Principal Strategic Researcher

Zillow

. Identify the most important customer-focused questions in ambiguous spaces .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $182,100 - $290,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive experience in executing mixed-methods research to shape product strategy and influence decision-making. Proficient in utilizing AI tools to enhance research workflows and effectively communicate insights to senior leaders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mixed-Methods ResearchStrategic Research LeadershipInfluencing Senior LeadersAI Tools in ResearchBehavioral Science Frameworks

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Mixed-Methods Research ToolkitFramework CreationModel DevelopmentCustomer-Focused ResearchProduct Strategy Shaping

Soft Skills

Clear StorytellingRelationship BuildingThriving in AmbiguityOwnership MindsetStrategic Operator Approach

Tools & Technologies

AI Tools

Industry Keywords

Product-Focused EnvironmentCustomer UnderstandingDecision ScienceBehavioral SciencePsychology

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify the most important customer-focused questions in ambiguous spaces
Design and execute mixed-methods research approaches
Choose appropriate rigor and speed to influence decision-making
Shape product strategy in partnership with senior product, design, engineering, and business leaders
Build and refresh foundational customer understanding through durable, reusable knowledge
Raise the bar for research craft and customer judgment
Use AI tools to amplify strengths and creatively communicate learnings and influence partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Extensive experience (10+ years) executing research in a product-focused environment
Comprehensive mixed-methods research toolkit
Experience leading strategic research that shaped product or business direction
Demonstrated success influencing senior leaders and executives through clear storytelling, strong points of view, and trusted relationships
Ability to thrive in ambiguity and define a path forward
Experience creating frameworks and models to codify, communicate, and land findings
Ownership mindset and strategic operator approach
Hands-on experience experimenting with AI tools in a research workflow
Experience drawing on behavioral science, psychology, or decision science frameworks (nice to have)
Experience partnering with data science or product teams to design or interpret experiments and combine attitudinal and behavioral evidence (nice to have)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity awards based on factors such as experience, performance and location
Remote work from a physical location of choice
Flexible work from wherever employees are most productive
Equal employment opportunity and accommodation support