User Researcher

Location & Contract

SC Cleared. 3‑6 month contract initially, with potential extensions. Based in London or hybrid, primarily remote. Rate: £475-£525 per day via umbrella company.

We are looking for User Researchers to join a world‑leading organisation to conduct qualitative and quantitative research that informs product and service design.

• Plan, design, and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research activities.
• Identify user needs and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Work closely with Product Managers, Service Designers, Interaction Designers, Content Designers and Delivery Managers.
• Support services through GDS assessments and service standard reviews.
• Ensure research is inclusive and representative of diverse user groups.
• Develop research plans, discussion guides, consent forms and research reports.
• Synthesize findings using appropriate analysis techniques.
• Communicate insights clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Advocate for user‑centred design principles across the organisation.
• Contribute to evidence‑based decision‑making and service improvements.

• Proven experience as a User Researcher within UK government, public sector, or organisations delivering services aligned to GDS standards.
• Strong knowledge of the Government Digital Service Service Standard and the service assessment process.
• Experience working through Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live phases.
• Ability to select and apply appropriate research methods, including moderated interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiry, surveys, diary studies and accessibility‑focused research.
• Experience recruiting and engaging diverse participant groups.
• Strong stakeholder management and facilitation skills.
• Experience working in agile multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience working on central government services.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2.
• Experience with assisted digital and vulnerable user research.
• Familiarity with service design and content design practices.
• Experience presenting evidence at GDS service assessments.
• Membership of professional bodies such as the Market Research Society.

• User‑centred and agile practices
• Research planning and management
• Analysis and synthesis
• Inclusive research practices
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Communicating user research findings
• Strategic insight and service improvement

Applicants will ideally have practical experience conducting user research on services delivered in accordance with the GDS Service Standard and be able to demonstrate participation in Discovery, Alpha, Beta, or Live service phases within UK government or comparable public‑sector environments.

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high‑level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment, which can take a minimum of 10 weeks.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.