Lead Researcher, Cultural & Consumer Insights

Match Group • New York, NY

2d

About The Position

Hinge is hiring a Lead Researcher to join its Cultural & Consumer Insights team. The role is the lead quantitative research partner to Global Communications, with a secondary focus supporting Product Marketing. The researcher will bring behavioral science and cultural expertise to strategic questions about dating, identity, and connection, translating them into rigorous and engaging surveys, quantitative analysis, and compelling stories. Findings will support consumer-facing reports, localized data stories, and product marketing initiatives, and may also inform product experiences for daters globally.

The role involves close partnership with Communications and Product Marketing, including shaping research questions, embedding insights into strategy and planning, and managing external research and strategy agencies. The researcher will synthesize findings as they emerge, keep collaborators involved throughout the process, and explore new approaches to quantitative storytelling. The position calls for a collaborative researcher who is comfortable with ambiguity and can move between strategic thinking and the technical details of survey design, analysis, and storytelling.

Requirements

• PhD in a behavioral science field, such as relationship science, psychology, sociology, behavioral economics, communications, or a related discipline.
• Formal training in research methods and quantitative analysis.
• Passion and curiosity about dating culture and Hinge's mission of inspiring intimate connections to create a less lonely world.
• At least 5 years of post-PhD applied consumer research experience.
• Deep expertise in quantitative survey design, including the ability to create methodologically sound and engaging surveys.
• Experience designing research for external audiences, including press coverage, branded reports, and thought leadership.
• Ability to synthesize diverse perspectives and cultural observations into sharply defined research questions and areas of exploration.
• Proven ability to find stories in data and make insights accessible and compelling.
• Highly collaborative, low-ego approach and ability to work closely with Marketing and Product Marketing teams.
• Comfort operating amid ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• Ability to champion team culture in authentic, courageous, and empathic ways.

Nice To Haves

• Qualitative research experience, such as in-depth interviews or ethnographic observation, alongside quantitative expertise.
• Cross-cultural or cross-market research experience, including studies beyond the US and the ability to identify and contrast cultural nuances.

Responsibilities

• Bring behavioral science and cultural expertise, especially about how Gen Z relates to dating, identity, and connection, into early brainstorms with Communications and Product Marketing.
• Turn ideas and themes into well-defined research questions and areas of exploration.
• Design and field rigorous, creative surveys that answer research questions while providing a good experience for respondents.
• Analyze findings as they emerge and keep collaborators informed and engaged throughout the research process.
• Support initiatives such as Global DATE Reports, localized data stories in markets outside the US, and product marketing launches, including value proposition testing and feature sentiment research.
• Partner closely with Communications and Product Marketing, embedding insights work into their strategy and planning and connecting opportunities across Marketing and Product.
• Experiment with survey formats, question design, and analysis approaches to advance Hinge's quantitative storytelling.
• Direct external research and strategy agencies, providing clear briefs and strategic direction aligned with Cultural & Consumer Insights goals.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching: 100% of the first 10% of pre-tax contributions, up to $10,000 per year.
• Annual Learning & Development stipend after three months of employment.
• Free access to Udemy beginning on the first day.
• 100% paid parental leave for 20 weeks for birth and non-birth parents.
• Fertility care through Carrot and a stipend toward fertility preservation; employees and their spouse or domestic partner are eligible.
• $100 monthly stipend for dates.
• Free Hinge Premium for employees and their loved ones.
• Eight Employee Resource Groups with regular meetings, events, and organizational and community support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree