Senior User Researcher, Mixed Methods - USDS

Responsibilities

About TikTok U.S. Data Security

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. U.S. Data Security ("USDS") is a subsidiary of TikTok in the U.

S. This new, security-first division was created to bring heightened focus and governance to our data protection policies and content assurance protocols to keep U.

S. users safe. Our focus is on providing oversight and protection of the TikTok platform and U.S. user data, so millions of Americans can continue turning to TikTok to learn something new, earn a living, express themselves creatively, or be entertained.

The teams within USDS that deliver on this commitment daily span across Trust & Safety, Security & Privacy, Engineering, User & Product Ops, Corporate Functions and more.

Why Join Us

Creation is the core of TikTok's purpose. Our platform is built to help imaginations thrive. This is doubly true of the teams that make TikTok possible.

Together, we inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we all believe in and aim towards achieving every day.

To us, every challenge, no matter how difficult, is an opportunity; to learn, to innovate, and to grow as one team. Status quo? Never. Courage? Always.

At TikTok, we create together and grow together. That's how we drive impact - for ourselves, our company, and the communities we serve.

Join us.

About the team

The USDS Business Analytics and User Research team at TikTok is dedicated to understanding the diverse needs and behaviors of users and creators across the globe.

By leveraging deep insights and data-driven strategies, we support multiple business lines, enhancing user experiences and driving sustainable growth.

Our team is composed of passionate researchers who tackle complex challenges to inform product design and strategy across several product pillars.

We strive to be the most trusted partner to our business teams, providing valuable insights that empower product and design teams to innovate and succeed.

In order to enhance collaboration and cross-functional partnerships, among other things, at this time, our organization follows a hybrid work schedule that requires employees to work in the office 3 days a week, or as directed by their manager / department.

We regularly review our hybrid work model, and the specific requirements may change at any time.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product management, design, engineering, and marketing, and global user research teams, to identify and prioritize research opportunities that inform product strategy and design.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to identify the key research questions that will help shape product strategy.
• Design and execute end-to-end research studies using a diverse set of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Analyze user behavior and attitudes to uncover actionable insights that influence product decisions and benefit the overall user experience.
• Manage and prioritize research activities in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple projects and stakeholder needs and communication styles.
• Communicate research findings and recommendations in compelling and creative ways to influence product direction and strategy.
• Lead foundational research initiatives, drawing insights from relevant industries to explore solutions to long-term product challenges.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience within user experience, applied research setting and / or product research and development, or a Master's degree and 3+ years relevant experience, or a PhD with 1+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, concept testing, usability testing, surveys, and data analysis.
• Experience applying statistical methods such as regressions, ANOVA, and T-tests.
• Ability to work independently and autonomously, managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-changing environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate research findings into strategic narratives and influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Communication, Information Science, Media Studies, Computer Science, or Economics.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data analysis tools such as SQL, Python, R, SPSS, or equivalent.
• Experience working in a global organization and collaborating across diverse teams and time zones.
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and experience partnering with designers, product managers, and engineers.
• Proven ability to influence product strategy through high-quality, data-driven research.
• Familiarity with the social media industry or content creation platforms.
• Proficiency in Mandarin to support collaboration with global teams.
• Experience with advanced statistical methods, including multivariate regression, factor analysis, cluster analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), and machine learning.

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or support.

TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives.

Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach.

We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws.

If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https : / / shorturl.at / ktJP6

This role requires the ability to work with and support systems designed to protect sensitive data and information. As such, this role will be subject to strict national security-related screening.