UX Research Lead

Overview

The UX Research Lead is a hands‑on individual who leads and executes discovery, definition, and validation efforts across product initiatives. This role is responsible for planning and conducting research activities, leading discovery workshops, producing core discovery artifacts, and running user testing to validate product direction and usability. The UX Research Lead partners closely with Product, Engineering, and Design to ensure user insights meaningfully inform prioritization and delivery.

• Define and conduct user interviews, contextual inquiries, and observational research to understand current workflows, pain points, and constraints
• Lead one or more discovery and definition workshops through research preparation, documentation, synthesis, and follow‑up
• Own documentation of current‑state journeys that capture how users accomplish tasks across systems and touchpoints
• Maintain and contribute to discovery artifacts including pain point logs, personas, and workshop summaries
• Assist in developing future‑state journeys, user flows, and early art‑of‑the‑possible concepts in collaboration with UX and Product
• Plan and conduct usability testing and concept validation sessions to evaluate product direction
• Execute test scripts, facilitate testing sessions, and document findings
• Synthesize user testing results into clear insights and actionable recommendations
• Partner with Product Management, Engineering, and Design to ensure research findings inform iteration and prioritization
• Maintain organized research documentation to support traceability and reuse of insights

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at

$118,900 - $169,000 if located in Illinois

• Bachelor’s degree in Human‑Computer Interaction, Psychology, Design, Research, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• A minimum 4 years of experience in UX research or related roles
• Demonstrated ability to transform ambiguity into meaningful insights
• Experience conducting qualitative research and usability testing
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills
• Demonstrated ability to plan and run stakeholder workshops
• Experience with enterprise level applications
• Experience using research and collaboration tools such as Figma, Miro, or similar

• Background in or exposure to professional services industries (legal, financial, consulting, etc.)

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer