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- Tasks: Lead user research activities and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Company: User Centred Design Consultancy focused on government projects.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative agile environment with opportunities to influence senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data-sharing products that shape government strategy.
- 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 Reading employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher - Remote 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 practising your storytelling skills. You’ll need to present your findings and insights clearly, so think of examples from your past work that showcase your ability to influence stakeholders and shape strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in user research and government services. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show potential employers that you're genuinely interested in the field and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that match your skills, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher - Remote 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 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 running 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 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, and be ready to present these in a compelling way.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use storytelling techniques to make your experiences relatable and engaging, ensuring you convey your passion for user-centred design.