Lead UX Researcher
Wikimedia Foundation
Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Ghana +14 moreremotePosted 29 days ago
Skill Required
UX-ResearchProduct-and-TechnologyProduct-ManagementUX-DesignLead-UX-ResearcherUX-Research-LeadLead-User-ResearcherSenior-UX-ResearcherDesign-Research-LeadUX-Research-Managerrelated fieldUser ResearchStatisticsbuildingwrittenTestNGdesignandAIFulltime
Key highlights
- Anticipated annual pay range for US-based applicants: US$131,939 to US$204,803
- 6+ years of UX research experience required
- Remote-first organization with global hiring
- Mission-driven role with human-centered impact
- Requires availability for meetings between 15:00 to 19:00 UTC
- Up to four travel trips per year expected
Role overview
The Wikimedia Foundation is looking for a Lead UX Researcher to join the UX Research team. The role focuses on leading mixed‑methods research for the "Increase our Reach" focus area of the WMF Annual Plan, partnering cross‑functionally to identify high‑impact research opportunities and inform product strategy across Wikipedia and related projects.
Responsibilities
- Lead qualitative and quantitative UX research studies that inform product teams in building the right products and features for the right users.
- Proactively identify, define, and obtain buy‑in for strategic research projects.
- Communicate research findings and recommendations to stakeholders in clear and compelling ways.
- Act as a trusted and strategic thought partner for cross‑functional leads in your area of focus, supporting the adoption of research‑based human‑centered recommendations.
- Inform planning and strategy discussions through research by consolidating, analysing, and synthesising what is known about users, products, services and organisational needs.
- Evolve best practices in UX research and drive improvement of team practices and processes.
- Mentor more junior individual contributors and guide the work of contractors.
- Document and communicate the process and results of your research publicly with the Wikimedia community.
Requirements
- 6 or more years experience conducting UX research within a product organization, with a proven track record of leading impactful research projects in fast‑paced environments and driving successful organisational outcomes.
- Deep expertise with qualitative methods, e.g. interviews, contextual inquiry, diary studies.
- Ability to conduct quantitative research end‑to‑end (e.g. surveys, large‑scale unmoderated testing, large‑scale diary studies, or quantitative UX benchmarking) with expertise in experimental design and statistical analysis.
- Ability to work collaboratively with product teams to translate insights into actionable recommendations.
- Master’s or PhD degree in Human‑Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Statistics, Behavioural Economics, Linguistics, Psychology, Anthropology or a related field.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and proficiency in asynchronous communication.
Nice to have
- Fluency in languages beyond English.
- Experience contributing to Wikimedia projects.
- Experience working as a UX researcher for projects that have a global reach (beyond a limited number of languages, cultures, and geographies).
- Experience working with international vendors and contractors.
- Experience working with volunteer communities and projects.
Benefits
- Remote‑first organization with staff members and contractors based in 40+ countries.
- Competitive, equitable, and location‑adjusted salary range for US applicants: US$131,939 – US$204,803 per year.
- US employees receive local benefits and perks (details available in the U.S. Benefits & Perks section).
- Opportunity to travel up to four times per year.
- Open and transparent work culture with public engagement within a multicultural environment.
Additional details
- Role reports to the UX Research team manager and requires collaboration with stakeholders across the organization in different timezones.
- Expected to be available for critical meetings and synchronous work between 15:00 and 19:00 UTC.
- The role focuses on mixed‑methods research for the "Increase our Reach" focus area of the WMF Annual Plan.
- Work will include foundational and evaluative studies on topics such as Beyond Wiki audience, perception of Wikipedia results in search engine and AI chatbot contexts, and evaluation of designs for attributing Wikipedia content.
- You can find past projects conducted by the UX Research team on the team website and learn about broader research through the bi‑annual Research Report.
- The Wikimedia Foundation is a non‑profit, 501(c)(3) organization that relies on donations and has offices in San Francisco, CA.
- Applicants located outside the US will receive a pay range adjusted to the country of hire, with local EORs and work authorisation requirements.
- The foundation values diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics.
- If you need accommodation during the application process due to a disability, contact the foundation at the provided email or phone.