UX Researcher, Global Partnerships Studio

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher, Global Partnerships Studio

Company: Google

Location: Mountain View, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research (UXR) / Product Operations

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead foundational and evaluative UX research to optimize internal AI and automation tools for Global Partnerships.

• Develop and execute prioritized research plans aligned with business goals and strategy for internal enterprise platforms.

• Translate complex user workflows and pain points into actionable product requirements for AI-driven tools like Playhub and GPHub.

• Drive impact across product development stages by understanding user behaviors, motivations, and needs within a business development context.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineering, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure the delivery of useful, usable, and helpful internal enterprise solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Google's Global Partnerships (GP) Studio, focusing on internal enterprise tools. The emphasis is on applying UX research principles to enhance AI-driven platforms that support business development workflows, rather than direct consumer-facing products. This requires a strong understanding of enterprise ecosystems and stakeholder management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, prioritized research plan that directly aligns with the GP Studio's strategic objectives and overarching business goals.

• Conduct in-depth foundational and evaluative research studies to identify critical pain points and opportunities within pipeline management, partner collaboration, and internal workflow processes.

• Proactively identify specific areas where AI and automation can significantly improve decision quality and enhance execution efficiency across the suite of internal enterprise tools.

• Partner effectively with Product Managers and Engineering teams to meticulously translate identified user workflows, pain points, and opportunities into clear, actionable product requirements.

• Create compelling and informative artifacts, such as user journey maps, personas, and research reports, that clearly articulate user motivations, constraints, and needs across the Global Partnerships organization.

• Lead qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, including but not limited to: field studies, in-depth interviews, diary studies, ethnographic research, surveys, usability testing, and log analysis.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences, including business executives, product teams, and engineering leads, to influence product strategy and roadmap.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic planning, hands-on research execution, and strong cross-functional collaboration. The focus on "internal enterprise platforms" and "AI-driven tools" signifies a need for research that directly impacts operational efficiency and decision-making within Google's partnership teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Psychology, Sociology, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Science) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in an applied research setting, such as product research, academic research, or a similar role focused on user understanding and product development.

• Proven track record of successfully managing stakeholder environments and delivering impactful presentations of research findings to senior business executives.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including but not limited to: usability studies, contextual inquiries, field studies, interviews, diary studies, ethnography, surveys, and log analysis.

• Strong ability to develop and execute a prioritized research plan that aligns with product strategy and business objectives.

• Demonstrated experience in translating research insights into actionable product requirements.

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex research findings to technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with AI UX, including a deep understanding of user mental models related to automation and the dynamics of user-AI feedback loops.

• Familiarity with internal enterprise ecosystems and the unique challenges of user research within such environments.

• Experience with CRM systems and other business intelligence or productivity platforms.

• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and manage diverse stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a solid foundation in core UX research methods, complemented by specialized experience in AI UX and enterprise platforms. The distinction between minimum and preferred qualifications suggests that while core research skills are paramount, experience with AI and internal business systems will significantly strengthen a candidate's profile.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX research projects, ideally within enterprise or B2B contexts.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the research problem, the methodologies employed (qualitative/quantitative mix), key findings, and the tangible impact on product design or business outcomes.

• Demonstrate the ability to map complex user workflows and identify opportunities for process optimization and technological enhancement, particularly with AI.

• Include examples of how research insights were translated into actionable product requirements or design recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of developing and executing research plans, including prioritization frameworks and stakeholder alignment strategies.

• Showcase examples of how user feedback and research data were used to iterate on product designs or inform strategic decisions.

• Document experience in identifying and evaluating the effectiveness of AI or automation features within a product or workflow context.

• Include examples of creating user personas, journey maps, or other artifacts that illustrate user motivations and constraints within a business process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on internal enterprise tools and AI, the portfolio should emphasize research that leads to measurable improvements in efficiency, decision-making, and user productivity within a business context. Case studies involving AI applications, CRM systems, or workflow automation will be particularly impactful.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is $132,000 - $189,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Bonus: Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Equity: Stock options or grants as part of the compensation package.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

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

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, training, and conference attendance.

• Other Perks: Access to Google's renowned campus amenities, employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, Google often offers flexibility in daily work schedules, allowing for adaptability in managing research activities and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for base salary only. The inclusion of "bonus + equity + benefits" indicates a comprehensive total compensation package typical of large tech companies. The on-site requirement for Mountain View suggests a standard 5-day work week, with potential for some schedule flexibility to accommodate research needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Internet Services and Software)

Company Size: Google is a global technology giant, employing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. This large scale offers extensive resources, opportunities for specialization, and a robust internal infrastructure.

Founded: 1998. With a long history of innovation, Google fosters a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on solving complex problems at scale.

Team Structure:

• The User Experience (UX) team is multi-disciplinary, comprising UX Researchers, Designers, and Content Strategists who collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering.

• As part of the Global Partnerships (GP) Studio, this role will be embedded within a team focused on building and maintaining AI-driven internal tools like Playhub and GPHub.

• The reporting structure likely involves a UX Research Manager or Lead, with direct collaboration across Product Management and Engineering teams for specific projects.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: A strong emphasis on rigorous data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, to derive actionable insights that inform product strategy and design.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on understanding and streamlining complex user workflows, identifying friction points, and proposing solutions through research and design.

• Automation & Efficiency: A core objective is to leverage AI and automation to enhance operational efficiency, improve decision quality, and streamline processes for internal users.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at Google means operating within a highly structured yet innovative environment. The GP Studio's mission to enhance partner health through AI-driven tools suggests a focus on efficiency, data utilization, and strategic impact within a business development context. The company's size implies a culture that values systematic approaches to problem-solving and continuous learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 4+ years of experience. It signifies an individual contributor role with significant autonomy in planning and executing research, but likely without direct management responsibilities. The focus is on deep expertise in UX research and its application to internal enterprise tools.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report to a UX Research Manager or Lead within the Global Partnerships organization. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads on specific AI tool development projects, forming a core product team.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the efficiency, effectiveness, and decision-making capabilities of Google's Global Partnerships teams. By optimizing internal AI and automation tools, the researcher contributes to better partner health, more efficient agreement processes, and ultimately, stronger business outcomes for Google.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI UX, enterprise platform research, or specific areas of business development.

• Leadership: Progress to senior researcher roles, leading larger research initiatives or mentoring junior researchers.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potentially move into Product Management or UX Design roles with demonstrated success and interest.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through internal Google resources, mentorship programs, and opportunities to present at internal and external forums.

• Impact Amplification: Grow by taking on more complex research challenges and influencing broader product strategies within Global Partnerships and potentially other internal tool development areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within UX research at a leading tech company. The focus on internal enterprise tools provides a unique specialization that can be highly valuable, especially with the increasing importance of AI in business operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at Google's Mountain View headquarters. Google offices are known for their modern design, collaborative spaces, and extensive amenities.

Office Location(s): Mountain View, California, USA. This is Google's primary campus, offering a vibrant ecosystem of employees, resources, and opportunities for interaction.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work in open-plan offices, with access to numerous meeting rooms, project spaces, and informal collaboration areas designed to foster teamwork.

• Tools and Technology: State-of-the-art technology, including high-performance computing, advanced research software, and seamless integration with Google's internal collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace).

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for informal and formal interactions with UX researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers, both within the GP Studio and across the broader Google organization.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. While on-site, Google generally supports flexible work schedules, allowing researchers to manage their time effectively to conduct studies, analyze data, and collaborate with teams, balancing individual work with team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Mountain View signifies an immersive work environment with unparalleled access to resources and talent. The emphasis on collaborative spaces and advanced technology is standard for Google and is designed to facilitate innovation and efficient project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application, focusing on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to discuss your background and interest in UX research at Google.

• Hiring Committee Review: Your application and portfolio will be reviewed by a hiring committee.

This is a critical stage where your case studies and research experience will be evaluated.

• Interviews (Multiple Rounds): Expect 3-5 interviews, typically including:

  • UX Research Skills Interview: Deep dive into your research methodologies, experience with specific techniques (qualitative/quantitative), and how you approach problem-solving.
  • Product Sense/Strategy Interview: Assess your ability to understand product goals, identify research opportunities, and contribute to product strategy. This may involve discussing how you'd approach research for AI-driven enterprise tools.
  • Collaboration/Stakeholder Management Interview: Evaluate your ability to work with Product Managers, Engineers, and executives, and how you present findings and influence decisions.
  • Behavioral Interview: Assess your fit with Google's culture, your problem-solving approach, and how you handle challenges.

• Potential Take-Home Assignment: You might be given a small research task or case study to complete within a set timeframe.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest case studies that best represent your skills for this specific role (AI UX, enterprise platforms, workflow optimization).

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly outline: the Problem/Opportunity, Your Role, Methodology, Process, Key Findings, Recommendations/Impact, and Lessons Learned.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research (e.g., "improved task completion rate by X%", "reduced error rate by Y%", "informed feature that led to Z% efficiency gain").

• Highlight AI/Enterprise Experience: Specifically call out any experience with AI UX, automation, CRM systems, or internal enterprise platforms.

• Prepare to Present: Be ready to walk the interviewers through your portfolio and answer detailed questions about your process and decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Google's Products: Understand Google's mission, values, and key product areas, particularly within enterprise solutions and AI.

• Practice Research Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach research for hypothetical problems related to internal tools, AI adoption, or workflow optimization.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your research process clearly and concisely, from planning to synthesis and recommendation.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining complex research findings in simple terms to different audiences, including executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Google is rigorous and designed to assess a candidate's expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. A strong, well-documented portfolio that highlights relevant experience is crucial for success. The focus on internal enterprise tools and AI means demonstrating how your research directly contributes to business efficiency and strategic goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with various UX research tools for usability testing, surveys, and data analysis. Specific tools may include UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or internal Google equivalents.

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools for analyzing qualitative and quantitative data. This could include spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Excel), statistical software (R, SPSS), or qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail).

• Collaboration Suites: Extensive use of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet) for documentation, presentations, and team communication.

• Prototyping/Design Tools (Familiarity): While not a design role, understanding how users interact with prototypes in tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD can be beneficial for research planning.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Analytics Platforms: Experience with internal Google analytics tools for understanding user behavior within enterprise applications.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to create clear and compelling data visualizations using tools such as Google Data Studio, Tableau, or similar.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in contributing to or interpreting data from performance dashboards that track key metrics for internal tools.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with or understanding of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, or Google's internal CRM tools like GPHub) is highly relevant given the role's focus.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with concepts and potentially tools related to workflow automation and process management.

• AI/ML Platforms: Understanding of AI/ML concepts and how they are applied in user-facing products, particularly for internal enterprise solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While Google has its own proprietary tools, demonstrating proficiency with industry-standard research, analytics, and collaboration software is essential. The mention of AI UX and CRM systems indicates a need for candidates to be comfortable with technologies that drive business operations and intelligence.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Focus on the User: A fundamental Google principle. For this role, it means deeply understanding the needs and pain points of internal Global Partnerships Googlers.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Research insights are expected to be grounded in data and evidence, guiding product development and strategic choices.

• Innovation and Experimentation: A culture that encourages exploring new ideas, testing hypotheses, and embracing AI and automation to drive progress.

• Collaboration and Transparency: Working effectively across teams (Product, Engineering, Partnerships) and sharing findings openly to ensure alignment and collective success.

• Impact and Efficiency: A strong drive to create solutions that deliver tangible business value and improve operational efficiency for internal teams.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are integrated into product teams, working daily with PMs and Engineers to ensure research is timely and actionable.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback on research plans, methodologies, and findings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in the UXR community, sharing learnings, best practices, and contributing to the collective knowledge base.

• Agile Research: Adapting research approaches to fit fast-paced product development cycles, often involving iterative research and rapid feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture emphasizes a user-centric approach, data-driven insights, and a strong collaborative spirit. For this role, it translates to a need for researchers who can effectively partner with internal business teams and technical counterparts to drive meaningful improvements in operational tools.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Enterprise Complexity: Understanding and researching complex internal workflows and stakeholder needs within a large, matrixed organization like Google.

• Balancing Foundational & Evaluative Research: Effectively managing a research roadmap that includes both exploring unmet needs and iterating on existing AI features.

• Translating Insights into Action: Ensuring research findings are clearly communicated and acted upon by Product and Engineering teams to drive meaningful product improvements.

• Measuring AI Impact: Quantifying the impact of AI-driven features on user productivity, decision quality, and overall business outcomes can be challenging yet critical.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UXR Training: Access to internal Google training programs covering cutting-edge research methodologies, AI UX, and specialized research areas.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend and present at leading UX research and AI conferences.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from mentorship from senior researchers within Google's extensive UXR community.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deeper insights into product management, engineering, and business development through daily collaboration.

• Specialized Tooling: Exposure to and training on Google's proprietary research and development tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles involving complex enterprise systems and emerging technologies like AI. The growth opportunities highlight Google's commitment to employee development and the advantage of working within a leading tech organization with abundant learning resources.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research on a complex internal enterprise system. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on methodology, stakeholder management, and impact.)

• "How would you approach researching the effectiveness of an AI-powered feature designed to streamline partner agreement negotiations? What metrics would you track?" (Focus on AI UX, research planning, and impact measurement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UX research specifically within Google's Global Partnerships Studio, focusing on internal tools?" (Showcase understanding of the role's unique context and your motivation.)

• "How do you stay updated on advancements in AI UX and enterprise technology?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and passion.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the business problem or user need that drove your research.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your chosen methodologies and why they were appropriate for the specific problem.

• Showcase Key Findings: Highlight the most impactful insights and how they were uncovered.

• Present Recommendations: Clearly outline your proposed solutions or design recommendations.

• Demonstrate Impact: Use data and metrics to show the tangible results or potential impact of your work. Be ready to discuss ROI.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Interviewers will ask detailed questions about your process, decisions, and challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of UX research fundamentals, a proven ability to apply them to complex enterprise environments, and a keen awareness of AI's role in business operations. Highlighting experience with internal tools, CRM systems, and stakeholder management will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Google Careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, AI UX, enterprise platforms, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 robust case studies that best showcase your UX research process, impact, and relevant experience with internal enterprise tools or AI. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your role, methodology, findings, and impact.

• Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your research process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your experience in detail.

• Research Google's UXR Culture: Familiarize yourself with Google's approach to UX research, its values, and its commitment to user-centric design and AI innovation. Understand the mission of the Global Partnerships Studio.

⚠️ 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.