Research Lead (Product Design)

TL;DR

Research Lead (Product Design): Owning the qualitative understanding of users to uncover motivations and unmet needs with an accent on generative and evaluative research. Focus on building a research practice, establishing standards, and bridging qualitative insights with quantitative data to drive product decisions.

Location: Must be based in the UK and live within a commutable distance to the Milton Park or London office (minimum 3 days per week in-person).

Company

hirify.global is one of the world's largest publishers of high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarly journals, books, and reference works.

What you will do

• Establish and evolve the research practice, including standards, methods, and ethical principles across the organization.
• Lead generative research studies such as in-depth interviews, diary studies, and ethnographic observation to identify new problem spaces.
• Design and execute usability studies, concept tests, and prototype evaluations to ensure product effectiveness.
• Partner with Customer Intelligence and Data Science teams to triangulate qualitative insights with quantitative behavioral data.
• Translate research findings into actionable personas, journey maps, and experience principles.
• Advocate for research investment at the leadership level to improve product quality and reduce rework.

Requirements

• Significant experience in user research with a portfolio demonstrating both generative and evaluative work on complex digital products.
• Mastery of qualitative research methods (in-depth interviewing, contextual inquiry, usability testing).
• Mixed-methods capability and comfort interpreting quantitative behavioral data.
• Proven track record of influencing product decisions, design directions, or strategic priorities.
• Strong synthesis and storytelling skills to distill complex research into actionable insights.
• Right to work and live in the UK is required.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working culture with a balanced hybrid model.
• 25 days annual leave plus birthday and holiday season days off.
• Company-funded private medical insurance, life assurance, and employee assistance programme.
• Share Match plan and pension scheme.
• 4 paid volunteering days per year.