Staff UX Researcher, Incubations (Mixed Methods)

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

NOTE: This position is US - Remote Eligible, but includes monthly in-person working sessions at the San Francisco Airbnb office.

The Community You Will Join: 

Research has been part of Airbnb from the beginning, ever since Paul Graham told the Airbnb founders, "go to your users." As designers, the founders embraced this advice and got on a plane to meet with Airbnb hosts that very weekend. Since those early days, the value of research has been baked into Airbnb’s product culture.

The Difference You Will Make:

We're building our newest incubation work stream, and we're looking for a Staff UX Researcher who is equally strong in qualitative and quantitative methods. You'll be one of the first researchers on the ground for a 0-to-1 effort, which means the questions aren't defined yet, the roadmap will change, and your research will shape both. You'll know when to run fast to unblock a decision and when to go deep to get it right, while bringing senior stakeholders along the way.

A Typical Day:

• Own end-to-end research for new incubation areas, from framing the questions to landing the recommendations.
• Utilize appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods to deliver fast, actionable insights. 
• Triangulate across data sources and past learnings to get to the right signals in an ambiguous, fast-moving space.
• Balance speed and rigor: deliver quick reads when the team needs to move, and deeper studies when a decision warrants it, without sacrificing quality.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Design, Business Operations, and Data Science to shape strategy from research insights.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively with stakeholders at every level, including senior executives.
• Develop compelling narratives that make users' needs, pain points, and opportunities impossible to ignore.
• Lead brainstorming sessions and workshops to translate research insights into product decision and strategy.

Your Expertise: 

• 10+ years of research experience, with expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Experience with AI tools for user research.
• Hands-on ability to run statistical analysis and design/analyze surveys, as well as lead foundational qualitative studies.
• A track record of delivering impactful insight in ambiguous, early-stage, or fast-changing problem spaces.
• Proven ability to work directly with senior leadership and influence strategy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong multi-tasking skills to own multiple projects at different stages simultaneously.

Bonus Expertise:

• Experience on 0-to-1 or incubation products.
• Familiar with Claude Code.
• SQL and comfort working directly with data.
• Background in consumer products and/or hospitality.
• Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Statistics, or equivalent practical experience. (General guideline: strong researchers come from many backgrounds; please apply if you feel you'd be a good fit.)

Your Location:

This position is US - Remote Eligible. The role includes monthly in-person working sessions at the San Francisco Airbnb office and attendance at offsites, as agreed to with your manager. While the position is Remote Eligible, you must live in a state where Airbnb, Inc. has a registered entity. Click here for the up-to-date list of excluded states. This list is continuously evolving, so please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. If your position is employed by another Airbnb entity, your recruiter will inform you what states you are eligible to work from.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging:

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We strive to also provide a disability inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in order to submit an application, please contact us at: [email protected]. Please include your full name, the role you’re applying for and the accommodation necessary to assist you with the recruiting process. 

We ask that you only reach out to us if you are a candidate whose disability prevents you from being able to complete our online application.

How We'll Take Care of You:

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits.  

Pay Range$180,000—$224,000 USD