Upwork

Lead User Researcher – Product Insights

Remote

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Online Marketplaces, Staffing and Recruiting, BiotechnologyIndustries

Requirements

Candidates must have over 5 years of experience leading quantitative user research with a proven impact on product and strategy. Expertise in survey methodology, experimental design, and statistical analysis using platforms like Qualtrics and tools like Looker is required. Experience crafting customer-centric metrics in marketplaces, reputation systems, or AI-augmented platforms is preferred, as is comfort working with SQL or log data. Strong, empathetic, and precise communication skills are essential for collaborating across time zones and functions.

Responsibilities

The Lead User Researcher will design and lead quantitative studies, including surveys and log data analysis, to uncover insights that influence product direction and business strategy. They will integrate quantitative and qualitative data into compelling narratives to guide cross-functional decision-making and build scalable research frameworks like user satisfaction metrics. This role involves collaborating with Product, Design, and Data Science to refine hypotheses and translate research into measurable outcomes, while also championing research rigor, ethics, and providing mentorship on quantitative methods to the team.

Skills

Quantitative research
User behavior analysis
Surveys
Log data analysis
Segmentation
Conjoint analysis
Data integration
Qualitative data analysis
User satisfaction metrics
Trust indicators
Skill validation models
Hypothesis refinement

Upwork

Online platform connecting freelancers and clients

About Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients looking for various services in the gig economy, which focuses on short-term contracts instead of permanent jobs. The platform allows freelancers to create profiles that showcase their skills, while clients can post job listings for specific projects. Freelancers bid on these projects, and clients choose the best candidates based on proposals and reviews. Upwork earns revenue through service fees charged to freelancers based on their earnings, with a tiered structure that rewards long-term client relationships. The platform also offers premium memberships and additional services for enhanced visibility and access to job listings. Upwork provides tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management, making it easier for both freelancers and clients to manage their work and payments. The goal of Upwork is to facilitate successful project completion by bridging the gap between freelancers and clients.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$143.8MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Consulting, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Risks

Increased competition from Fiverr and Toptal threatens Upwork's market share.
The new Fiverr-style Project Catalog may commoditize services, reducing freelancers' perceived value.
Strategic shifts under new management may not align with current client expectations.

Differentiation

Upwork connects freelancers with clients across diverse industries, enhancing global work opportunities.
The platform offers tools like time tracking and invoicing for efficient project management.
Upwork's tiered fee structure incentivizes long-term client relationships, differentiating it from competitors.

Upsides

Upwork's acquisition of Objective AI enhances its AI capabilities for better talent matching.
The introduction of Featured Jobs increases visibility for job posts, attracting more candidates.
Upwork's recognition as the top job posting site boosts its credibility among employers.

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