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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to improve digital services and collaborate with a dynamic Agile team.
- Company: Join a leading consultancy focused on user-centred design and impactful digital solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive environment with strong emphasis on learning and collaboration.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in user research while making a real difference in digital services.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and practical UCD experience required.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 62000 £ per year.
Remote (with occasional UK travel - approx. 2-3 days per month in London) £310 per day | Inside IR35 Initial 7 months with strong extension potential. SC eligibility required - 5 years of UK Residency.
About the role
I'm working with a key consultancy client that’s looking to bring in an enthusiastic Junior User Researcher to support the delivery of impactful, user-centred digital services. You’ll be embedded within a multi-disciplinary Agile team, collaborating closely with product managers, designers, developers and stakeholders to understand real user needs and translate insight into meaningful service improvements. This is a great opportunity if you’re early in your user research career and want hands-on experience working to GDS standards within a well-supported delivery environment.
I am looking for candidates who can evidence applied UCD practice within digital service or product teams - specifically hands-on usability testing, close collaboration with designers, iteration on prototypes, and the use of recognised UCD tooling. I am not looking for candidates skewed either towards research-only, academic research, or research support/operations, with limited visible evidence of end-to-end UCD delivery, design-adjacent working, or tool-based usability workflows.
What you’ll be doing
- Plan and support user-centred research activities across the delivery lifecycle
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research such as interviews, usability testing and surveys
- Work alongside designers and delivery teams to shape research goals and test hypotheses
- Synthesise research findings into clear, actionable insights
- Communicate research outputs confidently through show-and-tells, playback sessions and written reports
- Ensure research activities align with GDS principles, ethics and accessibility standards
- Collaborate openly in Agile ceremonies and day-to-day team working
- Build your research capability while learning from experienced practitioners around you
Skills and experience I’m looking for
To be a strong match, your CV must clearly demonstrate experience in the skills below. Applications that do not reference these skills may not be flagged as relevant, so please ensure they are clearly evidenced. You will bring:
- A recent degree (BSc/MSc or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as psychology, HCI, design, social sciences, health sciences or similar
- Hands-on research experience
- Applied UCD practice within digital service or product teams - specifically hands-on usability testing, close collaboration with designers, iteration on prototypes, and the use of recognised UCD tooling.
- Not research-only or just academic research but strong experience of end-to-end UCD delivery
- Experience conducting or supporting user interviews, usability testing or surveys
- Strong written and verbal communication skills - you’re comfortable presenting insights to different audiences
- A genuine interest in understanding user behaviours, needs and contexts
- Experience working collaboratively within Agile or user-centred teams
- A basic understanding of research ethics, informed consent and data protection
- An inclusive and accessible approach to user research
You’ll also be proactive, curious, detail-oriented and comfortable engaging with participants, including in sensitive or complex contexts.
Desirable (not essential)
It’s a bonus if you have exposure to:
- User research tools such as UserZoom, Optimal Workshop, Miro or Dovetail
- Usability testing methods, thematic analysis or affinity mapping
- Accessibility testing or remote research platforms
- Any experience within public-facing digital services or regulated environments
Why this role?
This is a fantastic opportunity if you want to build real-world user research experience, work on meaningful digital services, and develop your career within a supportive consultancy environment that values learning, collaboration and quality research practice.
Please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates your UCD, interview and delivery experience. Due to high application volumes, I may not be able to respond where this is not evident.
Junior User Researcher (UCD experience required) in London employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior User Researcher (UCD experience required) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to professionals in the user research field through LinkedIn or industry events. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your hands-on UCD projects, usability testing, and collaboration with designers. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by simulating common user research scenarios. Think about how you'd approach usability testing or synthesising research findings, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior User Researcher (UCD experience required) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your UCD Experience: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience with user-centred design (UCD). We want to see clear examples of usability testing, collaboration with designers, and any tools you've used. This is your chance to shine!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for specific evidence of your UCD practice, so make it easy for us to see how you fit the bill.
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are key! When you write your application, be clear and concise. Use straightforward language to convey your insights and experiences, as this will reflect your ability to communicate research findings effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Showcase Your UCD Experience
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with user-centred design (UCD) during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you conducted usability testing, collaborated with designers, and iterated on prototypes. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Research Methodologies
Brush up on both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as you'll likely be asked about them. Be prepared to explain how you've used interviews, surveys, or usability tests in past projects. Having examples ready will show that you understand the full research lifecycle.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your research findings and insights. Think about how you would present these to different audiences, and consider doing mock presentations to friends or colleagues to build your confidence.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GDS Principles
As the role requires alignment with Government Digital Service (GDS) principles, take some time to understand these standards. Be ready to discuss how you can ensure your research activities adhere to ethics and accessibility guidelines, which will show your commitment to user-centred practices.