Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research for a data-sharing product across government departments.
- Company: User Centred Design Consultancy focused on impactful projects.
- Benefits: £500 p/d, largely remote work with travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior stakeholders and collaborate in an agile team.
- Why this job: Shape operational strategy and make a difference in sensitive environments.
- Qualifications: Active SC Clearance and experience in user research within secure settings.
£500 p/d Outside IR35
Initial 3 month contract with a 6 month extension likely
Largely remote with some expensed travel
Overview
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.
SC Cleared User Researcher x 2 in Reading employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SC Cleared User Researcher x 2 in Reading
✨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 complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. We all know how important communication is in this role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of research methods! Be ready to discuss your experience with various techniques like interviews and workshops. Show us how you’ve engaged stakeholders and translated user 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 the chance to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace SC Cleared User Researcher x 2 in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights 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 be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing your personality come through, so feel free to share your passion for user research and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Research Methods: In your application, mention specific research methods you’ve used, like interviews or workshops. We’re keen to know how you engage with stakeholders and translate complex needs into actionable insights, so give us the details!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
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 led end-to-end research activities and the specific methods you've used, like interviews or workshops.
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the types of stakeholders you might encounter in this role. Think about how you can engage with operational users, policy teams, and technical staff. Prepare examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past.
✨Translate Insights into Action
Be prepared to showcase your ability to turn complex user needs into clear insights. Think of specific instances where your findings shaped strategy or improved user journeys. Practise presenting these insights in a compelling way.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your storytelling skills and ensure you can present your findings effectively.