Staff Experience Researcher

Summary

Join Thumbtack's New Hiring Experiences team as a Staff UX Researcher and lead fast-paced, mixed-method research to inform early-stage product strategy. Translate ambiguous problem spaces into clear direction, partner with design, product, and engineering teams to test concepts and iterate on ideas, and craft compelling narratives to influence stakeholders. Inspire a prototype-forward innovation culture, mentor peers, and champion iterative ways of working. Champion a user-centered mindset, advocating for customer and professional needs, and influence multiple product areas. This role is crucial for ensuring innovation is grounded in real user needs.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience leading user research in fast-paced, cross-functional product environments, with a strong emphasis on 0→1 and innovation-focused work (design consultancy and pathfinding experience a plus)
• Experience operating in sprint-style or agile environments, with comfort influencing rapid iteration and in-the-moment product decisions
• Deep expertise in qualitative methods and a mixed-methods mindset, with a sharp ability to choose the right approach for ambiguous, evolving product questions
• A proven track record of shaping early-stage product and business strategy through bold, actionable insights that drive clarity and direction
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to build alignment across product, design, engineering, and executive stakeholders
• A creative, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to operate independently in ambiguous, 0-to-1 product spaces
• Strong leadership presence, with experience mentoring researchers, elevating team practices, and influencing cross-disciplinary partners toward more iterative, prototype-driven ways of working

Responsibilities

• 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
• Craft compelling narratives that influence senior stakeholders, align cross-functional teams, and drive evidence-informed decisions
• Inspire a prototype-forward, innovation culture across cross-functional teams—mentoring peers, guiding research practice, and championing bold, iterative ways of working across product teams
• Champion a user-centered mindset across the broader team, advocating for the needs of both customers and pros
• Influence multiple product areas and partner teams, scaling the impact of research beyond your immediate scope