At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to shape digital services that protect national security.
- Company: Join Pixelated People, a diverse and inclusive tech company.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on inclusion and diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while advocating for users.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of UX research experience and active SC clearance required.
We’re looking for a Senior User Researcher who’s grounded in delivery, sharp on the detail, and confident in leading user research across public services. This is not a “pure research” role sitting on the sidelines. You’ll be embedded in agile teams, shaping services from discovery through to live. That means asking the right questions, surfacing evidence, and keeping user needs front and centre - every sprint, every playback, every trade-off.
You’ll also help steer how research works across our team - coaching juniors, building capability, and making sure insight feeds strategy, not just validation.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading end-to-end research across Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live phases
- Running interviews, usability tests, contextual research, and surveys, choosing the right method for the job, not the handbook
- Keeping feedback loops alive - connecting regularly with users to understand real-world needs, not just what they say
- Turning research into action: journey maps, pain point summaries, user needs, problem statements, priorities
- Helping teams test ideas early - prototypes, content, flows, concepts before they harden into code
- Facilitating workshops, playback sessions, and cross-team alignment - keeping everyone close to the why, not just the what
- Supporting inclusive research practices - meeting GDS and WCAG standards and designing with, not just for
What we’re looking for:
- 8+ years of hands-on research experience across complex digital services
- Proven experience of planning, leading, and delivering user research for public services across Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live phases
- Proven experience leading research in agile teams (public sector a big plus)
- Strong portfolio or case studies that show how your work led to better decisions and outcomes
- Confident working with both qualitative and quantitative methods
- Clear communicator who can land insights with stakeholders at every level
- Experience working to GDS standards, including assessments and service patterns
- Deep understanding of inclusive design and accessibility (WCAG 2.2)
- Comfortable mentoring and leading research in multi-disciplinary teams
- Experience with service blueprinting or integrating research into policy and ops is a bonus
- SAAS/Salesforce background? That’s a nice-to-have
- Must have active SC clearance
The mindset:
You take ownership. You’re not afraid to challenge assumptions. You bring energy, clarity, and craft to your work. You advocate for users even when it's hard, and help others do the same. You’re delivery-minded, not just theory-led.
If you’re looking to do meaningful research that shapes services people depend on - and to do it in teams that respect the role of design - you’ll fit right in.
At Pixelated People, we don’t just do inclusion and diversity. We embrace people that have different opinions, perspectives and personalities. Because we believe that by seeing the world from all sorts of angles, we can make life better for all the people who live in it. So we want you to know that the things that make you, you — like your age, ability, background and identity — are things that we celebrate and support.
User Experience Researcher - SC Cleared in Cardiff employer: Pixelated People
At Pixelated People, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Our hybrid working model in London allows for flexibility while engaging in meaningful projects that protect national security. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to user-centred design, you will be empowered to make impactful contributions alongside a supportive team that champions innovative thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Experience Researcher - SC Cleared in Cardiff
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
In the world of UX/UI design, your portfolio speaks volumes! Make sure it's packed with your best work and showcases your process, not just the final product. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so consider adding case studies that reflect your thought process and user-centric approach.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Jump into local or online design meetups and workshops! Places like UXPA or local design events can be goldmines for networking and learning. Plus, mingling with fellow designers can introduce you to potential job openings that might not be listed elsewhere.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you find a role that excites you, like the one at Pixelated People for a User Experience Researcher - SC Cleared, make your application count! Highlight specific projects and skills that directly relate to the job description. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their specific team, so show them you’re the one!
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in finding a UX/UI design job! Follow design leaders on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, share your work, and engage in conversations. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters and even catch wind of openings at companies like Pixelated People before they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace User Experience Researcher - SC Cleared in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Process:When you're applying for a UX/UI Design role like User Experience Researcher - SC Cleared at Pixelated People, make sure to include examples that clearly highlight your design process. We want to see not just the final product but also the journey that led you there—wireframes, user personas, and iterations demonstrate your thought process and user-centric approach!
Tailor Your Portfolio:A tailor-made portfolio is crucial for a full-time design role! Curate your best projects that align with the kind of work Pixelated People does. We suggest including 3-5 case studies that showcase a variety of skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to really make your application pop.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just be a summary of your CV. Use it to express why you’re excited about UX/UI Design and what draws you specifically to Pixelated People. Mention any relevant experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and how you can contribute to their projects.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:In the world of UX/UI Design, teamwork is crucial. Make sure to highlight any past experiences where you worked in cross-functional teams. Illustrate how you communicated design decisions and listened to feedback, as this will resonate well with the culture at Pixelated People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pixelated People
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When you're gunning for a full-time UX/UI design role, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure you've got a solid selection of your work, showcasing not just the final designs, but the process behind them—think wireframes, user flows, and any user research you've conducted. During the interview with Pixelated People, be prepared to discuss your design decisions and how they solve specific user problems.
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Expect to face some practical design tasks during your interview. Pixelated People might ask you to tackle a quick design challenge or critique an existing interface. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and try to articulate your thought process as you work through these scenarios. Showing how you approach a design problem is just as important as the final output!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the tools commonly used in the industry—figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch should be second nature to you. Be ready to discuss your preferred tools during the interview and how they've shaped your design process at previous positions. This knowledge could give you an edge at Pixelated People!
✨Show Passion for User Experience
In a full-time UX/UI design role, having a genuine passion for improving user interactions can set you apart. Be prepared to share instances when you went above and beyond to ensure a great user experience in your previous projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a designer, but a user advocate, which is exactly what Pixelated People is looking for.
