UX Researcher (Temp-6 month)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher (Temp - 6 month)

Company: Match Group

Location: United States

Job Type: Fixed Term

Category: User Experience Research / Product Research

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Remote Friendly (Option to work remotely)

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct mixed-methods user research to identify opportunities and validate product solutions within the dating and social connections space.

• Drive a deep understanding of diverse user segments for Affinity apps, translating data into actionable insights for leadership and cross-functional teams.

• Partner closely with Product Management and Design to integrate research into the product development lifecycle and foster a research-centric culture.

• Communicate research findings effectively through compelling written reports and engaging presentations to influence stakeholder decision-making.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research practices and methodologies within a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on user experience research within a specific product division (Affinity) of Match Group, emphasizing mixed-methods approaches to understand user needs and behaviors in the dating app landscape. The temporary nature of the role suggests a project-based need or a trial period for potential longer-term engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end user research initiatives, employing rigorous qualitative (e.g., user interviews, usability testing) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, data analysis) methods.

• Identify and define key user segments for Affinity apps, developing a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs, motivations, and pain points within the dating journey.

• Generate actionable insights that directly inform product strategy, feature development, and innovative new product bets for dating and social connection platforms.

• Develop and deliver compelling research presentations and written reports tailored to various audiences, including product managers, designers, engineers, and executive leadership.

• Actively collaborate with Design and Product teams to embed research best practices, mentor team members on research methodologies, and advocate for a user-centric product development process.

• Support the creation and maintenance of documentation on research best practices and methodologies to ensure consistent and high-quality research execution.

• Analyze quantitative data from surveys and other sources to identify trends, patterns, and correlations in user attitudes and behaviors.

• Facilitate workshops and discussions to translate research findings into concrete product recommendations and strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical research execution and strategic influence, requiring the candidate to not only conduct research but also to champion its value and integration within the product teams. The emphasis on "innovative new bets" suggests involvement in exploratory research and opportunity identification.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX Research roles.

Experience: At least 1-2 years of experience conducting user research within a product environment (B2C or B2B).

Required Skills:

• Proficient in conducting user interviews, including moderated and unmoderated formats.

• Experienced in performing usability testing (moderated and/or unmoderated) to identify user friction points.

• Skilled in designing and deploying surveys to gather data on user attitudes and behaviors.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze survey results and other quantitative data to extract meaningful insights.

• Strong understanding and practical application of mixed-methods research approaches.

• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive stakeholders.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment, managing multiple research projects simultaneously.

• Familiarity with product development lifecycles and cross-functional collaboration with Product Managers and Designers. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific statistical analysis tools or software.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and interpretation of results.

• Experience in the online dating or social connection industry.

• Ability to mentor junior researchers or colleagues on research techniques.

• Experience creating and maintaining research documentation and best practice guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is on the lower end (1+ years), suggesting that while practical experience is crucial, the role may also be suitable for individuals who have completed internships or relevant academic projects with significant research components. The emphasis on communication and stakeholder management is paramount for influencing product decisions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 robust case studies demonstrating end-to-end user research projects from inception to impact.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the research problem, methodology employed (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods), research process, key findings, and actionable recommendations.

• Highlight your specific contributions to each project, especially in areas of research design, data analysis, and insight generation.

• Include examples of how your research directly influenced product decisions, improved user experience, or contributed to business objectives (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates).

• Demonstrate proficiency in various research tools and techniques used for data collection, analysis, and reporting. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of how you have documented research plans, methodologies, and findings in a clear, organized, and accessible manner.

• Showcase your ability to create user journey maps, personas, or other artifacts that synthesize research insights for cross-functional teams.

• Provide evidence of your approach to establishing and advocating for research best practices within a product team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis should be on demonstrating the impact of the research, not just the research itself. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process and explain the "why" behind their methodological choices and how they translated raw data into actionable insights that drove product improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40 - $60 per hour.

Explanation: This hourly range is provided based on the job posting and is reflective of a position based across the United States. The specific pay rate will be subject to geographic adjustments based on the candidate's location. Factors such as the scope of responsibilities, candidate's experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market conditions will also influence the final compensation.

Benefits:

• Mind & Body: Comprehensive medical, mental health, and wellness benefits.

• Financial Wellness: Competitive hourly compensation, 100% employer match on 401k contributions up to 10% (cap at $10,000), and an employee stock purchase program.

• Unplug: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 14 paid holidays.

• Career: Annual training allowance for professional development, and Employee Resource Group (ERG) membership opportunities.

• Family: 20 weeks of 100% paid parental leave, fertility, adoption, and child care resources, pet insurance, and discounts.

• Company Gatherings: Opportunities for company events to foster connection and belonging.

Working Hours: The role implies a standard 40-hour work week, consistent with a full-time temporary position. Flexibility may be available given the remote option.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated per hour, which is common for contract or temporary roles. The benefits package is quite comprehensive for a temporary position, indicating Match Group's commitment to employee well-being across different employment types. The 401k match and ESPP are particularly strong financial benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Dating & Social Connections (Technology/Internet). Match Group operates within a dynamic and competitive industry focused on facilitating relationships and social interactions through technology.

Company Size: Match Group is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global presence. The Affinity division, while specific, benefits from the resources and infrastructure of a major corporation. This size means opportunities for structured processes but also potentially a need for agility within specific teams.

Founded: Match Group has a long history, evolving from early online dating pioneers. This legacy suggests a mature organization with established best practices, but also a drive for innovation to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

Team Structure: The UX Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated UX Research team or embedded within a product pod, working closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Data Analysts. Collaboration is key, and the researcher will need to navigate various stakeholder relationships across different functional areas.

Methodology: The Affinity division, and Match Group generally, is expected to employ data-driven methodologies. This includes leveraging analytics, A/B testing, and robust user research to inform product decisions. The emphasis on "mixed methods" research indicates a commitment to a holistic understanding of user behavior.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Match Group's mission to "help people find love and happiness" sets a strong user-centric tone. The Affinity division's focus on specific user segments (BLK, Chispa, Upward) suggests a commitment to diversity and inclusion within their product offerings and user base.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a temporary UX Researcher, likely at an entry to mid-level. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience in a prominent company within the dating/social tech space, focusing on core UX research competencies.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report to a Lead UX Researcher or a Director of Product/Design within the Affinity division. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Designers on specific product initiatives.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work will directly impact product strategy and user experience for Affinity apps. By providing insights into user needs and behaviors, they will help shape product roadmaps, validate new features, and ultimately contribute to user satisfaction, engagement, and potentially revenue growth for the brands they support.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in mixed-methods research, user interview techniques, usability testing, and survey analysis within a real-world product environment.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the online dating and social connections industry, understanding its unique user dynamics and market challenges.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced Product Managers, Designers, and Researchers at a leading tech company.

• Potential for Extension/Full-Time: While temporary, successful performance could lead to opportunities for contract extension or full-time roles within Match Group, depending on business needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a temporary role, the primary growth opportunity is direct experience and skill acquisition. The candidate should view this as a stepping stone to potentially secure a permanent position or leverage the experience gained for future roles in UX research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description indicates that this is a temporary position with the option to work remotely. This suggests that while there might be physical office locations for Match Group, the company is amenable to remote work for this role.

Office Location(s): While specific office locations are not detailed, Match Group has offices in major tech hubs. Given the "United States" location, the role could be performed from any location within the US, with potential for geographic pay adjustments.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: The option to work remotely offers significant autonomy and flexibility in managing one's workspace.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to utilize collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Miro, Figma) for communication, brainstorming, and sharing research artifacts with remote and/or co-located teams.

• Research Tools: Access to standard UX research software and platforms for conducting interviews, usability tests, surveys, and data analysis.

Work Schedule: The role implies a standard 40-hour work week. While remote work offers flexibility, timely communication and availability for team meetings and research sessions will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status, coupled with the "United States" location, provides significant flexibility for candidates. The company's allowance for remote work suggests a modern approach to talent acquisition and a trust in employees to manage their work effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, showcasing 2-3 key UX research projects. This is a critical step where you'll demonstrate your research process, methodologies, impact, and communication skills. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and the outcomes of your research.

• Case Study/Take-Home Assignment: A common next step for UX roles is a take-home assignment or a live case study exercise designed to assess your research design, analysis, and communication abilities on a specific problem.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially other researchers to evaluate collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and domain knowledge.

• Final Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic thinking, career aspirations, and overall fit with Match Group's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio clearly, with a concise executive summary for each project. Use a consistent format: Problem, Process, Solution/Insights, Impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, wireframes, charts, videos) to illustrate your research process and findings.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "identified key usability issues leading to Y% improvement in conversion").

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if it was a collaborative project.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the requirements of this specific UX Researcher position, particularly those involving mixed-methods research, B2C products, and driving product decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design: Practice designing research plans for hypothetical scenarios relevant to dating apps (e.g., improving user onboarding, understanding feature adoption, identifying reasons for user churn).

• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methods for a given problem.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Practice synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights.

• Presentation Skills: Rehearse your presentation delivery, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and engaging storytelling. Prepare for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial part of the application process for this role. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing and refining their portfolio, ensuring it effectively showcases their skills and experience in a compelling manner.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Interviewing & Usability Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or native conferencing tools (Zoom, Google Meet) for conducting moderated and unmoderated sessions.

• Survey Platforms: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms, Qualtrics for creating and distributing surveys.

• Data Analysis Tools: Spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets) for basic analysis; potentially more advanced tools like SPSS, R, or Python for statistical analysis, depending on the candidate's quantitative skills.

• Collaboration & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for reviewing designs and providing feedback; Miro or Mural for collaborative whiteboarding and affinity mapping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms to understand user behavior patterns and complement research findings.

• Reporting & Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for creating compelling research reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation: While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how insights can be fed into product development processes is beneficial. Familiarity with how user feedback is tracked and actioned within product management workflows is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned are standard for UX Research. The emphasis is on the application of these tools to gather and analyze user data, rather than just listing them. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these or similar tools and how they leverage them to drive insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and experience.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on research and analytics to inform product strategy and design choices.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working effectively with cross-functional teams and openly sharing insights and methodologies.

• Curiosity & Continuous Learning: An ongoing desire to explore user behavior, test hypotheses, and learn new research techniques.

• Impact & Actionability: Focusing research efforts on generating insights that lead to tangible product improvements and business outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working as a close partner with Product Managers and Designers, integrating research seamlessly into the product development lifecycle.

• Advocacy: Championing research findings and ensuring they are understood and acted upon by stakeholders.

• Mentorship: Sharing knowledge and best practices with team members, fostering a culture of research excellence.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive feedback on research designs, methodologies, and insights, and using it to refine approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Match Group's emphasis on "belonging" and "connection" likely translates into a collaborative and inclusive team environment. The UX Researcher will be expected to be a proactive and communicative team player who can build strong relationships across departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The need to conduct research and deliver insights quickly in a dynamic tech landscape. This requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Synthesizing diverse user needs with product roadmaps and business objectives to find optimal solutions.

• Advocating for Research in a Data-Rich Environment: Clearly demonstrating the value of qualitative research alongside quantitative analytics to influence decision-making.

• Working with Diverse User Segments: Adapting research methodologies to effectively understand the unique needs and contexts of different user groups within the dating app ecosystem.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Applied Mixed-Methods Research: Gaining hands-on experience applying a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research techniques in a real-world product setting.

• Industry Expertise: Developing a deep understanding of the user psychology and market dynamics within the online dating and social connections industry.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Honing skills in stakeholder management, communication, and influencing product strategy through effective research partnerships.

• Professional Development: Utilizing the annual training allowance for courses, conferences, or certifications relevant to UX research and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of the role presents a challenge in terms of long-term career trajectory within the company, but it offers a concentrated period for rapid skill development and exposure to a high-profile industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used mixed-methods research to solve a complex product problem. What was your approach, what did you learn, and what was the impact?" (Focus on detailing your process, the synergy between qualitative and quantitative data, and measurable outcomes.)

• "How would you approach researching user engagement for a new feature on a dating app? What methods would you prioritize and why?" (Demonstrate your ability to design research plans tailored to specific product goals and user segments.)

• "Imagine you have conflicting findings from qualitative interviews and quantitative analytics. How would you reconcile these differences and present a unified recommendation to stakeholders?" (Showcase your analytical rigor and ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Match Group and the Affinity division specifically? How do you see your research skills contributing to our mission?" (Research Match Group's brands, mission, and recent news. Connect your passion for understanding users to their goals.)

• "How do you handle collaborating with stakeholders who may have different opinions or priorities regarding research findings?" (Emphasize your communication, persuasion, and relationship-building skills, focusing on user advocacy.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring or advocating for UX research best practices within a team." (Highlight your proactive approach to embedding research into product development and your ability to educate others.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a narrative. What was the challenge? What journey did you take to find the solution? What was the ultimate outcome?

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Visuals: Use clear, professional visuals to support your presentation. Avoid cluttered slides.

• Q&A Preparation: Anticipate questions about your methodology, insights, impact, and challenges. Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your work.

• Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for user research and your genuine interest in Match Group's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only technically proficient in research methods but also a strong communicator, collaborator, and strategic thinker who can translate insights into business value. The ability to clearly articulate the "so what?" of research is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant UX research experience, emphasizing mixed-methods approaches, user interviews, usability testing, and survey analysis. Ensure your portfolio is polished, showcases impactful case studies, and is readily accessible.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your responsibilities and achievements in previous product research roles, using keywords from the job description such as "mixed methods," "qualitative research," "quantitative research," "user interviews," "usability testing," and "stakeholder management." Quantify your impact whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling and clearly explaining the impact of your research. Prepare to discuss your approach to research design, data analysis, and collaboration. Rehearse answers to common UX research interview questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Match Group's brands, particularly those within the Affinity division (BLK, Chispa, Upward). Understand their mission, target audiences, and the competitive landscape of the dating app industry. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.