Senior Researcher

Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default

At Proton, we believe that privacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy. Since our inception in 2014, founded by a team of scientists from CERN, we have dedicated ourselves to providing free and open-source technology to millions worldwide, ensuring access to privacy, security, and freedom online.

Our journey began with Proton Mail, the largest secure email service globally, and has since expanded to include Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass. These tools empower individuals and organizations to take control of their personal data, break away from Big Tech’s invasive practices, and defeat censorship. Our work impacts hundreds of millions of lives, from activists on the front lines defending freedom to leaders in governments protecting sensitive information. In some cases, Proton’s services have even been instrumental in saving lives by enabling secure and private communications in high-risk situations.

Proton today supports over 100 million user accounts with a growing team of over 500 people from over 50 different countries, from the world's top companies and universities. We value intelligence, learning potential, and ambition in our hiring process. Adaptability is key as we navigate uncharted territories and redefine how business is conducted online. We believe smaller teams of exceptional talent will always prevail over larger teams with lower talent density. Proton has become profitable and reached scale without relying upon VC funding, largely due to superior talent that allows us to do things faster, more creatively, and more efficiently.

We have a global mindset and big ambitions but remain a start-up at heart. We value empowerment and flexibility and keep our structure flat to keep moving fast and avoid unnecessary politics. Tired of blending into the crowd? Join us and do work you can truly be proud of. Check our social media pages to learn more about us: Twitter, Reddit, Instagram.

 

The role:

We are looking for an experienced Senior Researcher to lead the definition and execution of a company-wide research strategy. As the first Research hire, you will play a key role in shaping product development and marketing campaigns by generating insights on current users, future growth audiences, the competition, and broader market trends. You will set up and execute qualitative and quantitative research across the business, collaborate with product and marketing teams, and help ensure that decision-making is driven by data and user feedback.

 

What you will do:

• Define company-wide research strategy & plan: Develop and implement a scalable research strategy & plan that is prioritized and aligns with business goals across product and marketing.
• Establish research infrastructure: Set up research processes, tools, and methodologies to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. Ensure the infrastructure supports both ongoing and ad-hoc research needs.
• Vendor selection and management: Identify, select, and manage relationships with external research vendors. Negotiate contracts, oversee research projects, and ensure timely and accurate deliverables.
• Conduct first-hand research: Design and execute user interviews, focus groups, and surveys to gather insights that inform product usability, feature prioritization, messaging/positioning, and brand campaigns.
• Synthesize and communicate insights: Analyze and interpret research to create actionable insights. Present findings to product, marketing, and leadership teams to guide strategy.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with product managers, designers, and marketing teams to ensure research findings are integrated into product roadmaps and marketing campaigns.
• Lead research reporting: Regularly update leadership on key research outcomes, ensuring insights contribute to long-term strategic planning.

 

What we need from you:

• 7-10 years of experience in research, with a strong focus on consumer insights, user experience, and business intelligence.
• Proven track record in developing and executing research strategies in fast-paced environments, ideally within tech, SaaS, or privacy/security products.
• Experience managing external research vendors and overseeing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong hands-on experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, surveys, and focus groups.
• Ability to distill complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• An audience-first mindset with strong empathy for users and a deep commitment to understanding their needs and behaviours.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence product roadmaps and marketing strategies based on research insights.

Even if you don’t meet all the requirements listed above, but feel you could still be a great fit, please still apply.

 

Why Proton:

• Office First: Collaboration is easier and more effective in person, which is why we have offices in Geneva, Zurich, Prague, Barcelona, Paris, London, Vilnius, Skopje, and Taipei. You can also enjoy working from home up to 30% of the time, while enjoying great company during our three core days in the office. Depending on the role, fully remote positions may also be available.
• Technology: We provide all the devices and software you need to excel in your role, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal to achieve your goals.
• Food: Lunch and snacks are provided by Proton every day at our offices.
• Transport: We will always support our employees with transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces based on your office location.
• Stock Options: At Proton, we are all owners of the company and you get stock options when you join us.
• Flexible Working: You can define your own working hours as long as it works with team meetings.
• Learning and Development: We are committed to your professional growth. Proton offers various learning opportunities, including training programs, conferences and events, and continual learning.
• Employee Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance plans, competitive retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.
• Work that Matters: Proton is a community-first organization, started with the support of a crowdfunding campaign and built with community input. To this day, Proton’s only source of revenue is user subscriptions. Over 100 million people trust and support Proton, and we put our users and community first in everything we do. Read more about our impact here.

Check our social media to learn more about Proton: 

LinkedIn ,Reddit ,X, YouTube

 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Proton, we believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens our mission to provide privacy as a default for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, or socio-economic background, feel valued and empowered. We strive to create equal opportunities, promote open dialogue, and support continuous learning to ensure every voice is heard and respected.

If you need any extra support or reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, please let your talent partner know.

 

Candidate Privacy Notice

When you apply for a position, refer a candidate, or are considered for a role at Proton Technologies AG (Proton, we, us, or our), your information is stored in Greenhouse, in accordance with their Service Privacy Policy. This information is used to evaluate your suitability for the posted position. We also retain this information for consideration for future roles that you may apply for or that we believe may align with your background and skills.

If we no longer have a legitimate business need to process your information, we will either delete or anonymize it. Should you have any inquiries about how we use or manage your information, or if you wish to access, correct, or delete your data, please contact our privacy team.

Proton does not accept unsolicited resumes from any sources other than directly from candidates. We will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from an unsolicited offer, even if the candidate is subsequently hired by Proton.

To learn more about our privacy policy, please visit our privacy policy page.