and research findings to guide strategy and product evolution, moving beyond assumptions and intuition.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: An emphasis on working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a supportive environment for shared success.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset towards refining processes, learning new methodologies, and seeking opportunities to enhance both products and research practices.

• Integrity & Objectivity: Maintaining impartiality in research, presenting findings honestly, and building trust through transparent and ethical research practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Squads: Working seamlessly within agile squads, participating actively in team ceremonies, and contributing research perspectives throughout the development lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing between researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Proactive Partnership: Actively seeking opportunities to partner with other functions, anticipating their research needs, and providing timely, relevant insights to support their objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are framed to reflect operational excellence, emphasizing data-driven approaches, cross-functional integration, and continuous improvement, which are hallmarks of successful operations teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Insights into Action: The primary challenge is ensuring that research findings are not just delivered, but are understood, accepted, and acted upon by stakeholders to drive meaningful product changes.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Agile Speed: Operating within agile frameworks often requires delivering insights quickly, which can sometimes conflict with the time needed for in-depth, rigorous research. Finding this balance is key.

• Navigating Stakeholder Priorities: Managing differing opinions and priorities among Product, Design, and Engineering teams to ensure user needs remain central to decision-making.

• Measuring Research Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of UX research on product success and business metrics can be challenging but is crucial for demonstrating value.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized research techniques, such as causal inference, advanced statistical modeling for user data, or AI-driven research tools.

• Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the automotive engineering sector, which can open doors to specialized roles and projects within the company.

• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on mentoring, strategic planning, and influencing organizational change, preparing for leadership roles.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending leading UX research conferences and obtaining relevant certifications to stay at the forefront of the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed through an operational lens, focusing on process optimization, impact measurement, and strategic development, which are critical for operations professionals seeking to advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product decision using research insights when there was significant pushback from stakeholders. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your influence, data storytelling, and negotiation skills.)

• "How would you approach designing a research plan for a new feature aimed at [specific user segment relevant to automotive engineering]? What methodologies would you prioritize and why?" (Demonstrate your strategic thinking in research design and methodology selection.)

• "Imagine you've discovered conflicting findings from qualitative and quantitative research. How would you reconcile these differences and present a unified recommendation?" (Showcase your analytical rigor and ability to synthesize complex, potentially contradictory data.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Applus IDIADA and the automotive engineering industry? How do you see your UX research skills contributing to our specific business goals?" (Research the company's services, recent news, and the challenges in the automotive sector.)

• "Describe your experience working in multidisciplinary agile teams. What is your preferred collaboration style, and how do you ensure effective communication with Product, Design, and Engineering?" (Highlight your collaborative spirit and understanding of agile operations.)

• "How do you measure the success and impact of your UX research initiatives? Can you provide examples of how your research has led to quantifiable improvements?" (Prepare specific metrics and case studies that demonstrate your ROI focus.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a clear problem statement, outline your research objectives, detail your methodology with justifications, present key findings visually, and conclude with actionable recommendations and their impact.

• Focus on "Why" and "So What": For each step, explain why you made certain choices (e.g., why a specific method) and so what the findings mean for the product and business.

• Engage Your Audience: Use clear language, compelling visuals, and storytelling to keep your audience interested. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your process and decisions.

• Showcase Collaboration: Briefly mention how you collaborated with other team members (Product, Design, Engineering) and how their input or your findings influenced their work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is geared towards showcasing operational competencies – strategic problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and impact measurement – which are crucial for success in operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Research Senior position:

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

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of UX research experience, emphasizing achievements in qualitative and quantitative research, usability testing, and data synthesis. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Research," "User Research," "Qualitative," "Quantitative," "Agile," and "Digital Products." Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest UX research projects. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your process, your role, the insights generated, and the impact on the product or business. Focus on projects that align with digital product development and cross-functional collaboration.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly. Be ready to articulate your research process, strategic thinking, and how your insights drove actionable recommendations. Prepare for questions about influencing stakeholders and measuring impact.

• Research Applus IDIADA: Understand the company's services in automotive engineering, its global presence, and its commitment to innovation. Consider how your UX research skills can specifically benefit a company in this sector and prepare to discuss this during interviews.

⚠️ 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.