Senior Human-Centered AI Researcher, Personal Intelligence & Experiences

Apple • Cupertino, CA

2d

About The Position

At Apple, the Senior Human-Centered AI Researcher will help shape the next generation of software experiences across Apple’s ecosystem. The researcher will lead studies that advance understanding of how people interact with emerging AI capabilities and established software experiences. Working with engineering, design, marketing, data science, and AI/ML modeling teams, this role defines research strategies, identifies user needs and expectations, and turns behavioral insights into recommendations that influence product direction, design, quality, and the customer experience.

The team conducts human-centered research throughout software and AI-feature development, from understanding user needs to evaluating early prototypes and assessing product experience quality. It applies rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how people perceive, interact with, and experience software, including intelligent and adaptive systems. The researcher independently leads initiatives across multiple product areas, collaborates with cross-functional partners to identify key research questions and evaluation criteria, and translates findings into actionable product recommendations. The role also communicates complex findings to diverse audiences, including senior leaders and executives; contributes to research strategy and methodological practices; and mentors other researchers.

Requirements

• PhD in Cognitive Science, Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, with substantial training in quantitative and qualitative research.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience conducting human-centered research in technology or software product development.
• Formal training and demonstrated expertise in experimental design, including hypothesis development, study design, sampling strategies, randomization, measurement, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Strong proficiency in statistics, including methods such as t-tests, ANOVA, regression models, clustering techniques, factor analysis, mixed-effects models, repeated-measures analysis, or other multivariate approaches.
• Ability to select, apply, and interpret appropriate statistical analyses for complex research questions.
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including survey design, usability testing, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), diary studies, field experiments, or other longitudinal and in-situ research programs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using AI-assisted tools and workflows across the research lifecycle, including research design, data processing, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and synthesis, with the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs for accuracy and validity.
• Experience researching AI-powered products, generative AI, intelligent systems, or emerging software interaction paradigms.
• Experience combining behavioral telemetry, self-reported measures, and qualitative findings to inform product decisions.
• Proven ability to translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations and communicate effectively through presentations to senior leadership and executive audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to influence product strategy, navigate ambiguous research questions, and provide methodological mentorship to other researchers.

Responsibilities

• Lead human-centered research initiatives across multiple product areas and throughout the software and AI-feature development lifecycle.
• Define research strategies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify critical research questions and meaningful evaluation criteria.
• Investigate user needs, expectations, perceptions, and interactions with software, AI capabilities, and intelligent or adaptive systems.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including evaluation of early prototypes and product experience quality.
• Translate behavioral insights and research findings into actionable recommendations that influence product direction, design, quality, and development priorities.
• Communicate complex findings to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and executives.
• Contribute to research strategy and advance methodological practices.
• Mentor other researchers.

What This Job Offers

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