UX Research Manager (AI Mode)

Job Title:

UX Research Manager -

AI Mode Client:

Google

Location:

Mountain View, CA

Duration:

12-Month Contract

Employment Type:

W2

Only Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced UX Research Manager to lead user research initiatives focused on AI-powered products and experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in UX research, human-computer interaction, AI/ML product development, and people management. This role will lead a team of researchers responsible for understanding user behavior, evaluating AI-generated experiences, identifying usability issues, and influencing product strategy through data-driven insights. The candidate should be comfortable partnering with product, engineering, design, data science, and executive leadership teams in a highly collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Leadership & Team Management:

Lead, mentor, and grow a team of UX researchers. Provide coaching, performance management, and career development support. Establish research best practices and operational excellence. Foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and user-centered thinking.

Research Strategy & Execution:

Define and execute a comprehensive UX research roadmap. Align research priorities with product strategy and business objectives. Design and oversee qualitative and quantitative research initiatives. Drive research programs that inform AI product development and user experience decisions.

Research Methods:

Usability Testing User Interviews Surveys Contextual Inquiry User Journey Analysis Behavioral Research Concept Testing Product Validation Mixed Methods Research AI & Product Evaluation:

Evaluate AI-generated outputs against user expectations and instructions. Analyze user interactions with AI systems and conversational experiences. Identify AI failure modes, usability gaps, and intent understanding issues. Provide actionable recommendations to improve AI experiences and product quality. Partner with Product and Engineering teams to optimize AI model performance from a user experience perspective.

Research Operations:

Define and improve research methodologies, frameworks, and processes. Ensure consistency, rigor, and quality across research programs. Develop scalable research practices and standards. Communicate insights effectively to stakeholders at all levels.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor''s degree or equivalent practical experience. 8+ years of experience in UX research, applied research, human factors, behavioral research, or related disciplines. 3+ years of people management experience. Experience leading research initiatives for AI/ML products and technologies. Experience developing and launching technology products. Strong expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master''s Degree or PhD in: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Cognitive Science Psychology Anthropology Statistics Related Research Discipline 7+ years of experience working with executive leadership teams. 5+ years of project leadership experience in large matrix organizations. Experience influencing product strategy through research insights. Experience evaluating AI-generated content, conversational systems, or generative AI experiences.