UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Kalshi

Location: New York City, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research / Product Analytics

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: 5+ Years Industry Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the foundational UX Research function for a category-defining financial technology company, shaping product development from inception to post-launch.

• Execute end-to-end qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, including user interviews, usability studies, surveys, journey mapping, and behavior analysis.

• Leverage product analytics and data tools to build and interpret dashboards, define key metrics, and triangulate insights with qualitative findings for measurable outcomes.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable narratives for product, policy, and leadership teams, driving data-informed decision-making.

• Develop deep empathy for diverse user segments, including traders of all skill levels, institutions, and developers, understanding their unique workflows, motivations, and pain points.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as the "founding UX Researcher," indicating a significant opportunity to establish and define the research function from the ground up within a fast-paced, innovative FinTech environment. The emphasis on "0→1 environments" and "navigating ambiguity" suggests a need for a highly proactive, self-directed individual with strong strategic thinking and execution capabilities. The integration of AI tools into the research workflow is a critical, forward-looking requirement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth user interviews, contextual inquiries, and ethnographic studies, to uncover deep user needs and motivations.

• Develop and implement robust quantitative research strategies, such as large-scale surveys, A/B testing analysis, and statistical modeling, to validate hypotheses and measure user behavior at scale.

• Conduct rigorous usability testing sessions to identify friction points in the user journey and provide actionable recommendations for interface and experience improvements.

• Design and manage longitudinal research programs, encompassing regular customer feedback loops, satisfaction (CSAT) and Net Promoter Score (NPS) measurement, and cohort analysis for ongoing product health monitoring.

• Analyze and interpret behavioral and business data using product analytics platforms, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), building insightful dashboards, and correlating data trends with qualitative findings to inform strategic product decisions.

• Synthesize complex research data from multiple sources into clear, compelling, and actionable narratives, effectively communicating key insights and strategic recommendations to product managers, designers, engineers, and executive leadership.

• Proactively identify research opportunities and translate business objectives into well-defined research questions, guiding the product development roadmap with user-centric insights and validated assumptions.

• Actively integrate and experiment with AI tools to enhance research efficiency, including qualitative data synthesis at scale, pattern identification across large datasets, and accelerating analysis to surface quicker insights.

• Cultivate and maintain deep empathy for Kalshi's user base, including retail traders, institutional clients, and developers, by continuously engaging with them and championing their perspectives throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of deep research craft and strategic business impact. The expectation is not just to conduct research but to own the outcomes, driving product strategy and fostering a user-centric culture. The emphasis on "end-to-end," "longitudinal programs," and "actionable narratives" signifies a role with significant autonomy and influence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 5+ years of dedicated UX research experience within an industry setting, with a proven track record of delivering impactful research outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience in "0→1" environments, successfully establishing and scaling research functions in fast-moving, ambiguous, or early-stage product development contexts. Required Skills:

• Qualitative Research Expertise: Mastery in designing and conducting user interviews, ethnographic studies, usability testing, and other qualitative methods to uncover user needs and behaviors.

• Quantitative Research Proficiency: Strong command of quantitative research techniques, including survey design, experimental design (e.g., A/B testing), statistical analysis, and data interpretation.

• Product Analytics & Data Fluency: Demonstrated ability to work with product analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics), define metrics, build dashboards, and translate complex data into actionable insights.

• Research Synthesis & Storytelling: Exceptional ability to synthesize findings from diverse qualitative and quantitative data sources into clear, concise, and compelling narratives that drive strategic decisions.

• Methodological Agility: Expertise in selecting and applying the most appropriate research methodologies to address specific product questions and business objectives, demonstrating an understanding of trade-offs and speed-to-insight.

• AI Tool Integration: Actively incorporates and experiments with AI tools within the research workflow for data synthesis, pattern identification, and accelerated analysis, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to research efficiency.

• User Empathy & Advocacy: Deep commitment to understanding and advocating for users, with a passion for translating user needs into product improvements.

• Ownership & Initiative: Proactive, self-directed approach to identifying research needs, prioritizing tasks, and driving research programs forward with minimal supervision.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in FinTech or a related regulated industry.

• Familiarity with longitudinal research programs, including CSAT, NPS, and ongoing feedback mechanisms.

• Experience with journey mapping and user persona development.

• Knowledge of SQL for data extraction and analysis.

• Experience presenting research findings to executive-level stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Speed in execution" and "comfortable navigating ambiguity" requirements are critical for a "founding" role in a "0→1" environment. The explicit mention of AI tools is a significant differentiator and indicates the company's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in its research processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing your end-to-end research process from problem framing to actionable insights and their impact on product decisions.

• Methodological Diversity: Demonstrate a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies employed, clearly explaining why a particular approach was chosen for each project.

• Data Integration: Highlight instances where qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated to strengthen findings and drive more robust recommendations.

• Impact & Outcomes: Clearly articulate the impact of your research on product strategy, user experience improvements, or business metrics, quantifying results where possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased user satisfaction by Y points").

• Ambiguity Navigation: Include examples of projects undertaken in ambiguous or "0→1" environments, demonstrating your ability to define problems, set research agendas, and deliver value with limited initial direction.

Process Documentation:

• Research Design & Planning: Provide examples of research plans, including objectives, methodologies, participant recruitment strategies, and timelines.

• Data Collection & Analysis: Showcase examples of how you collected and analyzed qualitative (e.g., interview transcripts, usability test recordings) and quantitative data (e.g., survey results, analytics dashboards).

• Insight Generation & Communication: Illustrate how you synthesized complex data into clear, actionable insights and presented them effectively to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• AI Tool Integration Examples: If possible, include examples of how AI tools were used to augment your research process, such as for large-scale qualitative data synthesis or pattern identification.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a founding UX Researcher role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just research execution but strategic thinking, the ability to build a function, and a strong understanding of how research drives business outcomes in a fast-paced, innovative setting. The emphasis on data fluency and AI integration should be evident in the presented work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 - $275,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Equity: Opportunity to receive stock options or grants, providing ownership in the company's growth and success.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Budget or opportunities for conferences, training, and continued learning in UX research and related fields.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance for commuting costs if applicable.

• Team Events & Socials: Opportunities for team building and social engagement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility expected to meet project demands in a fast-paced environment. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence in the New York City office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior UX Researcher role in New York City, especially for a founding position with significant impact. The inclusion of equity is a key component for early-stage, high-growth companies. The on-site requirement suggests a collaborative culture and a need for direct team interaction.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech), specifically operating in the unique category of Prediction Markets.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description implies a growing, relatively small team focused on rapid expansion and innovation. This suggests an environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: Kalshi was founded with a vision to legalize and build prediction markets, emphasizing its role as a pioneer and category-definer in financial markets. The company has fought for years to legalize prediction markets in the US, highlighting its tenacity and mission-driven approach.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research function is being built from the ground up, meaning this role will likely establish initial processes and collaborate closely with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and potentially Policy/Legal teams.

• As the "founding" researcher, the individual will operate with a high degree of autonomy, reporting to senior leadership (likely Head of Product or CEO/CTO given the early stage).

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as the researcher will be integral to informing product direction and ensuring user needs are met across all stages of development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Kalshi emphasizes turning questions about the future into financial assets, inherently relying on data to inform market creation and user behavior. This translates to a strong emphasis on data analysis and measurable outcomes in product development.

• Empirical Approach: The company's mission to "bring more truth to the world through the power of markets" suggests a culture that values evidence, rigorous analysis, and learning from outcomes.

• Meritocracy & Ownership: The culture values individuals who take ownership, "figure (usually hard) things out," and are driven by ambitious goals. Meritocracy is core, meaning performance and impact are highly valued.

Company Website: https://kalshi.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Kalshi operates in a novel financial sector, requiring a researcher who can not only understand user behavior but also educate stakeholders on the value and implications of prediction markets. The culture is described as fast-paced, ambitious, and meritocratic, demanding individuals who are proactive and results-oriented.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior/Founding UX Researcher role, characterized by significant autonomy and responsibility for establishing a critical function. The scope extends beyond individual research projects to defining the research strategy and infrastructure for the company.

Reporting Structure: As the founding researcher, this individual will likely report directly to a senior leader such as the Head of Product, VP of Product, or potentially a C-level executive (CEO, CTO) given the company's stage and the foundational nature of the role. This provides direct exposure to executive decision-making.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's insights will directly influence Kalshi's product strategy, user acquisition, retention, and ultimately, its ability to achieve its vision of becoming the largest financial market on the planet. By ensuring the product is intuitive, trustworthy, and meets user needs, the researcher plays a pivotal role in the company's growth and market success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Establish and Scale Research: Opportunity to build and lead the UX Research function, defining its processes, tools, and team structure as the company grows.

• Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in high-level product strategy and decision-making, influencing the direction of a category-defining financial product.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a leadership role, managing a team of researchers and shaping the company's user-centric approach.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen expertise in FinTech, prediction markets, and behavioral economics through hands-on work with a unique financial product.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Develop strong collaboration and communication skills by working closely with product, design, engineering, policy, and leadership teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for a researcher to build a function from the ground up, providing significant scope for growth, leadership, and strategic impact. The "founding" aspect implies a high level of trust and autonomy, with direct influence on the company's trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly "On-site," indicating a preference for a collaborative, in-person work environment in their New York City office. This suggests a culture that values face-to-face interaction, spontaneous collaboration, and a strong team dynamic.

Office Location(s): New York City, New York, United States. This location offers access to a vibrant tech and finance ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Expect a dynamic, fast-paced office environment where close collaboration between researchers, product managers, designers, and engineers is encouraged.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary research tools, product analytics platforms, and potentially AI-powered research assistants. The company encourages the use of AI tools, suggesting a forward-thinking approach to technology adoption.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with founders and key decision-makers, fostering a sense of shared purpose and direct contribution to the company's mission.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard working hours. However, given the "0→1" nature of the company and its ambitious goals, some flexibility and dedication beyond traditional hours may be expected during critical project phases or launch periods. The emphasis is on speed and execution in a fast-moving environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement points to a company that believes in the power of in-person collaboration for innovation and rapid development, especially in a complex field like financial markets. The environment is likely to be high-energy and demanding, but also rewarding due to the direct impact and ownership opportunities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A preliminary call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Kalshi's mission.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, research philosophy, and approach to solving complex user problems. Expect behavioral questions focused on your past work.

• Portfolio Presentation & Deep Dive: A critical stage where you will present 2-3 detailed case studies from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your research design, execution, analysis, and the impact of your work. This may involve a take-home assignment or a live case study.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators (Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, potentially Policy Leads) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate research into their workflows.

• Executive/Founder Interview: A final conversation with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, alignment with company values, and long-term potential within Kalshi.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business or product impact of your research. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Showcase Process: Detail your thought process, from problem framing and research design to data analysis and stakeholder communication.

• Highlight Ambiguity Navigation: Include examples where you had to define the problem, scope research, and deliver value in unclear situations.

• Demonstrate Data Fluency: Show how you integrated qualitative and quantitative data, and how you used product analytics to inform your research or validate findings.

• Explain AI Integration: If possible, showcase how you've leveraged AI tools to enhance your research efficiency or depth.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives that highlight challenges, your approach, and successful outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Practice: Prepare to present your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively, anticipating questions about your methodology, decisions, and impact.

• Hypothetical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a research problem for Kalshi's platform, given specific business objectives or user pain points.

• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting sample data or user feedback and outlining how you would translate it into actionable insights.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to discuss how you communicate research findings to different audiences (technical vs. non-technical, junior vs. senior).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial part of the interview process for this "founding" role. Candidates must demonstrate not only research expertise but also the ability to build and lead a function, drive strategic impact, and operate effectively in a high-growth, ambiguous environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Interview & Usability Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or Maze for remote moderated and unmoderated testing.

• Survey Platforms: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or Google Forms for designing and distributing surveys.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural, Figma for collaborative research planning, journey mapping, and synthesis.

• AI-Powered Research Tools: Emphasis on tools for qualitative data synthesis, pattern identification, and accelerated analysis (specific tools may vary but demonstrate familiarity with the category).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, or similar tools for tracking user behavior, defining metrics, and building dashboards.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or built-in dashboards within analytics platforms for presenting data insights.

• CSAT/NPS Tools: Platforms for measuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX Researcher's primary domain, understanding how user data is managed within the CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and how automated workflows impact user experience can be beneficial.

• Data Warehousing/Databases: Familiarity with how user data is stored and accessed (e.g., SQL databases) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tools suggests that familiarity with and willingness to experiment with AI-driven research platforms is a key technical requirement. Proficiency in product analytics is also critical for this role, as it requires blending qualitative insights with quantitative data.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Meritocracy: High value placed on performance, results, and ability to "figure things out." Contributions are recognized and rewarded based on merit.

• Ownership: Employees are expected to take initiative, drive projects independently, and feel responsible for their outcomes.

• Ambition & Vision: A drive to "dream big" and achieve significant goals, such as building the largest financial market on the planet.

• Craftsmanship: Deep pride and passion for the work itself, aiming to produce high-quality, impactful products and services.

• Truth & Transparency: Mission-driven culture focused on bringing more truth to the world through markets, implying a value for data-driven insights and objective analysis.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Efficient: Given the fast-paced, "0→1" environment, collaboration is likely direct, focused on problem-solving and quick iteration.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are expected to work seamlessly with Product, Design, and Engineering, embedding user insights into their daily workflows.

• Self-Directed Teamwork: While collaboration is key, individuals are expected to be self-directed and proactive in their contributions and interactions.

• Trust & Empowerment: Kalshi trusts its employees ("Kalshians are Kalshi’s most important asset: we pick Kalshians carefully, so we trust them fully on day 1"), fostering an environment where individuals are empowered to make decisions and take ownership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Kalshi rewards initiative, expertise, and a results-oriented mindset. The "founding researcher" will be integral to embedding these values into the product development process and fostering a strong user-centric ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing the Research Function: As the founding researcher, a primary challenge will be defining processes, selecting tools, and building credibility for UX research within the organization.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working in a "0→1" environment means dealing with evolving priorities, undefined processes, and a need to constantly adapt research strategies.

• Category Creation: Educating stakeholders and users about the novel concept of prediction markets and ensuring the research accurately captures the nuances of this unique user base.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: The fast-paced nature of the company requires researchers to deliver timely insights without compromising the quality and validity of their findings.

• Integrating AI Tools: Successfully adopting and integrating AI tools into the research workflow requires continuous learning and experimentation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership & Function Building: Opportunity to grow into a leadership role by defining and scaling the UX research practice.

• FinTech & Market Innovation: Deepen expertise in a cutting-edge financial sector and contribute to shaping a new market category.

• Advanced Methodologies: Apply and refine a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including leveraging AI for enhanced insights.

• Strategic Impact: Gain experience in directly influencing product strategy and business outcomes at a senior level.

• Continuous Learning: Stay at the forefront of UX research best practices, data analytics, and AI applications in research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the opportunities of a founding role. Overcoming these challenges will provide significant professional development and a unique career trajectory, particularly in the dynamic FinTech space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach establishing a UX Research function from scratch at Kalshi, given our mission and stage?" (Focus on your process, prioritization, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research in a highly ambiguous '0→1' environment. What was your approach, and what were the outcomes?" (Highlight your initiative, problem-framing skills, and ability to deliver value.)

• "How do you balance the need for speed in a fast-paced startup with the rigor required for high-quality research?" (Discuss your methodologies, trade-offs, and prioritization strategies.)

• "What are your thoughts on integrating AI tools into UX research? Can you provide an example of how you might use AI in your workflow here?" (Showcase your understanding of AI's potential and your willingness to experiment.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Kalshi's mission to legalize and build prediction markets?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the company's vision.)

• "How do you see your role as a founding UX Researcher contributing to our culture of meritocracy and ownership?" (Align your work style with company values.)

• "How would you collaborate with our product and engineering teams to ensure user insights are integrated into their development cycles?" (Detail your communication and stakeholder management approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end process, methodological versatility, and measurable impact. Prioritize those involving ambiguity or data integration.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your research approach, the key insights, the recommendations, and the resulting impact (quantified if possible).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology choices, data analysis, and how you handled challenges.

• Highlight Data & AI: Explicitly discuss how you used product analytics, behavioral data, and any AI tools to enhance your research.

• Connect to Kalshi: Where possible, draw parallels between your past work and the challenges or opportunities at Kalshi.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, the ability to build and operate independently, and a deep understanding of how research drives business outcomes in a FinTech context, especially for a category-defining product.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in building research functions, working in ambiguous environments, and integrating qualitative/quantitative data. Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating end-to-end research impact.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of industry experience, emphasizing skills in qualitative and quantitative research, product analytics, and AI tool integration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on clarity, impact, and your strategic decision-making process. Be ready to discuss how you'd apply your skills to Kalshi's prediction market platform.

• Research Kalshi: Thoroughly understand Kalshi's business model, its mission, the concept of prediction markets, and its competitive landscape. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the company, product, and user base.

⚠️ 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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