Advanced Specialist, UX Researcher

Role Overview

Pearson Virtual Schools is seeking an UX Researcher to lead end-to-end user research that shapes product strategy and improves customer experiences across Pearson’s AI-powered learning platforms. You will partner with Product Management, UX Design, Engineering, Data Analytics, and business stakeholders to reduce uncertainty and drive data-backed decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts using mixed-method research (qualitative + quantitative) to address key knowledge gaps.
• Use strong interviewing skills to understand human behavior, uncover underlying needs, and reduce customer/user bias.
• Recruit and work with educators, students, and parents, with attention to consent, privacy, and trust.
• Use AI tools to scale research, streamline workflows, and synthesize insights across diverse data sources.
• Define and maintain research agendas and roadmaps with Product teams.
• Develop research questions and objectives aligned to business strategy.
• Plan, execute, and manage studies; maintain strong touchpoints with cross-functional partners.
• Analyze and synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights tied to research objectives.
• Influence product strategy by advocating for user-centered decisions and communicating impact.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership with executive presence.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
• Ensure regulatory, compliance, and privacy requirements are considered in recruitment and data collection.
• Help build a culture of collaboration, shared ownership, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• 5+ years of proven experience leading user research projects with measurable impact.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., HCI, Psychology, Human Factors, Social Sciences) or equivalent experience (Master’s preferred).
• Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, and ability to choose appropriate techniques.
• Work samples showing research deliverables (e.g., research plans, reports, presentations).
• Familiarity with research/design tools (e.g., usertesting.com, survey/testing tools, repositories, Figma).
• Experience collaborating across Product development teams (UX, Product Management, Engineering, Analytics).
• Excellent time management, strong attention to detail, comfort managing multiple workstreams, and adaptability to shifting priorities.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience investigating complex questions around mindsets and behaviors of diverse users using Pearson products.