At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a User Researcher, focusing on user needs to enhance digital services.
- Company: DWP is the UK's largest government department, empowering millions through innovative digital solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, a generous pension, and 25-30 days of holiday.
- Other info: Work from our vibrant hubs in Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, or Sheffield.
- Why this job: Shape inclusive services that impact lives while collaborating with diverse teams in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research or related fields, with strong skills in qualitative and quantitative methods.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 52000 £ per year.
Pay up to £46,547 plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work life balance.
DWP. Digital with Purpose.
At DWP Digital, our User Researchers play a vital role in improving services used by millions of people across the UK, as well as systems that support over 100,000 colleagues in the UK's largest government department.
Whether you're researching services that support some of the most vulnerable people in the UK or tools used by colleagues delivering essential public services, your work will have a direct impact on how those services are designed and developed.
As a User Researcher, you'll plan, design and deliver research using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods.
You'll work closely with designers, product managers, developers and other specialists to understand problems, test ideas and evaluate services.
You'll analyse and communicate findings in a clear and meaningful way, helping teams build a shared understanding.
Joining DWP Digital means becoming part of one of the largest and most experienced digital communities in government. Come and work on services that make a genuine difference to people's lives, while helping to ensure user needs remain at the heart of everything we do.
What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- Experience of conducting primary qualitative research, gained through a research role (such as market, social, academic or user research) or through academic study involving a significant qualitative research component, with the ability to gather, analyse and interpret findings to inform decision making.
- Experience of planning, designing and delivering qualitative research, selecting appropriate research methods to meet user, service and organisational needs.
- Ability to communicate research findings effectively and use evidence-based insight to inform decision-making and influence outcomes.
- Experience of analysing and synthesising qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources to identify user needs and provide actionable recommendations for teams and stakeholders.
Please pay attention to the specific criteria detailed on the Civil Service Job advert. To be successful you'll need to demonstrate evidence of working in a research role (this could be market research, social research, academic research or user research) or completing academic studies which included a significant element of primary, qualitative research.
Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.
Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home (40%) and some-time collaborating face to face in a hub or conducting research (60%).
Pay: We offer competitive pay of up to £46,547.
Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%.
Holidays: A generous leave package starting at26 days rising to 31 days over time.
You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.
We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
- Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies
- Time off volunteering and charitable giving
- Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
- Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
- Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
- Sports and social activities
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
And we have an award-winning environment and culture:
- DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards
- Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024
- Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025
- Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards
Process:
We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a single stage interview online.
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User Researcher in Leeds employer: DWP Digital
DWP Digital is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Leeds. With a competitive starting salary of £70,000 and a comprehensive benefits package, including a civil service pension, employees enjoy flexibility through a hybrid working model, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. The company prioritises employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development while working with cutting-edge technologies like VXLAN and next-generation firewalls.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with user-centred design principles. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current trends in user research methodologies. Being able to discuss recent developments or tools in qualitative and quantitative research during your interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated research insights to diverse stakeholders. This will showcase your ability to influence decisions and highlight your experience in making actionable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the field of user research. Connecting with others can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a User Researcher at DWP. Familiarise yourself with user-centred design principles and the specific research methods mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV:Highlight your relevant experience in user research or related fields. Emphasise your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, and provide examples of how you've generated insights that influenced project decisions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for user-centred design and how your skills align with DWP's mission. Mention specific experiences where you've successfully communicated research insights to stakeholders and how this has driven improvements.
Prepare for the Interview:Anticipate questions related to your research experience and how you approach user needs. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied your research skills and the impact they had on service delivery.
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous user research projects in detail. Highlight the methods you used, the insights you gained, and how those insights influenced design decisions. This will demonstrate your practical experience and understanding of user-centred design.
✨Understand DWP's Mission
Familiarise yourself with DWP's goals and the impact of their digital solutions on users' lives. Showing that you understand their mission will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their objectives and improve user experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you may need to explain how you would approach specific research challenges. Think about how you would ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your research, as well as how you would communicate findings effectively to diverse stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
As a User Researcher, you'll work closely with various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, particularly in agile environments. Emphasising your ability to influence design decisions through teamwork will be key.
