Mid Level User Researcher - 3 month contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mid Level User Researcher - 3 Month Contract

Company: NEC Software Solutions (NECSWS)

Location: Remote, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time Contract

Category: User Experience / Research Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-04

Experience Level: Mid Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Deliver impactful user research within a significant Government Digital Service (GDS) project, shaping public services.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams in a complex, high social impact delivery environment.

• Navigate ambiguity and manage complex stakeholder groups to achieve project objectives.

• Contribute to services that have meaningful societal impact, directly influencing outcomes for the public.

• This is a 3-month contract role with potential for extension, ideal for a researcher seeking challenging and rewarding work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a "User Researcher," the emphasis on GDS experience and multidisciplinary teams within a public service context aligns it closely with operational research functions that inform GTM strategies and product development, particularly within the public sector technology domain. The "Mid Level" designation suggests a need for demonstrated experience rather than entry-level capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct end-to-end user research activities, from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting, for a substantial GDS project.

• Employ a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies appropriate for complex and sensitive subject matter.

• Collaborate effectively with designers, developers, product managers, and other stakeholders within multidisciplinary delivery teams to integrate research findings into service design and development.

• Facilitate workshops and co-design sessions to foster a user-centered approach and gather diverse perspectives.

• Manage stakeholder expectations and communicate research insights clearly and persuasively to influence decision-making.

• Identify and recruit suitable participants for research studies, ensuring diverse representation from target user groups.

• Document research processes, findings, and recommendations in a clear, concise, and actionable manner.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research practices and standards within the NEC Digital Studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description strongly implies a need for GDS-specific methodologies and a collaborative, agile approach common in government digital transformation projects. Responsibilities are inferred from the core requirement of "delivering user research across a substantial GDS project" and working within multidisciplinary teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field is often beneficial for user research roles. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are prioritized over formal education.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience working as a User Researcher.

• Proven track record of delivering successful user research within GDS (Government Digital Service) projects.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively within multidisciplinary delivery teams, understanding agile development cycles.

• Substantial experience in managing complex stakeholder groups, navigating ambiguity, and addressing competing priorities. Required Skills:

• Expertise in a wide range of user research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, surveys, card sorting, diary studies).

• Proficient in GDS principles and standards for service design and user research.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate research findings to diverse audiences.

• Experience working with complex stakeholder groups and managing competing priorities.

• Ability to work independently and manage own workload effectively in a remote setting. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the Health sector or in contexts with health-related services.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

• Experience with participatory co-design and ethical research practices.

• Knowledge of digital inclusion initiatives and working with seldom-heard user groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mid Level" designation, combined with "significant experience working as a user research within GDS projects," suggests a need for practical, hands-on experience and a solid understanding of GDS frameworks. The "desirable" experience in health contexts points towards potential project areas.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of user research projects, ideally including GDS or public sector examples.

• Demonstrations of research planning, methodology selection, participant recruitment, and data analysis.

• Case studies detailing how research insights directly influenced design decisions and service outcomes.

• Examples of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder management strategies.

• Evidence of delivering actionable recommendations and measuring their impact. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings clearly and concisely.

• Experience in creating research reports, presentations, and user journey maps.

• Understanding of how to integrate research findings into product backlogs or development sprints.

• Familiarity with documenting ethical considerations and consent procedures in research.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-level researcher, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical application of skills. The emphasis on GDS and public services means showcasing an understanding of ethical considerations, stakeholder complexity, and impact on public users is vital.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As this is a 3-month contract role for a Mid-Level User Researcher with GDS experience in the UK, the estimated daily rate would likely fall between £350 - £550, translating to an approximate annual equivalent of £72,800 - £114,400, depending on specific experience, negotiation, and the client's budget.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work on high-impact public services with meaningful societal contributions.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment within the NEC Digital Studio.

• Potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.

• Access to cutting-edge projects and a supportive multidisciplinary team.

• NEC Software Solutions is an equal opportunities employer, committed to inclusivity.

• Reasonable adjustments for accessibility are provided throughout the recruitment and interview process. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• The role is fully remote, offering flexibility in work location within the UK.

• While specific hours can be flexible, regular availability for team collaboration and research activities during UK business hours is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for contract roles is typically quoted daily or hourly. The estimate is based on typical rates for experienced user researchers with specialized GDS experience in the UK market, considering the "mid-level" designation. Benefits are derived from the "Additional Information" section of the provided description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software, Public Services, Government Digital Services. NEC Software Solutions (NECSWS) operates within the critical infrastructure and public sector technology space, providing software solutions that support essential services like ambulance dispatch, family support, transportation, and public safety. The NEC Digital Studio specifically focuses on human-centered design and digital transformation.

Company Size: NEC Software Solutions is part of the global NEC Corporation, a large multinational conglomerate. NECSWS itself is a significant entity within the UK, employing over 3,000 people. This implies a structured organization with established processes, but the Digital Studio likely operates with a more agile and design-focused culture.

Founded: NEC Corporation was founded in 1899, with a long history in telecommunications and IT. NEC Software Solutions leverages this extensive heritage while focusing on modern digital solutions. The NEC Digital Studio's specific establishment date is not provided but is presented as a key part of NECSWS's digital transformation efforts.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the NEC Digital Studio, which is described as a "people-first digital studio" focused on design and development.

• You will be part of a multidisciplinary team, which typically includes user researchers, UX/UI designers, product owners, developers, and delivery managers.

• The structure emphasizes collaboration and shared ownership in creating user-centered services.

• Researchers are expected to work closely with delivery teams on GDS projects. Methodology:

• The NEC Digital Studio champions design practices that "make the world more human" and puts "people at the centre of services."

• They specialize in evidence-led solutions, working with seldom-heard voices and diverse user groups.

• Key methodologies include participatory co-design, ethical research, and a strong focus on accessibility and digital inclusion.

• The approach is likely agile, with iterative development and continuous user feedback integration.

Company Website: https://www.necsws.com/digitalstudio/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a strong commitment to social impact and user-centered design through its Digital Studio. This context is crucial for a User Researcher, indicating a culture that values evidence-based decision-making and ethical practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as "Mid Level," typically indicating 2-5 years of dedicated user research experience. It requires a solid foundation in research methodologies, a proven ability to work within GDS frameworks, and demonstrated experience in complex stakeholder environments. It's not an entry-level position but offers significant autonomy and responsibility within project teams.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a mid-level user researcher in a multidisciplinary team usually reports to a Lead User Researcher, Research Manager, or potentially a Product Manager/Lead Designer within the project team. The structure will likely be flat within the project team, with a dotted line to a research community within the NEC Digital Studio for professional development.

Operations Impact: As a User Researcher within a GDS project, the impact is direct and significant. Research findings will shape the design, functionality, and usability of public services, directly affecting how citizens interact with government and essential services. This role has the power to improve accessibility, efficiency, and overall user satisfaction for a broad public audience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research areas like accessibility research, ethical AI research, or complex stakeholder analysis.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to Senior User Researcher or Lead User Researcher roles, mentoring junior researchers and leading larger research initiatives.

• Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge within specific public service sectors (e.g., health, justice, transport) through continuous project work.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into Product Management, Service Design, or UX Strategy roles by leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development processes.

• GDS Accreditation: Potentially gain further GDS certifications or recognition through successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract nature of the role means "growth" is often measured by skill acquisition and project impact rather than traditional linear career progression within one organization. However, the GDS context and NEC's scale offer valuable experience for future roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "Remote, United Kingdom." This indicates a fully remote working arrangement, meaning no requirement to attend a physical office.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, NEC Software Solutions has offices across the UK. The NEC Digital Studio's specific physical location is not detailed, but the remote nature of this contract means candidates can work from any suitable location within the United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: Candidates will need to establish their own productive remote workspace, ensuring reliable internet connectivity and a conducive environment for focused research and collaboration.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect to heavily utilize digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Miro, Figma) for communication, brainstorming, and sharing research artifacts.

• Team Interaction: While remote, the emphasis on multidisciplinary teams suggests frequent virtual interactions, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and research review sessions. The culture values inclusivity and support, aiming to replicate collaborative benefits in a virtual setting.

• Technology: Access to necessary research tools and software will likely be provided or supported by the company.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week.

• While remote, candidates are expected to be available during core UK business hours to facilitate seamless collaboration with UK-based multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

• Flexibility may be possible, but consistent availability for meetings and research activities is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature is a key aspect. The "NEC Digital Studio" context suggests a modern, digitally-enabled work environment that prioritizes collaboration and user-centricity, even when distributed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess GDS experience and relevant skills.

• First Interview: Likely a discussion with a hiring manager or lead researcher to delve into your experience, GDS knowledge, research methodologies, and stakeholder management skills. Expect behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation/Workshop: A common step for researcher roles. You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio, detailing your research process, insights, and impact. Alternatively, you might participate in a practical exercise simulating a research challenge.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a wider project team or senior stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaborative abilities, and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• GDS Focus: Highlight projects that demonstrate adherence to GDS principles, understanding of public sector user needs, and experience with complex, sensitive, or high-volume services.

• Methodology Clarity: Clearly articulate why you chose specific research methods for each project and how they addressed the research questions.

• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify the impact of your research wherever possible. Show how your insights led to tangible improvements in service design, user satisfaction, or efficiency.

• Collaboration: Illustrate how you worked with multidisciplinary teams and managed stakeholder feedback and buy-in.

• Conciseness: Present your strongest work clearly and concisely. For a 3-month contract, they need to see you can deliver quickly and effectively.

• Ethical Considerations: If relevant, demonstrate your understanding of ethical research practices, data privacy, and working with diverse or vulnerable user groups.

Challenge Preparation:

• GDS Case Study: Be prepared to discuss a GDS project in detail, including challenges faced, research approaches, key findings, and the impact on service delivery.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would approach research for a complex, ambiguous problem within the public sector.

• Stakeholder Navigation: Prepare examples of how you've managed conflicting stakeholder requirements or communicated difficult research findings.

• Remote Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you ensure effective collaboration and communication in a remote setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on GDS experience is paramount. Interviews and portfolio reviews will likely be heavily weighted towards demonstrating practical application of GDS standards and navigating the complexities of public sector digital transformation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for remote usability testing, surveys, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Typeform).

• Collaboration Suites: For communication and remote teamwork (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers for context (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Tools for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and potentially quantitative data (e.g., spreadsheets, basic statistical tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Presentation Software: For reporting findings to stakeholders (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

• Documentation Tools: For creating research plans and reports (e.g., Confluence, Google Docs, Notion).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM/automation role, understanding how user research feeds into product development and customer journey mapping is beneficial. Familiarity with systems that track user feedback or support tickets could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are not listed, but the nature of the role and GDS context implies a need for proficiency in standard user research software, collaboration tools, and presentation platforms. Experience with tools that facilitate remote research and stakeholder communication is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs in all service design and development processes.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on delivering research that leads to tangible improvements in public services and positive outcomes for citizens.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication within multidisciplinary teams and with stakeholders.

• Ethical Practice: Adhering to high standards of ethical conduct in research, ensuring participant privacy and data security.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A dedication to designing services that are usable and accessible to everyone, especially seldom-heard groups.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Relying on robust research data to inform design and strategic choices.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Researchers are an integral part of delivery teams, working alongside designers, developers, and product managers daily.

• Agile & Iterative: Collaboration is expected to be dynamic, with continuous feedback loops and iterative adjustments based on research findings.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages sharing insights, asking questions, and providing constructive feedback.

• Participatory Approach: The NEC Digital Studio emphasizes co-design, suggesting a collaborative style where users and team members actively participate in the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description of the NEC Digital Studio strongly informs these values. The emphasis on "making the world more human" and "putting people at the centre of services" suggests a culture that is empathetic, collaborative, and driven by social good.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: Working with often complex, sensitive, and fast-moving public service programs presents inherent challenges in research design and analysis.

• Ambiguity & Competing Priorities: Dealing with unclear project scopes and conflicting stakeholder demands requires strong communication and prioritization skills.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective team cohesion and research momentum in a fully remote environment requires proactive communication and engagement strategies.

• Impact Measurement: Quantifying the direct impact of user research on large-scale public services can be challenging but is crucial for demonstrating value.

• Diverse User Groups: Effectively reaching and researching seldom-heard or vulnerable user groups requires specialized recruitment and ethical considerations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• GDS Framework Mastery: Deepen understanding and practical application of GDS standards and best practices for government digital services.

• Sector-Specific Knowledge: Gain valuable insights and experience in specific public service domains (e.g., health, social care) through project work.

• Advanced Research Techniques: Explore and apply advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, especially those relevant to complex societal issues.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Observe and learn from designers, product managers, and developers, broadening your understanding of the end-to-end service delivery lifecycle.

• Mentorship: Potential to connect with other researchers within the broader NEC organization or Digital Studio for guidance and support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are derived from the role's description of working in "complex, high social impact delivery environments" and dealing with "complex stakeholder groups, navigating ambiguity and competing priorities." Growth opportunities are standard for a mid-level researcher in a specialized domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging GDS project you worked on. What were the primary user research challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on methodology, stakeholder management, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and effectively communicated to a multidisciplinary team, especially when there are competing priorities?" (Highlight collaboration, communication, and impact).

• "Walk us through a time you had to conduct research with a difficult-to-reach or seldom-heard user group. What ethical considerations were paramount, and how did you approach recruitment and engagement?" (Demonstrate ethical awareness and specialized skills).

• "How would you approach user research for a new public service that aims to address a complex societal issue, where user needs might be unclear or sensitive?" (Showcase your strategic thinking and research planning process). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on public services and specifically with NEC Software Solutions' Digital Studio?" (Connect your values to their mission).

• "How do you contribute to an inclusive and accessible work environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Reference their stated values and your own practices).

• "Describe your experience working in a multidisciplinary team. How do you ensure research findings are integrated effectively into the team's workflow?" (Emphasize collaboration and teamwork). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Study: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Problem/Challenge: What was the goal or issue?
  • Your Role & Methodology: What did you do, and why did you choose those methods?
  • The Process: How did you conduct the research (recruitment, data collection)?
  • Key Insights: What did you learn?
  • Recommendations & Impact: What were your suggestions, and what was the outcome?

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics if possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%," "identified Y key usability issues leading to Z design changes").

• Visuals: Use screenshots, personas, journey maps, or quotes to bring your research to life.

• Focus on GDS Relevance: Highlight how your work aligns with GDS principles or addresses similar challenges.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, challenges, and how you would adapt your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation is heavily tailored to the specific requirements mentioned: GDS experience, multidisciplinary teams, complex stakeholders, and remote work. Portfolio presentation is key for researcher roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Customize Your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with GDS projects, multidisciplinary teams, and complex stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your strongest GDS-relevant work, and clearly articulates your research process and impact. Have specific case studies ready to discuss in detail.

• Research NECSWS & Digital Studio: Understand their mission, values, and the types of public services they support. Familiarize yourself with the GDS ethos.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting a key portfolio case study, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your impact. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your process and decisions.

• Prepare for Remote Collaboration: Think about how you ensure effective communication and productivity in a remote work environment.

⚠️ 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.