Experience Researcher

Role Overview

Experience Researcher (Mixed-Methods) at Thumbtack, embedded within product teams to advocate for both customers and pros. You will scope and run end-to-end qualitative and quantitative studies, turning findings into insights that drive product decisions.

You’ll join a pod focused on integrating a recent acquisition into Thumbtack’s ecosystem on the pro-facing side of the marketplace, learning a new product and user base quickly and standing up research where it’s new.

Responsibilities

• Research planning & execution: Independently scope and run mixed-method studies (exploratory research, usability tests, and in-product surveys).
• Champion the pro: Build deep understanding of pros and the tools they need to run successful businesses.
• Work in ambiguity: Convert unclear problem spaces into clear research questions, plans, and study designs.
• AI-accelerated research: Use AI tools across the research lifecycle (e.g., synthesis, analysis, instrument/guide drafting, reporting) and build lightweight AI artifacts (agents, workflows, automations, prototypes) to speed up learning.
  • Critically evaluate AI outputs for accuracy and bias.
• Collaboration: Partner with product, design, engineering, and data science to identify high-impact research opportunities and ensure insights translate into action.
• Synthesize & share insights: Create compelling, trustworthy narratives from qualitative and quantitative data via reports and presentations that influence product direction.
• Methodology selection: Choose appropriate methods (interviews, surveys, usability tests, concept tests, etc.).

Requirements

• 5+ years in applied research roles.
• Degree in a behavioral/social science field (or equivalent practical experience), examples include HCI, Cognitive Science, Experimental Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Information Science, Economics.
• Strong command of qualitative + quantitative methods, including designing and running studies end to end (interviews, usability studies, surveys, concept testing).
• Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data, including basic statistical analysis (e.g., t-tests, correlations).
• Proficiency with research tools such as Qualtrics, dscout, Sprig, and Rally.
• AI experience: Demonstrated hands-on use of AI to accelerate and scale research, with the judgment to evaluate outputs critically and apply them responsibly.
• Evidence of building lightweight AI tooling (e.g., agents/workflows/prototypes) that improved research speed or quality.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; track record of influencing product/design decisions through research.

Nice to Haves

• Advanced degree.
• SQL or other data-querying skills.