UX Research Lead

Job Description

The UX Research Lead will join Citi's Design & User Experience organization, focusing on evolving UX Research in an AI-enabled product environment. This role involves directing end-to-end research programs to generate actionable client intelligence that informs product priorities and business strategy. The ideal candidate will possess deep methodological expertise and a vision for integrating AI capabilities into research practices. This position requires a proactive approach to transforming research methodologies and fostering a high-performing research culture.

Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Significant experience on complex, enterprise-scale design projects
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Excellent skills in professional design tools such as Sketch, Figma, AdobeXD, Axure, and InVision
• Significant experience using or creating design systems
• Significant aptitude for coaching and mentoring junior designers
• Keen interest in or knowledge of banking or finance

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full research lifecycle for assigned product domains from scoping to stakeholder delivery.
• Define and maintain an annual research roadmap aligned to business priorities and client experience goals.
• Oversee mixed-methods research programs, deploying appropriate methodologies.
• Serve as the primary research partner to senior stakeholders across various teams.
• Champion the voice of the client in product and strategy discussions.
• Ensure research quality and methodological integrity across all team outputs.
• Manage and mentor junior and mid-level researchers.
• Track and communicate research impact to leadership.
• Collaborate with Data, Analytics, and CX teams to integrate various data signals.
• Present findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Evolve the UX Research function in alignment with AI advancements.
• Define the strategic vision for AI-integrated UX Research.
• Lead the design and implementation of a living research intelligence layer.
• Establish a proactive research cadence for generating client intelligence.
• Drive the integration of AI-assisted research workflows.
• Define governance standards for AI use in research.
• Partner with Engineering and AI/ML teams to support research infrastructure.
• Establish or scale a UX Research Center of Excellence.
• Identify and evaluate emerging research methodologies and tools.
• Shape how UX Research integrates into Agile and AI-enabled delivery practices.
• Build organizational research literacy by coaching cross-functional partners.
• Represent the UX Research function at the executive level.

Benefits

Citi offers a comprehensive benefits package including competitive pay, stock programs, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, parental leave, and programs supporting employee wellbeing and professional development.