Sr. Staff Qualitative Product Researcher, Ads

Pinterest•Seattle, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Pinterest is seeking a Sr. Staff Qualitative Researcher to lead research in high-priority advertising areas. The researcher will embed in complex, ambiguous problem spaces, uncover important advertiser and Pinner needs, and turn those needs into a clear learning agenda. They will use qualitative and mixed methods to design, conduct, synthesize, and communicate strategic research to senior stakeholders across the Ads organization and beyond. The role partners with Product, Design, Engineering, Data Science, and quantitative UX Research to shape strategy and product direction. It owns a broad problem space and an autonomous research agenda, with influence over the ads roadmap and the holistic Pinner experience. The researcher will assess where sustained research investment is warranted, lead large cross-team research efforts, and mentor colleagues to strengthen qualitative craft. The role also encourages using AI tools to improve research workflows and communicate findings effectively. The position can be based anywhere in the country and requires in-office collaboration 1–2 times per quarter. Preferred locations are the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and New York. The position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in qualitative or mixed-methods user research.
Track record of leading research at staff or senior staff level in a product organization.
Deep expertise in qualitative methods, including interviews, ethnography, diary studies, usability testing, and concept testing, with sound judgment about method selection.
Experience partnering with Data Science and quantitative UX Research to combine qualitative and quantitative findings and triangulate across data sources.
Demonstrated ability to influence product strategy and roadmaps through strong storytelling and actionable recommendations.
Strong executive communication skills, including presenting insights, written points of view, and recommendations to senior leaders (Sr. Directors and above) and cross-functional partners.
Ability to thrive in ambiguity, define questions in unstructured and urgent problem spaces, and build a learning agenda with minimal direction.
Strong strategic judgment in prioritizing research, assessing potential impact, and making a case for or against sustained investment.
Ability to collaborate effectively with product managers, designers, engineers, data scientists, and quantitative researchers and build cross-disciplinary trust.
Experience leading large collaborative research efforts, setting direction across teams, aligning stakeholders, and driving complex initiatives to completion.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in ads, marketplaces, or B2B/B2C platforms.
Familiarity with advertiser needs, ad ecosystems, and their challenges.
Curiosity and creativity in applying AI tools to research workflows; working knowledge of standard AI-based research tools and capabilities.

Responsibilities

Lead the full research cycle in one or two high-priority ads problem spaces, from discovery through execution, delivery, and influence on product decisions.
Uncover complex advertiser and user needs that cross the ads product and translate them into clear business opportunities.
Partner with Product, Design, Engineering, Data Science, and quantitative UX Research to scope and prioritize research questions and independently identify where research can have the greatest impact.
Select appropriate qualitative methods, plan and conduct research, and synthesize findings; collaborate on mixed-methods studies combining qualitative depth with quantitative scale.
Partner with product managers and designers to provide actionable recommendations and communicate insights to leadership to shape product direction and roadmap.
Author written points of view and cross-study syntheses that connect findings into a broader perspective.
Assess whether a problem area warrants sustained research and make the case to leadership for where to invest.
Apply AI tools creatively to research workflows and communication of findings to make collaboration faster and more effective.
Lead cross-team research initiatives across the Ads organization and, when needed, across Ads and consumer organizations; set direction and align partners around a shared point of view.
Coach and develop researchers and elevate qualitative research craft across the team.