Lead User Researcher, Onshore Trading and Payments

OKX • Full-time • San Jose, California, United States • $268.33k - $313.06k / year • 1m ago

Who We Are

At OKX, we believe that the future will be reshaped by crypto, and ultimately contribute to every individual's freedom. OKX is a leading crypto exchange, and the developer of OKX Wallet, giving millions access to crypto trading and decentralized crypto applications (dApps). OKX is also a trusted brand by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets. We are safe and reliable, backed by our Proof of Reserves. Across our multiple offices globally, we are united by our core principles: We Before Me, Do the Right Thing, and Get Things Done. These shared values drive our culture, shape our processes, and foster a friendly, rewarding, and diverse environment for every OK-er.

About the Opportunity

The Lead User Researcher is the foundational IC responsible for establishing research standards, strategy, and operating models. This is a highly hands-on role working directly with senior leaders to drive evidence-based product decisions. The position covers onshore trading, payments, and rapidly evolving AI-powered capabilities.

This position offers uniquely high visibility across product portfolios and executive leadership, with direct influence on decisions shaping the future of trading, payments, and AI-driven financial services.

The successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring research impacts direction, prioritization, and performance across global product portfolios.

What You’ll Be Doing

Design and implement the foundational research strategy and scalable working model for the discipline.
Lead end-to-end research that guides high-stakes product decisions, including planning, recruiting, moderation, analysis, synthesis, and activation.
Translate research into clear decisions, opportunity sizing, and prioritization that deliver measurable product and business improvement.
Influence inflection points in product strategy, ensuring insight reduces risk and accelerates successful outcomes.
Conduct research reflecting cultural, regulatory, and behavioural differences across US, EU, Brazil, and UAE user populations.
Partner with Data Science, Analytics, and Strategy to create evidence-backed recommendations that resonate with executives.
Communicate insights through compelling narratives that drive alignment and action at senior levels.
Leverage behavioural datasets to triangulate and validate findings and sharpen differentiation.
Establish ResearchOps foundations including participant programs, tooling, governance, and insight-driven KPI tracking.
Mentor product and design partners, elevating research literacy and customer-centric decision-making without direct line management.

What We Look For In You

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in HCI, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Behavioural Science, or closely related field.
10+ years UX research experience including strategic insight leadership for complex product ecosystems.
Proven ability to turn customer insight into strategic outcomes, including improved adoption, engagement, conversion, retention, or market expansion.
Demonstrated experience influencing roadmap trade-offs, investment decisions, and performance metrics.
Mastery of qualitative and quantitative methods with strong methodological judgment.
Experience in regulated, data-intensive environments such as fintech, crypto, payments, or trading platforms.
Success working across global markets and culturally diverse audiences.
Exceptional executive communication, strategic framing, and insight storytelling skills.
Ability to operate in dynamic, fast-moving environments with clarity and leadership.

Nice to Haves

Research involving AI-assisted decision-making or human-AI interaction.
Insight activation playbooks that ensure research results drive sustained improvement.
Experience establishing or scaling research capability as a senior IC.
Familiarity with behavioural analytics and product-led growth initiatives.

Perks & Benefits

Competitive total compensation package
L&D programs and Education subsidy for employees' growth and development
Various team building programs and company events
Wellness and meal allowances
Comprehensive healthcare schemes for employees and dependants
More that we love to tell you along the process!

OKX Statement:

OKX is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

The salary range for this position is $268,333 - $313,055
The salary offered depends on a variety of factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location. In addition to the salary, a performance bonus and long-term incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, as well as a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Applicants should apply via OKX internal or external careers site.

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