Senior Experience Researcher

About the Research Team

We are a high-performing, tight-knit team of embedded researchers who work closely with cross-functional product partners to deliver outstanding experiences for our users. Our researchers tackle complex challenges, generating insights that shape both product strategy and user experience. We're a nimble, ever-evolving group that learns from one another and our collaborators to refine our methods, stay ahead of industry trends, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in UX.

About the Role

As a Senior UX Researcher on Thumbtack’s New Hiring Experiences team, you’ll be at the forefront of discovering what’s next—using creative, iterative research approaches to bring clarity to ambiguity and guide early-stage product direction. You won’t just conduct research; you’ll play a key role in shaping bold, strategic bets and influencing how we build dynamic, complex user experiences. You’ll collaborate closely with product, design, engineering, data science, and other disciplines to move quickly, learn deeply, and build with purpose. This role is essential to making sure our innovation efforts are not only fast and inspired—but grounded in real user needs.

What you'll do

• Lead fast-paced, mixed-method research to inform early-stage product strategy and uncover new opportunities.
• Translate ambiguous problem spaces into clear direction through sharp insights and strategic thinking.
• Partner closely with design, product, and engineering to rapidly test concepts, iterate on ideas, and shape MVPs.
• Synthesize findings into compelling stories that influence decisions and inspire bold innovation.
• Champion user needs across the team, ensuring both customers and pros are at the center of what we build.

In order to be successful, you must bring

• 8-10+ years of experience conducting user research in fast-paced, cross-functional product environments
• A strong foundation in both qualitative methods (mixed methods is a plus), with the ability to select the right approach for complex, evolving product questions
• A track record of shaping product strategy and influencing decisions through compelling, actionable insights
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with experience tailoring insights to diverse audiences including product, design, engineering, and leadership
• A creative, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to operate independently in ambiguous, 0-to-1 product spaces
• Proficiency with industry-standard research tools (e.g., UserTesting, Qualtrics, Dscout) and comfort working alongside data science teams or conducting lightweight in-product surveys
• A degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Anthropology, or a related field—or equivalent practical experience in applied research.

Expected salary ranges

• For candidates living in San Francisco / Bay Area, San Jose, New York City, or Seattle metros, the expected salary range for the role is currently $189,000.00 - $231,000.00.
• For candidates living in Austin, TX or Washington DC metros or in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, or Washington states, the expected salary range for the role is currently $170,100.00 - $207,900.00.
• For candidates living in all other US locations, the expected salary range for this role is currently $160,700.00 - $196,400.00.

Actual offered salaries will vary and will be based on various factors, such as calibrated job level, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

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Thumbtack embraces diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, state, or local law. We also will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, consistent with applicable law. 

Thumbtack is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability during any part of the application process, please contact: recruitingops@thumbtack.com. 

If you are a California resident, please review information regarding your rights under California privacy laws contained in Thumbtack’s Privacy policy available at https://www.thumbtack.com/privacy/ .