Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to shape a data-sharing product for government departments.
- Company: User Centred Design Consultancy with a focus on impactful projects.
- Benefits: £500 per day, largely remote work, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative agile environment with opportunities to influence strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in government operations through user insights.
- Qualifications: Active SC Clearance and experience in user research within secure environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Design & Usability Analyst in Reading employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design & Usability Analyst in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design and usability field. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially in user research roles. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their projects thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in complex environments. Show them you understand the importance of user-centred design in government settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! When presenting your findings or insights, make sure you can convey them in a compelling way. Use real examples from your past work to illustrate how you've influenced strategy and shaped user journeys.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly helps us keep track of your application and get you in front of the right people faster!
We think you need these skills to ace Design & Usability Analyst in Reading
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, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be engaging with a variety of stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication and storytelling abilities. Use examples from your past work where you’ve effectively presented findings or influenced decisions.
Highlight Your Research Methods: Be specific about the research methods you've used in previous roles. Whether it’s interviews, workshops, or contextual inquiries, we want to know how you’ve applied these techniques to gather insights and shape strategies.
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 running for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Know Your User Research Methods
Make sure you’re well-versed in various user research methods like interviews, contextual inquiries, and workshops. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these techniques in past projects, especially in complex environments.
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the different stakeholders you might encounter, including operational users and technical teams. Think about how you can engage them effectively and translate their needs into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your storytelling abilities. You’ll need to present findings in a compelling way, so practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your points.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Sensitive Data
Since this role involves working in secure environments, be ready to discuss your experience handling sensitive data. Share specific instances where you navigated constrained research environments while still delivering valuable insights.