Staff User Experience Researcher

Who you are

• 10+ years of research experience, with expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Experience with AI tools for user research
• Hands-on ability to run statistical analysis and design/analyze surveys, as well as lead foundational qualitative studies
• A track record of delivering impactful insight in ambiguous, early-stage, or fast-changing problem spaces
• Proven ability to work directly with senior leadership and influence strategy
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills to own multiple projects at different stages simultaneously
• Experience on 0-to-1 or incubation products
• Familiar with Claude Code
• SQL and comfort working directly with data
• Background in consumer products and/or hospitality
• Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Statistics, or equivalent practical experience. (General guideline: strong researchers come from many backgrounds; please apply if you feel you'd be a good fit.)

What the job involves

• Research has been part of Airbnb from the beginning, ever since Paul Graham told the Airbnb founders, "go to your users." As designers, the founders embraced this advice and got on a plane to meet with Airbnb hosts that very weekend. Since those early days, the value of research has been baked into Airbnb’s product culture
• We're building our newest incubation work stream, and we're looking for a Staff UX Researcher who is equally strong in qualitative and quantitative methods
• You'll be one of the first researchers on the ground for a 0-to-1 effort, which means the questions aren't defined yet, the roadmap will change, and your research will shape both
• You'll know when to run fast to unblock a decision and when to go deep to get it right, while bringing senior stakeholders along the way
• Own end-to-end research for new incubation areas, from framing the questions to landing the recommendations
• Utilize appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods to deliver fast, actionable insights
• Triangulate across data sources and past learnings to get to the right signals in an ambiguous, fast-moving space
• Balance speed and rigor: deliver quick reads when the team needs to move, and deeper studies when a decision warrants it, without sacrificing quality
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Design, Business Operations, and Data Science to shape strategy from research insights
• Communicate clearly and persuasively with stakeholders at every level, including senior executives
• Develop compelling narratives that make users' needs, pain points, and opportunities impossible to ignore
• Lead brainstorming sessions and workshops to translate research insights into product decision and strategy

Benefits

• Paid volunteer time
• Health food and snacks
• Generous parental and family leave
• Learning and development
• Annual travel and experiences credit