UX Researcher II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher II

Company: Cox Enterprises

Location: Atlanta, GA - 6305 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Bldg B, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience Research (UXR) / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-4 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation and user-centric design by independently planning and executing comprehensive mixed-methods user research studies.

• Leverage advanced research methodologies, including interviewing, usability testing, surveys, task analysis, concept testing, and journey mapping, to uncover deep user insights.

• Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, utilizing agentic AI to accelerate synthesis and deliver actionable recommendations that directly influence product and design decisions.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and Research Operations, to ensure research findings are effectively integrated and applied throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Contribute to the strategic growth and efficiency of the research function by maintaining repository hygiene and supporting stakeholder alignment with evidence-driven arguments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a mid-level (II) within UX Research, indicating a need for demonstrated autonomy in research planning and execution, with a growing responsibility to influence product strategy. The emphasis on "agentic AI" suggests a forward-thinking research environment that leverages technology for efficiency and deeper insights.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently define and execute detailed research plans, including clear goals, hypotheses, methodological rationale, sampling strategies, recruitment approaches, and realistic timelines for product areas.

• Conduct a variety of research activities, such as in-depth user interviews, moderated and unmoderated usability tests, concept and desirability evaluations, structured surveys, card sorts, and tree tests.

• Design, deploy, and analyze survey data to gather quantitative insights and interpret results in conjunction with qualitative findings.

• Develop comprehensive user task analyses and workflow maps to identify user friction points, motivations, and opportunities for improvement within the product experience.

• Create detailed user personas and journey maps that accurately represent target users and their interactions with the product.

• Partner with Research Operations to manage participant recruitment through diverse channels, ensuring representation and adherence to ethical research practices.

• Apply agentic AI tools to efficiently cluster qualitative data, summarize research sessions, and accelerate the analysis and synthesis process.

• Synthesize insights from multiple research methods into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for product and design teams.

• Develop compelling research readouts and presentations for cross-functional partners, effectively communicating findings and their implications for product strategy.

• Contribute to the knowledge management of the research function by tagging, structuring, and maintaining past research insights within a central repository.

• Proactively track research progress, identify potential risks, and manage dependencies using established project workflows.

• Support stakeholder alignment discussions by presenting evidence-driven arguments derived from user research.

• Conduct post-study evaluations to identify areas for improvement in future research processes and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on end-to-end research ownership, data synthesis, and the application of AI in the research process. The inclusion of "repository hygiene" and "stakeholder alignment" points to a need for not just research execution but also contribution to the research function's maturity and impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred. Experience:

• 2–4 years of applied UX research experience, demonstrating progression in research methodologies and impact.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered (e.g., Master's degree with 2 years of experience, or 6 years of direct research experience). Required Skills:

• Skilled proficiency in a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, usability testing, surveys, and task analysis.

• Strong analytical skills for interpreting both qualitative and quantitative user data.

• Experience with remote research tools and survey platforms such as UserTesting, Qualtrics, and potentially design tools like Figma.

• Proven ability to independently manage research projects from planning through to delivery, including logistics and participant recruitment.

• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to distill complex research findings into clear, engaging, and actionable narratives.

• Experience in developing user personas, journey maps, and workflow diagrams.

• Strong understanding of human behavior, motivation, and decision-making processes.

• Familiarity with interpreting behavioral data and utilizing analytics tools.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively use AI tools for data synthesis and insight acceleration.

• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to balance multiple research efforts concurrently with minimal oversight. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with additional research methods like card sorting, tree testing, and concept testing.

• Familiarity with CRM systems and understanding how user research integrates with customer data.

• Experience with SharePoint or similar platforms for knowledge management and insight sharing.

• Understanding of agile development methodologies and how UX research fits within them.

• Experience in the automotive industry or a related technology sector is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of foundational research skills and modern approaches, particularly the integration of AI. The experience level suggests a candidate ready to take ownership of research initiatives with less direct supervision. The preference for a Master's degree and specific tool experience indicates a desire for deep expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 end-to-end research projects that demonstrate your ability to plan, execute, analyze, and deliver actionable insights.

• Clearly articulate the research goals, methodologies employed, and the rationale behind your method choices for each project.

• Highlight your role and contributions within each project, especially if working in a team environment.

• For each project, include a detailed breakdown of the analysis process, including how qualitative and quantitative data were synthesized.

• Present the key findings and actionable recommendations derived from your research, demonstrating their impact on product or design decisions.

• Include examples of deliverables such as personas, journey maps, usability reports, or survey analysis summaries. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your ability to document research plans, including clear objectives, hypotheses, participant criteria, and timelines.

• Provide examples of how you have managed research logistics, participant recruitment, and data collection processes.

• Showcase your approach to synthesizing research findings, including how you integrate qualitative and quantitative data, and leverage AI tools for efficiency.

• Illustrate your process for communicating research outcomes, including creating compelling readouts and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure insights are actionable.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role to demonstrate practical application of research skills. The emphasis on "end-to-end" projects, "actionable insights," and "AI utilization" suggests the hiring team wants to see how candidates translate raw data into tangible product improvements, with an eye towards modern research efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $89,400.00 - $134,000.00 annually. This range is an estimate and may vary based on the selected candidate's location, skills, knowledge, and abilities. The position may also be eligible for additional incentive-based compensation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health care insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement planning options, including a 401(k) plan.

• Flexible paid time off, including:

  • Generous vacation policy.

  • Seven paid holidays per year.

  • Up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually.

  • Bereavement leave.

  • Time off to vote.

  • Jury duty leave.

  • Volunteer time off.

  • Military leave.

  • Parental leave. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement allows for a combination of remote and in-office work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the mid-level to senior-mid-level UX Researcher compensation bands for a major metropolitan area like Atlanta. The extensive list of paid time off options indicates a strong focus on employee well-being and work-life balance, which is attractive to operations and research professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology and Services. Cox Automotive operates at the intersection of technology and the automotive industry, transforming how vehicles are bought, sold, and owned. This dynamic industry requires continuous adaptation and innovation.

Company Size: Cox Enterprises is a large, privately held corporation. Cox Automotive, as a division, is significant in size, implying a structured environment with established processes and ample resources, but also potential for bureaucracy.

Founded: Cox Enterprises was founded in 1898. This long history suggests stability, a strong foundation, and a deep understanding of its markets, which can translate into a culture that values experience and long-term strategy.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team likely operates within the broader Engineering/Product Development group, suggesting close collaboration with product managers, designers, and engineers.

• As a "UX Researcher II," you will likely report to a Senior UX Researcher, UX Research Manager, or Director of UX.

• Collaboration is expected to be high with product development teams, design studios, and potentially marketing and data analytics teams to ensure a holistic understanding of the user. Methodology:

• The role emphasizes a "mixed methods" approach, indicating a balance between qualitative (interviews, usability) and quantitative (surveys, behavioral data) research techniques.

• The explicit mention of "agentic AI" suggests a forward-thinking methodology that embraces technology to enhance research efficiency, analysis, and synthesis.

• A strong focus on delivering "actionable insights" implies a results-oriented approach where research directly informs business and product decisions.

• The "Research Ops" function indicates a structured approach to research operations, focusing on compliance, quality, and efficient reuse of insights.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cox Enterprises' long history combined with its focus on evolving automotive technology suggests a company that values both stability and innovation. The large company size means opportunities for diverse projects and career paths, but also a need for strong process adherence and cross-functional navigation. The emphasis on Research Ops and AI points to a mature and technologically advanced research function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Researcher II role is positioned at a mid-career level. It signifies an individual contributor who can independently manage research projects, possesses a solid understanding of various research methodologies, and is capable of synthesizing complex data into actionable insights. The role requires growing autonomy and the ability to influence product and design decisions with evidence.

Reporting Structure: The role is an Individual Contributor, likely reporting to a Senior UX Researcher or a UX Research Manager. This structure allows for focused research work while benefiting from guidance and mentorship from more experienced researchers. Collaboration with product managers and designers is core to the role.

Operations Impact: UX Researchers at Cox Automotive play a critical role in ensuring that the company's technological solutions meet user needs and drive business objectives. By providing deep insights into user behavior, motivations, and pain points, this role directly impacts product design, feature prioritization, and overall user satisfaction, which in turn influences adoption rates, customer retention, and ultimately, revenue. The emphasis on "actionable insights" ensures that research translates into tangible improvements with measurable business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, quantitative analysis, experimental design) or product areas.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Progression to Senior UX Researcher roles, leading larger or more complex research initiatives, and potentially mentoring junior researchers.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead research strategy for specific product lines or initiatives, influencing product roadmaps and business strategy.

• Tool & Technology Advancement: Staying at the forefront of research tools and AI applications, potentially contributing to the development or implementation of new research technologies within the organization.

• Research Operations Contribution: Involvement in the continuous improvement of research processes, tools, and knowledge management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in the title and the description of growing autonomy clearly place this role in the mid-career progression. The growth opportunities focus on deepening expertise, moving into leadership, and contributing to the strategic direction of UX research within Cox Automotive, aligning well with typical career paths for accomplished UX Researchers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," meaning employees will work part of the week remotely and part of the week from the office. This provides flexibility while maintaining in-person collaboration opportunities. The specific office location is in Atlanta, GA, at 6305 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Bldg B.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: Atlanta, GA - 6305 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Bldg B. This is a major business hub, offering access to amenities and a professional working environment.

• Travel: The role requires approximately 15% travel, which may be for on-site testing, field studies, or collaboration with other Cox Automotive locations. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration through scheduled in-office days, facilitating face-to-face interactions with designers, product managers, and fellow researchers. This fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and feedback.

• Tools & Technology: Researchers will have access to industry-standard remote research tools, survey platforms, and potentially design collaboration tools. The integration of "agentic AI" suggests a technologically advanced workspace focused on efficiency.

• Team Interaction: In-office days provide opportunities for informal discussions, brainstorming sessions, and building stronger working relationships within the UX research and product development teams.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, with a "Day" work shift.

• The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing researchers to balance their work and personal lives effectively, which is crucial for deep analytical work and creative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, balancing the benefits of remote flexibility with the advantages of in-person collaboration essential for UX research and product development. The travel requirement is moderate, indicating that the role is primarily based in Atlanta but requires occasional on-site engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on relevant experience and qualifications.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: Expect a deep dive into your UX research experience. You will likely present your portfolio, discussing 1-2 key projects in detail. Prepare to answer questions about your research process, methodologies, challenges faced, and the impact of your findings.

• Hiring Manager Interview: This interview will focus on your understanding of UX research principles, your ability to work independently, your collaboration style, and how you would approach research challenges at Cox Automotive.

• Cross-functional Interviews: You may meet with designers, product managers, or other researchers to assess your fit within the team and your ability to collaborate effectively.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, career aspirations, and overall fit with the company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX research capabilities, highlighting your impact and the variety of methods you've employed.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the insights you uncovered, and, most importantly, the tangible impact your research had on the product or business. Use metrics where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction).

• Detail Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your entire research process, from defining research questions and planning to data analysis, synthesis, and delivering recommendations. Explain why you chose specific methods.

• Highlight AI Integration: If applicable, showcase how you've used AI tools to accelerate your research process (e.g., data clustering, summarization, insight generation) and discuss the benefits and any limitations.

• Tell a Story: Structure your project presentations as compelling narratives. Emphasize the user's journey and how your research provided critical understanding.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about challenges, trade-offs, ethical considerations, and how you handle conflicting feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving: You might be given a hypothetical research problem or a product challenge and asked to outline your approach to researching it. Focus on defining clear objectives, selecting appropriate methods, and outlining your analysis plan.

• Methodology Discussion: Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of different research methods in various scenarios.

• Insight Synthesis: You may be asked to synthesize a small dataset (qualitative or quantitative) and present key findings. Practice distilling information efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just technical research skills but also the ability to collaborate, influence, and contribute to a mature research function. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to demonstrate practical application and measurable impact, with a specific emphasis on modern tools like AI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Remote Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar for conducting remote moderated and unmoderated usability tests.

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

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for reviewing designs, creating prototypes for testing, and collaborating with designers.

• Collaboration & Documentation: SharePoint, Confluence, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for planning research, documenting findings, and sharing insights.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially Excel, R, Python, or SPSS for quantitative data analysis. Familiarity with statistical concepts is important.

• Behavioral Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or product analytics platforms (e.g., Pendo, Mixpanel) to interpret user behavior data is beneficial.

• Dashboarding Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for visualizing research data and creating shareable reports.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce, especially in understanding how customer data can inform research and how research insights can feed back into CRM strategies.

• AI & Synthesis Tools: Experience with general-purpose LLM tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, Claude) for data clustering, summarizing qualitative feedback, accelerating analysis, and generating initial hypotheses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a comprehensive UX research environment. Proficiency in core research platforms and survey tools is essential. Experience with data analysis and visualization tools will enhance the ability to conduct mixed-methods research. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates their integration into the daily workflow for efficiency and deeper analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: A strong emphasis on using research findings and data to inform strategy, validate hypotheses, and measure impact. Decisions are made based on evidence, not just intuition.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A culture that values strong working relationships across teams (Product, Design, Engineering, Marketing) to ensure research is integrated and impactful. Open communication and mutual respect are key.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly refine research methodologies, tools, and processes to increase efficiency, quality, and impact. This includes embracing new technologies like AI.

• Actionability & Impact: A focus on delivering insights that are not just interesting but are directly actionable and lead to measurable improvements in user experience and business outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Researchers are expected to be embedded within product teams, working closely with designers and product managers from inception to delivery.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing updates, findings, and potential challenges with stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and exchanged openly, both within the research team and with partner teams, to foster growth and improve research quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, learnings, and research insights across the broader organization, often facilitated through a centralized repository.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a proactive, collaborative, and data-informed approach to UX research. The focus on "actionability" and "impact" suggests that the research team is directly tied to business objectives, requiring researchers to be strategic thinkers and effective communicators.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Methodologies: Effectively integrating qualitative and quantitative data to provide a holistic understanding of user behavior, especially when resources or timelines are constrained.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Navigating organizational dynamics to ensure research findings are heard, understood, and acted upon, particularly when insights challenge existing assumptions or priorities.

• Scaling Research: As the company grows, finding efficient ways to conduct research across multiple product areas while maintaining quality and depth. This is where AI and Research Ops become critical.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new research tools, AI advancements, and evolving user behaviors in the fast-paced automotive technology sector.

• Recruitment Diversity: Ensuring diverse participant pools that accurately represent the target user base, which can be challenging in niche markets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to attend workshops, conferences, or pursue certifications in specialized research areas (e.g., advanced qualitative analysis, behavioral economics, experimental design).

• AI in Research: Dedicated learning opportunities to master the application of AI tools for research analysis, synthesis, and generative tasks, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of product management, design strategy, and business objectives through close collaboration, enhancing strategic impact.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior researchers or leaders within Cox Automotive for guidance on career development, skill enhancement, and navigating the organization.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of emerging trends in UX, automotive technology, and research practices through company-sponsored learning and external resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a mid-level researcher in a large, dynamic company, focusing on impact, influence, and efficiency. The growth opportunities are well-defined, supporting career progression through skill development, technological adoption, and strategic contribution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research under tight deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure quality?" (Assesses time management, prioritization, and efficiency).

• "Walk me through a research project where your findings significantly influenced product strategy. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Assesses impact, strategic thinking, and communication).

• "How do you balance qualitative and quantitative data when synthesizing findings? Provide an example." (Assesses analytical skills and mixed-methods expertise).

• "How have you used AI tools in your research process? What were the benefits and any limitations you encountered?" (Assesses adoption of new technologies and critical thinking around AI).

• "Describe a situation where stakeholders disagreed with your research findings. How did you handle it?" (Assesses stakeholder management, persuasion, and resilience). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cox Automotive and the automotive technology industry?" (Assesses research into the company and industry).

• "How do you see your role contributing to our user-centric culture?" (Assesses understanding of company values and personal alignment).

• "How do you approach collaboration with designers and product managers?" (Assesses teamwork and cross-functional partnership skills).

• "What are your thoughts on the role of UX research in a hybrid work environment?" (Assesses adaptability and understanding of modern work models). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Research Goals -> Methodology -> Process/Execution -> Key Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact/Outcome.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project. Use "I" when discussing your individual actions and "we" when discussing team efforts.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (e.g., journey maps, personas, key quotes, charts) to support your narrative. Avoid cluttered slides.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion," "reduced task completion time by 20%").

• AI Integration Showcase: If you have AI-assisted projects, clearly explain how AI was used, what it enabled, and what insights were gained that might have been missed or taken longer otherwise.

• Practice Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly, stays within the allotted time, and is engaging. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration, and the ability to leverage modern tools like AI effectively. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase tangible impact and process mastery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher II position:

• Submit your application through the Cox Careers portal at https://cox.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Cox_External_Career_Site_1/job/Atlanta-GA/UX-Researcher-II_R202682393.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "mixed-methods research," "qualitative and quantitative analysis," "agentic AI," "journey mapping," "stakeholder alignment," and specific tools like "UserTesting" or "Qualtrics." Quantify your achievements with metrics whenever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX research projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership, methodological breadth, and measurable impact. Ensure your portfolio clearly outlines the problem, your process, your key insights, and the resulting outcomes. Prepare to present these projects confidently.

• Prepare for AI Integration Discussion: Be ready to articulate how you have used or would use AI tools in your research workflow for analysis, synthesis, or efficiency gains. Have specific examples prepared.

• Research Cox Automotive: Familiarize yourself with Cox Automotive's mission, products (e.g., Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book), and its position in the automotive industry. Understand their commitment to technology and customer experience. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Storytelling: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects and answering behavioral interview questions. Focus on structuring your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and clearly articulating your thought process and impact.

⚠️ 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.