As the UX Research Lead at Clay, you will be responsible for establishing research foundations, leading end-to-end research processes, generating strategic insights, and fostering a research culture throughout the organization. You will design and conduct qualitative and quantitative studies, working collaboratively with product managers, designers, and engineers to ensure research findings inform impactful outcomes.

To be considered for the UX Research Lead position at Clay, candidates should have at least 7 years of hands-on UX research experience, preferably in a fast-paced B2B environment. You should be skilled in a variety of research methods and experienced in using tools like UserTesting, Maze, and Qualtrics while demonstrating the ability to translate findings into actionable product recommendations.

The UX Research Lead at Clay plays a key role in product development by ensuring that user insights are integral to the process. By leading research initiatives and translating complex findings into clear insights, this position directly influences product design and functionality, helping teams make informed decisions that enhance the overall user experience.

At Clay, the work environment for the UX Research Lead is collaborative and dynamic, based out of a beautifully designed office in Manhattan's Flatiron District. The culture promotes in-person collaboration, but there’s also flexibility to work from home when needed. You’ll be part of a vibrant team focused on innovation and user-centered design.

As a UX Research Lead at Clay, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage including dental and vision, generous paid time off, free daily meals, and parental leave benefits. Clay is committed to fostering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive while balancing their professional and personal lives.

When answering this question, highlight specific methodologies you've used such as usability testing, surveys, and interviews. Mention how you've chosen the appropriate method based on project needs and how each has contributed to successful outcomes.

You should discuss your approach to synthesizing research findings and presenting them to stakeholders. Explain how you create compelling narratives that illustrate user pain points and preferences, ensuring that these insights inform the decision-making process.

Share specific scenarios where you’ve needed to prioritize quick insights against comprehensive research. Discuss techniques you've used, such as running lean research sessions, to maximize efficiency while ensuring user needs are still addressed.

Explain your strategy for promoting a user-centric mindset, which could include engaging cross-functional teams in research activities, organizing workshops, or sharing success stories that showcase the value of incorporating user feedback into product development.

Provide an example that showcases your analytical skills. Discuss how you gathered the insight, the methods you used, and the impact it had on the product. Be detailed about the changes made and the outcomes that followed.

In your answer, emphasize your analytical skills and your experience with data analysis. Discuss any tools you have used to identify trends and patterns, and how you translated these findings into specific recommendations for product enhancement.

Talk about your communication style and methods you use to keep teams aligned and informed, such as regular updates, collaborative brainstorming sessions, and feedback loops to ensure all perspectives are considered in the product development process.

Explain how you engage with the research community by attending conferences, participating in webinars, or following thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn. Mention any specific resources you find particularly helpful for keeping your skills sharp and informed.

Discuss the critical role that UX research plays in understanding customer needs and driving product developments that resonate with users. Illustrate how effective research leads to informed decisions that can steer a company's strategy and enhance competitive advantage.

Express what specifically attracts you to Clay, such as its innovative approach to user experiences, its impressive growth, or its culture of collaboration and creativity. Personalize your answer to reflect your values and how they align with the company's mission.