Lead Researcher, Customer Insights

Summary

Join PrizePicks, a rapidly growing sports company, as a Sr. Staff Researcher and contribute to research-backed decision-making. You will lead multi-modal insight workstreams, conduct advanced mixed-method studies, and translate research data into actionable strategies. Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize products and mentor junior researchers. This role requires 10+ years of experience in consumer/product research, with a deep understanding of game design and player psychology. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to shape the future of gaming.

Requirements

• 10+ years of consumer/product research (4+ in-house gaming or mobile), owning high-impact, cross-functional projects
• Mastery of mixed methods: behavioral data mining, regression & factor analysis, large-scale surveys, in-depth qual, and agile UX testing
• Fluency in experimental research design and the ability to pivot methods to match pace and ambiguity
• Proven influence at the exec level, turning complex findings into clear business decisions and shipped features
• Deep grasp of game design, live-ops economics, and player psychology within sports or gaming ecosystems
• Leadership chops: vendor management, mentoring, and driving alignment across multiple collaborators
• Exceptional communication skills: You don’t just present findings; you shift thinking and inspire action
• Strong strategic thinking and storytelling ability, able to zoom out to the 10,000-ft view and connect the dots across data, behavior, and opportunity while understanding the tactical steps required to execute the strategy
• Confidence to challenge the status quo and advocate for the Player even when it’s uncomfortable or contrarian
• Bias for action, curiosity, and empathy - you move fast, ask power questions, and always advocate for the player

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end, multi-modal insight workstreams that blend behavioral analytics with secondary and primary research to uncover growth and engagement opportunities in key strategic areas
• Run advanced mixed-method studies, inclusive of large-scale surveys and IDIs to co-creation and ethnography to answer high-stakes, high-visibility product and portfolio questions
• Turn research data into strategy, building player models, pricing frameworks, and revenue-weighted recommendations that steer roadmaps and capital allocation
• Drive change with leadership, crafting crisp narratives that spotlight player needs and trigger decisive and confident action
• Partner daily with Design, Product, and Marketing to test assumptions, refine mechanics, and optimize live operations for major, multi-year product initiatives as well as ad-hoc needs
• Mentor researchers and cross-functional teams, elevating craft standards and scaling research infrastructure
• Spot the next big bet, translating cultural and market shifts into future-facing product concepts

Benefits

• Company-subsidized medical, dental, & vision plans
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Annual bonus
• Flexible PTO to encourage a healthy work/life balance (2 weeks STRONGLY encouraged!)
• Generous paid leave programs, including 16-week paid parental leave and disability benefits
• Workplace flexibility and modern work schedules focused on getting the job done, not hours clocked
• Company-wide in-person events and team outings
• Lifestyle enhancement program
• Company equipment provided (Windows & Mac options)
• Annual performance reviews with opportunities for growth and career development