Lead UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Researcher

Company: Elekta

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Human Factors Engineering

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive and lead hands-on user research and usability testing for Elekta’s complex medical hardware and software products, ensuring exceptional user experiences.

• Take ownership of the usability strategy and execution for significant product lines, aligning with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including other UX Researchers, UX/UI Designers, Industrial Designers, Product Management, and Engineering, to integrate user insights into product development lifecycles.

• Act as a primary point of contact for usability in internal and external audits, demonstrating deep expertise in medical device regulations and usability engineering principles.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers and design professionals, fostering a culture of user-centered design excellence within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly focused on UX Research within a highly regulated medical device environment. The "Lead" designation implies significant responsibility for strategy, execution, and mentorship, as well as a deep understanding of compliance. The emphasis on "hands-on" research means active participation in study design and execution, not just management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and documentation of comprehensive user research activities, including contextual studies, interviews, surveys, task and use error analyses, user reviews, heuristic evaluations, and rigorous usability testing.

• Develop and manage the usability strategy for assigned products or solutions, ensuring alignment with market needs, business targets, and regulatory compliance frameworks such as IEC 62366.

• Plan and facilitate workshops focused on research data analysis, journey mapping, service design, and product innovation to drive strategic decision-making and problem-solving.

• Conduct concept exploration through the testing of early prototypes and wireframes to validate product decisions and inform design iterations.

• Present UX research findings, progress, and recommendations to a wide range of audiences, including senior stakeholders, product teams, and engineering, articulating the value of user-centered design.

• Manage external agencies and subcontractors involved in user research and participant recruitment, including RFQ creation and proposal review, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

• Serve as the Usability Lead during internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and expertise to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards.

• Coach, mentor, and delegate tasks to other UX professionals, overseeing their performance and ensuring the successful completion of research projects within project timelines.

• Proactively identify and prioritize user research and user-centered design activities in collaboration with Product Management to ensure efficient resource allocation and timely project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical UX research execution, strategic planning, regulatory expertise, stakeholder management, and leadership. The emphasis on "regulated medical devices" and "IEC 62366" (implied by context) is critical for candidates to understand.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing, conducting, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative user research methodologies (e.g., contextual studies, interviews, surveys, task analyses, heuristic evaluations, usability testing).

• Deep understanding of medical device regulations and compliance requirements related to usability engineering (e.g., IEC 62366, FDA guidance).

• Demonstrated ability to lead concept exploration and discovery activities, supporting Product Management in defining product direction and strategy.

• Strong experience in planning and facilitating workshops for research analysis, journey mapping, and service design.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and foster cross-functional alignment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and common digital collaboration tools (e.g., Miro, FigJam, LucidChart).

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Agile principles and methodologies (Scrum, Kanban), with knowledge of Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and PI-planning being a plus.

• Experience with early-stage prototyping and wireframing to validate product concepts.

• Understanding of industrial design principles and their integration with UX research.

• Experience acting as a primary point of contact for usability during regulatory audits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "6+ years" experience is a baseline, with a strong emphasis on experience within the "human factors/ usability engineering of complex regulated medical devices." This is a non-negotiable requirement. The preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates who can integrate into existing development processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing a strong track record of leading and executing user research and usability testing for complex products, ideally within the medical device or other regulated industries.

• Evidence of designing and implementing usability strategies that directly contributed to product success and regulatory approval.

• Examples of detailed usability documentation, including test plans, protocols, reports, and risk analyses, demonstrating adherence to regulatory standards.

• Case studies illustrating the application of various research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) to solve complex user experience problems and inform design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to meticulously document all phases of the user research and usability engineering process, from planning and recruitment to execution, analysis, and reporting.

• Experience in creating and maintaining comprehensive usability engineering files as required for regulatory submissions.

• Proficiency in developing clear and concise research protocols and stimuli for usability testing sessions.

• Demonstrated skill in analyzing research data to identify root causes of usability issues and formulate effective recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead UX Researcher role, especially in a regulated industry, the portfolio must go beyond just showcasing research activities. It needs to demonstrate strategic thinking, the ability to manage complex projects, a deep understanding of regulatory documentation, and the impact of research on product outcomes and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Up to 25 paid vacation days per year, plus bank holidays.

• Holiday Purchase Scheme for additional leave.

• Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance.

• Attractive Employer Pension Contribution Package.

• Cycle to Work Scheme for sustainable commuting.

• Life Assurance coverage.

• Access to an Onsite subsidized restaurant for convenient and budget-friendly dining.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the UK technology and healthcare sectors. The specific package will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are typical for a company of Elekta's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Technology / Healthcare Equipment

Company Size: Elekta is a global company with a significant employee base, indicated by its presence in multiple job markets and the complexity of its product offerings. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: Elekta has a long history, founded in 1972, which implies a stable organization with deep expertise in its field and a commitment to long-term innovation in cancer care.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is part of a broader UX & Design (UX&D) organization, which includes UX Strategy & Design, Industrial Design, and UX Development.

• This role reports to the Manager, UX Research, and will work closely with other UX Researchers.

• Collaboration is essential with Product Management and Engineering teams, indicating a cross-functional, product-centric team structure.

Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Rigorous adherence to usability engineering principles and regulatory requirements for medical devices.

• Integration of research findings into product development lifecycles, likely incorporating Agile or SAFe frameworks.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making through workshops and cross-functional alignment.

Company Website: https://www.elekta.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Elekta's mission to improve and save lives through cancer care technology is a core cultural driver. The company operates in a highly regulated field, which shapes its approach to quality, compliance, and process. The "international program" aspect highlights the need for strong communication and collaboration across different geographies and cultures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Lead" position, signifying a senior individual contributor or a first-level management role for UX Researchers. It requires not only deep technical expertise in UX research but also the ability to strategize, mentor, and influence stakeholders. It's a crucial role in ensuring product usability and regulatory compliance.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Researcher reports to the Manager, UX Research. This provides a clear reporting line within the UX Research function, while the role's collaborative nature extends to strong working relationships with Product Management and Engineering leads.

Operations Impact: The Lead UX Researcher has a direct and critical impact on the usability, safety, and efficacy of Elekta's medical devices. By ensuring products are user-friendly and compliant with regulations, this role directly contributes to:

• Improved patient outcomes through effective cancer treatment.

• Enhanced workflow efficiency for healthcare professionals, reducing errors and stress.

• Successful regulatory submissions and market approvals, enabling the company's commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX research or human factors within medical devices.

• Leadership: Progress to a Managerial role within UX Research, or take on program-level leadership for UX initiatives.

• Cross-functional: Transition into Product Management or UX Strategy roles, leveraging deep user understanding.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized subject matter expert in medical device usability engineering and regulatory compliance.

• Mentorship: Continue to develop coaching and mentoring skills, shaping the next generation of UX researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title implies a progression from individual contributor roles, and the growth opportunities reflect typical paths for senior UX professionals in specialized industries. The impact on patient lives and regulatory success is a key differentiator and motivator for roles in this sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an office-based role, requiring 5 days a week at the Crawley Hub. It suggests a traditional work environment focused on in-person collaboration and team synergy.

Office Location(s): Crawley, United Kingdom. This location likely offers good transport links and is a central hub for Elekta's operations in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office-based nature facilitates spontaneous interactions, team meetings, and collaborative problem-solving sessions, which are vital for complex UX challenges.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office) and specialized digital collaboration platforms (Miro, FigJam, LucidChart) is expected, supporting both research analysis and cross-functional communication.

• Team Interaction: Direct and frequent interaction with fellow UX Researchers, UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers will be a daily occurrence, fostering a strong sense of team and shared goals.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. While the core hours are likely fixed, there may be some flexibility depending on project demands and Elekta's general work policies, though the 5-day on-site requirement is firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for 5 days a week in the Crawley Hub indicates a preference for a fully on-site presence, emphasizing the value placed on in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and immediate access to resources and colleagues.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and résumés, focusing on experience with medical device regulations and core UX research skills.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions about your UX research methodologies, experience with usability testing for regulated products, and understanding of regulations like IEC 62366. You may be asked to walk through specific case studies from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present selected projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your role, the challenges, your approach, and the outcomes.

• Stakeholder/Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineering leads, or other UX team members to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and strategic thinking.

• Leadership/Manager Interview: A final interview with the Manager, UX Research, to discuss leadership potential, mentorship abilities, and overall fit with the team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your experience leading research for complex products, ideally in regulated environments. Highlight projects where you managed the entire research lifecycle and influenced product decisions.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the problem, your role and responsibilities, the research methodologies used, the key findings, the recommendations provided, and the impact of your work (e.g., improved usability scores, successful regulatory clearance, enhanced user satisfaction).

• Emphasize Regulatory Compliance: If applicable, explicitly detail your experience with usability engineering for medical devices and how you ensured compliance with relevant standards.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., reduction in critical errors, improvement in task completion rates, positive feedback from audits).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled conflicting stakeholder opinions, and how you adapted your research approach based on project constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential scenario-based questions or a small take-home assignment related to designing a research plan for a hypothetical medical device feature. Focus on demonstrating your structured thinking, understanding of constraints, and ability to select appropriate methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "regulated medical devices" means that interviewers will be looking for evidence of understanding and applying regulatory standards in your research and documentation. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating practical experience and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Usability Testing Platforms: While not explicitly named, experience with various usability testing tools and methods is assumed. This could include remote testing platforms, eye-tracking software, or specialized medical simulation tools.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in digital whiteboarding and collaboration platforms such as Miro, FigJam, and LucidChart is explicitly required for workshop facilitation and cross-functional alignment.

• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools: Familiarity with tools used for creating early-stage prototypes and wireframes to support concept exploration (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Qualitative Data Analysis Tools: Experience with software for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, or even advanced spreadsheet analysis) to identify themes and insights.

• Quantitative Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for analyzing survey data and usability metrics (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, or specialized survey platforms like SurveyMonkey/Qualtrics).

• Reporting & Presentation Tools: Mastery of Microsoft PowerPoint for presenting research findings, and potentially tools for creating dashboards or visual reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX insights feed into product roadmaps and development cycles is key. Familiarity with Agile project management tools like Jira or Azure DevOps is likely advantageous for integrating research into development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Miro, FigJam, and LucidChart points to a strong emphasis on collaborative design and research processes. The lack of specific UX testing platform mentions suggests that a broad understanding of various methods and tools is more important than expertise in a single proprietary platform.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: A deep-seated commitment to improving and saving lives through the development of safe and effective medical technology. Every decision should consider the ultimate impact on patients.

• Quality & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of quality and adhering strictly to regulatory requirements in all aspects of work, especially concerning medical device usability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are paramount across diverse, international teams.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of continuous learning, exploration of new technologies, and proactive identification of opportunities to enhance products and processes.

• Integrity & Accountability: Acting with honesty, transparency, and taking ownership of responsibilities, particularly in critical areas like regulatory compliance and user safety.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with Product Management, Engineering, Industrial Design, and other UX professionals to ensure a holistic approach to product development.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Emphasizing the use of user research data and insights to inform strategic decisions and design choices.

• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging an environment where feedback is shared constructively, fostering growth and continuous improvement within the team and across departments.

• Global Mindset: Working effectively with colleagues across different time zones and cultural backgrounds, demonstrating adaptability and inclusive communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Elekta's mission ("improve and save lives") is central. The values will reflect the high stakes of medical device development, emphasizing safety, quality, and ethical considerations alongside innovation and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring compliance with evolving medical device regulations (e.g., IEC 62366, FDA, MDR) for usability engineering across multiple product lines and geographies.

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Effectively advocating for user needs while understanding and working within the technical limitations, business objectives, and development timelines of complex medical technology.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Influencing and aligning diverse stakeholders (Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs) on research priorities and design decisions.

• Leading Research for Large-Scale Products: Taking holistic responsibility for the user experience of complex, multi-component products or solutions, requiring strategic planning and coordination.

• Working in a Highly Technical Domain: Deeply understanding the intricacies of medical imaging, physics, algorithms, and engineering to conduct relevant and insightful research.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Regulatory Expertise: Become a recognized subject matter expert in medical device usability regulations and compliance.

• Advanced Research Methods: Explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques relevant to healthcare technology.

• Leadership Development: Enhance skills in mentoring, team management, and strategic UX leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry conferences (e.g., UPA, CHI, industry-specific medical device events) and pursue professional certifications.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of product development cycles, engineering challenges, and business strategy within the medical technology sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the regulated nature of the industry and the complexity of the technology. Growth opportunities focus on deepening specialized expertise and developing leadership skills within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence senior stakeholders to adopt a user-centered approach for a complex medical device. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on stakeholder management, data-driven advocacy, and understanding of business impact.)

• "How do you approach defining a usability strategy for a large, complex product or solution? What are the key considerations, especially within a regulated environment?" (Demonstrate strategic planning, understanding of regulatory frameworks, and prioritization skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Elekta's mission of improving cancer care, and how do you see your role as a Lead UX Researcher contributing to that mission?" (Connect your passion for UX with the company's purpose.)

• "How do you foster collaboration between UX, Product Management, and Engineering, especially in a global, cross-functional team environment?" (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact and Process: For each chosen project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the research methods used, the key insights derived, the recommendations you made, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., improved usability scores, successful audit, product enhancements).

• Highlight Regulatory Experience: If applicable, ensure you explicitly mention and demonstrate your experience with usability engineering for regulated medical devices and adherence to standards like IEC 62366.

• Showcase Leadership and Mentorship: If you have examples of leading research initiatives, mentoring junior team members, or facilitating workshops, be prepared to discuss these.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your methodology choices, data analysis techniques, and how you translated findings into actionable insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the medical device regulatory context. Candidates need to demonstrate not just UX research skills but also an understanding of the safety-critical nature of the products and the requirements for regulatory compliance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application and résumé in English via the "Apply" button on the Elekta Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating leadership in UX research for complex products, especially within regulated industries. Highlight your experience with usability engineering for medical devices and regulatory compliance documentation.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your résumé clearly articulates your 6+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing skills in human factors engineering, usability testing, regulatory knowledge, and leadership. Use keywords such as "Usability Engineering," "Human Factors," "Medical Device Regulations," "IEC 62366," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, case studies, and impact. Be ready to discuss your experience with regulatory audits and how you manage cross-functional collaboration. Prepare specific examples that align with Elekta's mission and values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Elekta's product portfolio, its mission in cancer care, and recent company news. Understand the challenges and opportunities within the medical technology sector.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.