UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Verda

Location: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the user research initiatives for Verda's AI cloud platform console, focusing on developer and ML engineer user needs.

• Design and execute comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research studies, from planning to synthesis and actionable recommendations.

• Establish and maintain robust research frameworks, repositories, and best practices to foster continuous user learning within the product team.

• Define and track key UX metrics to quantify the impact of design decisions and measure product quality over time.

• Collaborate closely with Product, Design, and Engineering to translate user insights into product strategy and prioritization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Verda's objective of building a developer-centric AI cloud platform. The UX Researcher will be instrumental in establishing foundational research practices within a growing team, directly influencing the usability and effectiveness of their core product offering. The emphasis on technical users (ML engineers, cloud developers, DevOps) signifies a specialized UX research domain requiring a blend of research methodology expertise and technical understanding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct end-to-end qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, usability testing, surveys, and analysis of product analytics, support data, and market research.

• Own the recruitment process for research participants, cultivating a consistent pool of qualified ML engineers, cloud developers, and DevOps practitioners.

• Design and execute usability testing on new and existing console features, employing realistic technical scenarios to identify areas for improvement.

• Investigate user expectations and mental models for AI-assisted and agentic infrastructure workflows, focusing on aspects like trust, control handoff, and error recovery.

• Benchmark UX across leading cloud platforms and developer tools to establish performance baselines and monitor quality evolution for Verda's console.

• Develop and implement research frameworks, repositories, and best practices to empower the product team with ongoing user insights.

• Define and track quantitative UX metrics (e.g., task success rates, time on task, user satisfaction) to ensure measurable impact of design and product decisions.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to prioritize research questions and ensure findings effectively shape product direction and backlog prioritization.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for stakeholders across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and strategic approach to UX Research. The emphasis on "owning recruitment," "establishing research frameworks," and "defining quantitative UX metrics" indicates a senior-level role where the individual is expected to build and lead research operations, not just execute studies. The focus on AI-assisted and agentic workflows suggests a forward-thinking approach to research within a rapidly evolving AI infrastructure domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While formal education is not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of UX research role.

Experience: 4+ years of dedicated experience in UX Research, User Research, Product Research, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Proven end-to-end experience conducting both qualitative and quantitative user research methodologies.

• Strong proficiency in planning and executing interviews, usability testing, and survey design.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex research data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.

• Experience working collaboratively within cross-functional teams, including Product, Design, and Engineering.

• Sufficient technical fluency with cloud infrastructure concepts or developer tooling to design realistic research tasks and accurately interpret findings. This includes understanding the workflows and pain points of ML engineers, cloud developers, and DevOps practitioners.

• Expertise in translating research findings into tangible product recommendations that influence roadmap and prioritization.

• Solid understanding of user-centered design principles and modern product development lifecycles.

• Experience in creating and managing research plans, establishing research frameworks, and building research repositories.

• Excellent communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present findings effectively to diverse audiences.

• Ability to balance research rigor with the need for speed and agility in a fast-paced startup environment.

• High degree of curiosity, a passion for understanding user behavior, and a strong aptitude for solving complex problems. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within a technology, AI, SaaS, or scale-up environment.

• Familiarity with product analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel) and behavioral data analysis.

• Experience in establishing and scaling user research practices within a growing organization.

• Understanding of AI/ML concepts and their application in cloud infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "technical fluency" is a critical differentiator for this role. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to engage with and understand the technical context of Verda's users. This goes beyond typical UX research roles and necessitates a candidate who can bridge the gap between user behavior and complex technical systems. The preference for experience in a scale-up environment highlights the startup nature of Verda and the expectation for adaptability and initiative.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, demonstrating end-to-end research capabilities.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, methodology employed (qualitative and quantitative), key findings, and the impact of recommendations on product decisions.

• Examples of research plans, usability test scripts, survey instruments, and synthesis artifacts.

• Demonstrations of how research insights have directly influenced product strategy, design iterations, or feature prioritization.

• Evidence of establishing research processes or frameworks, particularly in a team or organizational context.

• Specific examples of research conducted with technical users (e.g., developers, engineers) and the unique challenges involved. Process Documentation:

• Showcase ability to document research processes, including participant recruitment strategies, study protocols, and data analysis methods.

• Demonstrate experience in creating and maintaining research repositories or knowledge bases for shared team access.

• Provide examples of how research findings are translated into actionable documentation for product and engineering teams.

• Illustrate methods for tracking and reporting on UX metrics over time to demonstrate continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on establishing research practices, the portfolio should emphasize not just the execution of research, but also the strategic thinking behind it. Candidates should highlight their ability to build processes, mentor others (even informally), and demonstrate the long-term impact of their work through metrics and sustained product improvements. The emphasis on technical users means portfolios should ideally include examples relevant to developer tools or complex technical platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (Helsinki, Finland), experience level (4+ years, Mid-Senior), and the specialized nature of the role (UX Researcher in AI Cloud), the estimated annual salary range would be between €60,000 and €85,000. This estimate is based on current market data for UX Researchers in Finland, adjusted for the tech/AI industry and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for equity options in a growing startup.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays in line with Finnish labor laws.

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

• Hybrid work model offering flexibility with 3 days per week in the Helsinki office.

• Company-provided equipment (laptop, etc.).

• Support for professional networking and community engagement within the Helsinki tech scene.

• Contribution to a sustainable AI ecosystem.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered due to the hybrid work arrangement. While the role requires in-office presence three days a week, the specific days and remaining flexibility will be discussed during the hiring process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for Helsinki, Finland, considers that it is a high cost-of-living city with a strong tech sector. The range provided reflects the mid-to-senior level experience and the specialized technical UX research skills required. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for tech startups in Western Europe, with specific emphasis on professional growth and the hybrid work setup.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, SaaS. Verda operates in the cutting-edge AI infrastructure space, providing a full-stack AI cloud solution. This field is characterized by rapid innovation, a strong emphasis on technical excellence, and a growing focus on sustainability in computation.

Company Size: Verda is described as being "still built," implying it is an early-stage startup or a rapidly scaling company with a relatively small, agile team. This means opportunities for significant impact and direct influence on processes and product direction.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the description "Join Verda while it’s still being built" suggests a relatively recent founding or a phase of aggressive growth and expansion. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where roles and responsibilities can evolve quickly.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be embedded within a product team, working closely with Design and Engineering.

• This implies a flat organizational structure common in startups, with direct access to key decision-makers.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly cross-functional, with research insights feeding directly into product development sprints.

• The team is small, meaning the UX Researcher will play a pivotal role in shaping the product's user experience and research methodologies. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Emphasis on using research findings, user analytics, and market insights to inform product decisions.

• Agile & Iterative: The fast-paced environment suggests an iterative approach to product development and research, prioritizing speed and continuous learning.

• User-Centricity: The core mission of the UX Researcher is to ensure the platform console is designed for its technical users, embedding user needs at every stage.

• Sustainability: A stated commitment to running infrastructure on 100% renewable energy, indicating a company value that may influence operational decisions.

Company Website: https://jobs.verda.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Verda's positioning as an "AI cloud" provider targeting developers and ML engineers suggests a technically sophisticated user base. The company culture is likely to be collaborative, fast-paced, and focused on innovation. The "sustainability" aspect is a unique differentiator and could appeal to candidates who value ethical technology development. The small team size means the UX Researcher will have a high degree of autonomy and influence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior level UX Researcher. The responsibilities indicate a need for someone who can not only execute research but also establish and lead research practices, defining frameworks and metrics. This is a step beyond an individual contributor role focused solely on task execution, moving towards a role that shapes the research function itself.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will be embedded within a product team, likely reporting to a Product Lead, Head of Product, or Design Lead. This direct integration with product development ensures research findings have immediate visibility and impact.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact will be directly tied to the usability, adoption, and satisfaction of Verda's AI cloud platform console. By ensuring the platform is intuitive and effective for developers and ML engineers, the researcher will contribute to faster AI model deployment, reduced friction for users, and ultimately, the success and growth of Verda's platform. This role is crucial for translating complex technical features into a user-friendly experience, directly impacting customer retention and acquisition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research: Opportunity to build and scale the UX research function at Verda, establishing best practices and potentially leading a team as the company grows.

• Specialization in Technical UX: Deepen expertise in UX research for developer tools, cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven workflows, a highly in-demand specialization.

• Product Strategy Influence: Gain significant experience influencing product roadmaps and strategic decisions through impactful research.

• Industry Exposure: Work at the forefront of AI infrastructure, gaining insights into cutting-edge technologies and market trends.

• Scale-up Experience: Develop valuable experience navigating the challenges and opportunities of working in a rapidly growing startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "establishing research practices" component is a key growth opportunity, offering a chance to build a function from the ground up. This is particularly attractive for ambitious researchers looking to move beyond execution and into strategic leadership within the UX discipline. The technical focus provides a niche specialization that can command higher value in the job market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Verda operates a hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in their Helsinki office. This suggests a modern office space designed to foster collaboration and innovation, equipped with necessary tools for both individual work and team interactions.

Office Location(s): The office is located in Helsinki, specifically at Töölönlahdenkatu 2, 00100 Helsinki, Finland. This central location in Helsinki likely offers good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and embedded team structure indicate a strong emphasis on face-to-face collaboration on office days, facilitating brainstorming, workshops, and direct interaction with product, design, and engineering colleagues.

• Access to Tools: The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office technology, potentially including dedicated spaces for user testing sessions or access to necessary software licenses for research and analytics tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for informal interactions and formal meetings with cross-functional teams, promoting a cohesive work environment. The small team size fosters a close-knit atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, with flexibility regarding start and end times, particularly on remote days. The hybrid model requires presence in the office for a set number of days, balancing structure with employee autonomy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a balance between focused remote work and collaborative in-office time. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic environment where office days are likely dedicated to team syncs, workshops, and in-person collaboration, while remote days allow for deeper individual research and analysis.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and Verda.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Product Lead or Design Lead) to explore your experience, approach to UX research, and understanding of technical users.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your research process, findings, and impact. This is a critical step to evaluate your practical skills and strategic thinking. Expect questions around how you'd tackle specific research