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Role Description

We’re looking for a Senior Researcher (remote - US) to help define the industry’s understanding of developer productivity and the impact of AI on software engineering.

In this role, you will:

• Lead original, high-signal research that combines quantitative data, qualitative insights, and real-world stories from hundreds of engineering organizations.
• Develop and evolve frameworks, models, and measurement approaches that become reference points for CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and industry analysts.
• Produce flagship reports and essays that move the conversation forward and shape how leaders talk about developer productivity and AI.

You’ll operate as a top-of-ladder IC: setting direction for major research themes, partnering closely with product, marketing, and sales, and representing DX and Atlassian in the broader industry.

Responsibilities

What you’ll ship:

• Two “small ships” per month – quick, high-signal pieces that capture one strong insight or idea. For example:
  • An insight or trend we’re seeing in the data (e.g., how AI is changing specific workflows).
  • Key takeaways from a panel, webinar, or interview with senior engineering leaders.
  • A framework or mental model for how to think about a relevant problem (e.g., measuring developer productivity in hybrid teams).
• One “big ship” per quarter – a flagship piece that combines multiple data points, stories, and perspectives into something that reframes how leaders think about a problem. That might include:
  • A major AI Impact Report sharing insights and trends from data across hundreds of companies.
  • Regular updates with commentary to our industry benchmarks.
  • A deep-dive framework that becomes the default way leaders talk about a complex topic.
  • A compilation of “small ships” that come together in a cohesive guide on a topic that our audience wants help with or answers to.

Qualifications

• Deep experience (often 7+ years) in developer productivity, software engineering research, or closely related fields – e.g., engineering leadership, developer experience, socio-technical systems, or software metrics.
• Proven track record of publishing high-impact work: industry reports, academic papers, widely read essays, or frameworks that have influenced how organizations operate.
• Comfortable operating at the level of CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and Heads of Platform/DevEx – you can earn their trust and withstand their scrutiny.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills; you know how to separate signal from noise and avoid misleading conclusions.
• Exceptional writer and communicator: you can explain complex ideas in a way that is clear, concise, and actionable for busy leaders.
• Opinionated but open-minded: you’re willing to take a stand, but you update your views when the evidence changes.
• Low ego, high ownership: you care more about the quality and impact of the work than about credit.

Requirements

• Experience working inside large engineering organizations or platforms teams.
• Prior roles as a Field CTO, Deputy CTO, Principal Engineer, or similar.
• Experience collaborating with product and go-to-market teams to turn research into product and narrative.
• A network of senior engineering leaders, researchers, and practitioners you can tap for feedback and collaboration.

Benefits

• Atlassian offers a wide range of perks and benefits designed to support you, your family and to help you engage with your local community.
• Our offerings include health and wellbeing resources, paid volunteer days, and so much more.