At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research for a data-sharing product across government departments.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful government projects.
- Benefits: Remote work, travel expenses covered, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Collaborative agile environment with opportunities to influence senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public service by shaping operational strategies.
- Qualifications: Active DV clearance and experience in user research within secure environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced DV Cleared User Researcher to support a discovery phase for a data-sharing product spanning two government departments. The product will inform and shape operational strategy, requiring a strong understanding of complex, sensitive environments and stakeholder landscapes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver end-to-end user research activities during discovery
- Design and execute appropriate research methods (e.g. interviews, contextual enquiries, workshops)
- Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including operational users, policy, and technical teams
- Translate complex user needs into clear, actionable insights
- Support the definition of user journeys, pain points, and opportunities across departmental boundaries
- Present findings in a compelling and accessible way to inform strategic decision‑making
- Collaborate closely with product, design, and delivery teams in an agile environment
Essential Skills & Experience
- Active DV (Developed Vetting) clearance
- Proven experience delivering user research in government or highly secure environments
- Strong discovery‑phase experience, particularly in complex or cross‑organisational services
- Ability to work with sensitive data and navigate constrained research environments
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategy through insights
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills
Desirable
- Experience working on data-sharing, interoperability, or cross‑departmental services
- Familiarity with GDS standards and service design principles
- Experience working within operational or policy‑driven environments
DV Cleared User Researcher employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DV Cleared User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience in government or secure environments. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your user research projects, especially those involving complex environments. This will help you stand out when discussing your experience with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling! When presenting your findings, make sure you can communicate them clearly and compellingly. This is key in influencing stakeholders and demonstrating your value as a researcher.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace DV Cleared User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in user research, especially in government or secure environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a DV Cleared User Researcher.
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to design and execute various research methods. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders and translated complex user needs into actionable insights.
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language to present your experiences and findings, as this is crucial for influencing senior stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to us quickly and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Know Your User Research Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your user research methodologies, especially those relevant to government and secure environments. Be ready to discuss how you've designed and executed research methods like interviews and workshops in the past.
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the types of stakeholders you might encounter, from operational users to policy teams. Think about how you can engage them effectively and be prepared to share examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders with your insights.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Since you'll need to present findings in a compelling way, practice telling stories with your data. Use clear, accessible language to explain complex user needs and how they translate into actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
✨Be Agile and Collaborative
Highlight your experience working in agile environments and collaborating with product, design, and delivery teams. Be ready to discuss how you adapt your research approach based on team feedback and project needs.