Lead Researcher

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take charge of research strategy and execution across one or two simultaneous client projects, from defining the question to aiding in decision-making.

• Create and implement mixed-methods programs that include generative interviews, contextual inquiries, concept and usability validation, surveys, literature reviews, and competitive or market analyses.

• Choose research methods based on the decision at stake while balancing speed and research rigor.

• Act as the main research and strategy partner for client stakeholders, ensuring alignment and managing expectations from product owners through to executives.

• Integrate qualitative, quantitative, and secondary sources to formulate recommendations regarding product priorities.

• Develop and sustain service blueprints that link user journeys to backstage processes, systems, and operational realities.

• Lead discovery workshops, opportunity mapping, and assumption-testing sessions with cross-functional teams from the client side.

• Establish research operations, which include recruiting, screening, incentives, consent, and repository practices.

• Utilize AI-assisted tools for desk research, synthesis, and reporting purposes.

• Mentor designers and researchers through study plan reviews, synthesis support, and feedback on readouts.

• Contribute to internal practices related to research and product strategy, along with the shared methods library.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 8 years of experience in user research, design research, or product strategy, including leadership in complex initiatives.

• A demonstrated ability across qualitative and quantitative methods, with discernment about when to engage specialist support.

• Proven capability to collaborate with senior client stakeholders and maintain relationships even in the face of disagreement.

• A portfolio or case studies illustrating how research has significantly influenced product decisions.

• Experience working within client, consulting, or multi-client settings without owning the roadmap.

• Proficiency with service design artifacts, such as blueprints, journey maps, and ecosystem models.

• Excellent facilitation skills with diverse groups, ranging from working teams to executive audiences.

• Familiarity with Dual-Track Agile, Continuous Discovery, or Double Diamond methodologies.

• Knowledge of research and testing platforms, as well as participant privacy practices.

• Strong writing and presentation abilities to convey findings in both business and technical terminology.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Must not require visa sponsorship.

🏝️ Benefits

• Fully remote work opportunity.

• Access to AI-assisted tools that enhance desk research, synthesis, and reporting.

• Opportunities for coaching and feedback for designers and researchers.