At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to shape impactful services and improve people's lives.
- Company: Join a growing tech consultancy focused on user-centred solutions for government and healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25 days holiday, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Regular travel across the UK and a supportive community await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by uncovering user needs and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and a passion for delivering meaningful solutions.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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.
As a User Researcher, you’ll uncover the needs and voices of people, work in multi-disciplinary teams to feed these needs into design decisions, shape impactful services, and bring curiosity, pragmatism and insight to projects. You’ll enjoy a supportive community whilst working across public sector clients to solve real problems that impact people's lives.
The role
You’ll conduct 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'll 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.
If you take a leadership role in projects, have a variety of project experience and support more junior colleagues working in design and delivery research you may be better suited to our Senior User Researcher role.
Requirements
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. We are unable to progress applications from candidates who do not meet these requirements.
If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to review the guidance or discuss this with us before applying. We are recruiting for multiple positions, with opportunities available immediately and in the coming months. If you are interested in joining Opencast, we encourage you to apply.
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
In your interview we’ll ask you questions based around these experiences. We’ll also ask you to present a piece of work which demonstrates these skills and experiences. If you have any of this experience, please show it on your CV and in the interview.
What we offer
A competitive package including 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.
Where you’ll work
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 include you
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.
Interview
Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. We’re happy to make adjustments to support your needs.
User Researcher employer: Opencast | B Corp
At Opencast, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. As a User Researcher, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public sector services while enjoying a competitive benefits package, including a generous pension contribution and professional development opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all voices are heard, making it a truly rewarding place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Before your interview, dive into Opencast's projects and values. This will help you connect your experience with their mission and show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to user research and think about how your past experiences align with what they're looking for. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Since collaboration is key at Opencast, be ready to share examples of how you've worked with others in multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight your ability to listen and adapt to different perspectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Opencast is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the User Researcher role. Highlight your experience with user research methods and how you've collaborated with design teams. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects:In your application, include specific examples of projects where you've made an impact. Describe the research methods you used and the outcomes. This helps us understand your approach and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Opencast!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opencast | B Corp
✨Know Your Research Methods
Make sure you’re familiar with a variety of user research methods. Be ready to discuss which methods you've used in past projects and why you chose them. This shows your ability to tailor your approach based on project needs.
✨Showcase Your Deliverables
Prepare to present clear and concise user research deliverables from your previous work. Highlight how these deliverables met the needs of different audiences, as this will demonstrate your understanding of effective communication in user research.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Opencast values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you’ve collaborated with colleagues and clients. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you respectfully challenged decisions when necessary, showcasing your ability to contribute to a positive team dynamic.
✨Understand the Importance of Ethics
Familiarise yourself with ethics and governance documentation related to user research. Be ready to discuss how you’ve produced these materials in the past and ensured compliance with GDPR and MRS guidelines, as this is crucial for maintaining trust in your research.
