User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher

Company: Birmingham City Council

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Research / UX Research

Date Posted: 2026-06-19T10:40:16

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct in-depth user research activities, including user interviews and field observations, to inform the design and improvement of public services.

• Drive the creation of user-centred products and services by translating research insights into actionable recommendations for multidisciplinary teams.

• Contribute to organisational transformation by embedding modern digital practices and a user-centric mindset within local government.

• Collaborate closely with design, data, and technology professionals to deliver accessible, inclusive, and easy-to-use services for Birmingham residents.

• Champion innovation and continuous learning within a culture focused on improving public service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a local government context, focusing on public service improvement. The "Grade C" salary band and mention of "Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme" indicate a structured progression and a commitment to fair compensation. The explicit mention of "disability confident employer" and "encouraging applicants with disabilities" highlights a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute qualitative user research studies, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and ethnographic field observations.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, compelling insights and actionable recommendations that guide product and service development.

• Collaborate with product managers, designers, developers, and policy makers to ensure research findings are understood and integrated into decision-making processes.

• Advocate for users by presenting research insights and recommendations to stakeholders at various levels of the organization.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of user research methodologies and best practices within the council.

• Identify and recruit appropriate participants for research studies, ensuring diverse representation of Birmingham residents.

• Document and share research findings through reports, presentations, and workshops to foster a shared understanding of user needs.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in user research, UX design, and public service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to qualitative research, with a strong focus on translating findings into tangible service improvements. The need to collaborate with diverse internal teams and present to various stakeholders is a key aspect of this public sector role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific educational degree is mandated, a strong understanding of user research principles and methodologies is expected, often gained through formal education or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of experience in user research, UX research, or a closely related field is required, with a demonstrated ability to conduct user-centred design activities.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in planning and conducting qualitative user research, including user interviews and field observations.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify patterns, themes, and insights from research data.

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

• Demonstrated empathy and a genuine passion for understanding user needs and experiences.

• Familiarity with user-centred design principles and their application in service delivery.

• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate across different departments.

• Proficiency in participant recruitment and management for research studies.

• Understanding of accessibility and inclusivity principles in design and service delivery. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with quantitative research methods and data analysis.

• Familiarity with service design principles and methodologies.

• Experience conducting research within a public sector or local government environment.

• Knowledge of ethical research practices and data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR).

• Experience using various research tools and software for data collection and analysis.

• Ability to mentor junior researchers or contribute to the development of research capabilities within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level researcher capable of independent work but still benefiting from guidance and collaboration. The emphasis on empathy, analytical thinking, and communication is critical for translating user needs into actionable public service improvements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of user research projects, demonstrating your ability to apply research methodologies to solve real-world problems.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, your approach, the methods used, key findings, and the impact of your research on product or service outcomes.

• Evidence of your ability to conduct both user interviews and field observations, with examples of how these insights shaped design decisions.

• Documentation of how you translated research insights into actionable recommendations for multidisciplinary teams.

• Examples demonstrating your commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in your research practice. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your process for planning and executing user research studies, from defining research questions to synthesizing findings.

• Illustrate your methods for participant recruitment, ensuring diverse representation.

• Provide examples of how you have documented and communicated research findings to various stakeholders, including non-research audiences.

• Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with design, development, and policy teams throughout the research lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio with specific emphasis on user interviews and field observations highlights the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their end-to-end research process and the tangible impact of their work on service improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,412 - £44,075 per annum (Grade C). This range is subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Options: The role is hybrid, with flexibility to balance onsite and remote work based on service needs.

• Continuous Learning Culture: Opportunities to engage in ongoing professional development and stay updated with the latest advancements in user research and digital practices.

• Mentorship Opportunities: Potential to mentor and grow the next generation of digital professionals within the council.

• Pension Scheme: As a public sector employer, Birmingham City Council likely offers a competitive defined-benefit pension scheme.

• Generous Annual Leave: Public sector roles typically come with a substantial annual leave allowance.

• Employee Assistance Programme: Access to confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Professional Development Support: Potential for funding or time off for relevant training, conferences, and certifications.

Working Hours: 36.5 hours per week. The hybrid nature of the role allows for some flexibility in scheduling, provided service needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined, with a note about potential re-evaluation. The benefits listed are typical for public sector roles and emphasize professional growth and work-life balance, aligning with the council's commitment to employee development and well-being. The working hours are standard for full-time employment, with the hybrid arrangement offering flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Local Government. Birmingham City Council is a major local authority responsible for delivering a wide range of public services to residents of Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city.

Company Size: Large organization with a significant number of employees, characteristic of a major city council. This scale implies a complex organizational structure and a broad impact on the community.

Founded: Birmingham City Council has a long history, with its modern form established through various local government reforms, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to public service.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will be part of a multidisciplinary team, likely within a digital, transformation, or service improvement unit.

• This team will include professionals from design, data, technology, policy, and potentially service delivery roles.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, with researchers working closely with individuals from various departments to understand and address resident needs.

• Reporting lines will likely be within a digital or service design leadership structure. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights Methods: The council aims to be data-driven, utilizing research insights to inform service design and policy.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization Strategies: Emphasis on creating efficient, accessible, and user-friendly public services through structured planning and continuous improvement.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not the primary focus of this role, the broader organizational goal includes leveraging digital tools and practices to enhance service delivery efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The public sector context means the focus is on serving residents and improving community services. The culture values innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, aiming to modernize digital service delivery within a large, established organization. The multidisciplinary team structure is crucial for integrating user research into the broader service design and implementation process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level User Researcher role (2-5 years experience). It involves independent execution of research tasks and contributing insights to project teams. The "Consultation grade" status suggests potential for growth and re-evaluation based on the Equal Pay Programme, indicating a pathway for career advancement and salary progression.

Reporting Structure: The User Researcher will likely report to a Senior User Researcher, UX Lead, or Head of Digital/Service Design. They will work within a team of multidisciplinary professionals, collaborating with various departments across the council.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's impact is direct and significant, influencing the design and delivery of public services that affect millions of residents. By ensuring services are user-centred, accessible, and inclusive, this role contributes to increased resident satisfaction, improved service efficiency, and greater community engagement. The work directly supports the council's mission to create better public services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in qualitative research methods, potentially explore quantitative research, and gain experience in service design.

• Industry Knowledge: Exposure to the unique challenges and opportunities of digital transformation within local government.

• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives on larger projects, or contribute to the strategic direction of user research within the council.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific service areas or user groups within the council's remit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a User Researcher in local government offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible social impact. Growth is likely tied to demonstrable contributions to service improvement and the development of research expertise within the public sector context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role requires a mix of onsite attendance at Birmingham City Council's offices (e.g., Council House, Victoria Square, B1 1BB) and remote work. Onsite attendance is service-dependent, suggesting a need for flexibility and responsiveness.

Office Location(s): Primary location in Birmingham city centre, with excellent public transport links. The hybrid model allows for remote work, but proximity to Birmingham is likely essential for onsite requirements.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves working within multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where ideas are shared and user insights are integrated into project workflows.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard office technology, collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized user research tools. The emphasis will be on effective communication and data sharing.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with designers, developers, product managers, and other stakeholders, facilitating a dynamic and interactive work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (36.5 per week) with a hybrid arrangement. The flexibility within the hybrid model allows for adaptation to project needs and personal work patterns, while ensuring availability for key meetings and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key feature, requiring self-discipline and effective remote collaboration skills. The physical location in Birmingham city centre offers good accessibility. The environment is designed to foster cross-functional teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a CV and any other requested documentation through the Oracle Cloud portal. Ensure your CV clearly highlights relevant user research experience.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be screened based on CVs against the required skills and experience.

Applications without a CV will not be considered.

• Interview Stage(s): Likely to involve one or more interview rounds. This could include:

  • A competency-based interview assessing your skills, experience, and understanding of user research principles.
  • A practical exercise or case study presentation where you might be asked to discuss your approach to a research problem, present findings from a past project, or outline a research plan.
  • An opportunity to ask questions and assess cultural fit within the council's digital and service delivery teams.

• Final Selection: Based on overall performance across all stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in user interviews and field observations.

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

  • The user research problem or objective.
  • Your role and responsibilities.
  • The research methods used (focus on interviews/observations).
  • Key insights and findings.
  • How these insights influenced design or service delivery decisions.
  • The impact or outcome of your work.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, how you adapted your methods, and how you collaborated with others.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to a 15% reduction in user errors," "improved task completion rates by X%").

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: If possible, include examples where you considered accessibility or diverse user needs.

• Prepare to Present: Be ready to walk through your portfolio and discuss your projects in detail during an interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research the Council: Understand Birmingham City Council's mission, its services, and its commitment to digital transformation and user-centred design.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Think about examples that demonstrate your research skills, problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and empathy (e.g., STAR method).

• User Research Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach research for a specific public service (e.g., a new resident portal, a waste collection app).

• Ethical Considerations: Be prepared to discuss ethical research practices, data privacy, and how you ensure participant well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on submitting a CV is critical. The portfolio review will likely focus on practical application of research methods relevant to public services and demonstrating the impact of research. Be prepared for a competency-based interview and potentially a practical research challenge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Depending on the team's setup, tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or Maze might be used for remote usability testing or feedback collection, though the emphasis here is on direct interviews and observations.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for team communication and collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking research tasks and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency with tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or potentially more advanced statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., affinity mapping, thematic analysis).

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating and delivering research findings to stakeholders.

• Documentation Tools: Confluence, Google Docs, or internal knowledge management systems for documenting research plans, findings, and best practices.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a direct requirement for a User Researcher, but an understanding of how user research feeds into CRM strategies or automated customer journeys could be beneficial.

• Familiarity with basic data management principles within a CRM context might be helpful for understanding the broader service ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack will likely be standard office productivity and collaboration tools, with a focus on qualitative data analysis and presentation. The council might use specific internal systems for project management and knowledge sharing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Birmingham's residents, ensuring services are accessible, inclusive, and easy to use.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a shared responsibility for service improvement.

• Innovation & Bravery: Encouraging new approaches, challenging the status quo, and being willing to experiment to find better solutions for public services.

• Continuous Learning: A culture that supports ongoing professional development, knowledge sharing, and adapting to new digital practices and technologies.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on delivering tangible improvements to public services and making a positive difference in the lives of residents.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: User researchers are expected to be embedded within project teams, actively collaborating with designers, developers, analysts, and policy makers.

• Process Review and Feedback: An open culture where research methodologies and findings are discussed, debated, and refined collaboratively. Feedback is encouraged to improve both services and research practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing research insights widely across the organization to build a collective understanding of user needs and promote a user-centred culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture strongly emphasizes the social impact of work, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The values are geared towards creating better public services through user understanding and innovative practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Working within a large, established organization can sometimes present challenges in terms of speed of adoption and decision-making processes compared to private sector environments.

• Diverse User Needs: Researching for a large, diverse population like Birmingham requires careful consideration of varied needs, accessibility requirements, and cultural contexts.

• Translating Insights to Action: Ensuring that research findings are consistently understood and acted upon across different departments and levels of the organization.

• Resource Constraints: Public sector roles can sometimes operate with tighter budgets or resource limitations, requiring creative problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in qualitative research, explore quantitative methods, and gain exposure to service design and digital transformation within a public sector context.

• Industry Conference and Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences (e.g., UXPA, government digital service events) and pursue certifications in user research or related fields.

• Operations Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to be mentored by senior researchers or leaders, and to develop leadership skills by mentoring others or leading research initiatives.

• Exposure to Public Service Innovation: Gain unique insights into how digital technologies and user research are used to modernize public services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles in public sector organizations, emphasizing the need for adaptability, strong communication, and a focus on impact. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to develop a specialized career in public sector UX.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user interviews to significantly influence the design of a product or service. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on your process, insights, and impact.)

• "How would you approach conducting field observations for a public service, such as a local library or a community centre? What ethical considerations would you prioritize?" (Demonstrate your understanding of practical research and ethical conduct.)

• "Imagine you've discovered a key user insight that contradicts a long-held belief within the organization. How would you present this finding and advocate for change?" (Assess your communication, persuasion, and change management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Birmingham City Council, specifically in improving public services?" (Show you've researched the organization and understand its mission.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with non-researchers (e.g., developers, policy makers) to ensure they understand and utilize user research findings?" (Highlight your cross-functional collaboration skills.)

• "Birmingham City Council aims to be an inclusive and accessible employer. How have you incorporated accessibility and inclusivity into your past user research projects?" (Demonstrate your commitment to these values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, structure it as a narrative: the problem, your journey (research process), the discovery (insights), and the resolution (impact).

• Focus on "Why" and "So What": Explain why you chose certain methods and so what the implications of your findings were.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific methodologies, participant recruitment, data analysis, and how you handled challenges.

• Visual Aids: If presenting virtually, ensure your slides are clean, concise, and visually appealing, supporting your narrative without overwhelming it.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentations to ensure you are clear, confident, and stay within any time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical research skills, a user-centric mindset, strong communication abilities, and an understanding of the public sector context. Be ready to articulate the impact of your work with concrete examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link, ensuring you attach your up-to-date CV. Applications without a CV will not be considered.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that clearly showcases your experience in user interviews and field observations. Select 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your research process, key insights, and the impact of your work on service design.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "User Research," "User-Centred Design," "Public Services," "Accessibility," "Field Observations," and "User Interviews." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering competency-based questions using the STAR method. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and articulate your approach to user research challenges relevant to public services. Research Birmingham City Council's digital initiatives and service goals.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Birmingham City Council's mission, values, and commitment to digital service delivery. Understand their focus on creating accessible, inclusive, and user-centred services.

⚠️ 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.