Lead end-to-end discovery and UX research for a retail POS modernization MVP. Validate and optimize customer-facing workflows (search, quoting, inventory, payments), assess hardware ergonomics, align UX with API-based architectures, and run iterative usability testing to reduce friction and enable rapid pilot rollout and future expansions.
Role Overview
We are seeking a strategic UX Researcher to lead the discovery and definition phases for a high-priority retail systems modernization initiative. This role is central to a MVP delivery cycle, focusing on the transformation of customer-facing workflows from legacy environments into a modern, API-driven platform. You will ensure that the core Point of Sale (POS) capabilities are intuitive, efficient, and technically viable.
Key Responsibilities
- Structured Discovery: Execute an end-to-end discovery phase to validate existing retail workflows, refine MVP scope, and define the foundational UX architecture.
- Workflow Optimization: Deep-dive into specific customer-facing functions, including Search, Quoting, Inventory Management, and Payments.
- Device & Hardware Assessment: Conduct usability and ergonomics assessments on various hardware devices to ensure the software interface is optimized for physical retail environments.
- Integration Alignment: Collaborate with technical teams to ensure UX designs are compatible with API-based routing layers and legacy backend constraints.
- Phased Strategy: Support a rapid pilot rollout by identifying core "must-have" features for the MVP while maintaining a vision for future multi-vertical expansions.
- Usability Testing: Lead iterative testing cycles to validate that the transition from legacy systems to the new platform reduces friction for end-users.
Required Experience & Skills
- Complex Systems Design: 9+ years of UX Research experience, with a specific background in Fintech, Retail, or POS systems.
- High-Stakes Workflows: Proven track record of researching transactional workflows such as quoting engines, inventory tracking, and complex payment processing.
- Should require experience in AI-driven SDLC execution
- Technical Literacy: Ability to understand API-based integrations and how technical architecture (like routing layers) impacts the end-user experience.
- Methodological Breadth: Proficiency in ethnographic field studies, task analysis, and hardware-software interaction testing.
Compensation, Benefits and Duration
Minimum Compensation: USD 52,000
Maximum Compensation: USD 182,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay/incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full time employees.
This position is available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post.
Photon New York, New York, USA Office
New York, United States
Similar Jobs
Healthtech • Software
Own the full new-business sales cycle for OpenMarkets’ hospital and health-system customers, from account research and outreach through discovery, demonstrations, evaluation, contracting, and close. Build relationships across supply chain, finance, clinical engineering, clinical departments, and leadership. Maintain forecasts and next steps in HubSpot, hand opportunities to Customer Success, and use buyer insights to improve sales messaging and processes.
Top Skills:
Hubspot
Healthtech
Owns accounting and finance operations, including accounts receivable, collections, payroll, corporate cards, accounts payable, monthly close, reconciliations, cash forecasting, financial systems, controls, and reporting. The role oversees an external accounting partner, improves financial processes, supports audits and tax compliance, and ensures accurate, scalable operations during company growth.
Top Skills:
AdpGustoLithicExcelQuickbooksRampRipplingSalesforce
Cloud • Fintech • Food • Information Technology • Software • Hospitality
Lead development of Toast’s consumer-facing web experiences, building scalable guest and restaurant features across the stack. Collaborate with frontend, backend, iOS, and Android engineers using React, TypeScript, Next.js, APIs, and backend services. Own projects from development through launch, monitoring, and analysis while experimenting with users and influencing consumer product strategy.
Top Skills:
AndroidGraphQLiOSJavaKotlinNext.JsReactRestTypescript
What you need to know about the NYC Tech Scene
As the undisputed financial capital of the world, New York City is an epicenter of startup funding activity. The city has a thriving fintech scene and is a major player in verticals ranging from AI to biotech, cybersecurity and digital media. It also has universities like NYU, Columbia and Cornell Tech attracting students and researchers from across the globe, providing the ecosystem with a constant influx of world-class talent. And its East Coast location and three international airports make it a perfect spot for European companies establishing a foothold in the United States.
Key Facts About NYC Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 549,200; 6% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Capgemini, Bloomberg, IBM, Spotify
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, Fintech
- Funding Landscape: $25.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Greycroft, Thrive Capital, Union Square Ventures, FirstMark Capital, Tiger Global Management, Tribeca Venture Partners, Insight Partners, Two Sigma Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Columbia University, New York University, Fordham University, CUNY, AI Now Institute, Flatiron Institute, C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics, NASA Space Radiation Laboratory
