Lead Researcher- Unannounced Title

Role overview

A mobile and PC game studio is hiring a Lead Researcher to own the user research function for an unannounced title. The role blends hands-on mixed-methods research with strategic partnership to product leadership, shaping design vision, roadmap priorities, and live-operations decisions across the full development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

- Lead research initiatives that deepen understanding of the player experience across development and live operations. - Act as a strategic partner to product leadership, identifying where research can shape design vision, roadmap priorities, and player experience strategy. - Own the end-to-end research function, from strategy and study design through execution, synthesis, and delivery of insights. - Design and present quantitative and qualitative studies such as surveys, usability playtests, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, in partnership with consumer insights, research operations, and cross-functional teams. - Translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations that influence design decisions and measurable product outcomes. - Manage external research vendors as needed, balancing cost, scope, and quality. - Help evolve research methodologies, frameworks, and best practices across the broader research organization. - Mentor and support other researchers, contributing to the growth and maturity of the team.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in psychology, human-computer interaction, game design, social science, or a related field; MBA, Master's, or PhD preferred. - Eight or more years of end-to-end user experience research experience in gaming, whether at a developer, publisher, or research agency. - Strong expertise in mixed-methods research, with the judgment to choose the right approach for each stage of production. - Demonstrated track record of driving measurable product or player experience improvements through research. - Experience supporting product strategy and roadmap decisions in complex, cross-functional environments. - Experience managing external research vendors and partnering with senior stakeholders using evidence-based insights. - Passion for games and a working understanding of core loops and monetization in mobile and PC titles.

Nice to have

- Experience scaling or improving research practices, tools, or operations within a team.

Benefits and work setup

- Remote position based in the US, with quarterly in-person travel for research and team activities.