User Researcher

Available Locations

Liverpool, Newport, Norwich, Glasgow or Birmingham.

The following locations listed below are restricted to contracted GCA staff already based in one of these offices: (on CS Jobs input to the Job Summary)

London, Bristol, Manchester or York.

External applicants are not eligible for these sites. If you select one of these locations as an external applicant your application will unfortunately be withdrawn.

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Are you a curious user researcher eager to solve complex government challenges? Do you want to pioneer new approaches like AI-assisted prototyping while advocating for inclusive, accessible digital services? We are seeking a collaborative User Researcher to join our multidisciplinary team. You will drive product design by delivering user-driven insights, helping us enhance existing services and shape new ones. Join us to champion user-focused digital transformation, working hand-in-hand with developers, delivery leads, and business analysts to make a tangible impact on the nation.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will be joining a small team responsible for managing over 20 services which are key to the successful and efficient delivery of grants and contracts across government.

In this role, you will plan, design, and execute user research activities using a variety of methods to gather insights from diverse user groups. You will analyse data, synthesise findings, and communicate insights clearly, ensuring user involvement and advocacy is embedded within our agile practices. Working closely with team members, you will promote user-centred design principles and support the adoption of best research practices to enhance government digital services.

You will play a key role in shaping the vision of our digital services to ensure that each of our products are user centric and driven by user needs. You will lead on planning, designing and carrying out research activities within a multidisciplinary team. You will be empowered to set up new initiatives, develop new relationships and try new ideas.

Key Accountabilities:

• Research Strategy: Plan and conduct user research using appropriate methods within a multidisciplinary, agile team.
• Data Analysis: Analyse, synthesise, and translate both qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights.
• User Advocacy: Champion user-centred practices, ensuring insights inform decision-making.
• Communication: Effectively communicate to different audiences and present research findings clearly and persuasively.
• Inclusive Research: Conduct research with diverse user groups, including those with additional needs and hard-to-reach communities.
• Ethical Standards: Demonstrate a strong understanding of research ethics, participant safety, confidentiality, and data privacy.
• Project Management: Manage multiple research activities proactively, meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality outputs.
• Design Collaboration: Build product designs and work with developers to bring designs to life through iteration and feedback sessions.
• Usability Testing: Manage the usability and accessibility testing process, from recruiting participants to preparing test tasks and guides.
• Service Standards: Champion user focus in alignment with CDDO service standards and participate in service assessments as necessary.

Open to UK nationals only.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Technical skills.

Selection Process

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, which the Civil Service may use to fill future suitably similar vacancies across government for candidates who are considered appointable following interview. Should you be placed on a reserve list and want to be removed please contact recruitment@gca.gov.uk.

Please note that as part of this recruitment process, if you are unsuccessful at the interview stage but are close to the benchmark score you may be considered for and offered a role at a lower pay band within the same job family.

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Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.