User Researcher - £500 Inside - Government

Job Title: User Researcher
Rate: £500 (Inside IR35)
Duration: 6 months
Location: Remote - One Day Onsite Per Month in Newcastle
Clearance: BPSS
Stages: 1 Stage

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct qualitative and quantitative user research across discovery, Alpha, beta, and live phases.
• Select appropriate research methods including:
  • User interviews
  • Contextual inquiry
  • Usability testing
  • Surveys
  • Diary studies
  • Accessibility research
  • Remote and face-to-face research sessions
• Recruit participants representing diverse user groups, including vulnerable and hard-to-reach users.
• Analyse research findings and synthesise insights into actionable recommendations.
• Produce clear research reports, personas, journey maps, service blueprints, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Present findings to multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with:
  • Service Designers
  • Interaction Designers
  • Content Designers
  • Product Managers
  • Delivery Managers
  • Business Analysts
  • Developers
• Ensure research complies with GDPR, safeguarding requirements, and ethical research standards.
• Build and maintain a research repository to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Advocate for user-centred design and embed research practices across delivery teams.
• Support teams through GDS Service Assessments.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a User Researcher within Agile digital delivery teams.
• Experience working on UK Government digital services
• Strong understanding of the GDS Service Standard and Digital Service Manual.
• Experience planning and facilitating usability testing sessions.
• Strong qualitative research skills.
• Experience synthesising complex research into actionable insights.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple research activities.
• Experience conducting remote research using digital collaboration tools.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive research practices.
• Experience working with vulnerable users and sensitive services.