Senior User Researcher – AI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher – AI

Company: Scrumconnect Limited

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience Research / AI Research

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive user research strategies for a Generative AI platform, guiding product and design decisions through all development phases (discovery, alpha, beta, live).

• Deeply understand and research how internal government users interact with, perceive, and trust AI-generated outputs, identifying critical risks and opportunities.

• Execute a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to gather actionable insights on AI comprehension and utilization.

• Validate the usability and understanding of human-in-the-loop checkpoints and escalation flows within AI systems.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, impactful recommendations for product, UX, and engineering teams, and present to senior stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on the intersection of User Research, Artificial Intelligence, and public sector digital transformation. The emphasis on GOV.UK Service Standards and trust in AI outputs are key differentiators.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a detailed user research plan, ensuring research activities align with and inform critical product and design milestones.

• Conduct in-depth studies to understand user interpretation, trust levels, and decision-making processes when interacting with AI-generated answers and confidence indicators.

• Employ a variety of research methods, including interviews, contextual inquiry, usability testing, and diary studies, with civil servants and other internal government users.

• Recruit participants in strict adherence to government research standards and data handling policies, ensuring ethical and compliant data collection.

• Test and validate the effectiveness and understandability of human-in-the-loop mechanisms and escalation pathways with end-users.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights and compelling narratives for product, UX, and engineering teams.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders to drive evidence-based decision-making.

• Prepare and present user research evidence for GOV.UK service assessments (Alpha/Beta/Live) to meet stringent Service Standard requirements.

• Contribute research findings and methodologies to "Docs-as-Code" artifacts, supporting knowledge transfer and the OKUA framework.

• Collaborate closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers to integrate user insights into product iterations, evaluation criteria, and roadmap prioritization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on research planning, execution, and communication within a regulated government environment. The role demands not only research expertise but also the ability to translate complex technical and ethical considerations into practical user-centered design solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience as a User Researcher, with a significant focus on complex digital products, ideally involving data-heavy or AI-assisted systems.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable expertise in leading user research for complex digital products, with a preference for experience in data-heavy or AI-assisted systems.

• Proficient in a broad spectrum of qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, contextual inquiry, usability testing, diary studies) and ideally quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, analytics).

• Proven experience researching trust, transparency, and comprehension issues specifically related to software presenting automated or algorithmic outputs.

• Experience recruiting and conducting research with sensitive user groups, such as government officials or those in regulated industries, while adhering to ethical and data protection standards.

• Practical understanding of GOV.UK Service Standard research expectations and experience preparing evidence for service assessments.

• Exceptional synthesis and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for diverse audiences including designers, engineers, and senior stakeholders.

• Comfort and experience working within secure, regulated environments and handling sensitive data with utmost care and compliance. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience researching Large Language Model (LLM) or Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) based products, chatbots, or other AI-assisted decision-making tools.

• Prior experience delivering digital services within UK central government or the wider public sector.

• Experience in designing, testing, or evaluating human-in-the-loop (HITL) or escalation workflows.

• Familiarity with accessibility research methods and inclusive design principles to ensure equitable user experiences.

• Exposure to research repositories, UX research tooling, or active participation in open-source UX research communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of core user research competencies with specialized knowledge in AI, government digital standards, and secure data handling, reflecting the unique demands of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive user research projects that demonstrate end-to-end research strategy, execution, and impact.

• Clearly articulate the research questions, methodologies employed, and the rationale behind method selection for each project.

• Include synthesized findings, actionable insights, and how these directly influenced product or design decisions, ideally with examples of iterative improvements.

• Highlight experience with complex systems, data-rich environments, or AI-assisted technologies if applicable, detailing challenges and solutions.

• Demonstrate proficiency in presenting research findings to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, with examples of communication artifacts (e.g., presentations, reports). Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation of your research process, outlining how you plan, conduct, and synthesize research, particularly in regulated or complex environments.

• Include examples of how you ensure research compliance with ethical guidelines and data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, UK government data policies).

• Detail your approach to translating research insights into tangible design and product recommendations, and how you track their implementation and impact.

• Showcase experience with GOV.UK Service Standard research requirements, including how you prepare evidence for service assessments.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will be critical for demonstrating practical experience, particularly in translating complex AI and government-related user needs into actionable research outcomes and presenting them effectively for service assessments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £75,000 per annum. This range is estimated based on the Senior User Researcher title, the specialized AI focus, the specific location (Newcastle upon Tyne), and the demanding nature of working with a UK government department. Senior-level UX research roles in the UK, especially those with niche expertise like AI and public sector experience, typically command salaries within this bracket. Factors such as exact years of experience, specific AI research background, and negotiation will influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment with a competitive salary.

• Opportunity to work on a high-impact Generative AI platform for a UK government department, contributing to public service modernization.

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and user research challenges.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and potential for attending relevant conferences.

• Standard UK employment benefits (e.g., pension contributions, paid time off).

• Collaborative work environment with experienced UX, product, and engineering professionals.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

While standard working hours are expected, the role may require some flexibility to meet project deadlines or accommodate participant availability, particularly in a government context. The on-site nature of the role facilitates direct collaboration and adherence to established work schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate reflects the seniority and specialized nature of the role, particularly its application within the public sector and AI domain in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: IT Services / Digital Transformation Consultancy. Scrumconnect Limited operates in the technology sector, specializing in providing digital transformation solutions, often for government and large enterprises.

Company Size: While specific size data for Scrumconnect Limited is not provided, typical consultancies of this nature range from 50-500 employees, suggesting a dynamic environment with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Scrumconnect Limited was founded in 2016. This relatively young company history suggests a modern approach to business and technology, likely embracing agile methodologies and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated product or project team, working closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, and AI Engineers.

• This team will operate within the broader Scrumconnect Limited structure, potentially with a dedicated UX/Research practice or community of practice for knowledge sharing and professional development.

• Collaboration will be highly cross-functional, requiring close interaction with client-side government stakeholders as well as Scrumconnect's internal technical and design teams. Methodology:

• Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) are likely central to project execution, emphasizing iterative development and continuous feedback.

• A strong focus on data-driven decision-making, informed by user research, analytics, and performance metrics.

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles, ensuring that user needs and behaviors are at the forefront of product development.

• Commitment to quality and adherence to standards, particularly relevant given the UK government client and the GOV.UK Service Standard.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Scrumconnect's focus on digital transformation, particularly within the public sector, indicates a culture that values impactful projects, adherence to standards, and collaborative problem-solving. The AI focus suggests an organization at the forefront of technological innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior User Researcher role, signifying a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant autonomy, strategic input into research planning, and the ability to mentor more junior researchers (if applicable). The scope involves leading research for a critical AI platform, indicating a high level of responsibility and influence.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher will likely report to a Head of UX, Research Lead, or a senior Product Manager within the project team or Scrumconnect's internal UX practice. They will work closely with product, design, and engineering teams.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is direct and significant. By ensuring the AI platform is user-centered, trustworthy, and effective, the Senior User Researcher will directly influence the success of the digital service, user adoption rates, operational efficiency for government users, and ultimately, the effectiveness of public services delivered. Their work will be crucial for meeting GOV.UK Service Standard assessments, which are gatekeepers to public sector digital service deployment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI user research, human-AI interaction, and research within regulated government environments.

• Leadership: Potential to lead larger research initiatives, manage research teams, or contribute to the strategic direction of UX research within Scrumconnect.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and guide junior researchers, fostering a strong research culture.

• Broader Impact: Contribute to other complex digital transformation projects within Scrumconnect, leveraging acquired AI and public sector expertise.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in emerging AI technologies, advanced research methodologies, and public sector digital standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior User Researcher in this context offers a strong blend of specialized technical growth (AI), domain expertise (public sector), and potential leadership opportunities within a consulting firm focused on impactful digital transformation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," implying a professional office environment. This typically includes dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas. Given the client is a UK government department, the work might also involve occasional site visits or hybrid arrangements depending on specific project needs and client policies.

Office Location(s): Newcastle upon Tyne, England. This location offers a vibrant city environment with good transport links. Scrumconnect Limited's specific office details would be available upon inquiry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction with UX designers, product managers, engineers, and potentially client stakeholders.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment, collaboration software, and potentially specialized UX research tools and AI development platforms.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and co-creation activities, facilitated by the on-site presence. The focus on "Docs-as-Code" suggests a digital-first approach to documentation and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, typical for a full-time role. While the on-site nature facilitates structured workdays, the demands of research projects and government client interactions may occasionally require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Newcastle upon Tyne suggests a preference for direct team collaboration and immersion in the project environment, which is often crucial for complex, sensitive projects like those involving government AI initiatives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on core user research experience and AI/government sector relevance.

• Technical Interview (Round 1): Expect questions probing your understanding of research methodologies, experience with AI/data-heavy systems, and your approach to researching trust and complex user behaviors. You may be asked to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio. This is where you'll demonstrate your research process, synthesis skills, impact, and ability to communicate findings effectively to a mixed audience (research, design, product, potentially client). Be prepared to discuss challenges, trade-offs, and how you navigated them.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview (Round 2): Meet with potential team members (UX Designers, Product Managers, Engineers) and possibly a senior leader. This interview will assess your collaboration style, problem-solving approach, cultural fit, and how you integrate research into product development cycles. Questions may include scenario-based challenges.

• Final Interview: A discussion with a senior stakeholder or hiring manager to finalize the offer, covering career aspirations, alignment with company values, and any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on AI & Trust: Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with AI, complex data, or researching user trust and comprehension in automated systems.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, key data points, and clear narratives to illustrate your process and impact. For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your methodology, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting impact.

• GOV.UK Service Standard Awareness: If you have experience with government projects or can articulate how your research would meet such standards, emphasize this. Discuss how you've prepared evidence for assessments or managed sensitive data.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your work within a set time limit (e.g., 30-45 minutes), leaving ample time for Q&A. Practice your story for each project.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with cross-functional teams and influenced product decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you approach researching user trust in a new AI feature?" or "You discover users are over-relying on AI outputs. What steps would you take?"

• Methodology Justification: Be ready to defend your choice of research methods for specific scenarios, explaining the trade-offs.

• Synthesis and Recommendations: Practice articulating research insights concisely and translating them into concrete, prioritized recommendations.

• Understanding the Client: Research Scrumconnect Limited and the UK government's digital service standards to demonstrate your understanding of their context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is rigorous, with a strong emphasis on practical application, portfolio demonstration, and suitability for a high-stakes government project involving AI. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their research impact clearly and convincingly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar for remote usability testing and feedback collection.

• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms for quantitative data collection and user feedback.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace for documentation, presentations, and team communication.

• Prototyping Tools (for review): Familiarity with Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision to understand and test prototypes developed by designers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for presenting quantitative research findings and performance metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis and organization.

• Qualitative Analysis Tools: NVivo, Dovetail, or similar for coding and synthesizing qualitative data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM/automation role, understanding how user research feeds into CRM strategies or marketing automation workflows can be beneficial. Familiarity with how user data is managed within systems like Salesforce or HubSpot, and how research insights can inform personalization or customer journey mapping, is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily research-focused, proficiency in a range of qualitative and quantitative analysis tools is essential. Familiarity with how research insights integrate into broader product development and customer data platforms is advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product and design decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using evidence from research and analytics to inform strategy and execution.

• Collaboration and Transparency: Open communication and partnership across design, product, engineering, and client teams.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning, iterating on processes, and refining research methodologies.

• Impact and Accountability: Focus on delivering research that drives tangible business outcomes and contributes to successful digital services, particularly within the public sector context.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively embedding research insights into the workflows of UX designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure seamless integration of user needs.

• Evidence-Based Dialogue: Engaging in constructive debate and discussion, using research findings as the foundation for recommendations and decisions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing research findings, methodologies, and insights through presentations, documentation, and informal discussions to foster a shared understanding of the user.

• Agile Mindset: Adapting research plans and approaches to fit within agile development cycles, providing timely and relevant insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of agile execution, rigorous research practice, and a strong sense of purpose derived from working on public sector digital transformation projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• AI Trust & Comprehension: A primary challenge will be researching and addressing user trust, comprehension, and potential biases in AI-generated outputs. This requires nuanced research approaches.

• Government Sector Nuances: Navigating the specific requirements, stakeholders, and compliance standards of a UK government department, including strict data handling and service assessment criteria.

• Balancing User Needs with Constraints: Synthesizing user needs with technical limitations, policy requirements, and the GOV.UK Service Standard can be complex.

• Recruitment in Regulated Environments: Recruiting appropriate participants from within government departments while adhering to strict protocols.

• Demonstrating ROI of Research: Clearly articulating the value and return on investment of user research, especially in the context of AI development and public service delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Research Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in researching complex AI systems, LLMs, and human-AI interaction.

• Public Sector Digital Standards: Becoming an expert in GOV.UK Service Standards and best practices for government digital services.

• Advanced Methodologies: Exploring and applying advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques relevant to AI and complex systems.

• Mentorship: Learning from and potentially mentoring experienced professionals within Scrumconnect and the client organization.

• Strategic Influence: Developing skills in influencing product strategy and roadmap prioritization based on user insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also rich learning opportunities, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of AI and the critical domain of public sector digital services.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a research strategy for a complex AI product from discovery through to live deployment." (Focus on phased approach, GOV.UK standards, and AI-specific considerations.)

• "How would you approach researching user trust and understanding of AI-generated outputs? What specific methods would you use, and why?" (Highlight methods for assessing confidence, bias, and comprehension.)

• "Imagine you discover users are over-relying on AI outputs, leading to potential errors. What research steps would you take, and how would you communicate these findings to product and engineering teams?" (Focus on problem diagnosis, mitigation strategies, and collaborative solutions.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and directly influence product and design decisions, especially when working with cross-functional teams?" (Emphasize synthesis, clear recommendations, and integration into agile workflows.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with AI technologies and for a UK government department?" (Show genuine curiosity and alignment with the mission.)

• "How do you approach working within regulated environments and handling sensitive user data?" (Discuss your understanding of ethical research and data protection.)

• "How would you contribute to a culture of user-centricity and continuous research improvement within a project team?" (Highlight your proactive and collaborative approach.)

• "What is your understanding of the GOV.UK Service Standard, and how have you applied its principles in your research?" (Demonstrate awareness and practical experience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (problem/goal), middle (your research journey/methods/insights), and end (impact/recommendations/learnings).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or qualitative evidence to demonstrate the impact of your research on the product, user experience, or business goals.

• Showcase AI/Trust Experience: Prioritize projects that align with the role's AI and trust research focus. If you don't have direct AI experience, draw parallels from complex data systems or algorithmically driven outputs.

• Address Challenges: Be open about challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This demonstrates resilience and problem-solving skills.

• Audience Awareness: Tailor your language and level of detail to your audience. Be prepared to explain technical research concepts clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of user research principles, specific experience relevant to AI and regulated environments, and the ability to translate complex findings into impactful, actionable insights for a government client.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher – AI position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Scrumconnect Limited careers portal.

• Tailor your CV/Resume: Highlight your experience in user research, particularly any work related to AI, data-heavy systems, government projects, or researching user trust and comprehension. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research process, your ability to synthesize complex findings, and your impact on product development. Ensure at least one project demonstrates your approach to sensitive user groups or complex digital environments.

• Prepare your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely and clearly, focusing on the problem, your methodology, key insights, actionable recommendations, and the impact achieved. Be ready to discuss your approach to GOV.UK Service Standards and AI-specific research challenges.

• Research Scrumconnect Limited and the UK Government Digital Service Standards: Understand their mission, values, and the expectations for digital services. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.