UX Researcher II (Mixed Methods)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher II (Mixed Methods)

Company: Expedia Group

Location: New York, New York, United States; Seattle, Washington, United States; Austin, Texas, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research / Product Insights

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute comprehensive mixed-methods user experience research studies to drive product and design decisions across Expedia Group's travel ecosystem.

• Plan and lead end-to-end research initiatives, from initial design and participant recruitment to analysis and stakeholder communication, ensuring actionable insights.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and engineers to translate research findings into concrete product requirements, feature enhancements, and improved user journeys.

• Select and apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including usability testing, interviews, surveys, and log analysis, to meet diverse product development needs and timelines.

• Champion a data-driven approach to product development by effectively communicating research insights in clear, compelling formats that influence prioritization and roadmap decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core function is UX Research, the emphasis on "mixed methods," "AI/ML concepts," and informing "emerging efforts that apply agentic AI" suggests a strong leaning towards data operations and insight generation that directly impacts product strategy and development velocity. This role requires not just understanding users but also translating those needs into actionable data for product teams, a key aspect of Revenue Operations and GTM strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute end-to-end mixed-methods research studies, encompassing qualitative (e.g., in-depth interviews, usability testing) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, log analysis) approaches, to uncover user needs and behaviors.

• Develop detailed research plans, including defining research objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, determining sample sizes, and outlining recruitment criteria.

• Conduct participant recruitment, moderation of interviews and usability tests, and manage fieldwork logistics to ensure high-quality data collection.

• Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to identify key themes, patterns, and actionable insights that directly inform product, design, and business strategy.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, concise, and compelling narratives, reports, and presentations tailored to diverse stakeholder audiences, including product managers, designers, engineers, and leadership.

• Partner closely with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Design, Engineering, Marketing) to integrate research insights into the product development lifecycle, influencing roadmap prioritization and feature iteration.

• Proactively identify opportunities to leverage AI/ML concepts and tools within research processes to enhance efficiency, depth of analysis, and the application of insights to product development.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of research frameworks, best practices, and knowledge management systems to scale research impact across Expedia Group.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in UX research methodologies, AI/ML applications in product development, and the travel industry to continuously improve research effectiveness.

• Play a role in shaping core traveler experiences and informing emerging efforts related to agentic AI, focusing on how travelers discover, plan, and manage their trips.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional UX research with a forward-looking emphasis on AI. For operations professionals, this translates to understanding how user insights can be operationalized through AI, influencing product roadmaps, and driving efficiency in user engagement. The emphasis on "actionable insights" and "data-informed prioritization" directly aligns with core RevOps and Sales Ops principles of driving measurable business outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, a related social science field, or equivalent practical experience in UX research.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience conducting UX research with a strong emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative methods within a product development environment.

• Demonstrated experience owning research studies end-to-end, from initial scoping and design through the delivery of actionable insights and recommendations.

• Proven track record of operating as a core research partner for product or feature areas, successfully collaborating with cross-functional teams to influence product direction and user journeys.

• Experience in taking products from concept through scaled adoption, including generative discovery, concept evaluation, iterative usability testing, and post-launch measurement.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in designing and executing mixed-methods research studies, including in-depth interviews, usability testing (moderated and unmoderated), surveys, and log analysis.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills to derive meaningful insights from qualitative and quantitative data.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholder groups.

• Familiarity with standard UX research tools and platforms for participant recruitment, survey deployment, and usability testing.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience building research frameworks, taxonomies, or recurring study programs that support consistent decision-making across multiple teams and product areas.

• Familiarity with AI-driven systems, tools, or workflows, and the ability to apply AI/ML concepts to real-world products and research practices.

• Experience using AI-assisted tools for research synthesis, segmentation, or pattern detection to enhance the speed and depth of insights.

• Knowledge of the travel industry and e-commerce platforms.

• Experience with generative AI applications and their impact on user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of foundational UX research skills with a growing necessity for familiarity with AI/ML concepts. For operations professionals, this means understanding how user insights can be leveraged to optimize processes and how AI can be integrated into customer-facing products, impacting conversion rates and customer satisfaction. The "equivalent practical experience" clause suggests flexibility for candidates with strong portfolios but less formal academic backgrounds.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Present detailed case studies showcasing end-to-end mixed-methods research projects. Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, research objectives, methodologies employed, participant profiles, your specific role and contributions, key findings, and the impact of your insights on product decisions and outcomes.

• Methodological Diversity: Demonstrate a strong command of various qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiry) and quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, A/B testing analysis, log data interpretation).

• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible. This includes showing how your insights led to specific product improvements, feature iterations, increased user engagement, conversion rate optimization, or cost savings.

• AI/ML Integration: Include examples, if available, of how you have incorporated or considered AI/ML concepts in your research, analysis, or in informing AI-driven product features. This can include research on AI tools, user interaction with AI, or using AI for research efficiency.

• Deliverables: Showcase a range of deliverables, such as research reports, journey maps, personas, user flow diagrams, and compelling presentations that effectively communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.

Process Documentation:

• Research Design Documentation: Provide examples of well-structured research plans, detailing objectives, hypotheses, methodological choices, participant criteria, and data collection instruments.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Illustrate your process for analyzing both qualitative (e.g., thematic analysis, affinity diagramming) and quantitative data (e.g., statistical analysis, survey data interpretation), and how you synthesize these into actionable insights.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Workflows: Detail how you integrate research into product development workflows, including examples of collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, and how you ensure insights are understood and acted upon.

• Methodology Refinement: Show evidence of how you have improved or adapted research processes, tools, or methodologies based on project needs, timelines, or emerging best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio" for a UX Researcher directly translates to the need for a "process portfolio" for operations roles. This means demonstrating a candidate's ability to document, analyze, and optimize processes, showcasing their impact through quantifiable results. The inclusion of AI/ML integration in research is a modern operational need, highlighting how insights can drive data-driven automation and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• New York, NY: $122,500 - $171,500 annually. Potential to reach $196,000 based on sustained performance.

• Seattle, WA: $112,000 - $156,500 annually. Potential to reach $179,000 based on sustained performance.

• Austin, TX: $112,000 - $156,500 annually. Potential to reach $179,000 based on sustained performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to location and reflect industry standards for a Mid-Level UX Researcher. For operations roles, similar structured salary bands are common, with variations based on market, experience, and the specific operational domain (e.g., Sales Ops, RevOps, Marketing Ops). The mention of performance-based increases is a standard component in compensation for roles focused on driving measurable business outcomes.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) and parental leave.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Travel Perks: Wellness & travel reimbursement, significant travel discounts, and an International Airlines Travel Agent (IATAN) membership.

• Professional Development: Career development resources and opportunities for continuous learning.

• Work Model: Flexible work model with access to modern office spaces.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, typically around 40 hours. Flexibility is provided, but core hours may be expected for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package emphasizes employee well-being and professional growth, which are crucial for retention in operations roles. The travel perks are unique to Expedia Group but highlight a company culture that values employee experience, a key consideration for operations professionals seeking a supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce / Travel Technology. Expedia Group operates at the intersection of technology and the global travel industry, leveraging data and innovation to enhance traveler and partner experiences.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Expedia Group employs thousands globally), offering significant opportunities for impact and career progression within a structured environment.

Founded: Expedia Group has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to 1996. This long-standing presence implies a mature operational framework and a deep understanding of the travel market.

Team Structure:

• The Research team is part of the broader Product organization, likely comprising several specialists in different research methodologies and product domains.

• Researchers operate as core partners to Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, working in agile, cross-functional teams to drive product development.

Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, integrating both qualitative user insights and quantitative analytics.

• Agile product development methodologies are likely employed, requiring researchers to be adaptable and responsive to evolving project needs and timelines.

• A culture that values customer-centricity, innovation, and continuous improvement, encouraging the exploration of new technologies like AI/ML.

Company Website: https://careers.expediagroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Expedia Group, as a large player in the travel tech industry, likely emphasizes data-driven strategies and customer-centricity. For operations professionals, this means an environment where process optimization, efficiency, and measurable impact are highly valued. The integration of AI/ML into product development suggests a forward-thinking approach to operational efficiency and customer experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a UX Researcher II, typically considered a mid-level position. It requires independent execution of research studies and significant collaboration with cross-functional teams, indicating a solid foundation in research principles and practical application.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher II will likely report to a Senior UX Researcher, Research Manager, or Director of Research within the Product organization. They will work closely with product teams, providing insights that directly influence product strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The insights generated by this role have a direct impact on the traveler experience, partner satisfaction, and ultimately, the business outcomes of Expedia Group. By informing product decisions, this researcher helps optimize conversion rates, increase user engagement, reduce churn, and drive revenue growth through enhanced product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, AI research) or product domains (e.g., booking engines, communication platforms).

• Leadership: Progression to Senior UX Researcher, Lead UX Researcher, or Research Manager roles, involving mentorship, program leadership, and strategic oversight of research initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles within Product Management, Data Science, or GTM Strategy, leveraging deep user understanding and analytical skills.

• AI/ML Focus: Developing expertise in researching and informing AI-driven product features, a high-demand area with significant growth potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, the growth path in UX research mirrors that of many operations roles: from individual contributor focused on execution to leading programs, mentoring others, and influencing strategic direction. The emphasis on AI/ML integration offers a specialized growth avenue that aligns with current industry trends in operational efficiency and product innovation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Expedia Group operates a hybrid work model, offering modern, collaborative office spaces in key locations like New York, Seattle, and Austin, alongside flexibility for remote work.

Office Location(s):

• New York, NY: A major hub, likely offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

• Seattle, WA: A significant tech center, fostering innovation and collaboration.

• Austin, TX: A growing tech market, providing opportunities within a vibrant ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Offices are designed to foster collaboration, with ample meeting spaces and shared work areas.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for research, data analysis, and communication is provided.

Work Schedule:

• A typical 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility in scheduling. However, researchers must be available for synchronous collaboration with global teams and for conducting user interviews during participant-available hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a common and often preferred model for operations roles, balancing the need for focused work with collaborative interaction. The modern office spaces and focus on collaboration are key elements that support efficient operations and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will typically present a selection of their best work from their portfolio. This often involves detailing 1-2 case studies, explaining their research process, findings, and the impact of their work. Expect to discuss your role, methodologies, and how you translated insights into action.

• Technical Interviews: Series of interviews with UX Researchers, Designers, and Product Managers to assess research skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of mixed-methods research. Expect questions on research design, analysis techniques, and applying insights to product challenges.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Interview: An interview focused on how you work with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, assessing your ability to influence, communicate, and integrate research into the product development lifecycle.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with team and company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 diverse projects that best showcase your mixed-methods expertise, problem-solving skills, and impact. Tailor your selection to highlight experience relevant to Expedia Group's product areas (travel, communication, AI).

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business and user outcomes of your research. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%").

• Detail Your Process: Walk through your research process step-by-step, explaining the rationale behind your methodological choices and how you handled challenges.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you partnered with cross-functional teams and how your insights influenced product decisions.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be prepared for in-depth questions about your contributions and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential take-home assignment or a live design/analysis challenge that simulates real-world research tasks.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to quickly understand a problem, propose a research approach, and synthesize findings.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if explaining it to a product team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a UX Researcher heavily relies on demonstrating practical application of skills through a portfolio. For operations roles, this translates to preparing detailed case studies of process improvements, system implementations, or strategic initiatives, highlighting quantifiable results and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "impact" and "actionable insights" is paramount in both fields.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), survey deployment (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms), and participant recruitment (e.g., UserInterviews.com, directly via CRM/customer lists).

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana for project management and documentation.

• Communication Tools: Expertise in Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for daily communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Experience with tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and quantitative data analysis (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• Visualization Tools: Ability to create clear and compelling data visualizations using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets features.

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with web analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior on digital platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms like Salesforce, especially for understanding customer segmentation and data for recruitment.

• AI/ML Tools: Familiarity with AI-driven analysis tools or platforms that can assist in research synthesis, pattern detection, or data interpretation. This is an emerging area but crucial given the role's focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a UX Researcher involves tools for data collection, analysis, and communication. For operations roles, this translates to a similar need for proficiency in CRM, data analytics, BI tools, project management software, and increasingly, automation and AI platforms that enhance efficiency and strategic decision-making. The specific tools mentioned (Qualtrics, Tableau, Jira) are common across many operations functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep understanding of and commitment to prioritizing the needs and experiences of travelers and partners.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on evidence from research and analytics to inform strategic choices and product development.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teamwork is encouraged.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, including AI/ML, and adapting quickly to changing market dynamics.

• Impact & Accountability: Focusing on delivering measurable results and taking ownership of research outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working closely with product, design, and engineering teams as an integrated member of product development squads.

• Insight-Driven Communication: Proactively sharing findings and recommendations in a clear, persuasive manner that facilitates understanding and action.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve research processes and product outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing best practices, research findings, and methodological expertise across the team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values and collaboration style for this UX Research role mirror those essential for successful operations professionals. A data-driven, customer-centric, and collaborative approach, coupled with a focus on impact and continuous improvement, are hallmarks of high-performing operations teams. The emphasis on embracing new technologies like AI is also a critical aspect of modern operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: Effectively conducting high-quality research within tight product development timelines, requiring efficient methodologies and prioritization.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working with evolving product roadmaps and emerging technologies (like AI/ML) where initial user needs and behaviors may not be fully defined.

• Driving Adoption of Insights: Ensuring that research findings are not just delivered but are understood, embraced, and acted upon by cross-functional teams, requiring strong communication and influencing skills.

• Scaling Research Impact: Developing repeatable processes and frameworks to support research across multiple product areas and brands within a large organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to gain expertise in specialized research techniques, including advanced quantitative analysis, generative AI research, and ethical AI considerations.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening understanding of the travel technology landscape, emerging consumer behaviors, and competitive dynamics.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Enhancing skills in product strategy, design thinking, and data analysis through close collaboration with other disciplines.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship from senior researchers and leaders, with potential pathways to lead research programs and mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities presented are typical for roles that sit at the nexus of product development and strategic execution. For operations professionals, these challenges often involve optimizing complex workflows, integrating new technologies, and driving adoption of best practices. The growth opportunities align with career progression in operations, focusing on specialization, leadership, and continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used mixed-methods research to solve a complex product problem. What was your approach, what were the challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, methodology choice, synthesis, and impact.)

• "How do you prioritize research requests when you have multiple stakeholders with competing needs?" (Demonstrate prioritization skills, stakeholder management, and ability to align research with business goals.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Expedia Group and our mission to shape the future of travel?" (Research Expedia's values, recent initiatives, and articulate how your skills align.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and influence product decisions in a large organization?" (Discuss your communication strategies, collaboration techniques, and experience with product teams.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, use a clear narrative arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Research Design -> Execution -> Findings -> Impact -> Key Learnings.

• Visuals: Use compelling visuals (screenshots, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your process and findings. Keep slides clean and focused.

• Quantify Impact: Clearly state the measurable results of your research. If exact metrics are not available, discuss the qualitative impact and proposed next steps.

• Be Specific: Detail your personal contributions. Use "I" statements to describe your actions and decisions.

• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to dive deeper into any aspect of your projects, including methodological choices, participant recruitment challenges, or how you handled unexpected findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role centers on demonstrating a systematic approach to research, strong analytical skills, and the ability to translate findings into actionable business outcomes. For operations roles, this translates to preparing to discuss process optimization projects, system implementations, and data analysis initiatives with a similar focus on methodology, impact, and strategic alignment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher II position:

• Submit your application through the Expedia Group careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your strongest mixed-methods research projects that demonstrate impact, collaboration, and ideally, familiarity with AI concepts. Tailor the presentation to align with Expedia Group's focus on travel and user experience.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, your ability to conduct end-to-end studies, and your success in influencing product decisions. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, findings, and impact for each project in your portfolio. Prepare to discuss your experience with AI/ML concepts and how you collaborate with product, design, and engineering teams.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Expedia Group, its brands, its mission, and its recent initiatives in AI and travel technology. Understand how the UX Research team contributes to the company's strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.

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