Yes, When hiring for a product designer role, having candidates with UX research experience is definitely a plus. It shows that they have a deeper understanding of user needs and can create designs that are more user-centered. It allows them to gather insights, conduct user testing, and make data-driven design decision.

It's not uncommon for candidates applying for a Product Designer role to have some level of experience or familiarity with UX research, as it often complements the design process. However, the extent of their UX research experience can vary, so it's essential to specify your expectations in the job description and during the interview process to ensure you find a candidate with the right skills for your specific needs.

UX research experience is valuable but not always mandatory for a Product Designer role. Expectations should align with the role's specific requirements and your organization's needs.

While a strong understanding of user experience principles is crucial for a Product Designer, UX is a specialized field requiring in-depth expertise. So if you need a main idea from UX research, sure the product designer can help with that.