UX researcher job description.

What does a UX researcher do?

 

A UX researcher gathers insights into user behaviours, needs, and motivations through qualitative and quantitative methods. Their work shapes how products are designed, prioritised, and iterated.

 

Responsibilities include conducting user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and data analysis. They translate findings into actionable insights for designers, developers, and product managers.

 

In smaller teams, they may cover research for an entire product. In larger companies, UX researchers often specialise in specific user types, journeys, or regions, working closely with data and design teams.

 

Key responsibilities of a UX researcher.

 

UX researchers focus on understanding user behaviours, goals, and pain points. Their core responsibilities include:

• Planning and conducting qualitative and quantitative research

• Interviewing users, running focus groups, and leading usability testing

• Creating research plans, scripts, and survey designs

• Analysing behavioural data and extracting actionable insights

• Communicating findings to designers, product managers, and engineers

• Building user personas and journey maps based on research

• Collaborating with designers to test and validate design hypotheses

• Documenting and maintaining research archives for reuse

• Ensuring research is ethical, inclusive, and privacy-compliant

• Supporting continuous product discovery alongside product teams

This role blends research rigour with practical insight to improve product decisions.

 

Skills and requirements for a UX researcher.

 

UX researchers gather insights to improve product design, usability, and decision-making. Employers typically look for:

• 2–6 years of experience in user research or behavioural science

• Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods

• Experience planning, conducting, and analysing usability tests

• Skilled in user interviews, surveys, and observational studies

• Confidence working with product teams to translate findings into actions

• Familiarity with research tools like Maze, Dovetail, or Optimal Workshop

• Ability to present insights clearly to stakeholders and design teams

• Strong documentation and organisational skills

• Comfortable working across multiple products or verticals

Most UX researchers have backgrounds in psychology, HCI, or design, grounding product decisions in user needs.

 

Average salary for a UX researcher.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a UX researcher typically ranges from £40,000 to £60,000, depending on qualitative/quantitative research skills and project scope.

• Mid-level UX researchers tend to earn between £40,000 and £50,000

• Senior researchers leading usability studies and customer journey analysis may earn between £51,000 and £60,000

• Those with experience in accessibility, behavioural psychology, or ethnographic research often command higher pay

Roles in enterprise UX teams, tech platforms, and regulated sectors offer top-end salaries.

 

Career progression for a UX researcher.

 

A UX researcher ensures user-centric design by gathering and interpreting insights. The role can evolve into leadership or broader design strategy. A typical career path includes:

 

Junior UX researcher

 

Supports note-taking, and synthesis for research sessions.

 

UX researcher

 

Designs and runs studies, interprets data, and works closely with designers and PMs.

 

Senior UX researcher

 

Leads strategic research programs, develops research ops, and advises on business impact.

 

UX research manager

 

Manages a team and sets research priorities aligned to product strategy.

 

Head of UX / customer research

 

Defines long-term research vision, integrates customer insights across the business.