UX Researcher II (Mixed Methods)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher II (Mixed Methods)

Company: Expedia Group

Location: New York, New York, USA; Austin, Texas, USA; Seattle, Washington, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (implied by "II" and 2-5 years of experience)

Remote Status: Hybrid (implied by company description mentioning flexible work models and "cool offices")

🚀 Role Summary

• Mixed-Methods Research Execution: Drive product, design, and business decisions through the execution of comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research studies.

• End-to-End Study Ownership: Manage the entire research lifecycle, from initial design and participant recruitment to moderation, analysis, synthesis, and delivery of actionable insights.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineering teams to integrate research findings into product requirements, iterations, and overall user experience improvements.

• AI/ML Integration Focus: Apply knowledge of AI-driven systems and concepts to research planning, execution, and analysis, with a focus on improving traveler discovery, planning, and trip management.

• Insight Communication: Clearly and compellingly communicate research findings to various stakeholders, enabling data-informed prioritization and roadmap decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is UX Researcher, the emphasis on "Mixed Methods," "AI/ML concepts," and "agentic AI" indicates a strategic role focused on driving product innovation. The "II" in the title suggests a mid-level position requiring independent work and ownership of studies. The hybrid work model is inferred from the company's description of flexible work and office environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Research Design & Planning: Develop robust research plans for mixed-methods studies, defining objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys, log analysis), and outlining timelines.

• Participant Recruitment & Management: Oversee the recruitment of diverse and representative participant pools, ensuring ethical considerations and data privacy are maintained throughout the research process.

• Data Collection & Moderation: Conduct qualitative research sessions (e.g., user interviews, usability tests) and manage quantitative data collection (e.g., surveys, A/B testing analysis), ensuring high-quality data is gathered.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to identify key themes, patterns, and insights, synthesizing findings into clear, concise, and actionable narratives.

• Insight Translation & Recommendation: Translate research insights into concrete product requirements, feature suggestions, and experience improvements, effectively communicating recommendations to product, design, and engineering stakeholders.

• AI/ML Application in Research: Leverage understanding of AI-driven systems to inform research methodologies, potentially using AI-assisted synthesis, pattern detection, or segmentation to enhance research efficiency and depth.

• Cross-Domain Research: Investigate and shape core traveler experiences across the product ecosystem, including communications, messaging, and emerging AI-powered features.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Present research findings and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences, including product leadership, design teams, and engineering, influencing decision-making and product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to reflect the end-to-end nature of UX research, highlighting the blend of qualitative and quantitative work. The AI/ML aspect is integrated as a specific area of focus for applying research insights.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), 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 both qualitative and quantitative methods within a product development environment.

• Demonstrated experience owning studies from scoping through the delivery of actionable insights.

• Experience acting as a primary research partner for product or feature areas, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to influence product direction.

• Proven ability to design and execute mixed-methods studies, including survey design and analysis, usability testing, and in-depth interviews.

Required Skills:

• Mixed Methods Research: Proficiency in designing and executing studies that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Qualitative Research: Expertise in user interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiry, and other qualitative methodologies.

• Quantitative Research: Skills in survey design, data analysis (statistical analysis, survey analysis tools), and understanding of quantitative metrics.

• Research Design: Ability to define research objectives, select appropriate methods, and plan study execution.

• Data Synthesis & Storytelling: Skill in analyzing complex data sets and synthesizing findings into compelling narratives and actionable recommendations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and engineers.

• AI/ML Familiarity: Understanding of AI-driven systems, tools, and concepts, with the ability to apply them in a research context.

Preferred Skills:

• Program Leadership: Experience leading research programs for complex or scaled products, influencing product strategy.

• Research Frameworks: Proven track record of building research frameworks, taxonomies, or recurring study programs.

• Product Lifecycle Experience: Demonstrated experience across the entire product lifecycle, from generative discovery to post-launch measurement.

• AI/ML in Research Tools: Familiarity with AI-assisted synthesis, segmentation, or pattern detection tools to enhance research speed and depth.

• Travel Industry Experience: Experience in the travel technology or e-commerce sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section is broken down into required and preferred, with specific operations-relevant keywords like "Mixed Methods," "Qualitative Research," "Quantitative Research," "Usability Testing," "Survey Design," "AI/ML Concepts," and "Data Synthesis" integrated. The "II" level implies a need for independent study ownership and cross-functional partnership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end mixed-methods research projects. Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodologies used, the process followed, key findings, and the impact on product or business outcomes.

• Methodology Diversity: Evidence of applying a range of qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability tests, diary studies) and quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, A/B test analysis, analytics data interpretation).

• Impact Demonstration: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible, highlighting how your insights led to specific product improvements, feature iterations, or informed strategic decisions. Use metrics and data to support your claims.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Include examples where you had to adapt research plans or methodologies due to constraints (time, budget, access) and how you successfully navigated these challenges.

• AI/ML Integration Examples: If applicable, showcase any projects where you incorporated AI/ML concepts or tools into your research process or where your research informed AI-driven product features.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning Documentation: Examples of well-defined research plans, including research questions, hypotheses, methodological choices, participant criteria, and timelines.

• Synthesis & Reporting Artifacts: Examples of research reports, presentations, or synthesis artifacts that clearly communicate findings, insights, and prioritized recommendations to stakeholders.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Artifacts: Evidence of how research insights were integrated into product roadmaps, design sprints, or engineering backlogs, potentially through collaborative documents or presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations-focused roles. It emphasizes the need for tangible evidence of research execution, impact, and process. The inclusion of AI/ML integration in the portfolio is a specific requirement for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

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

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

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

Benefits:

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

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO), parental leave, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

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

• Professional Development: Career development resources, including opportunities for learning and advancement.

• Flexible Work Model: Access to "cool offices" with a hybrid work arrangement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility implied by the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are provided for all listed locations, with clear differentiations. The "potential to increase pay" based on performance is noted. Benefits are detailed, including travel-specific perks relevant to Expedia. The working hours are stated as standard, but the hybrid arrangement suggests some flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Travel & Technology. Expedia Group is a major player in the global travel industry, leveraging technology to connect travelers with a vast array of travel products and services.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (likely 10,000+ employees, based on typical tech company structures and global reach). This size indicates established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for specialized roles.

Founded: 1996. With a long history, Expedia Group has evolved significantly, demonstrating adaptability and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• Product Team Focus: This role sits within the Product Team, which is responsible for creating end-to-end traveler and partner experiences.

• Research Team Integration: The UX Researcher is part of a broader Research team that plays a critical role in informing product strategy through customer insights.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: The role emphasizes close partnerships with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineering teams, indicating a highly collaborative and integrated product development environment.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, UX Researchers typically report into a Research Lead or Manager, who is part of the broader Product or UX organization.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Innovation: The company's approach is heavily focused on understanding and addressing customer needs to drive loyalty and repeat business.

• Data-Driven Insights: Research findings are central to informing product, design, and business decisions, guiding prioritization and roadmap planning.

• AI/ML Integration: There's a clear initiative to integrate AI/ML into products and workflows to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.

• Agile Development: While not stated, large tech companies like Expedia typically operate using Agile methodologies, implying iterative development cycles and close collaboration.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is fleshed out to provide a "big picture" view relevant to operations roles. The emphasis is on how a large tech company in the travel sector operates, its focus on data and innovation, and the collaborative nature of its product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX Researcher (UX Researcher II). This level typically involves independent execution of research projects, ownership of specific product areas, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams. It's a step beyond junior roles, requiring more autonomy and strategic thinking.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Senior UX Researcher, UX Research Manager, or a Director within the Product/UX organization. Collaboration will be extensive with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and potentially Data Scientists.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher directly impacts the success of Expedia Group's products by ensuring they meet user needs and provide exceptional experiences. This translates to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, conversion rates, and ultimately, revenue. Insights into AI/ML integration can specifically drive innovation and competitive advantage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, AI/ML applications in research, or particular product domains within Expedia (e.g., booking, trip management, partner solutions).

• Leadership: Advance to Senior UX Researcher, Lead UX Researcher, or Managerial roles, taking on more complex programs, mentoring junior researchers, and influencing larger strategic initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management, Design Strategy, or Data Science roles, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and data analysis.

• Programmatic Research: Develop and lead recurring research programs or frameworks that support consistent decision-making across multiple teams or product areas.

• AI/ML Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in applying AI/ML to research, a high-demand skill in the current tech landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the career trajectory for a UX Researcher within a large tech organization like Expedia, emphasizing growth paths, impact, and the development of specialized skills, particularly in the emerging area of AI/ML research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with access to "cool offices." This suggests a modern, well-equipped workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with amenities typical of large tech companies.

Office Location(s): New York, NY; Austin, TX; Seattle, WA. These are major tech hubs, offering access to talent and a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices likely feature open work areas, meeting rooms, and informal gathering spots to encourage interaction and brainstorming among product, design, and engineering teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard UX research tools, analytics platforms, collaboration software (e.g., Slack, Teams), and potentially specialized AI/ML platforms or tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, designers, engineers, and other researchers to discuss findings, refine product direction, and solve complex user problems.

• Focus Time: The hybrid model allows for dedicated focus time at home, balanced with in-office collaboration days.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time business hours (likely 9 AM - 5 PM local time), with the flexibility to manage work across different product teams and time zones as needed. The hybrid nature allows for some autonomy in structuring the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights the practical aspects of the work environment, focusing on collaboration, technology, and the balance between remote and in-office work, which is key for hybrid roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resume and portfolio for relevant experience, skills, and demonstrated impact.

• Recruiter Screen: A call with a recruiter to discuss your background, interest in the role, and basic qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Conversation with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, research philosophy, approach to mixed-methods research, and fit with the team.

• Technical/Skills Interview: This may involve a live research exercise, a deep dive into your portfolio case studies, or a discussion on how you'd approach specific research challenges. Expect questions on methodology selection, data analysis, and synthesis.

• Cross-Functional Interview(s): Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., Product Manager, Designer) to assess collaboration skills, ability to translate insights into action, and understanding of product development cycles.

• Final Round/Leadership Interview: A final interview, potentially with a more senior leader, to assess strategic thinking, cultural fit, and overall potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 2-3 strong case studies that clearly demonstrate your ability to conduct end-to-end mixed-methods research and drive measurable product impact.

• Structure Your Stories: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge: What was the business or product problem?
  • Your Role: What were your specific responsibilities?
  • The Approach: Why did you choose these specific mixed methods? Detail your research design, participant recruitment, and data collection.
  • The Insights: What did you discover? Focus on key findings and user needs.
  • The Impact: How did your research influence product decisions, design iterations, or business outcomes? Quantify this with data where possible.
  • Learnings: What did you learn from the project?

• Highlight AI/ML: If possible, showcase projects where you engaged with AI/ML concepts, either in the product you researched or in your research tools/methods.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, answer in-depth questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Application: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem for Expedia, including selecting appropriate mixed methods and justifying your choices.

• Insight Synthesis: Practice synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to articulate how you would present complex research findings to different audiences (e.g., engineers vs. executives).

• AI/ML Scenario: Consider how you might research user needs for an AI-powered feature or how you might use AI tools to assist your research.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a UX research role, emphasizing the portfolio's importance and the types of questions and challenges candidates can expect, with a specific focus on mixed methods and AI/ML.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Proficiency with various UX research tools for usability testing, surveys, and interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms).

• Data Analysis Software: Experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python with libraries like Pandas/NumPy) for quantitative data, and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail, Miro) for thematic analysis.

• Collaboration & Documentation: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Microsoft Office Suite, and potentially design collaboration tools like Figma or Sketch.

• AI/ML Tools (Familiarity): Exposure to AI-driven systems, tools, or workflows. This may include AI-assisted synthesis tools, natural language processing (NLP) tools for text analysis, or platforms that integrate ML for user segmentation or pattern detection.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior on websites and apps.

• Data Visualization: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and reports to communicate research findings and user behavior trends.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how research insights feed into CRM strategies or influence customer journey mapping is beneficial. Familiarity with marketing automation platforms might be a plus for understanding communication research.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists typical tools for a UX Researcher, with a specific emphasis on mixed-methods capabilities and the emerging importance of AI/ML tools in research.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing research and data as the foundation for product and business strategies.

• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, including the integration of AI/ML, and a willingness to test and learn.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Impact & Ownership: Taking responsibility for driving meaningful outcomes and contributing to the company's success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Researchers work as embedded partners within product teams, collaborating daily with product managers, designers, and engineers.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture of continuous feedback, where research findings are shared early and often to inform iterative development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights and best practices across the research team and with broader product development teams.

• Agile Mindset: Adapting research approaches to fit agile development cycles, prioritizing timely and relevant insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates Expedia's stated values and working principles into a context relevant to a UX Researcher, emphasizing how these values are lived in daily operations and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Methodologies: Effectively integrating qualitative and quantitative data to provide a holistic understanding, especially under tight deadlines.

• Driving Action: Ensuring research insights are not just delivered but actively adopted and translated into product changes by cross-functional teams.

• AI/ML Integration Complexity: Navigating the evolving landscape of AI/ML in products and research, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

• Global Scale: Researching for a global platform means understanding diverse user behaviors, cultural nuances, and market-specific needs.

• Prioritization: Managing multiple research requests and prioritizing efforts to maximize impact across various product areas.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized qualitative or quantitative methods, or emerging research areas.

• AI/ML in Research: Dedicated learning paths and projects focused on leveraging AI/ML for research efficiency and insight generation.

• Product Strategy Influence: Developing skills to more effectively influence product roadmaps and long-term strategy through impactful research.

• Mentorship: Access to senior researchers and leaders for guidance on career development and skill enhancement.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Support for attending relevant UX research and AI/ML conferences or specialized training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential obstacles and areas for growth, framing them as opportunities for skill development and career advancement, particularly in the context of AI/ML and global product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used mixed methods to solve a complex product problem. What were the challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, rationale for method selection, and impact).

• "How would you approach researching user needs for a new AI-powered travel recommendation feature?" (Demonstrate your understanding of AI/ML research challenges and how you'd apply mixed methods).

• "Walk us through a research project where your insights significantly influenced product direction or business decisions. How did you ensure your recommendations were actionable?" (Emphasize your ability to translate insights into impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Expedia Group and our mission to shape the future of travel?" (Connect your passion for travel or technology to Expedia's goals).

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers, designers, and engineers?" (Highlight your partnership skills and communication style).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Impact: For each case study, start with the business problem and the impact you achieved.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations logically, guiding the interviewer through your research journey.

• Be Methodical: Clearly explain your methodology choices, justifying why you selected specific qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, mockups, key data charts) where appropriate.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions on specific data points, participant selection, analytical techniques, and how you handled challenges.

• Practice AI/ML Integration: If you have AI/ML examples, be ready to explain your role and the outcomes clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions and strategic advice for presenting the portfolio, with a specific focus on mixed methods and AI/ML, tailored to the Expedia role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form through the Expedia careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with mixed-methods research, AI/ML familiarity, cross-functional collaboration, and specific research tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your strongest UX research case studies that demonstrate end-to-end mixed-methods execution, impact, and ideally, any experience with AI/ML. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a dedicated website or PDF).

• Research Expedia Group: Understand Expedia's mission, values, recent product developments, and how they are approaching AI/ML in travel.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common UX research interview questions, focusing on your mixed-methods expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to drive impact. Rehearse presenting your portfolio.

⚠️ 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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