User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher

Company: Digi2al Limited

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience / Research

Date Posted: 2026-08-11T17:59:08.135

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (SFIA Level 5/6)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives to inform the development and operationalization of a novel data fusion platform within the defense sector.

• Conduct advanced field research and contextual inquiry in demanding tactical environments, requiring deep understanding of user needs and operational constraints.

• Design and execute research methodologies that accommodate dual user personas with distinct mental models: fast-paced tactical operators and strategic analysts.

• Evaluate and test the usability of data visualizations (e.g., GIS, map layers, custom dashboards) to ensure effective information delivery and minimize cognitive load under stress.

• Synthesize research findings in a manner that strictly adheres to Operational Security (OPSEC) protocols, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive defense information.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on user research within the defense technology sector. The emphasis on "dual-persona mapping" and "OPSEC-compliant research" indicates a need for a researcher adept at navigating complex user groups and stringent security protocols, likely requiring prior experience in government or defense-related projects. The SFIA Level 5/6 designation suggests a senior role with significant autonomy and strategic input.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive user research strategies, including contextual inquiry, ethnographic studies, and field research, within defense operational settings.

• Facilitate and analyze user interviews and observation sessions, specifically focusing on users interacting with a data fusion platform and its associated visualizations.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of user interfaces, particularly map-based visualizations (GIS) and custom dashboards, for C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) applications.

• Apply human factors and cognitive task analysis principles to understand user behavior, decision-making processes, and potential areas of information overload.

• Translate complex user needs and feedback into actionable insights for engineering and development teams, ensuring alignment with tactical and strategic objectives.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, data scientists, and defense stakeholders, to integrate user feedback throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Ensure all research activities and synthesized findings comply with defense-specific security protocols, including OPSEC, and relevant accessibility standards.

• Contribute to Agile development processes by providing timely and relevant user insights to support iterative design and development cycles.

• Conduct usability testing on ruggedized interfaces and user experience elements critical for operation in challenging environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on applied research in a defense context, moving beyond typical commercial UX research. The need to test "ruggedised UI" and understand "tactical ergonomics" points to a practical, hands-on approach to research in non-standard environments. The requirement for OPSEC compliance is critical and suggests a need for discretion and adherence to strict security guidelines throughout the research process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Anthropology, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, or a related field.

• Equivalent practical experience in user research within complex technical domains may be considered. Experience:

• Proven experience (SFIA Level 5/6, typically 5-10 years) in conducting user research, with a significant portion focused on defense, government, or similarly complex and regulated industries.

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Experience in user-centered design (UCD) principles and their application in software development. Required Skills:

• User Research Methodologies: Expertise in Contextual Inquiry, Field Research, Ethnographic Study, Usability Testing, User Interviews, and Surveys.

• Human Factors & Cognitive Analysis: Strong understanding of Human Factors principles, Cognitive Task Analysis, and Information Overload Reduction techniques.

• Data Visualization Evaluation: Experience in testing and evaluating the effectiveness of data visualizations, particularly GIS and map-based interfaces.

• Defense Domain Understanding: Familiarity with C4ISR systems, tactical environments, and the unique challenges of defense user needs.

• Security Awareness: Demonstrated understanding and adherence to Operational Security (OPSEC) and other relevant security protocols.

• Agile Methodologies: Experience working within Agile development frameworks and providing user insights in iterative cycles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific defense visualization tools or platforms (e.g., Palantir).

• Knowledge of defense-specific accessibility standards.

• Familiarity with ruggedized hardware and its impact on UI/UX.

• Experience in dual-persona research design and analysis.

• Background in data science or AI user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for SC clearance and British citizenship are critical disqualifiers for non-eligible candidates. The "SFIA Level 5/6" implies a need for significant demonstrated experience, not just theoretical knowledge. The combination of technical domain knowledge (C4ISR, data fusion) and advanced research skills (ethnography, cognitive analysis) makes this a highly specialized role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: A portfolio showcasing at least 2-3 in-depth case studies demonstrating your end-to-end user research process, from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Methodology Diversity: Examples that highlight the application of diverse research methods (e.g., contextual inquiry, usability testing, ethnographic studies) tailored to specific project needs.

• Defense/Complex Domain Focus: Case studies that ideally demonstrate experience in defense, government, or similarly complex, regulated, or high-stakes environments.

• Impact & Synthesis: Clear articulation of how your research findings influenced product decisions, design iterations, and ultimately, user outcomes or system effectiveness. Evidence of synthesizing complex data into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations.

• Security Consideration Examples: While sensitive details must be omitted, examples of how you approached research within secure environments or considered security implications in your design recommendations would be beneficial.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plan Development: Examples of comprehensive research plans, including objectives, participant recruitment strategies, methodology selection, and ethical considerations.

• Data Synthesis & Reporting: Demonstrations of how you synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, create user journey maps, personas, or detailed insight reports.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Evidence of how you communicate research findings to diverse stakeholders (engineering, product, leadership) and integrate feedback into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the specialized nature of the role and the emphasis on defense applications and OPSEC, a portfolio that clearly demonstrates practical application of research methods in challenging environments is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they adapted their methodologies and communicated findings while respecting security constraints. Demonstrating an understanding of the user lifecycle within a defense context will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior User Researchers in London with SC clearance and defense sector experience, and considering the SFIA Level 5/6 designation, a competitive salary range is estimated between £70,000 - £100,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the high demand for specialized skills, the security clearance requirement, and the London cost of living. Benefits:

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 25 days of annual leave, increasing annually up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Flexible Working: Support for flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.

• Community Engagement: 2 paid charity days per year to support causes of your choice.

• Comprehensive Parental Leave: 16 weeks of full pay for Maternity Leave and 2 weeks of full pay for Paternity Leave.

• Performance Incentives:

  • Annual bonus for all eligible employees, dependent on company performance.
  • Discretionary bonus for exceptional individual performance.

• Retirement Planning: 5% matched pension contributions.

• Health & Wellness: Healthcare benefits provided.

• Employee Ownership: Participation in an Employee Ownership Trust from day one, granting employees a share in company benefits.

• Professional Development:

  • Support for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.
  • Opportunities to work on diverse and impactful projects.

• Equipment: Choice of laptop and screen to optimize your work setup.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered to support work-life balance and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in London, factoring in the significant premium for SC clearance and specialized defense experience. The benefits package is robust, with a particular emphasis on employee ownership and professional development, which are attractive for senior-level professionals seeking long-term engagement and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Services Consultancy (Defense Sector Focus)

Company Size: Small to Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) - Likely between 50-250 employees, given the description of delivering over 120 digital services and building specialized teams.

Founded: Digi2al Limited is an employee-owned company with a history of delivering digital services across the public sector, with a specific focus on defense. Their approach emphasizes contemporary, secure, and user-centric solutions.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a specialized team supporting a new opportunity for a data fusion platform. This implies a lean, agile, and project-focused team structure.

• The team likely comprises engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and user-centered design experts, working collaboratively.

• As a User Researcher, you would likely report into a Head of UX/Research or a Project Lead, with significant interaction with product owners and development teams. Methodology:

• User-Centred Design (UCD): A core methodology, emphasizing putting users first in the development of digital services.

• Agile Development: Integration into Agile workflows, ensuring rapid iteration and responsiveness to user feedback.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research insights and performance data to inform strategy and development.

• Open, Contemporary, and Secure Solutions: A commitment to modern technologies while prioritizing interoperability, resilience, and ethical innovation.

Company Website: https://digi2al.com/ (Inferred from domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: Digi2al positions itself as a specialized consultancy focused on impact within the defense sector. The employee-owned structure suggests a culture of shared responsibility and reward. The emphasis on "cutting-edge technologies" alongside "security" and "interoperability" points to a balanced approach to innovation, crucial for defense applications.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior level, indicated by the SFIA Level 5/6 designation. This signifies a professional capable of independently managing complex research projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to research strategy. The focus is on deep expertise in user research within a specialized domain, rather than broad operational management. Reporting Structure:

• You will likely report to a Lead UX Researcher, Head of Design, or a Project Manager overseeing the data fusion platform initiative.

• Close collaboration with engineering teams, data scientists, product owners, and defense stakeholders is expected. This structure fosters cross-functional understanding and ensures research is embedded within the development process. Operations Impact:

• The User Researcher's impact is critical in ensuring the data fusion platform is not only technically sound but also usable, effective, and secure in real-world defense scenarios.

• By bridging the gap between tactical edge sensors and strategic HQs, the research directly influences the platform's ability to provide timely, accurate intelligence, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness and decision-making capabilities for military personnel.

• The role contributes to reducing cognitive load on operators and analysts, minimizing errors, and ultimately supporting mission success. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in defense UX, C4ISR interfaces, tactical ergonomics, and OPSEC-compliant research.

• Leadership: Potential to lead research streams for significant defense projects, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the company's UX practice development.

• Technical Acumen: Develop a strong understanding of data fusion technologies, AI applications, and complex software engineering within the defense context.

• Professional Development: Access to training, certifications, and conferences provided by the company to enhance skills and stay current with industry advancements.

• Impactful Projects: Opportunity to work on high-profile, mission-critical projects that have a tangible impact on national security.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role emphasizes deepening specialized expertise within the defense technology domain. While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue operations, the "operations" aspect is deeply embedded in the application of the technology in real-world, high-stakes military operations. Career progression is likely tied to becoming a recognized expert in defense user research.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model

Office Location(s):

• Primarily based in London, England, United Kingdom.

• Travel required to client sites across the UK and potentially for field research at exercise locations or operational environments.

• The company supports remote applications from across the UK, with the expectation of 2-3 days per week on-site in London for collaborative work. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The London office likely serves as a hub for collaboration, team meetings, and client interactions, fostering a sense of community among dispersed team members.

• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to modern office facilities and potentially specialized equipment for user testing and demonstrations.

• Dynamic Project Teams: Work within cross-functional project teams, offering opportunities for continuous learning and interaction with diverse technical professionals.

• Field Research Environments: The role necessitates working in less conventional environments, including military exercises, command posts, and vehicles, requiring adaptability and resilience.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) with a focus on flexibility. This allows for effective management of research schedules, which may sometimes require non-standard hours depending on operational constraints or exercise timings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model acknowledges the need for both focused independent work and in-person collaboration. The requirement for travel to client sites and field research implies a need for adaptability and a willingness to work outside a traditional office setting, which is a key characteristic of this defense-focused role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience, particularly in user research, defense/complex domains, and adherence to security requirements (British citizenship, SC clearance eligibility).

• Technical Interview: A deep dive into your user research methodologies, experience with defense-specific challenges, and ability to handle dual-persona research and OPSEC. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you present 1-2 key case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your process, insights, and impact. Be prepared to discuss how you navigated complex constraints.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with potential team members and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Digi2al's values.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of your eligibility and willingness to undergo the SC clearance process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Defense/Complex Domain Experience: Prioritize case studies that showcase your ability to conduct research in high-stakes, regulated, or technically complex environments.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly outline the research questions, methodologies employed, participant profiles, and synthesis techniques used in each case study.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify or clearly articulate the impact of your research on product decisions, design improvements, or user outcomes. Use metrics where possible.

• Address OPSEC: Be prepared to discuss how you managed sensitive information and ensured security compliance during research, even if specific project details must be anonymized.

• Showcase Adaptability: Include examples of how you adapted your research approach to overcome specific challenges related to environment, security, or user availability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential practical exercise or case study analysis related to a hypothetical defense data visualization scenario. This might involve evaluating a mock-up, proposing research methods for a new feature, or synthesizing sample data.

• Prepare to articulate your thought process, research rationale, and how you would mitigate risks associated with user research in a defense context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your ability to operate within the defense sector's unique constraints, particularly security. Your portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate this capability. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of OPSEC and how it influences your research practice.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for participant recruitment, scheduling, and remote moderation (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Dovetail for synthesis).

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Software for qualitative data analysis (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail, Excel) and quantitative analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers for creating and testing prototypes (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), enabling effective usability testing.

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Visualization Tools: Experience interpreting data from visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or custom dashboards (including GIS-based ones). While not directly using them for analysis, understanding their output is key.

• Survey Tools: Proficiency in creating and deploying surveys for user feedback (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Qualtrics).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM systems, understanding how user data flows into and is managed within systems like Salesforce or similar platforms can provide context for user profiling and segmentation.

• Familiarity with Agile project management tools (e.g., Jira) is essential for integrating research into development sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools for conducting, synthesizing, and communicating user research. Proficiency in qualitative analysis tools and an understanding of data visualization principles are key. Familiarity with defense-specific platforms like Palantir, while listed as preferred, would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and serving the end-user, especially critical in defense where user well-being and mission success are paramount.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of data security, confidentiality, and ethical conduct, particularly in the context of OPSEC and defense projects.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality outcomes through contemporary technologies and innovative problem-solving, balanced with pragmatism and security.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where diverse expertise is shared openly, and cross-functional teams work cohesively towards common goals.

• Impact & Purpose: A drive to deliver digital services that make a tangible difference and contribute to critical national objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with engineering, data science, product management, and military stakeholders to ensure research is relevant and actionable.

• Agile & Iterative: A dynamic approach to collaboration, embracing feedback loops and iterative development cycles.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned across teams and projects.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collective drive to tackle complex challenges and find effective, user-centered solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Digi2al's culture appears to blend the innovation of a tech consultancy with the discipline and security requirements of the defense sector. The employee ownership model likely fosters a strong sense of shared purpose and accountability, reinforcing values like integrity and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Operating in Sensitive Environments: Conducting research in tactical military settings requires adaptability, resilience, and strict adherence to safety and security protocols.

• Navigating OPSEC: The necessity of maintaining Operational Security adds a layer of complexity to data handling, participant communication, and reporting.

• Dual-Persona Complexity: Designing research to effectively capture the needs and mental models of two distinct user groups (tactical operators vs. strategic analysts) presents a significant methodological challenge.

• Bridging TRL Gaps: Working with low-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) products means dealing with nascent technologies and evolving user requirements, demanding flexibility and a forward-thinking approach.

• Translating Technical Data: Effectively communicating complex technical data fusion concepts and their user implications to diverse stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Gain deep knowledge of defense operations, C4ISR systems, and data fusion technologies.

• Advanced Research Skills: Hone expertise in specialized research methods like ethnographic fieldwork in operational settings and cognitive task analysis.

• Security Clearance: Obtain and maintain valuable SC security clearance, opening doors to further sensitive projects.

• Industry Exposure: Attend defense technology conferences and engage with leading figures in the field.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals within Digi2al and client organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are significant but also offer unique opportunities for professional growth. Overcoming these challenges will solidify expertise in a highly niche and in-demand area of user research.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you conducted user research in a challenging or non-traditional environment. What adaptations did you make?" (Focus on adaptability, problem-solving, and methodology.)

• "How would you approach designing research to understand the needs of both a fast-paced tactical operator and a strategic analyst using the same data platform?" (Focus on dual-persona methodology.)

• "What are the key considerations for conducting user research within a strict OPSEC environment? How would you ensure compliance?" (Focus on security awareness and practical application.)

• "Walk us through a complex user research project where your insights directly influenced a product's design or strategic direction. What was the impact?" (Focus on impact, synthesis, and communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working within the defense sector and specifically on data fusion technology?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the domain.)

• "How do you see your user research skills contributing to the success of Digi2al's mission in providing defense-focused digital services?" (Align your skills with their objectives.)

• "Describe your experience working in Agile development environments and collaborating with engineering and product teams." (Highlight collaboration and process integration.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Case Studies: Choose projects that best showcase your experience with complex systems, defense/government clients, or challenging research environments.

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly present:

  • The Problem/Context: What was the challenge or objective?
  • Your Role & Methodology: What did you do, and why did you choose those methods?
  • Key Findings & Insights: What did you learn?
  • Impact & Recommendations: How did your work influence the outcome?
  • Any Security Considerations: How did you navigate sensitive aspects?

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific choices, challenges faced, and how you measured success.

• Practice Your Narrative: Ensure your presentation is concise, engaging, and effectively communicates your value proposition.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize your ability to apply user research principles within the unique constraints of the defense sector, particularly regarding security and operational context. Your portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to demonstrate this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights experience in user research, particularly within defense, government, or complex technical domains. Emphasize specific methodologies used and any SC clearance status.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your expertise in applied user research, especially in challenging environments. Be prepared to anonymize sensitive project details while still showcasing your process and impact.

• Prepare for Security: Be aware of the British citizenship and SC clearance requirements. If you do not meet these, your application may not proceed.

• Research Digi2al: Understand their mission, values, and the types of digital services they deliver, especially within the defense sector.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, impact, and your ability to navigate complex constraints, including security.

⚠️ 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.