Lead UX Researcher

The Research & Insights team is a vital component of the Product & Customer Experience organization at Dave. We're a dynamic group of mixed-methods researchers dedicated to uncovering deep insights through both market research and user experience (UX) research. Our work directly shapes the future of Dave's products and services.

We're seeking a passionate Lead UX Researcher to drive the development of new products and features on the Dave app. In this role, you'll lead strategic and rapid iterative research projects, ensuring our innovations are grounded in real user needs. 

Your impact will be significant: you'll conduct primary research, empower colleagues across departments to embrace research skills, and help establish research as a core competency throughout Dave. You'll be instrumental in shaping how we understand and serve our users, ensuring a truly user-first approach in everything we do.

What you’ll do: 

• Lead Strategic Research Initiatives: Design and execute complex, multi-phase, mixed-method research studies to uncover user needs and identify opportunities for new product features and innovations.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally:  Partner with Product, Design, Engineering, and Marketing stakeholders to ground business and product decisions in user needs.

• Prioritize Research Efforts: Manage and prioritize research activities across multiple projects, ensuring timely and impactful delivery of actionable insights.

• Enhance Research Practices: Work alongside fellow researchers to build and refine Dave's research methodologies and infrastructure, contributing to the evolution of our research culture.

• Communicate Insights Effectively: Translate complex research findings into clear, compelling narratives that inform and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  

What you’ll need: 

• 6+ years of experience in UX research, including hands-on ownership of research from planning to synthesis. You’ve led research for both 0-to-1 and iterative product work, and you thrive in ambiguity.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field.

• Deep experience conducting user research for mobile-first products. You understand mobile user behavior and platform-specific constraints (iOS/Android) and can help teams design experiences that feel native and intuitive.

• You specialize in qualitative research (e.g., interviews, usability testing, diary studies) and can integrate quantitative approaches (e.g., surveys) as needed to triangulate insights.

• Comfortable developing prototypes in Figma or similar tools to test early concepts and iterate rapidly with product teams.

• Proven ability to lead research for new product development — from exploring unmet needs to validating MVP concepts.

• Skilled in full-cycle research — recruiting, moderation, synthesis, insight delivery — especially in fast-paced environments.

• Able to clearly communicate complex research findings, using storytelling and visuals to drive alignment and action.

• Proficient with usability testing tools, survey programming tools, data analysis tools, prototyping tools, etc.

Bonus if you have:

• Experience leading co-development workshops with potential target audiences.

• Experience in the Fintech or Consumer Finance industry

Don’t let imposter syndrome get in your way of an incredible opportunity. We’re looking for people who can help us achieve our mission and vision, not just check off the boxes. If you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Why you’ll love working here: 

At Dave, our people are just as important as our product. Our culture is a reflection of our values that guide who we are, how we work, and what we aspire to be. Daves are member centric, helpful, transparent, persistent, and better together. We strive to create an environment where all Daves feel valued, heard, and empowered to do their best work. As a virtual first company, team members can live and work anywhere in the United States, with the exception of Hawaii. 

A few of our benefits & perks:

💚 Opportunity to tackle tough challenges, learn and grow from fellow top talent, and help millions of people reach their personal financial goals

💻 Flexible hours and virtual first work culture with a home office stipend

🏥 Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans

👶 Generous paid parental and caregiver leave

💰 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions

📈 Financial advisor and financial wellness support

🏖️ Flexible PTO and generous company holidays, including Juneteenth and Winter Break

🎉 All-company in-person events once or twice a year and virtual events throughout to connect with your team members and leadership team

Dave Operating LLC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants and do not discriminate on any basis protected by federal, state, or local law, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance relating to an applicant's criminal history.

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