Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher

Company: Faculty

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Research / AI / Public Sector Technology

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for on-site client work)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives for high-profile public sector AI projects, ensuring alignment with the GDS Service Standard and user-centricity.

• Establish and operationalize foundational research practices, including standardized methodologies, ethical frameworks, and consent processes within the Public Services Business Unit.

• Translate complex AI concepts into actionable insights and clear product roadmaps by collaborating closely with technical teams and designers.

• Implement and manage research tooling and participant recruitment databases to ensure the safe, ethical, and equitable deployment of Artificial Intelligence.

• Mentor and upskill colleagues, including data scientists and product managers, in qualitative and quantitative research best practices to foster a strong research culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "founding practitioner" for User Research within Faculty's Public Services Business Unit. This implies a significant opportunity to shape the function from its inception, requiring strong foundational skills in building processes, establishing best practices, and driving adoption across the organization, particularly within a government-adjacent context. The emphasis on GDS Service Standard and UK Security Clearance eligibility highlights the specific demands of working within the UK public sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead comprehensive user research strategies from discovery through to live deployment for complex public sector AI initiatives, ensuring compliance with the GDS Service Assessment process.

• Develop and standardize research operations within the business unit, encompassing ethical guidelines, consent management, participant recruitment pipelines, and appropriate tooling.

• Collaborate with AI engineers, data scientists, product managers, and designers to bridge the gap between technical AI capabilities and user needs, informing product roadmaps and feature development.

• Implement and maintain research infrastructure, including participant databases and research software, ensuring data integrity, ethical handling, and compliance with regulations.

• Provide guidance and training to non-researchers (e.g., data scientists, product managers) on user research methodologies, promoting a user-centric mindset across the team.

• Champion user insights at senior leadership and client levels, ensuring that human-centered perspectives are integral to strategic business decisions and AI product development.

• Conduct qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, contextual inquiries, and usability testing, alongside quantitative methods to gather comprehensive user data.

• Analyze and synthesize research findings into compelling narratives and actionable recommendations that directly influence product strategy and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "lead end-to-end user research for complex public sector projects, navigating the CDDO/GDS Service Assessment process" indicates a need for deep familiarity with UK government digital standards and the specific challenges of research within this regulated environment. The mention of "establishing foundational research operations" suggests a significant onus on process creation and implementation, not just execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior user researcher roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be highly valued.

Experience: Minimum 5-10 years of progressive experience in user research, with a strong emphasis on leading complex projects and establishing research functions.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of leading end-to-end user research within the Government Digital Service (GDS) framework, including successful navigation of service assessments.

• Advanced proficiency in a wide range of qualitative research methods (e.g., in-depth interviewing, usability testing, contextual inquiry, diary studies) and the ability to translate complex, often ambiguous, data into clear, actionable insights.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate user needs and research findings effectively to diverse stakeholders, including technical teams and senior leadership in complex client environments.

• Strong understanding of research ethics, data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR), and best practices for obtaining informed consent, particularly in sensitive public sector contexts.

• Experience in establishing and scaling research operations, including defining methodologies, setting up ethical protocols, and managing participant recruitment.

• Ability to work independently as a "founding practitioner," demonstrating initiative, self-direction, and the drive to build processes from the ground up in a fast-paced, technical environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-related products and services, understanding the unique research challenges they present.

• Familiarity with specific UK government digital standards and frameworks beyond GDS.

• Experience with research tooling for participant management, survey administration, and data analysis.

• Ability to mentor and guide junior researchers or team members with less research experience.

• Knowledge of product management principles and how user research integrates into agile development cycles.

• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC) and willingness to undergo the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on GDS framework experience and service assessments is a critical differentiator. Candidates must demonstrate not just research skills, but a proven ability to operate within and satisfy the rigorous standards of UK government digital projects. The "founding practitioner" aspect suggests a need for entrepreneurial drive and the ability to build structure in ambiguity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience showcasing the full lifecycle of user research projects, particularly within the public sector or highly regulated environments.

• Case studies detailing how user research insights directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, and led to measurable improvements in user experience or service delivery.

• Evidence of establishing research processes, ethical frameworks, or operational improvements within a team or organization.

• Examples of translating complex technical or AI-related concepts into user-friendly language and actionable product roadmaps.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal methodologies for conducting user research, from planning and recruitment to synthesis and reporting.

• Examples of how they have documented research processes, ethical considerations, and consent procedures.

• Demonstrations of how they have implemented or improved research tooling and participant databases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "founding practitioner" role, the portfolio should highlight not just research execution, but the ability to build and scale research functions. This means showcasing examples of process creation, template development, and the implementation of operational best practices, particularly those relevant to ethical research and GDS compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior User Researchers in London with 5-10 years of experience, particularly those with GDS and AI experience, the estimated salary range is £70,000 - £95,000 per annum. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the specialized skills required (GDS, AI), and the cost of living in London.

Benefits:

• Unlimited Annual Leave Policy: Offers significant flexibility and trust in managing personal time.

• Private Healthcare and Dental: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and potentially their families.

• Enhanced Parental Leave: Generous provisions for new parents, supporting work-life balance during significant life events.

• Family-Friendly Flexibility & Flexible Working: Accommodations for family needs and adaptable work schedules to support diverse personal circumstances.

• Sanctus Coaching: Access to professional coaching services for personal and professional development.

• Hybrid Working: A structured approach to balancing remote work with in-office collaboration.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment expectations. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility in how these hours are structured, with potential for on-site client work as required by specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical Senior User Researcher roles in London, factoring in the specialized GDS and AI requirements. The "unlimited annual leave" is a notable benefit often associated with high-trust, modern work environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Faculty operates at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Technology Consulting, and Public Services. They are known for developing and deploying responsible AI solutions for enterprises and government bodies, focusing on tangible impact and ethical application.

Company Size: Faculty is a growing technology company, likely falling into the 250-500 employee range based on typical growth trajectories for AI firms with a significant client base. This size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for influence, but also a need for clear processes and structure.

Founded: Faculty was established in 2014, giving it a decade of experience in the AI landscape, allowing it to build a strong reputation and a substantial portfolio of client work.

Team Structure:

• The Public Services Business Unit focuses on leveraging AI for government and public good.

• The Senior User Researcher will be a foundational member of the UR capability within this unit, working closely with technical teams (data scientists, engineers) and product managers.

• The role involves cross-functional collaboration, influencing strategy and design across project teams.

Methodology:

• Faculty emphasizes a human-centric approach to AI, focusing on real-world impact and responsible deployment.

• They utilize a blend of consulting, product development, and technical expertise to solve client challenges.

• Data-driven decision-making and rigorous analysis are core to their approach.

• The GDS Service Standard implies a methodology that prioritizes user needs, iterative development, and robust assessment.

Company Website: https://faculty.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: Faculty's focus on "responsible AI" and "human-centric AI" is a key cultural differentiator. For a User Researcher, this means a strong alignment with ethical considerations and a focus on societal impact, particularly within the public sector context. The company's AI focus suggests a technically sophisticated environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level role, acting as a "founding practitioner." It requires significant autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to build and lead initiatives. It sits above a standard User Researcher, offering leadership and foundational responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report into a senior leader within the Public Services Business Unit, such as a Head of Product, Head of Design, or a Director. While reporting lines will exist, the "founding practitioner" aspect implies a high degree of independence and influence across project teams.

Operations Impact: As a Senior User Researcher, the impact is substantial:

• Directly influences the success and user adoption of critical AI solutions for public services.

• Shapes the ethical deployment of AI within government, ensuring it serves citizens effectively and equitably.

• Establishes the user research discipline within Faculty's Public Services unit, setting standards and building capability that will have long-term impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Opportunity to build and lead the entire User Research function for the Public Services Business Unit, potentially managing a team as it grows.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI research, ethical AI deployment, and public sector digital transformation.

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping Faculty's strategy for AI in government and influencing major client decisions.

• Process Development: Develop and implement best practices, methodologies, and tooling that can be scaled across the organization.

• Mentorship: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor data scientists, product managers, and potentially junior researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "founding practitioner" element is crucial for career growth. This role offers the chance to define a discipline, build a team, and establish a legacy within a respected AI firm, particularly in a high-impact sector like public services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Faculty operates a hybrid working model, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. This suggests a modern office environment designed for both focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): The role is based in London, United Kingdom, with the expectation of some on-site client work. Faculty likely has a central London office that serves as a hub for collaboration and client meetings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teams suggest a collaborative workspace where user researchers work closely with data scientists, engineers, and designers.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to modern research tools, collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized AI research environments.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, both virtually and in person.

• Client-Facing Aspects: The role requires comfortable interaction within client environments, which may vary in terms of setup and culture.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour week is complemented by flexibility. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively, balancing research demands with personal commitments and in-office requirements, while ensuring project deadlines and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in London, coupled with the need for occasional on-site client work, suggests a need for adaptability and efficient time management. The office environment likely supports both individual deep work and collaborative problem-solving sessions crucial for AI projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Talent Team Screen (30 minutes): Initial conversation to assess basic fit, motivation, and alignment with Faculty's culture and the role's core requirements. Focus on your career trajectory and interest in AI/Public Services.

2. Introduction Interview (60 minutes): Deeper dive into your experience, particularly with GDS, public sector research, and complex AI projects. Expect questions about your approach to research operations and ethical frameworks.

3. Case Study Interview (60 minutes): This is where your portfolio will be central. You'll likely present a past project, focusing on your process, challenges, how you navigated client/stakeholder needs, and the impact of your research. Be prepared to discuss your methodology, ethical considerations, and how you translated findings into actionable roadmaps.

4. Meet the Team (30 minutes): Opportunity to interact with potential colleagues (data scientists, product managers, designers). Assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and how you would integrate into existing or developing project teams.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize GDS/Public Sector: Showcase projects that demonstrate direct experience with the GDS Service Standard and navigating service assessments.

• Highlight Process Building: Since you're a "founding practitioner," emphasize instances where you established research processes, ethical guidelines, or operational improvements.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research on product success, user satisfaction, or business outcomes.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail challenges faced (technical complexity, stakeholder resistance, ethical dilemmas) and how you overcame them.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Organize your portfolio logically. For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your role, the insights, and the outcome.

• Ethical Considerations: Explicitly address how you handled ethical considerations, data privacy, and informed consent in your projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Presentation: Practice presenting one or two key projects from your portfolio. Focus on storytelling, clarity, and demonstrating your end-to-end research process. Prepare to answer detailed questions about your methodology, rationale, and impact.

• Situational Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would approach building a research function from scratch, managing difficult stakeholders, or handling ethical dilemmas in AI research.

• GDS/Service Assessment: Be ready to discuss specific aspects of the GDS framework and your experience with service assessments, including common pitfalls and success factors.

• AI Research Nuances: Think about how AI research differs from traditional product research and be prepared to discuss ethical implications unique to AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess a blend of technical research skills, GDS/public sector experience, process-building capabilities, and cultural fit. The case study interview is critical, serving as the primary platform to demonstrate your portfolio and your strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Tools for remote usability testing, interviews, and session recording (e.g., Lookback, UserTesting.com, Maze).

• Survey & Data Collection Tools: Platforms for surveys, questionnaires, and data aggregation (e.g., Typeform, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Collaboration & Documentation: Tools for team communication, project management, and knowledge sharing (e.g., Slack, Confluence, Jira, Miro).

• Participant Management: Databases or CRM-like systems for managing research participants, recruitment pipelines, and consent records.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Tools that can help synthesize qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and potentially quantitative analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• Visualization Tools: Software for creating clear and impactful research reports and presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Tableau for data visualization).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) may be beneficial for understanding client data and sales/service processes, though not a primary research tool.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation impacts user experience and AI deployment, though direct use might be limited.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies proficiency in standard user research software for data collection, analysis, and reporting. The emphasis on "research operations" and "participant recruitment databases" suggests a need for organizational skills and potentially experience with dedicated research ops platforms or building custom solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Intellectual Curiosity: A drive to understand complex problems, explore new technologies like AI, and continuously learn.

• Desire for Positive Legacy: A commitment to using technology for measurable positive impact, particularly in the public sector.

• Human-Centricity: A core belief in putting users and citizens at the heart of technology development and deployment.

• Responsibility & Ethics: A strong focus on building and deploying AI safely, ethically, and equitably, with a deep respect for data privacy and informed consent.

• Collaboration & Truth-Seeking: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where honest feedback and rigorous inquiry lead to better outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expectation to work seamlessly with data scientists, engineers, product managers, and designers, acting as a bridge between technical capabilities and user needs.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing expertise and upskilling colleagues, particularly in research methodologies.

• Client-Focused: A professional and adaptive approach to working with external government clients, understanding their unique needs and constraints.

• Iterative and Empathetic: A willingness to adapt approaches based on feedback and to empathize with both users and colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Faculty's stated values align perfectly with the core tenets of user research, especially in sensitive areas like AI and public services. The emphasis on "responsible AI" and "human-centricity" is paramount for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building Research Ops from Scratch: Establishing foundational UR capabilities, standardized processes, and ethical frameworks in a growing business unit requires significant initiative and strategic planning.

• Navigating Complex AI Domains: Translating highly technical AI concepts and ensuring their ethical and equitable deployment requires deep user empathy and strong communication skills.

• Public Sector Client Dynamics: Working with government clients involves understanding bureaucratic processes, diverse stakeholder needs, and potentially stringent security requirements.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Project Pace: Ensuring high-quality, ethical research is conducted effectively within the fast-paced demands of AI product development and client timelines.

• Advocating for User Needs: Persistently championing user insights at leadership levels, especially when they may conflict with technical feasibility or initial project assumptions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI: Gain hands-on experience researching cutting-edge AI applications and their societal impact.

• Public Sector Expertise: Develop unparalleled expertise in navigating the UK public sector digital landscape and its specific user research requirements.

• Foundational Leadership: Opportunity to define and build a critical function within a leading AI firm.

• Mentorship & Training: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor others and develop leadership skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Potential to represent Faculty at relevant industry events focused on AI, government technology, and user research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lies in the "founding practitioner" aspect. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building, shaping, and leading, rather than merely executing within an established framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe how you would establish a robust user research function, including ethical frameworks and operational processes, for a new business unit focused on AI in public services." (Focus on strategy, process building, ethical considerations)

• "Walk us through a complex public sector project where you successfully navigated the GDS Service Assessment. What were the key user research contributions and challenges?" (Focus on GDS experience, case study presentation, problem-solving)

• "How do you translate highly technical AI concepts into user needs and actionable product roadmaps? Provide an example." (Focus on AI domain translation, collaboration with technical teams)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Faculty, and specifically our work in public services and AI?" (Research Faculty's impact, values, and recent projects)

• "How do you see your role as a 'founding practitioner' contributing to Faculty's mission?" (Align your skills with the role's foundational nature)

• "Describe your experience with research ethics and informed consent, particularly in sensitive contexts like government or AI." (Highlight your commitment to responsible research)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Clearly outline the problem, your role and responsibilities, your research methodology (including ethical considerations), key insights, the resulting recommendations, and the eventual impact.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction scores, successful service assessment).

• Focus on GDS: If applicable, explicitly detail how your research aligned with GDS principles and contributed to service assessment readiness.

• Showcase Process Building: If you have examples of creating templates, defining processes, or setting up participant databases, highlight these.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decisions, methodologies, and how you handled specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating experience with the GDS framework and the ability to build research operations from the ground up. Candidates should have 2-3 strong case studies ready, with one specifically highlighting public sector/GDS work and ideally touching on AI or complex technical domains.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby HQ.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant case studies, with a strong emphasis on public sector/GDS experience and any work involving complex technical domains or AI. Ensure you can articulate your end-to-end process, ethical considerations, and measurable impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords such as "User Research," "GDS," "Service Assessment," "Public Sector," "AI," "Qualitative Research," "Research Operations," "Ethical Frameworks," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience, particularly how you've built research functions and navigated complex client environments. Be ready to discuss your motivation for joining Faculty and your understanding of their mission.

• Research Faculty: Understand their work in AI, their impact in public services, and their company values. This will be crucial for the introduction and culture fit aspects of the interview.

⚠️ 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.