Director of UX Research — AI-Driven Partner Tools

Expedia Group; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Expedia Group is seeking a Research Director to lead research strategy across Partner Tools, spanning Hotel, Vacation Rental, APIs, and Partner Advertising. You will manage a small, senior team while remaining hands-on to ensure research informs product and business decisions.

Ideal candidates connect qualitative and quantitative methods, leverage AI in research workflows, and partner with engineering, design, product, and data science to drive impact at scale.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methodologies and integrating AI into research planning, execution, or delivery.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing research teams across locations and levels.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate insights into strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the research strategy across our Partner Tools portfolio.
• Operate as a player/coach for a small, senior research team—setting strategy and craft standards while remaining directly involved in research execution.
• Partner with engineering, design, product, and data science to translate insights into business impact.
• Champion AI-informed research methodologies and integrate AI tools into your workflow from planning through synthesis.
• Build scalable research frameworks and reusable insight systems across a multidisciplinary org.
• Integrate qualitative and quantitative research to deliver complete partner insights.

Skills

Qualitative research

AI in research

Leadership

Stakeholder influence

Research strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in HCI/Psychology/Anthropology/Cognitive Science

Tools

AI tools

Qualitative/Quantitative methods

Job description

Expedia Group is seeking a Research Director to lead research strategy across Partner Tools, spanning Hotel, Vacation Rental, APIs, and Partner Advertising. You will manage a small, senior team while remaining hands-on to ensure research informs product and business decisions.

Ideal candidates connect qualitative and quantitative methods, leverage AI in research workflows, and partner with engineering, design, product, and data science to drive impact at scale.