SC​/DV Cleared User Researcher

SC Cleared Lead User Researcher – AI Product experience essential

£650 p/d Outside IR35

Initial 3 month contract with a 9 month extension likely

3-4 days per week on site in Central London

iO Associates are working with a very exciting company developing AI tools into the UKs Defence & Secure Government industry.

They need 1-2 Lead SC Cleared User Researchers for 2 work streams that will be delivering a bespoke AI product into Defence and Secure Government clients.

The product will inform and shape operational strategy, requiring a strong understanding of complex, sensitive environments, AI Product development and User Story creation around the access to AI tools and stakeholder landscapes

• Lead and deliver end-to-end user research activities
• Design and execute appropriate research methods (e.g. interviews, contextual enquiries, workshops)
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including operational users, policy, and technical teams
• Translate complex user needs into clear, actionable insights
• Support the definition of user journeys, pain points, and opportunities across departmental boundaries
• Present findings in a compelling and accessible way to inform strategic decision-making
• Collaborate closely with product, design, and delivery teams in an agile environment
• Active SC Clearance (UKSV Security Clearance)
• Experience as a User Researcher on AI projects, ideally within a secure government or defence environment
• Proven experience delivering user research in government or highly secure environments
• Ability to work with sensitive data and navigate constrained research environments
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategy through insights
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills