User Researcher in Newcastle upon Tyne

Do you want to use research to shape services that make a real impact? Are you ready to bring curiosity and insight to projects that improve people’s lives? If so, Opencast could be the place for you. We’re a growing tech consultancy that creates user-centred solutions with purpose for our clients in government, healthcare and purpose-driven businesses.

The role involves conducting research which supports the development of a user centred service. You’ll work closely with other user centred design roles, such as Service Designer, Content Designers, and Interaction Designers, to solve complex and interesting problems for our clients.

You will ensure that work is carried out in accordance with Opencast's quality, environmental, and information security policies and procedures, as well as applicable customer policies, standards, and procedures while working on client projects.

This role involves weekly on-site work, and you’ll be required to travel regularly to client locations across the UK. We’re looking for people who value in-person collaboration, enjoy building strong relationships, and are passionate about delivering solutions that make a real difference for our clients.

Due to the nature of this role, you must either hold active Security Check (SC) clearance or be eligible and willing to undergo the clearance process. SC clearance is granted in line with UK Government security vetting requirements. Typically, applicants must have UK citizenship and have lived continuously in the UK for at least the past five years, with no single absence exceeding 28 consecutive days. Nationality and immigration status may also be considered as part of the vetting process.

To succeed in this role, you need experience of delivering user research to a delivery team. In your CV and interview(s), please show how you have:

• Chosen from a range of research methods to design the right research approach for the project phase
• Produced the required ethics and governance documentation and materials for research activity
• Recruited a wide range of participants in line with GDPR and MRS guidelines
• Identified key themes, user needs, personas, and design feedback through analysis
• Produced clear and concise user research deliverables to meet the needs of different audiences
• Worked to GDS standards
• Worked in agile delivery teams

In addition to user research skills, there are essential core skills you’ll need to work effectively as a consultant. In the interview, please show how you have:

• Planned your own tasks to achieve the objectives of your project
• Respectfully challenged decisions or solutions you don’t agree with
• Collaborated well with your colleagues, teammates and clients

What we offer includes a competitive package with a 7% employer pension contribution, share options, and a discretionary bonus. You’ll also benefit from 25 days’ holiday and access to 3 annual “life happens” days to support unexpected situations. We provide wellbeing support, ongoing professional development, volunteering opportunities, and the chance to be part of a genuinely supportive team.

This role requires regular on-site attendance at our HQ, hub offices, and client sites, as well as the ability to work from home. Applicants must be able to travel to offices and client sites across the UK as part of their normal working arrangements, since travel is essential for fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

We welcome candidates from all identities, attributes, ways of thinking and backgrounds to thrive in a career at Opencast. Our aim is for the diversity of our people to be reflected in the solutions we deliver, to help create a fairer society for all.

Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. We’re happy to make adjustments to support your needs.