UX RESEARCHER (MID-LEVEL) - CONTRACT ROLE / NYC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher (Mid-Level) - Contract Role

Company: User Research International

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Temporary

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4-7 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office minimum)

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct end-to-end user research, encompassing research planning, participant recruitment, session moderation, data analysis, and comprehensive reporting.

• Drive product development by translating user insights into actionable recommendations for design and engineering teams.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders to define research objectives and integrate findings into product roadmaps.

• Excel in a fast-paced, iterative product development environment, contributing to rapid-cycle usability studies and prototype evaluations.

• Utilize strong communication and project management skills to effectively manage research initiatives and present findings to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for a UX Researcher, not a traditional Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role. The focus is on user-centric product development rather than revenue optimization or sales process efficiency. The "operations" context will be applied by framing UX research within the broader GTM strategy of understanding customer needs to improve product adoption and satisfaction, which indirectly impacts revenue.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed research plans, including defining research questions, methodologies, and success metrics aligned with product goals.

• Design and execute participant screeners to identify and recruit individuals who precisely match target user profiles.

• Moderate qualitative research sessions, including usability tests, concept validation, and in-depth interviews, ensuring an unbiased and insightful data collection process.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns, themes, and key user pain points or delights.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable reports and presentations for product managers, designers, and engineers.

• Proactively collaborate with product teams to understand their challenges, refine research questions, and ensure research insights are effectively integrated into design and development workflows.

• Manage multiple research projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and adapting to evolving project needs in a dynamic environment.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research methodologies and best practices within the product development lifecycle.

• Present research findings and recommendations to stakeholders at various levels, advocating for user needs and data-driven decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are typical for a mid-level UX Researcher. The enhancement focuses on framing these responsibilities within a GTM context: how understanding user needs through research directly informs product-market fit and customer acquisition/retention strategies, thereby impacting revenue.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• MA/MS or PhD preferred in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 4-7 years of progressive industry work experience specifically in User Experience (UX) Research within a technology or product development environment. Academic research experience alone is not sufficient.

Required Skills:

• Research Methodology Mastery: Deep understanding and practical application of various qualitative and quantitative research methods, including usability testing, concept testing, prototype evaluation, user interviews, surveys, and heuristic evaluations.

• Analytical Prowess: Strong ability to analyze qualitative data, identify themes, and derive actionable insights. Proficiency in experimental design and understanding of statistical principles for quantitative analysis.

• Communication Excellence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to articulate complex findings clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Design, Engineering) to define research goals, gather requirements, and integrate feedback.

• Project Management Agility: Demonstrated capability to manage personal workload, prioritize tasks, and successfully deliver multiple research projects within fast-paced, iterative product development cycles.

• Participant Recruitment: Skill in developing participant screeners and recruiting individuals who accurately represent target user segments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user experience metrics and defining KPIs for product performance.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and its role in validating design decisions.

• Experience in designing and conducting remote moderated and unmoderated research.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

• Proficiency in generating research plans and defining user experience metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is specific (4-7 years in tech/product UX research), differentiating it from academic roles. The skills emphasize practical application and cross-functional collaboration, crucial for GTM alignment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end research process from problem definition to actionable recommendations and impact.

• Methodology Diversity: Highlight experience with a range of research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, in-depth interviews, concept testing, surveys) and explain why specific methods were chosen for different projects.

• Impact Demonstration: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible, illustrating how your insights influenced product decisions, improved user experience metrics, or contributed to business objectives.

• Deliverable Examples: Include examples of research plans, participant screeners, discussion guides, and synthesized reports/presentations.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Provide examples of how you collaborated with product, design, and engineering teams, and how you managed feedback and integrated insights.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning Framework: Demonstrate a structured approach to defining research objectives, scope, target users, and key questions.

• Data Synthesis & Analysis: Illustrate your process for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., affinity mapping, thematic analysis) and quantitative data (e.g., survey analysis, basic statistical interpretation).

• Insight Communication: Showcase your methods for translating raw data into clear, concise, and actionable insights that drive product strategy. This includes reporting formats and presentation styles.

• Iterative Workflow Integration: Show how your research process integrates into agile or iterative product development cycles, enabling rapid feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are crucial for UX roles. This section emphasizes demonstrating a structured process, analytical skills, and the ability to translate research into business impact, aligning with operations principles of efficiency and ROI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The target compensation for this contract role is $45 - $70 per hour.

• This range is based on industry standards for mid-level UX Researchers in the New York City area, considering the contract nature of the position and the specified experience level (4-7 years).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance coverage.

• 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time contract role, typically expecting approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role requires a minimum of 3 days per week in the New York City office, specifically Tuesday through Thursday, with flexibility for remote work on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as per the input. The enhancement adds context about how this range is typical for the specified role, location, and experience level in the US market, along with an explanation of how final compensation is determined. The benefits and working hours are detailed as provided, with an emphasis on the hybrid work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: User Research International operates within the Technology and Software industries, specializing in User Experience (UX) research services. Their clients are typically product-focused companies seeking to understand and improve their digital offerings.

Company Size: User Research International's size is not explicitly stated, but as a specialized research firm, it likely operates with a lean, expert-driven team. The client they are placing this contractor with could range from a startup to a large enterprise.

Founded: Information on the founding date of User Research International is not provided, but their focus on contemporary UX practices suggests a modern, agile operational structure.

Team Structure:

• Operations: This role is a contract position placed with a client company, meaning the direct team structure will be within that client's organization. Typically, a UX Researcher reports to a Lead UX Researcher, a UX Manager, or a Product Lead/Director.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The UX Researcher will be embedded within a product team, working daily with Product Managers, UI/UX Designers, and Software Engineers. They will also interact with stakeholders across marketing, sales, and customer success as needed to contextualize research findings.

• Methodology: The client company likely employs agile development methodologies, requiring research to be conducted iteratively and at speed. Data analysis will focus on qualitative insights derived from user sessions, supplemented by quantitative metrics to validate findings and measure impact.

Company Website: https://uriux.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is based on the provided URL and the nature of a UX research firm. The "operations" aspect here relates to the operational model of a service firm and the operational environment of the client company where the contractor will be placed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level contract role, signifying an individual contributor position requiring proven expertise and autonomy in executing UX research tasks. The 4-7 years of experience suggest a practitioner who can work independently on defined projects but may still benefit from guidance on complex strategic initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report to a direct manager or lead within the client organization, likely a Senior UX Researcher, UX Manager, or a Product Lead. They will collaborate closely with designers and product managers.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue operations role, this UX Researcher significantly impacts the GTM strategy by ensuring the product meets user needs, thereby improving adoption rates, customer satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, revenue generation. User insights directly inform product-market fit and competitive positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Deepening: Opportunity to gain exposure to diverse product types and industries, refining expertise in specific research methodologies or user segments.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Develop a deeper understanding of product management, design processes, and engineering constraints, fostering a holistic view of product development.

• Contract to Full-Time Potential: Depending on client needs and performance, there may be opportunities for contract extension or conversion to a full-time role within the client organization.

• Methodology Expansion: Exposure to how research insights are operationalized within different company structures and development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames career growth within the context of a contract role and its impact on broader business operations and GTM success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an in-office position requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the client's New York City office. The specific office type (e.g., open-plan, dedicated team space) will depend on the client company.

Office Location(s): The role is based in New York City, NY, United States. Specific office address and accessibility details would be provided by the client.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic, collaborative workspace where interaction with designers, product managers, and engineers is frequent and encouraged.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity tools, collaboration software (e.g., Slack, Teams), and potentially specialized UX research tools provided by the client.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for informal "water cooler" discussions, scheduled team meetings, and brainstorming sessions, all vital for effective UX research and product development.

Work Schedule: The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid model requiring presence in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This schedule allows for focused work and collaborative sessions, while also offering flexibility for remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights the hybrid nature and the collaborative office environment typical for product teams, emphasizing how physical proximity can aid in cross-functional operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with User Research International to assess general fit, experience alignment, and contract terms.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive with the client's hiring manager (likely a UX Lead or Product Manager) to discuss your UX research philosophy, experience, and approach to specific research challenges. Be prepared to discuss your process for planning, conducting, and analyzing research.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 key case studies from your portfolio. Focus on clearly articulating the problem, your research process, your insights, and the impact your work had on the product. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your methodology and decision-making.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Potentially meet with other members of the product team (e.g., a designer, engineer) to assess collaboration style and cultural fit within their operational workflow.

• Final Offer: Based on the overall assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly define the "why" (the problem), the "how" (your research approach), the "what" (your insights), and the "so what" (the impact and recommendations).

• Process Clarity: Walk through your methodology step-by-step, explaining your rationale for each decision. Highlight your ability to adapt methods to project constraints.

• Insight Generation: Emphasize your ability to move beyond surface-level observations to derive profound user insights that directly inform product strategy.

• Impact Metrics: Whenever possible, present quantifiable outcomes. Did your research lead to a reduction in support tickets, an increase in conversion rates, or improved user satisfaction scores?

• Visual Aids: Use mockups, screenshots, key quotes, and charts to make your presentation engaging and easy to understand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Research Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to the client's product or industry.

• Methodology Justification: Be ready to defend your choice of research methods for specific scenarios.

• Data Synthesis Example: You might be asked to quickly synthesize a small set of qualitative data (e.g., interview snippets) and articulate potential insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a UX research role, focusing on portfolio presentation and interview strategies that highlight analytical and collaborative skills essential for cross-functional operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Proficiency with various UX research tools for usability testing, surveys, and interviews. Examples include UserTesting.com, Maze, Optimal Workshop, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Lookback, and Remesh.

• Collaboration Software: Daily use of tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for communication and team collaboration.

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, which are crucial for understanding and evaluating prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Experience with tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, or manual coding methods) and basic quantitative analysis (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, basic statistical packages).

• Presentation Software: Mastery of tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating impactful research reports and presentations.

• Dashboard Tools: Familiarity with dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio) is beneficial for understanding how user data might be visualized and tracked by the client.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM systems, an understanding of how user feedback and data integrate with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) to inform sales and customer success operations is valuable.

• Familiarity with project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello to track research tasks and integration with development sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the technical tools and platforms common in UX research, framing them within the operational context of product development and GTM strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user's needs, ensuring products are intuitive, effective, and enjoyable.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Valuing empirical evidence derived from research to inform product strategy and design choices, moving beyond assumptions.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and teamwork is essential for success. This includes working effectively with all stakeholders.

• Iterative Improvement: Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and refinement, where research insights lead to ongoing product enhancements and process optimization.

• Actionable Impact: Focusing on research that provides clear, actionable recommendations that can be readily implemented to drive product improvements and business outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working as a close partner with Product Managers and Designers, ensuring research is deeply integrated into the product development lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and frequent communication channels to share findings, discuss implications, and gather feedback on research plans.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively contributing to a culture of learning by sharing research outcomes, methodologies, and best practices with the broader team and organization.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing and receiving constructive feedback on research designs, analysis, and recommendations to continuously improve the quality and impact of UX research.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates typical UX values into operational principles, emphasizing how user advocacy and data-driven approaches contribute to the overall success and efficiency of the product development and GTM operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The need to conduct research rapidly without sacrificing rigor can be demanding, requiring efficient planning and execution.

• Integrating Insights: Ensuring research findings are effectively understood and acted upon by design and engineering teams, overcoming potential resistance or differing priorities.

• Scope Creep: Managing research projects effectively to stay focused on key objectives and avoid expanding scope beyond what is feasible within timelines.

• Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the research needs and expectations of various stakeholders, each with potentially different goals and perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodology Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research areas like generative research, longitudinal studies, or advanced quantitative analysis.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gain a more profound understanding of product management, design thinking, and agile development processes.

• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of emerging UX research tools, techniques, and best practices through conferences, webinars, and industry publications.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior researchers or product leaders within the client organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed in terms of operational efficiency and stakeholder management, while growth opportunities focus on skill development relevant to UX and broader product operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

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

• "How do you translate complex user data into actionable recommendations for product teams?" (Focuses on insight synthesis and communication.)

• "Walk me through a research project where your findings significantly influenced product strategy or design. What was the impact?" (Evaluates ability to demonstrate impact and articulate value.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about our company/product and this specific research role?" (Tests research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you approach balancing user needs with business objectives and technical constraints?" (Assesses strategic thinking and pragmatism.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end process, diverse methodologies, and demonstrable impact.

• Focus on the 'Why' and 'So What': Clearly articulate the problem you were trying to solve and the concrete outcomes of your research. Use metrics where possible.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, participant selection, data analysis, and how you handled any challenges.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with design and product teams, and how you presented your findings to gain buy-in.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth, confident delivery within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation tips are highly specific to UX research, emphasizing strategic thinking, data interpretation, and collaborative problem-solving within a product development context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the User Research International job portal. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and highlights your relevant UX research experience in tech/product environments.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to showcase projects that align with the job description's emphasis on iterative research, usability testing, concept testing, and prototype evaluation. Highlight your end-to-end research process.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 4-7 years of industry experience, focusing on achievements and quantifiable outcomes where possible. Use keywords such as "UX Research," "Usability Testing," "Qualitative Analysis," and "Cross-functional Collaboration."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, key methodologies, and how you translate insights into actionable recommendations. Prepare to present 1-2 strong case studies from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with User Research International and, if possible, the type of clients or industries they typically serve. Understand the hybrid work model and the NYC office requirement.

⚠️ 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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