UX Researcher II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher II

Company: Microsoft

Location: Redmond, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user experience research initiatives for Microsoft's Commercial Marketplace, focusing on AI and agentic experiences.

• Drive product strategy and experience design through a blend of generative and evaluative research methodologies.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to inform evidence-based product decisions and advocate for the user.

• Collaborate closely with design, product, and business partners to deliver impactful user-centric solutions.

• Contribute to the transformation of Microsoft's commercial business into an AI-native, frontier organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Commercial Engineering & AI (CEAI) division, indicating a strategic focus on leveraging AI to enhance Microsoft's commercial operations. The emphasis on "agentic experiences" suggests research into autonomous or semi-autonomous digital agents that assist users in complex tasks, a key emerging area in AI-driven product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute mixed-method research studies across the entire product lifecycle, from initial problem definition to post-launch validation.

• Identify and deeply understand target customer segments, their unmet needs, user journeys, and evolving market trends within the commercial technology landscape.

• Synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data, alongside external research findings, into clear, actionable insights that directly influence product direction.

• Articulate compelling customer stories and research findings to diverse stakeholders, effectively influencing overall product strategy and user experience.

• Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration with design, product management, engineering, and business teams to ensure cohesive and successful research outcomes.

• Integrate principles of accessibility, privacy, security, and inclusion into all research methodologies and design recommendations.

• Experiment with and leverage AI solutions to enhance personal research efficiency and share best practices within the broader UX research community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Experiment with AI solutions to accelerate your own work" highlights Microsoft's commitment to integrating AI into its internal processes and empowering its researchers. This suggests an opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI tools and contribute to their development or adoption within research workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or a related field, AND 1+ year(s) of User Experience Research experience.

• OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or a related field, AND 2+ years of User Experience Research experience.

• OR equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in User Experience Research.

• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing mixed-method research (qualitative and quantitative) across the product development lifecycle.

• Proven ability to translate research findings into actionable insights that influence product strategy and design decisions. Required Skills:

• Expertise in User Experience Research methodologies, including generative (e.g., interviews, ethnography, diary studies) and evaluative (e.g., usability testing, A/B testing, surveys).

• Strong proficiency in synthesizing both qualitative and quantitative data to identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities.

• Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills to effectively influence diverse stakeholders (product managers, designers, engineers, business leaders).

• Experience in product strategy development and translating user insights into product requirements and experience design.

• Familiarity with core principles of accessibility, privacy, security, and inclusion in product development.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.

• Experience conducting research within the technology sector. Preferred Skills:

• Domain experience within technology sectors, particularly in marketplaces, AI, or enterprise software.

• Experience in research methods that directly impact both high-level product direction and detailed experience design.

• Familiarity with AI and agentic systems from a user research perspective.

• Experience with information architecture and user journey mapping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual degree/experience requirement (Master's + 1 year OR Bachelor's + 2 years) indicates a mid-level role (often referred to as UX Researcher II or equivalent). The preference for domain experience in technology, especially marketplaces or AI, suggests that candidates with prior exposure to complex B2B platforms or emerging AI applications will be highly competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of UX research projects demonstrating proficiency in mixed-methodologies.

• Clearly articulate the research questions, methods used, participant recruitment strategy, and data analysis approach for each project.

• Highlight specific examples of how your research insights directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, and ultimately, product outcomes.

• Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible, using metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion, adoption rates, or business KPIs.

• Include examples of how you have integrated accessibility, privacy, security, and inclusion considerations into your research process and recommendations. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of research process documentation, including research plans, participant screening criteria, interview guides, usability test scripts, and synthesis reports.

• Provide examples of how you have structured and presented research findings to various audiences, from detailed reports to executive summaries.

• Showcase your ability to document user journeys, personas, and key insights in a clear and actionable format.

• Illustrate how you have contributed to or refined research processes within a team or organization, emphasizing efficiency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher II role at a company like Microsoft, a strong portfolio is crucial. It should not only display the breadth of research skills but also the depth of strategic thinking and tangible impact on product development. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their role in influencing product roadmaps and how their insights led to measurable improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• US National Range: $102,100 - $202,200 USD per year (Base Pay).

• San Francisco Bay Area / New York City Metropolitan Area Range: $133,800 - $219,200 USD per year (Base Pay).

Explanation of Range: This range reflects Microsoft's compensation structure for a UX Research IC3 level role across the United States. The higher end of the range for specific high-cost-of-living areas (SF Bay Area, NYC) accounts for regional market adjustments. The total compensation package may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, which are not detailed in this specific salary range.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and sick leave.

• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k) with company match).

• Stock purchase programs and potential for stock awards.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and tuition reimbursement.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Parental leave and family support resources.

• Access to Microsoft's extensive product suite and employee discounts. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours.

• Hybrid work arrangement implies flexibility, with an expectation of ~3 days per week in the Redmond, WA office.

• Core working hours may vary, but collaboration with global teams may require some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary ranges are base pay only. Microsoft typically offers a total compensation package that includes performance-based bonuses and stock awards, which can significantly increase the overall compensation. The specific benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with industry standards for large technology firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software Development, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Electronics, Enterprise Solutions. Microsoft operates at the forefront of technological innovation, shaping how individuals and organizations interact with technology globally.

Company Size: Microsoft is a large, multinational corporation with hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale offers immense resources, global reach, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: 1975. With a long history of innovation, Microsoft has a deeply ingrained culture of continuous development, adaptation, and a drive to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Team Structure:

• The Commercial Engineering & AI (CEAI) division is a strategic unit focused on transforming Microsoft's commercial business through AI-native engineering and modern platforms.

• The UX Research team within CEAI likely comprises experienced researchers who specialize in various domains and methodologies, working in close collaboration with Product Management, Design, and Engineering.

• Reporting structure is likely hierarchical within the UX Research function, with opportunities to matrix into project teams for specific product initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, emphasizing the use of both qualitative and quantitative research to inform product strategy and design.

• A strong focus on user-centricity, aiming to deeply understand customer needs and translate them into user-friendly and impactful solutions.

• Emphasis on innovation and experimentation, particularly with AI technologies, to drive transformation and efficiency.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with researchers acting as key partners to product teams.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The CEAI division's mission implies a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. Researchers here will be expected to not only conduct research but also to be strategic partners, proactively identifying opportunities and driving the adoption of AI-powered solutions within Microsoft's commercial operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Researcher II role (IC3 equivalent) represents a mid-career professional level. It requires a solid foundation in UX research principles and methodologies, coupled with the ability to independently plan and execute research projects, synthesize complex data, and influence product direction. The role is expected to contribute significantly to product strategy and experience design.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a Principal UX Researcher or a UX Research Manager within the CEAI division. They will work closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers on specific project teams, often in a matrixed reporting structure for day-to-day project activities.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant. By conducting research for Microsoft's Marketplace and AI/agentic experiences, the UX Researcher will directly influence the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of critical commercial platforms. This impacts customer acquisition, retention, and overall satisfaction, thereby contributing to Microsoft's commercial business success and transformation goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-related research, generative AI applications, or specific marketplace dynamics.

• Leadership Development: Progress to Principal UX Researcher roles, leading larger or more complex research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to research strategy.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management or Design roles, leveraging deep user understanding to drive product vision.

• Research Strategy: Contribute to the evolution of UX research practices and methodologies within Microsoft, particularly in the emerging field of AI-driven experiences.

• Industry Influence: Present research findings at industry conferences and contribute to the broader UX research community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "IC3" designation at Microsoft typically signifies a role with a significant level of individual contribution and influence. Growth paths often involve increasing scope of influence, leadership of complex projects, and potential mentorship or management responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This role requires a presence in the Redmond, WA office for approximately 3 days per week, fostering in-person collaboration, team building, and access to office resources. The remaining days offer flexibility for remote work.

Office Location(s): Redmond, Washington, USA. This location is Microsoft's global headquarters, offering a vibrant campus environment with extensive amenities, collaboration spaces, and a concentration of engineering and research talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate teamwork and spontaneous interactions between researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Access to state-of-the-art research labs and tools for conducting various types of user studies.

• A dynamic environment where AI and emerging technologies are actively being developed and integrated, providing exposure to cutting-edge tools and platforms.

• Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing sessions and cross-team discussions to foster a learning culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is based on a 40-hour work week. While hybrid work offers flexibility, researchers may need to adapt their schedules to accommodate participant availability for studies or collaboration needs with global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is standard at Microsoft, emphasizing the balance between focused individual work and collaborative team engagement. The Redmond campus is a hub for innovation, offering a rich environment for researchers to connect with peers and stay abreast of technological advancements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application, focusing on alignment with the minimum and preferred qualifications.

• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Screen: A brief conversation to assess your background, interest in the role, and initial fit.

• Technical/Research Screen: An interview with a UX Researcher or Designer to discuss your research experience, methodologies, and approach to specific research challenges. This may involve discussing past projects in detail.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 key UX research projects from your portfolio. This is your opportunity to showcase your process, impact, and strategic thinking. Expect to be asked about your role, the decisions you made, and the outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, ability to influence, and understanding of product development.

• Final Interview/Panel: Typically with senior leadership or a panel to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and potential contribution to the team and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your mixed-method research skills, strategic influence, and impact on product outcomes, ideally related to complex platforms or AI.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research questions, your methodology, key insights, the decisions influenced, and the resulting impact (quantify if possible).

• Showcase Process: Detail your research process, from planning and recruitment to analysis and synthesis. Explain why you chose specific methods.

• Highlight Influence: Emphasize how your research findings translated into tangible product changes and business value. Use specific examples.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your decisions, challenges encountered, and how you navigated them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Case Studies: Be prepared for a hypothetical UX research challenge. This could involve defining research questions for a new feature, planning a study to understand a user problem, or synthesizing hypothetical data.

• Think Strategically: Demonstrate how you would approach the problem, considering the business goals, user needs, and available resources.

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your thought process and the steps you would take to address the challenge.

• Focus on Impact: Frame your proposed solutions in terms of their potential impact on users and the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft places a high value on the ability of researchers to translate insights into actionable product improvements and demonstrate measurable impact. The portfolio review is a critical component, so candidates should invest significant time in preparing compelling case studies that highlight strategic thinking and influence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Extensive use of Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking, PowerPoint for presentations, and Teams for communication and collaboration.

• Figma/Adobe XD (or similar): While not a primary research tool, familiarity with design tools is beneficial for understanding design outputs and collaborating with designers.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams is central for communication, meetings, and project collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Azure DevOps or Jira may be used for tracking research tasks and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or proprietary Microsoft platforms for remote usability testing and feedback collection.

• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Microsoft Forms for quantitative data collection and analysis.

• Data Analysis Software: Excel, R, SPSS, or Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy) for statistical analysis of quantitative data.

• Qualitative Analysis Software: Tools like Dovetail, NVivo, or ATLAS.ti for coding, organizing, and synthesizing qualitative data.

• BI & Visualization Tools: Power BI for creating dashboards and visualizing research data and key metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managed by UX researchers, understanding how CRM data (e.g., customer interaction history, feedback) can inform research is valuable. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a key internal platform.

• Internal Microsoft Tools: Familiarity with Microsoft's internal research platforms, data repositories, and collaboration tools is a significant advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Microsoft's own ecosystem (Office, Teams, Power BI, Azure DevOps) is expected. For research-specific tools, a strong foundation in common industry standards like Qualtrics, UserTesting.com, and data analysis software is key. Experience with AI/ML platforms for research augmentation would be a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: Deeply understanding and advocating for the customer's needs and experiences.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Ensuring research and product designs are inclusive and accessible to all users.

• Integrity & Honesty: Conducting research ethically and transparently, and communicating findings truthfully.

• Making a Difference: Driving meaningful impact through research that shapes products and improves lives.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Continuously exploring new methods, technologies (especially AI), and approaches to research.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with researchers embedded within cross-functional product teams.

• Emphasis on open communication, constructive feedback, and shared ownership of product outcomes.

• Researchers are expected to be proactive in sharing insights and contributing to strategic discussions.

• A culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, encouraging experimentation and the adoption of new research techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft's core values are deeply embedded in its culture. For a UX Researcher, this translates to a commitment to understanding diverse user needs, ethical research practices, and leveraging technology to create positive impact. The collaborative nature means being an active, contributing member of product teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Keeping pace with the fast-changing capabilities and user expectations around AI and agentic experiences requires continuous learning and adaptation of research methods.

• Balancing Strategic and Tactical Research: Effectively contributing to high-level product strategy while also executing detailed evaluative research across various product stages.

• Influencing at Scale: Advocating for user needs within a large, complex organization with diverse stakeholder priorities and established processes.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Integrating insights from a wide range of qualitative and quantitative sources, including market trends, competitive analysis, and internal business data, alongside primary user research.

• Navigating Hybrid Work: Maintaining strong team cohesion and research momentum in a hybrid work environment, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Research Specialization: Opportunities to attend workshops, training, and conferences focused on researching AI-powered products and agentic systems.

• Methodological Advancement: Access to internal training and resources to learn and implement cutting-edge UX research techniques.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to product management, engineering, and business strategy through close collaboration.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior researchers or to mentor junior members of the UX community.

• Microsoft Research Engagement: Opportunities to connect with Microsoft Research divisions and stay informed about fundamental advancements in HCI and AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be navigating the complexities of AI product development from a research perspective, requiring flexibility and a proactive approach to learning. Growth opportunities are abundant, particularly in specializing in AI research or advancing into leadership roles within Microsoft's extensive research organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used mixed-method research to influence a significant product strategy decision. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, the data you synthesized, and the impact.)

• "How would you approach researching the user needs and potential challenges for a new AI-powered assistant within a commercial marketplace?" (Demonstrate your structured thinking, research planning, and consideration of AI-specific user concerns.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to influence a stakeholder who was resistant to your research findings. How did you handle it?" (Highlight your communication, data storytelling, and persuasion skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about researching AI and agentic experiences for Microsoft's commercial business?" (Showcase your understanding of Microsoft's mission and the CEAI division's goals.)

• "How do you ensure your research practices are inclusive and consider accessibility, privacy, and security?" (Align your response with Microsoft's values and the role's responsibilities.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you maintain effective collaboration?" (Address the practicalities of hybrid work and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Research Questions -> Methodology -> Key Insights -> Recommendations/Impact -> Learnings.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate how your research led to tangible product improvements or strategic shifts. Use metrics where possible.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain the "why" behind your methodological choices and how your insights connected to broader business objectives.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, challenges, and how you would handle similar situations in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft interviews often assess not just technical skills but also cultural fit, collaboration ability, and strategic thinking. Be ready to discuss your process in detail and articulate the "so what" of your research findings.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher II position:

• Submit your application through the official Microsoft Careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Researcher," "mixed-method research," "generative research," "evaluative research," "product strategy," "AI," "commercial marketplace," and "stakeholder influence." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 impactful UX research projects that demonstrate your skills in planning, executing, analyzing, and influencing. Ensure clear documentation of your process and outcomes. Be ready to present these projects compellingly.

• Research Microsoft & CEAI: Understand Microsoft's mission, its commercial business strategy, and the role of AI within the CEAI division. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to user-centricity and inclusion.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common UX research interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and strategic thinking. Practice articulating your portfolio projects concisely and impactfully.

⚠️ 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.