Senior UX Researcher II (San Francisco)

Your impact

Handshake is building the future of human data for AI. We partner directly with top AI labs to power large language model (LLM) training and evaluation with high-quality, expert-generated data. As AI models become more sophisticated, the demand for specialized human input continues to growand Handshake is uniquely positioned to meet it. We power career platforms at 92% of the top U.S. universities, giving us direct access to verified expert talent across a wide range of domains.

Our AI team is rapidly building a new generation of human data productsfrom expert annotation platforms to AI interviewers and seamless payout infrastructureall designed to accelerate research and improve model performance.

Were hiring a strategic, impact-driven UX Researcher to help shape the next frontier of human data. In this role, youll support the development of platforms used by real human experts to generate data for LLMs at top AI labs.

Youll lead research across key product surfacesincluding expert onboarding, annotation workflows, evaluation tools, and the internal operations systems that power and scale these experiences. Your work will ensure the tools are intuitive, efficient, and optimized for delivering high-quality data at scale. Youll own the full research lifecycle : identifying critical user needs, running studies, and translating findings into actionable insights. Your research will directly inform product strategy, improve operational effectiveness, and contribute to the advancement of LLM capabilities across the AI ecosystem.

Your role

Lead end-to-end UX research across all platforms that power Handshake AIs human data products

Track and measure user sentiment, usability, and efficiency across systems to drive continuous improvement

Extract insights qualitative research and product analytics to inform design and strategy

Plan and run evaluative and generative research throughout the product lifecyclefrom early concepts to live tools

Deliver rapid, actionable insights that improve contributor experience, product quality, and operational performance

Recruit participants independently and manage logistics with minimal overhead

Produce clear, timely research deliverables and maintain a centralized repository of insights and recommendations

Deliver actionable insights that directly impact product improvements

Track how research influences key outcomes such as OKRs, engagement, task quality, throughput, and business impact

Build deep partnerships with cross-functional stakeholders to align research with strategic goals

Champion evidence-based, user-centered practices across product, engineering, design, and operations

Your experience

Strong understanding of AI systems, LLM development workflows, and the role of human-in-the-loop data in model training and evaluation

Demonstrated experience leading UX research for complex, high-impact platformsideally across both consumer-facing and internal operations tools

Proven ability to deliver fast, high impact insights that accelerate product development and drive measurable impact

Experience informing content strategy, design, and workflows through research

Deep understanding of usability and design principles, and how UX research directly improves system clarity and efficiency

Experience using lean research methodsdelivering insights in days, not weeks

Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs, including product analytics, to tell a compelling user story

Highly collaborative, with a history of effective cross-functional work across product, design, engineering, operations, and leadership

Track record of influencing product direction by grounding teams in user needs, pain points, and research-backed opportunities

Experience embedding user-centered practices in fast-moving, iterative environments

Location : San Francisco, CA OR New York, NY

What we offer

At Handshake, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.

Benefits below apply to US employees in full-time positions.

Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.

16 Weeks of paid parental leave for birth giving parents & 10 weeks of paid parental leave for non-birth giving parents.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision policies including LGTBQ+ Coverage. We also provide resources for Mental Health Assistance, Employee Assistance Programs and counseling support.

Generous learning & development opportunities and an annual $2,000 stipend for you to grow your skills and career.

Financial coaching through Origin to help you through your financial journey.

• Monthly internet stipend and a brand new MacBook to allow you to do your best work.

Monthly commuter stipend for you to expense your travel to the office (for office-based employees).

Free lunch provided 5x a week in office.

Free gym access in San Francisco office building.

Referral bonus to reward you when you bring great talent to Handshake.

Team outings throughout the year to stay connected to each other.

401k Match : Handshake offers a dollar-for-dollar match on 1% of deferred salary, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.

All full-time US-based Handshakers are eligible for our flexible time off policy to get out and see the world. In addition, we offer 13 standardized holidays, and 2 additional days of flexible holiday time off. Lastly, we have a Winter #ShakeBreak, a one-week period of Collective Time Off.

Handshake offers $500 home office stipend for you to spend during your first 3 months to create a productive and comfortable workspace at home.

Family support : Parental leave coaching and support provided by Parentaly. We partner with Maven Clinic to provide a lifetime coverage up to $15K for expenses related to fertility and family forming!

Lifestyle Savings Account : We offer you an annual stipend of $500 to use for purchases such as fitness classes, gym memberships, work-from-home setup, and more.

Looking for more? Explore our mission, values and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com / careers .

Handshake is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation, please let your recruiter know during initial communications.

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