UX Researcher

Nacar Careers
Full-timeβ€’Barcelona, Spain

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Nacar Careers

Location: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (3-6 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Spearhead the design and execution of comprehensive user research strategies to uncover user needs and inform product development.

  • Conduct end-to-end user research lifecycle activities, employing a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to gather actionable insights.

  • Analyze and synthesize complex user behavior data, translating findings into clear, impactful reports and recommendations for diverse stakeholders.

  • Champion user-centered design principles and research best practices across the organization, fostering a data-driven and empathetic decision-making culture.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, UI Designers, and fellow UX Researchers to integrate user insights into product strategies and solutions within a dynamic environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of UX Research and Design Operations, requiring not only deep research expertise but also the ability to shape and evangelize research processes and upskill team members. The emphasis on a "strategic mindset" and identifying "new revenue streams" suggests a strong link to business outcomes, common in GTM and Revenue Operations contexts.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and articulate robust research strategies that align with business objectives and project goals, defining appropriate methodologies for each phase of product development.

  • Plan, execute, and manage qualitative and quantitative user research studies, including but not limited to user interviews, surveys, usability testing (remote and in-person), card sorting, and contextual inquiries.

  • Synthesize research findings into compelling narratives, actionable insights, and clear recommendations, presenting them effectively to cross-functional teams, including product, engineering, and design leadership.

  • Proactively identify opportunities to improve existing user research processes, tools, and best practices, contributing to the continuous evolution of the UX research function.

  • Mentor and guide other team members in user research techniques and principles, fostering a shared understanding of user needs and promoting accessibility and inclusive design practices throughout the product lifecycle.

  • Facilitate workshops and ideation sessions, leveraging research insights to drive product and service definition and strategy.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Shape and evolve our user research processes and best practices, and help upskill other team members" indicates a significant operational component to this role, extending beyond individual research execution to process improvement and team enablement, aligning with Design Operations principles.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Cognitive Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, or a related field.

Experience: 3 to 6 years of hands-on experience conducting user research and usability testing for digital products and solutions.

Required Skills:

  • Proven expertise in designing, planning, and executing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative user research methodologies.

  • Deep understanding and practical application of Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles and frameworks.

  • End-to-end experience managing the full user research lifecycle, from strategy definition to reporting actionable insights.

  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize complex user behavior data into clear, concise, and impactful findings.

  • Proficiency in leading workshops, ideation sessions, and contributing to product and service definition.

  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in both English and Spanish.

  • Strategic mindset with the ability to balance user needs with business objectives and identify opportunities for revenue generation.

  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines effectively.

  • High sense of ownership, proactivity, and initiative in driving research outcomes.

  • Commitment to and practical knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design principles.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with research operations (RepOps) or contributing to the operationalization of research processes.

  • Familiarity with A/B testing and experimental design for product optimization.

  • Experience working in an agency environment with diverse clients and industries.

  • Proficiency in data visualization tools for reporting research findings.

  • Knowledge of agile development methodologies and how to integrate user research within them.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strategic mindset" and identifying "new revenue streams" leans into business acumen, a valuable trait in operations roles that connect research insights to commercial outcomes. The emphasis on "accessibility and inclusive design" is increasingly important in GTM strategy and product development.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing end-to-end user research projects, highlighting your role, methodologies used, and key findings.

  • Include case studies that illustrate your ability to translate research insights into actionable recommendations that influenced product strategy or design decisions.

  • Showcase examples of how you have designed research strategies to meet specific business needs and project objectives.

Process Documentation:

  • Provide examples of how you have documented research plans, methodologies, and findings for stakeholder review and knowledge sharing.

  • Showcase instances where you have contributed to or improved user research processes, workflows, or best practices.

  • Illustrate how you have effectively communicated research outcomes to diverse audiences, including non-researchers, to drive adoption of user-centered insights.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role with operational responsibilities, the portfolio should not only showcase research execution but also demonstrate an understanding of how to operationalize research, scale insights, and contribute to process improvement. This aligns with the need for operations professionals to document and optimize workflows.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Spain's market standards for experienced UX Researchers in Barcelona, an estimated annual salary range for a candidate with 3-6 years of experience would be €40,000 - €58,000 gross per year. This estimate considers the company's award-winning status, hybrid work model, and the specified benefits package.

Benefits:

  • Permanent contract, providing long-term job security.

  • Hybrid working model, offering flexibility between remote work and the company's studio.

  • Access to free coffee and a pleasant studio environment with a garden.

  • Participation in regular team-building activities, fostering a strong community.

  • Access to the Nacar Academy training program, supporting personalized career path development.

  • 26 paid vacation days per year.

  • Monthly allowance for internet costs, supporting remote work.

  • Budget for working-from-home materials.

  • Health Insurance coverage.

  • Flexible working hours, allowing for better work-life balance and personal scheduling.

  • Free tickets for the Palo Alto Market, offering local amenities and community engagement.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours offering autonomy in structuring the workday.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on publicly available data for UX Researcher roles in Barcelona, Spain, considering the experience level (3-6 years) and the comprehensive benefits package offered. This is a standard practice for roles where salary is not explicitly stated but is critical for candidate evaluation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Strategic Design Agency, focusing on Industrial, Digital, Brand, and Service Design, with a strong emphasis on innovation and humanizing technology. Nacar works with clients across multiple industries, contributing to their digitalization through human-centered product and service conceptualization.

Company Size: Over 90 creative professionals, indicating a mid-to-large sized agency environment that is agile and international. This size typically allows for specialized teams while maintaining a collaborative and adaptable structure.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, the description of Nacar as an "award-winning" and "continuously growing" agency suggests a well-established entity with a proven track record in the design and innovation space.

Team Structure:

  • The Studio Team, which this role joins, is composed of diverse creative professionals including design strategists, researchers, product designers, UX/UI designers, and engineers.

  • This role reports within the UX Research function, likely collaborating closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and other UX/UI designers.

Methodology:

  • Nacar employs agile methodologies and focuses on innovation, human-centered design, and creating solutions and product strategies.

  • They emphasize conceptualizing and prototyping new, human-centered products and services, leveraging technological capabilities for digitalization.

  • The agency's approach is geared towards transforming into the "phygital" future, blending physical and digital experiences.

Company Website: https://nacardesign.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's focus on innovation, humanizing technology, and a "phygital" future suggests a forward-thinking environment. For operations professionals, this means an opportunity to work with cutting-edge concepts and contribute to strategic GTM initiatives that blend digital and physical user experiences. The agency model implies exposure to diverse client needs and project types.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level to Senior UX Researcher (3-6 years of experience). It requires independent execution of research plans and strategic thinking, with a significant component of process improvement and team enablement. This level often serves as a stepping stone to Lead UX Researcher or UX Research Manager positions.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will join the Studio Team and likely report to a Head of UX, Research Lead, or Design Director. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and UI Designers, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong stakeholder influence structure.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is crucial in ensuring products and solutions are user-centered, driving adoption, satisfaction, and ultimately, business success. By identifying user needs and pain points, they directly influence product strategy, feature development, and the overall user experience, which are critical components of Go-To-Market (GTM) success and can indirectly impact revenue streams by improving conversion and retention. The role's emphasis on identifying "new revenue streams" highlights a direct link to business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, generative research) or product domains.

  • Process Leadership: Potential to lead the evolution of research processes, establish new best practices, and mentor junior researchers, moving towards a Research Operations or Lead UX Researcher role.

  • Strategic Influence: Grow into a more strategic role, contributing significantly to product vision, service design, and identifying new business opportunities through research.

  • Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of product management, engineering, and design strategy, enhancing overall GTM contribution.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role emphasizes not just individual research skills but also operational leadership within the research function. This aligns with the career progression of operations professionals who evolve from executing processes to defining and optimizing them.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from a hybrid-work model, offering employees the choice to work from their beautiful studio in Palo Alto, an old factory in Poblenou, Barcelona, or remotely. The studio is described as an "urban oasis" and a restored space for designers and artists.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Palo Alto, an innovative hub within Poblenou, Barcelona. This area is known for its creative and tech-oriented atmosphere.

Workspace Context:

  • The studio environment is designed to foster creativity and collaboration among over 90 professionals.

  • Employees can choose to work from the studio, which provides a communal and inspiring workspace, or from home.

  • The hybrid model emphasizes flexibility and autonomy, supported by monthly allowances for internet costs and working-from-home materials.

  • The workspace context supports a culture of communication, collaboration, proactivity, and positivity, aiming to humanize technology experiences.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing employees to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring core collaboration needs are met. This flexibility is a key aspect of the company's culture and supports a healthy work-life balance.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flexible hours are significant operational considerations, requiring strong self-management and communication skills from team members. For operations professionals, understanding how to maintain team cohesion and process efficiency in such an environment is crucial.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.

  • First Interview: Likely a conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, motivations, and general fit with Nacar's culture.

  • Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into your UX research experience, methodologies, and case studies. This is where you will present your portfolio and discuss specific projects, demonstrating your research process, analytical skills, and impact. Expect questions on how you design research strategies and communicate findings.

  • Team/Stakeholder Interview: Meet with potential colleagues (e.g., other UXRs, Product Managers, Designers) to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase the full research lifecycle and your impact. Prioritize projects that align with Nacar's focus on innovation, digital products, and strategic design.

  • Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your research strategy, the methodologies used (quali/quanti), your specific role, key findings, and most importantly, the impact of your research on product decisions, business outcomes, or user experience improvements. Use metrics where possible.

  • Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Emphasize how you translated business needs into research questions and how your insights informed strategy, potentially leading to new revenue opportunities.

  • Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Engineers, Designers) and effectively communicated findings to diverse stakeholders.

  • Address Process Evolution: If possible, include a project where you contributed to improving research processes or best practices, demonstrating your operational mindset.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for potential case study exercises where you might be asked to outline a research plan for a given product scenario or analyze a dataset.

  • Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex research findings or strategic decisions.

  • Prepare questions for the interviewers that demonstrate your engagement, curiosity about Nacar's work, and understanding of the UX research and design operations landscape.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "designing the research strategy," "analyzing and reporting findings," and "shaping and evolving research processes" suggests that interviewers will be looking for strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and an operational mindset. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process and impact is essential for this role.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Research Platforms: Experience with a variety of user research tools for surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Lookback, Optimal Workshop).

  • Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in tools that facilitate team collaboration and documentation (e.g., Miro, Mural, Confluence, Notion).

  • Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with design and prototyping tools to better understand the design process and collaborate with designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze quantitative data using tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or potentially statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS if applicable).

  • Visualization Tools: Experience creating clear and compelling visualizations of research findings (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or built-in features of other research platforms).

CRM & Automation:

  • While not a core CRM role, understanding how user feedback integrates into CRM systems or product management platforms (e.g., Jira, Productboard) would be beneficial for demonstrating the impact of research on product roadmaps and customer insights.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the description implies a need for proficiency in common UX research platforms, collaboration tools, and data analysis software. For a role that also involves process evolution, familiarity with tools that support documentation and workflow management is advantageous.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Human-Centered: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product and service development.

  • Data-Driven Empathy: Utilizing research data not just for insights but to foster genuine empathy for users, guiding decision-making with both logic and compassion.

  • Proactivity & Initiative: Taking ownership of research initiatives, identifying opportunities, and driving projects forward with minimal supervision.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and fostering open dialogue to achieve shared goals.

  • Positivity & Agility: Maintaining a positive attitude and adapting quickly to changing project needs and client requirements in a dynamic agency environment.

  • Innovation: A drive to discover, envision, and materialize new opportunities, embracing challenges and pushing boundaries.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with Product Managers, Engineers, UI Designers, and other UXRs to ensure research insights are embedded throughout the product development lifecycle.

  • Process Improvement Culture: Openness to feedback and continuous improvement of research methodologies and operational processes, with a willingness to share learnings and upskill colleagues.

  • Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing research findings, best practices, and lessons learned across teams to build collective expertise and a stronger understanding of user needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "communication, collaboration, proactivity and positivity" and the agency's drive to "humanize technology experiences" points to a culture that values teamwork, user advocacy, and a positive, forward-thinking approach to design and innovation.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing User Needs and Business Objectives: Effectively navigating the inherent tension between deep user advocacy and the strategic, revenue-driven goals of clients and the agency.

  • Fast-Paced Agency Environment: Managing multiple projects simultaneously with varying client demands, deadlines, and research scopes within a dynamic agency setting.

  • Scaling Research Impact: Ensuring research insights are not only generated but effectively communicated and acted upon across diverse client teams and internal stakeholders.

  • Evolving Research Methodologies: Staying abreast of new research techniques, tools, and best practices in a rapidly changing UX and technology landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to master specialized research methods and gain expertise in areas like generative AI's impact on UX, complex quantitative analysis, or longitudinal studies.

  • Process Optimization Leadership: Developing skills in research operations, enabling you to lead the refinement and scaling of research processes within the agency.

  • Strategic Design Thinking: Deepening your contribution to product and service strategy, potentially influencing new business opportunities and revenue streams.

  • Mentorship & Training: Access to Nacar Academy’s personalized career path programs and the opportunity to mentor less experienced team members.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of agency work and the need for adaptability, strategic thinking, and strong operational management of one's research efforts. The growth opportunities focus on expanding expertise and taking on leadership in both research execution and operational excellence.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to design a research strategy for a complex product or service. What were the key considerations, and how did you align it with business goals?" (Focus on your strategic thinking and planning process.)

  • "How do you balance user needs with business objectives when presenting research findings, especially when they conflict?" (Demonstrate your ability to find common ground and advocate effectively.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Nacar's approach to Strategic Design and humanizing technology?" (Research Nacar's portfolio and values; connect your passion for user advocacy to their mission.)

  • "How do you see yourself contributing to our culture of collaboration, proactivity, and positivity?" (Highlight your team player attributes and proactive approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically: Project Context -> Research Objectives -> Your Role & Methodology -> Key Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact (Quantifiable where possible).

  • Tell a Story: Weave a narrative around each project, emphasizing the problem you solved and the value you delivered.

  • Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate why you chose specific methodologies and how your research process led to actionable insights.

  • Focus on Business Value: Connect your research findings and recommendations to business outcomes, such as user adoption, satisfaction, or potential revenue streams, aligning with the "strategic mindset" requirement.

  • Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, alternative approaches, and how you handle challenging feedback.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust research methodology, clear communication of impact, and an understanding of how research contributes to business success, particularly within an agency context.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Nacar Careers portal.

  • Customize Your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-6 years of experience in user research, specific methodologies used, and achievements in driving product decisions. Emphasize keywords like "Human Centered Design," "Quantitative," "Qualitative," "Usability Testing," and "Strategic Mindset."

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your strongest UX research projects that clearly demonstrate your end-to-end research process, analytical skills, and the impact of your work. Ensure each project tells a compelling story of problem-solving and value creation.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on articulating your research strategy, methodologies, key findings, and the tangible business or product impact. Be ready to discuss how you balance user needs with business goals.

  • Research Nacar: Familiarize yourself with Nacar's work, clients, and company culture. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in their strategic design approach and how you can contribute to their mission of humanizing technology.

⚠️ 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 have 3 to 6 years of experience in user research for digital products and a deep understanding of Human Centered Design methodologies. A degree in a relevant field such as Human Computer Interaction, Psychology, or Anthropology is required.