At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to shape impactful digital services for millions.
- Company: Join a high-performing User Experience Design team within UK Government.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working, and the chance to influence real change.
- Other info: Collaborative agile environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference by ensuring services meet genuine user needs and improve experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68205 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced User Researcher to join a high-performing User Experience Design team delivering large-scale digital services within a major UK Government programme. This is an opportunity to work on complex, citizen-facing services that have a direct impact on millions of users. You'll play a key role in ensuring services are designed around genuine user needs, helping shape products and experiences that are accessible, intuitive, and effective.
Working within a multidisciplinary agile environment, you will collaborate closely with designers, developers, product teams, and stakeholders to drive evidence-based decision‑making throughout the service lifecycle.
As a User Researcher, you will be responsible for planning, conducting, and analysing user research activities that inform the design and delivery of digital services. You will champion user‑centred design principles, helping teams gain a deep understanding of user behaviours, needs, and pain points to ensure services meet both user and business objectives.
This role requires someone who can confidently engage with stakeholders at all levels, communicate research findings effectively, and influence product and service decisions through evidence and insight.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead and deliver user research activities across the full service lifecycle.
- Plan and conduct qualitative research including user interviews, workshops, surveys, and usability testing.
- Analyse user behaviours, needs, and motivations to generate actionable insights.
- Create user personas, user journeys, service blueprints, and research artefacts.
- Work closely with UX/UI Designers, Developers, Product Managers, and Business Analysts within agile delivery teams.
- Present research findings and recommendations to stakeholders, influencing design and delivery decisions.
- Support iterative service improvement through continuous user feedback and testing.
- Ensure research activities align with Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and best practices.
- Advocate for user‑centred design and accessibility across the programme.
- Contribute to service assessments, discovery, alpha, beta, and live service phases where required.
Proven experience as a User Researcher within UK Government, Public Sector, or highly regulated environments. Strong expertise in qualitative research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, and observational research. Experience translating research findings into practical recommendations that improve user experience and service outcomes. Strong understanding of user‑centred design principles and agile delivery methodologies. Experience working within multidisciplinary teams alongside design, product, and engineering functions. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Ability to present complex research findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences. Experience creating personas, journey maps, research reports, and insight‑driven recommendations. Exposure to Customer Experience (CX) programmes. Experience in Service Design environments. Knowledge of Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and assessments. Experience working on large‑scale citizen‑facing digital services. Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.
User Researcher employer: Cpl Life Sciences
Join a dynamic and innovative team within the UK Government, where your expertise as a User Researcher will directly influence the design of digital services that impact millions. With a strong commitment to user-centred design and accessibility, you'll thrive in a collaborative agile environment that fosters professional growth and encourages continuous learning. Enjoy competitive day rates and the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful projects that enhance public services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your best mate. Make sure to showcase a variety of projects that highlight your design process, not just the final product. Include case studies that tell a story about how you approached the problem and the impact of your design solutions.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Dive into online design communities like Dribbble, Behance, or even UX forums on Reddit. These platforms not only allow you to showcase your work but also help you connect with potential clients and fellow designers. Plus, attending local design meetups or online webinars can open up freelance opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Nail Your Pitch
When reaching out to potential clients, tailor your pitches to their specific needs. Highlight how your skills align with their projects and mention any related work you've done. Remember, clients love to see how you can add value to their business, so be clear about what you can bring to the table.
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Showcase your design work on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. Post regularly and engage with your audience; ask for feedback on your designs or share insights into your creative process. This not only builds your brand but can lead to potential clients sliding into your DMs!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Portfolio:As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it’s packed with your best work, showcasing your design process, user flows, and final products. Highlight projects that demonstrate not just your aesthetic skills but also your ability to solve real user problems.
Tailor Your Application to Cpl Life Sciences:When applying for the freelance role of User Researcher at Cpl Life Sciences, take a moment to research their style and design language. Customising your CV and portfolio to align with their brand aesthetics shows you're not just any designer, but the perfect fit for their team.
Crisp and Clear Proposals:When you pitch yourself, be direct about what you can bring to the table. Outline your skills clearly and mention your rates upfront. A straightforward proposal lets Cpl Life Sciences know you're professional and ready to hit the ground running!
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Freelance roles often involve working with various clients. Make sure to showcase any previous collaboration experiences in your CV. Mention how you’ve worked with developers, marketers, or stakeholders to create designs that keep all parties happy — that's a key selling point for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cpl Life Sciences
✨Showcase Your Portfolio like a Pro
Your portfolio is your calling card, so make sure it’s not just pretty but also tells a story. Arrange your best UX/UI design projects in a way that highlights your thought process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Talk about the challenges you faced and how you tackled them—freelancers need to show they can handle real-world problems.
✨Use Design Tools Effectively
Familiarity with design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD is crucial in our field. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools in real scenarios. They might ask specific technical questions about how you’d approach a design problem or your workflow, so brush up on those details and think of examples from your previous freelance projects.
✨Prepare for Client-Centric Questions
As a freelancer, you'll be client-facing, so expect questions about handling client feedback and managing expectations. Prepare examples of how you've dealt with difficult situations or miscommunications in previous projects. Your ability to communicate effectively with clients is a major selling point, and it’s worth stressing how well you can read and meet their needs.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Self-Management
Freelance work requires a lot of self-discipline and time management. Be prepared to discuss how you organise your time, juggle multiple clients, and prioritise tasks. Sharing how you've successfully managed deadlines and client relationships in the past can really set you apart from the competition and show that you're more than just a designer—you're a complete package.
