Senior User Researcher
Senior User Researcher

Senior User Researcher

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and conduct user research to enhance health technology products.
  • Company: Optum is a global leader in healthcare technology, improving lives through innovative solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, diverse culture, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on patient outcomes while collaborating with talented teams.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in user research within healthcare or life sciences is essential.
  • Other info: This is a day rate contract until December 2025, with monthly office visits required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Here at Optum, we have a brilliant opportunity for a Senior User Researcher to join our highly capable and talented EMIS-X Analytics Product Experience & Design team on a day rate contract basis.

Working remotely, you will take a proactive approach reimagining our core products and innovating to create new solutions that significantly improve patient outcomes.

We are looking for a Senior User Researcher with extensive experience utilising a range of research methodologies within the research and life sciences or healthcare industry that will steer the development of our health technology products. Collaboration is key at Optum; you will work with cross-functional teams and lead on multiple projects.

At Optum, we embrace new ideas and innovative solutions, and we want you to bring your knowledge and expertise to this highly valued User Researcher team. You will play a significant part in defining our internal research capability and identify the tools, processes and methodologies needed to support EMIS products that are shaping the next evolutionary stage in health technology.

Please note this is an inside IR35 day rate contract until the end of December 2025 and whilst this is a remote working role, there will be a requirement to travel to the office on a monthly basis.

What you’ll do:

As a Senior User Researcher at Optum, we will be looking for you to lead, design and conduct research studies throughout the product lifecycle. Utilising a variety of research methodologies, you will guide stakeholders in the right approach to address their questions. You will be instrumental in ensuring that our users are positioned at the centre of all transformational activities and championed across the wider organisation.

We’re looking for collaborators who will promote and create a culture of user centred and evidence based approach to product and service design. As a Senior User Researcher, you will help foster an innovative UX research approach across the organisation.

Other key responsibilities and accountabilities will include;

  • Work closely with Product Designers to help embed rapid research & findings into agile teams and process.
  • Align user research sessions and activities with product objectives and priorities.
  • Actively engage stakeholders in user research activities.

Who you’ll be

We need you to be an experienced User Researcher with a passion for leading, designing and running a broad range of research methodologies across various stages of the product development cycle. We are looking for Senior User Researchers with experience in completing methodologies within the Research and Life Sciences or Healthcare industry.

Collaboration is essential; you will be able to demonstrate previous experience of assisting team members to adopt a wide range of user research methods including generative research and usability testing. With a growth mindset, you will have the ability to think creatively around how to use business insights and mix research methods to help identify the root cause of user pain points.

Technical skills we are looking for you to demonstrate include;

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including thematic analysis.
  • Confident presenter – the ability to influence your audience to focus on user needs rather than solutions.

About Us

Optum is a global organisation that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Optum, we are committed to providing an inclusive, equitable culture where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work and to reach their full potential. This is a foundation stone of Optum, anchoring the employee cycle from recruitment through to ongoing personal development and genuine, continuous two-way employee engagement, supported by our company values which determine everything we do.

Optum is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law. We will always work to accommodate individual needs during your application journey. If you require any adjustments, please advise the talent team.

Senior User Researcher employer: OptumUK

Optum is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and collaboration within the healthcare sector. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work while benefiting from comprehensive career development opportunities. The remote working flexibility, combined with the chance to make a meaningful impact on health outcomes, makes Optum a truly rewarding place to advance your career as a Senior User Researcher.
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Contact Detail:

OptumUK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior User Researcher

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and methodologies in user research, especially within the healthcare sector. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in a rapidly evolving field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the healthcare and user research communities. Attend relevant webinars or conferences to connect with potential colleagues at Optum and gain insights into their work culture and expectations.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led user research projects in the past. Highlight your collaborative experiences and how you’ve influenced product design through user-centred approaches.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to inform design decisions. Be prepared to explain your approach to thematic analysis and how it has impacted user experience in previous roles.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior User Researcher

User Research Methodologies
Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Usability Testing
Generative Research
Thematic Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Presentation Skills
User-Centred Design
Agile Methodologies
Health Technology Knowledge
Creative Thinking
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior User Researcher position at Optum. Familiarise yourself with the methodologies and skills mentioned in the job description.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in user research, particularly within the healthcare or life sciences sectors. Emphasise your ability to lead research studies and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for user research and your understanding of the importance of user-centred design. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully implemented research methodologies in previous roles.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of your analytical and problem-solving skills. Highlight any experience you have with thematic analysis and how it has contributed to successful project outcomes.

How to prepare for a job interview at OptumUK

✨Showcase Your Research Methodology Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience with various research methodologies, especially those relevant to the healthcare industry. Highlight specific projects where you successfully applied these methods to improve user outcomes.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

Since collaboration is key at Optum, share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Emphasise your ability to engage stakeholders and integrate their feedback into your research processes.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Expect questions that assess your analytical and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss how you've identified user pain points and the innovative solutions you've implemented to address them.

✨Communicate Your Passion for User-Centred Design

Articulate your commitment to user-centred design principles. Share your vision for how you can champion user needs within the organisation and contribute to a culture of evidence-based product development.

Senior User Researcher
OptumUK
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  • Senior User Researcher

    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-27

  • O

    OptumUK

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