Senior Discovery Researcher – Deep Customer Insight Specialist for Independent Beauty Studio Owners, Driving Next‑Generation Studio Technology, Data‑Driven Growth, and Operational Excellence at brighthush

About brighthush

brighthush is a forward‑thinking technology partner that empowers independent beauty studios—whether they specialize in lashes, blonding, esthetics, or any boutique service—to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: streamline operations, elevate client experiences, and unlock sustainable growth for small studios that are the backbone of the beauty industry. We build elegant, data‑driven tools that let studio owners focus on artistry while we handle the administrative heavy lifting.

Our team is a vibrant mix of industry veterans, data scientists, and design thinkers who collaborate across disciplines to create solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional. At brighthush, we believe that the best products are born from deep empathy, rigorous research, and a relentless commitment to solving real problems for real people.

Why This Role Matters

Independent beauty studios operate on razor‑thin margins and face high staff turnover. They rely on intuitive booking systems, reliable client data export, and seamless staff management to stay competitive. Yet many lack the technology that would allow them to focus on their craft rather than administrative overhead. By speaking directly with studio owners, you will uncover pain points that are often invisible to developers and product managers. Your research will become the foundation for features that reduce churn, increase revenue, and elevate the studio experience.

As a Senior Discovery Researcher, you will be the bridge between the studio community and our product teams. Your insights will shape the next generation of brighthush products, ensuring they resonate with the real needs of beauty professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment & Scheduling: Identify, vet, and secure 10–15 qualified studio owners or managing partners for discovery interviews. Manage outreach communications, confirm participation, and coordinate video call logistics.
• Interview Execution: Conduct 30–40 minute video interviews, following a structured guide provided by brighthush. Maintain a neutral, research‑oriented tone, avoiding sales pitches or promotional language.
• Data Capture: Record all sessions with participant consent, ensuring high‑quality audio and video. Transcribe recordings accurately, preserving context and nuance.
• Analysis & Synthesis: Produce concise, one‑page summaries for each interview, highlighting key themes, direct quotes, and any quantitative data (e.g., ticket size, churn rates). Compile a cross‑interview synthesis document (3–5 pages) that organizes insights by theme and includes actionable recommendations.
• Confidentiality & Compliance: Handle all participant data with strict confidentiality. Securely store recordings and transcripts, and never disclose studio identities or sensitive information outside the project scope.
• Reporting: Deliver a confirmed participant list with qualification notes before any calls, followed by transcripts, recordings, per‑interview summaries, and the final synthesis document.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience conducting qualitative research with small‑business owners or service‑based operators.
• Proven track record of recruiting and interviewing independent studio owners or similar professionals.
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—capable of building rapport quickly and extracting deep insights.
• Proficiency with video conferencing tools (Zoom, Teams, etc.) and transcription software (Otter, Rev, etc.).
• Experience synthesizing qualitative data into actionable themes and concise written reports.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to participant confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in the beauty or hospitality industry, with firsthand knowledge of studio operations.
• Familiarity with booking platforms, client data export challenges, and staff turnover dynamics.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced startup environment, managing multiple research projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of research ethics, informed consent procedures, and data protection regulations.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Interviewing Mastery: Ability to ask open‑ended questions, probe for depth, and navigate sensitive topics with ease.
• Analytical Thinking: Translate raw interview data into clear, actionable insights that inform product strategy.
• Project Management: Coordinate recruitment, scheduling, and deliverables within tight timelines.
• Technical Savvy: Comfortable using research tools, data storage solutions, and basic spreadsheet analysis.
• Empathy & Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the unique pressures faced by beauty studio owners and adapt interview style accordingly.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, your research will directly shape product roadmaps, giving you a front‑row seat to the entire development lifecycle. You will collaborate with product managers, designers, and engineers, gaining exposure to agile methodologies, user‑centered design, and data‑driven decision making. As you build a portfolio of industry insights, you’ll position yourself as a thought leader in the beauty tech space, opening doors to senior research roles, product strategy positions, or even entrepreneurial ventures.

We also invest in your professional development through:

• Access to industry conferences and workshops.
• Mentorship from senior researchers and product leaders.
• Opportunities to publish findings in internal newsletters and external publications.
• Regular feedback loops that help you refine your research techniques and storytelling skills.

Work Environment & Culture

brighthush fosters a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Our remote‑first team values flexibility, but we also meet weekly for cross‑functional huddles to share progress and celebrate wins. We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard and every idea is considered. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a newcomer eager to learn, you’ll find a supportive environment that rewards initiative and creativity.

We believe in work‑life balance, so you can pursue your passions outside of work while still contributing to meaningful projects. Our team enjoys:

• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Annual wellness stipend for health and fitness activities.
• Team‑building retreats and virtual coffee chats.
• Open‑door communication with leadership and transparent decision making.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

While the exact budget for this project will be discussed during the interview process, brighthush offers competitive rates for freelance research work. In addition to fair compensation, we provide:

• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Access to a curated library of industry reports, research tools, and professional development resources.
• Opportunities to present findings at internal workshops and external conferences.
• Potential for long‑term collaboration on future research initiatives.
• Health and wellness stipend to support your physical and mental well‑being.
• Annual performance bonus based on project impact and client satisfaction.

Application Process

To be considered, please submit the following:

• Portfolio Samples: Two or three examples of interview projects you’ve conducted with small‑business owners or service‑based operators. Include the interview guide or a summary (redacted if necessary).
• Recruitment Strategy: A brief outline of how you would recruit participants for this study, including expected response rates and outreach tactics.
• Handling Ambiguity: A short explanation of how you manage participants who provide vague or non‑committal answers.
• Availability: Your schedule for the next two weeks.
• Rate & Estimate: Your hourly or fixed‑price rate and a total estimate for the full scope of work.

We ask that you avoid generic proposals. brighthush will review candidates based on the specific answers above. Please include a brief cover letter that explains why you’re passionate about research in the beauty industry and how your experience aligns with our mission.

Ready to Join brighthush?

If you’re excited to dive deep into the world of independent beauty studios, uncover the stories that drive their success, and help shape the future of studio technology, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and become a key contributor to brighthush’s journey of empowering beauty professionals worldwide.