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- Tasks: Lead user research activities and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Company: User Centred Design Consultancy focused on impactful government projects.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative agile environment with opportunities to influence strategic decisions.
- Why this job: Make a difference in government services while working with sensitive data.
- Qualifications: Active SC Clearance and experience in user research within secure environments.
Initial 3 month contract with a 6 month extension likely. Largely remote with some expensed travel.
iO Associates are working on an exclusive basis with a User Centred Design Consultancy to search for 2 x experienced SC Cleared User Researchers for 2 x discovery phase workstreams 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 SC Clearance (UKSV Security 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.
Please don't hesitate to apply if you're an SC Cleared User Researcher as my client wants to interview WC 11th May.
User Researcher - Remote in Preston employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher - Remote in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the user research field, especially those who have experience in government or secure environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your storytelling skills. You’ll need to present your findings and insights clearly, so practice explaining your past projects and how they shaped strategy. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of research methods! Be ready to discuss your approach to user research, especially in complex environments. Show us how you’ve engaged with stakeholders and translated their needs into actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented SC Cleared User Researchers like you, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher - Remote in Preston
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 specific needs of the role!
Showcase Your Research Methods: When detailing your experience, be sure to mention the research methods you've used, like interviews or workshops. We love seeing how you’ve engaged with stakeholders and translated user needs into actionable insights.
Communicate Clearly: Your application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language to present your experience and make it easy for us to understand your journey as a User Researcher.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the loop for this exciting opportunity.
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 translate their complex needs into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare to present your findings in a compelling way. Practice how you'll communicate your insights to influence strategic decision-making, as this is crucial for the role. Use examples from your previous work to illustrate your points.
✨Be Ready for Agile Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with product, design, and delivery teams, think about your experiences in agile environments. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated in the past and how you can contribute to a dynamic team setting.