Senior UX Researcher

As a Senior UX Researcher, you will establish the research approach and protocols for the Assessments group while delivering insights that drive immediate product decisions. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate research throughout the product development process.

Responsibilities

• Build the research approach and protocols for the Assessments group from scratch, establishing scalable methods that balance rigor with the speed of product development.
• Proactively identify high-impact research opportunities and develop research roadmaps aligned to product strategy—don't wait to be asked.
• Plan and execute both qualitative and quantitative research studies, selecting and adapting methodologies based on the question at hand and business constraints.
• Synthesize complex findings into clear, compelling insights that drive product decisions, creating deliverables such as user personas, journey maps, and opportunity frameworks.
• Partner closely with Product Design, Product Management, and Engineering to integrate research throughout the product development process.
• Present research findings through compelling stories that inspire action and build empathy for users across the organization.
• Educate stakeholders on research value and help the team understand when and how to leverage research.
• Think systemically across assessment products (Quizzes, MasteryConnect) and the broader Canvas ecosystem, identifying patterns and opportunities that span multiple products and user types.
• Collaborate with researchers across other Instructure product groups and contribute to company-wide research initiatives.

Requirements

• 5-7+ years of professional experience as a UX Researcher or in a similar research role.
• Demonstrated expertise across both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Strong portfolio showcasing diverse research projects and their impact on product decisions.
• Proven ability to establish research protocols and operations, especially in environments with limited existing research infrastructure.
• Experience working in fast-paced, agile product development environments.
• Excellent facilitation skills with the ability to guide conversations and uncover unarticulated user needs.
• Outstanding analytical and synthesis skills—you turn messy data into clear insights.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling abilities, with experience presenting to diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to proactively identify research opportunities aligned to business goals.
• Strong collaboration skills and experience partnering with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and prioritize effectively.
• Self-starter mentality with comfort operating in ambiguity.

Key Skills

• Experience in education technology or with educator and student audiences (bonus).
• Background working as an early researcher, establishing research operations from scratch (bonus).
• Experience conducting research across multiple related products or platforms (bonus).
• Familiarity with learning management systems or assessment tools (bonus).
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive research practices (bonus).
• Experience with research tools such as UserTesting, Dovetail, Qualtrics, or similar (bonus).
• Experience working with distributed or remote teams (bonus).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program - because everyone should have a stake in our success.
• Flexible schedules and a remote-friendly culture, with hybrid or onsite work options available in some regions for specific roles.
• Generous time off, including local holidays and our annual company-wide “Dim the Lights” week in late December, when we encourage everyone to step back and recharge.
• Comprehensive wellness programs and mental health support.
• Annual learning and development stipends to support your growth.
• The technology and tools you need to do your best work — typically a Mac, with PC options available in some locations.
• Motivosity employee recognition program.
• A culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and meaningful connection.