Principal UX Researcher

About the role

We are seeking a Principal UX Researcher to lead our research efforts and shape product decisions at every level. Reporting directly to the VP of Design, this role will define BetterUp's research vision and practice.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve BetterUp’s UX research practice: establish research methodologies, quality standards, tooling, and governance frameworks that scale across the product organization
• Drive strategic research that informs company-level product strategy, partnering directly with the VP of Design, Product leadership, and the executive team to identify high-leverage opportunities
• Partner cross-functionally with PMM, the Labs behavioral insights team, and Product to synthesize quantitative and qualitative data into actionable insights that influence go-to-market strategy and product direction
• Represent UX Research as the discipline’s voice in executive forums, design reviews, and strategic planning sessions—ensuring research has a seat at the table for critical decisions
• Build and scale research operations: evaluate and select research tools and vendors, define participant recruitment strategies, establish research repositories, and create self-serve research capabilities for the broader organization
• Mentor and coach researchers and design partners across the team, raising the bar on research craft and building organizational research fluency
• Establish governance frameworks and best practices for responsible AI usage in research processes, including AI-augmented analysis, synthesis, and participant experience

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in UX research, design research, or a closely related field, with 6+ years operating at a senior or staff level of scope and impact
• Deep expertise across the full spectrum of research methodologies—qualitative and quantitative, generative and evaluative, behavioral and attitudinal
• Demonstrated track record of leading research that directly shaped product strategy and business outcomes at an organizational level
• Experience defining and scaling a research practice, including establishing processes, tooling, governance, and research operations
• Exceptional ability to synthesize complex data from multiple sources into clear, compelling narratives that drive executive-level decision-making
• Strong cross-functional partnership skills, with experience influencing Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Data Science stakeholders
• Experience mentoring and developing researchers at various career stages
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills—you make research accessible, memorable, and actionable for any audience

Skills

• AI fluency as a complement to craft, not a replacement for it

Benefits

• Access to BetterUp coaching; one for you and one for a friend or family member
• A competitive compensation plan with opportunity for advancement
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible paid time off
• All federal/statutory holidays observed
• 4 BetterUp Inner Work days
• 5 Volunteer Days to give back
• Learning and Development stipend
• Company wide Summer & Winter breaks
• Year-round charitable contribution of your choice on behalf of BetterUp
• 401(k) self contribution

Pay

$136,450 – $231,650

Schedule

N/A