Researcher, Research​/Development, Market Research

About the Role

Researchers at Thumbtack are embedded within product teams and serve as advocates for both customers and pros. As a mixed‑method Experience Researcher, you'll scope and run qualitative and quantitative studies end to end — from foundational discovery to tactical evaluation — and turn them into insights that drive product decisions. You'll join a pod focused on bringing a recent acquisition into the Thumbtack ecosystem on the pro‑facing side of our marketplace, helping build the tools pros need to run successful businesses.

You’ll be learning a new product and user base fast, structuring ambiguity, and standing up research where little exists yet. You’ll do it in an AI‑forward practice, using AI fluently across the research lifecycle and building lightweight AI tools that accelerate learning.

• Research planning & execution:
  Independently scope and run mixed‑method studies — from strategic, exploratory work to tactical usability tests and in‑product surveys — within your product area.
• Champion the pro:
  Build a deep understanding of pros and the tools they need.
• Work in ambiguity:
  Get up to speed quickly on an unfamiliar product, market, and user base, and turn loose problem spaces into clear research questions and plans.
• AI‑accelerated research:
  Use AI tools across the research lifecycle (e.g., synthesis, analysis, instrument and guide drafting, reporting) to work faster and at scale, and build lightweight AI artifacts (agents, workflows, automations, prototypes) that speed up learning for you and your partners. Critically evaluate AI outputs for accuracy and bias.
• Collaboration:
  
  Partner closely with product, design, engineering, and data science to identify high‑impact research opportunities and ensure insights translate into action.
• Synthesize & share insights:
  Turn qualitative and quantitative data into compelling, trustworthy stories through reports and presentations that influence product direction.
• Methodology selection:
  Choose the right method (or combination) for the problem — interviews, surveys, usability tests, concept tests, and more.

• 5+ years in applied research roles, with a degree in a behavioral or social science field (e.g., Human‑Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Experimental Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Information Science, Economics) or equivalent practical experience; advanced degree a plus.
• Strong command of both qualitative and quantitative methods and the ability to design and run studies end to end (in‑depth interviews, usability studies, surveys, concept testing).
• Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data, including basic statistical analysis (t‑tests, correlations); proficiency with research tools (Qualtrics, dscout, Sprig, Rally). SQL or other data‑querying skills a plus.
• Demonstrated, hands‑on use of AI to accelerate and scale research, paired with the judgment to evaluate outputs critically and apply them responsibly.
• Evidence of building — not just using — lightweight AI tooling such as agents, workflows, or prototypes that made research faster or better.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, a track record of influencing product and design decisions through research, and comfort operating independently in a fast‑paced, ambiguous environment.
• Nice to have: experience standing up research in a new or fast‑changing area (0‑to‑1, integrations, or post‑acquisition); experience researching AI‑powered products; knowledge of home services, marketplaces, or small business platforms.

• For candidates living in San Francisco / Bay Area, San Jose, New York City, or Seattle metros, the expected salary range for the role is currently $ - $.
• For candidates living in Austin, TX or Washington DC metros or in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, or Washington states, the expected salary range for the role is currently $ - $.
• For candidates living in all other US locations, the expected salary range for this role is currently $ - $.

Actual offered salaries will vary and will be based on various factors, such as calibrated job level, qualifications, skills, competencies, and…