User Researcher | Contract (Upcoming Role)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher | Contract (Upcoming Role)

Company: hedgehog lab

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-16

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office expected)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on conducting end-to-end user research for critical government projects, impacting citizens at scale.

• Success requires a strong command of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, from initial discovery to iterative usability testing.

• The position demands exceptional stakeholder communication skills to translate complex research insights into actionable product recommendations for multidisciplinary teams.

• Candidates must demonstrate experience navigating complex, regulated environments, particularly within the public sector or government digital services.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is User Research, the emphasis on government projects, product direction, and multidisciplinary teams suggests a strong connection to Product Operations and GTM strategy, requiring research that directly informs product development and user adoption. The "upcoming role" status indicates a proactive talent search.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute comprehensive user research studies across the entire product lifecycle, from initial discovery and user needs assessment to iterative usability testing and validation.

• Recruit and engage with diverse user groups, including potentially vulnerable populations, ensuring ethical research practices and representative data collection.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative research data to identify user pain points, unmet needs, and opportunities for product improvement.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and compelling recommendations, effectively communicating insights and their implications to product managers, designers, developers, and other stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with agile, multidisciplinary teams to integrate user feedback and research insights into product roadmaps and design decisions, ensuring a user-centered approach.

• Champion user-centered design principles and research best practices within the organization, fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of research processes and methodologies, particularly within the context of public sector digital services and GDS standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for "shaping product direction" and working within "complex, regulated environments" implies a need for strategic thinking beyond just executing research tasks. This role requires influencing product strategy and ensuring compliance with specific government standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is highly advantageous. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of hands-on experience in user research roles, with a proven track record of planning and conducting end-to-end research projects.

Required Skills:

• User Research Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of a wide range of qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, ethnography, diary studies, contextual inquiry) and quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, analytics review, A/B testing analysis).

• Usability Testing: Proficiency in designing and conducting various forms of usability testing, from moderated to unmoderated, remote and in-person.

• User Recruitment: Demonstrated ability to effectively recruit participants for research studies, including experience with diverse and potentially vulnerable user groups.

• Stakeholder Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to present research findings clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.

• Agile Methodology: Familiarity and experience working within agile development frameworks and multidisciplinary teams.

• Public Sector/Government Experience: Direct experience working on government or public sector digital services; GDS (Government Digital Service) alignment experience is a significant advantage.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data sets, identify patterns, and derive actionable insights.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with GDS (Government Digital Service) standards and design principles.

• Familiarity with quantitative research tools and survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

• Experience with user analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel).

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

• Experience working in consultancy environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a need for candidates who can operate autonomously and mentor junior researchers if the team expands. The emphasis on GDS standards implies a need for understanding government procurement and design frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Detailed examples of end-to-end research projects, showcasing your process from problem definition to solution recommendation. Each case study should clearly articulate the research objectives, methodologies employed, participant profiles, key findings, and the impact of your recommendations on product decisions or user experience.

• Methodological Diversity: Demonstrations of proficiency across a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, with specific examples of how you selected the appropriate method for a given problem.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Evidence of how you communicated research findings to diverse stakeholders, including examples of presentations, reports, or workshops that influenced product direction.

• Complex Environment Navigation: Case studies that highlight experience working in regulated or complex environments, such as government or public sector projects, demonstrating an understanding of constraints and compliance requirements.

• Impact Measurement: Examples where you've tracked or demonstrated the impact of your research on product outcomes, user satisfaction, or business metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Examples of how you developed comprehensive research plans, including defining objectives, scope, methodologies, timelines, and recruitment strategies.

• Data Synthesis & Analysis: Showcase your approach to synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, identifying themes, and drawing robust conclusions.

• Recommendation Formulation: Demonstrations of how you translate research insights into clear, actionable, and prioritized recommendations for product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the contract nature and the focus on government projects, a portfolio that clearly demonstrates an ability to deliver tangible results and navigate complex stakeholder landscapes efficiently will be highly valued. The emphasis on "impact" is crucial for demonstrating ROI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract role and an upcoming opportunity, the day rate will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications. Based on industry benchmarks for experienced User Researchers with public sector experience in the UK (Newcastle upon Tyne), the estimated day rate could range from £400 to £650 per day. This estimate considers the specialized nature of government projects, the required experience level, and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Contract Flexibility: Opportunity to work on impactful government projects with a defined contract duration.

• Professional Development: Potential exposure to cutting-edge AI and software engineering at hedgehog lab, offering opportunities for learning and skill enhancement.

• Collaborative Environment: Work within a multidisciplinary team at a consultancy with a strong reputation.

• Impactful Work: Contribute to projects that have a significant positive impact on a large scale.

• Competitive Day Rate: Negotiable remuneration reflecting the specialized skills and experience required.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, specific daily hours and flexibility will be discussed during the recruitment process. The expectation is to be present in the Newcastle office for approximately 1-2 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research for similar contract User Researcher roles in the UK, particularly those involving public sector or government work, considering the provided experience level and location. Day rate is a more common structure for contract roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consultancy, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI). hedgehog lab operates at the forefront of technological innovation, blending AI expertise with software engineering to deliver solutions for global brands.

Company Size: hedgehog lab is a mid-sized consultancy, likely employing between 50-250 professionals. This size offers a balance between the resources and stability of a larger firm and the agility and collaborative spirit of a smaller one. For operations professionals, this often means broader exposure to different projects and a more direct impact on processes.

Founded: hedgehog lab was founded in 2004, bringing over 20 years of experience in digital transformation and software development. This longevity suggests a stable, experienced organization with a mature understanding of client needs and market trends.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will likely be part of a project-based, multidisciplinary team, working alongside Product Managers, Designers, Developers, and potentially other GTM or operations specialists.

• The team structure is agile, emphasizing collaboration and iterative development.

• Reporting is likely to a Head of UX, Research Lead, or a senior Project Manager, depending on the specific project. Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A core principle, ensuring that user needs and feedback are central to product development.

• Agile Development: Iterative cycles of planning, execution, and review, fostering flexibility and responsiveness.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilizing both qualitative research insights and quantitative data to inform strategic choices.

• Consultative Approach: Working closely with clients to understand their challenges and deliver tailored solutions.

Company Website: https://careers.hedgehoglab.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI and software engineering, combined with its consultancy model, suggests a dynamic environment where user research plays a critical role in validating innovative solutions and ensuring market fit, especially for large-scale government projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior to Senior User Researcher, requiring significant autonomy and expertise. Candidates are expected to lead research initiatives, manage complex projects, and effectively influence stakeholders independently. This level often involves mentoring or guiding junior team members.

Reporting Structure: The User Researcher will report to a senior member of the UX or project team, such as a Head of UX, Research Lead, or Senior Project Manager. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product, design, and engineering.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's impact is direct and critical, ensuring that government digital services are user-friendly, accessible, and meet the needs of diverse citizens. Their insights directly shape product strategy, inform feature development, and contribute to the successful adoption and effectiveness of public services. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between user needs and technical implementation within a regulated framework.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or user groups relevant to government services.

• Leadership: Progress to a Lead User Researcher role, managing research teams and strategy for larger initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Skills: Develop deeper understanding of product management, GTM strategy, and agile development processes through close collaboration.

• Industry Exposure: Gain extensive experience in the public sector and with cutting-edge AI technologies, enhancing marketability.

• Consultancy Acumen: Hone skills in client management, project scoping, and delivering value within a consultancy setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract nature of the role implies that growth might be project-specific or through opportunities for further contracts, rather than a direct internal promotion path unless converted to a permanent role. However, the experience gained is highly valuable for future senior-level positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role anticipates approximately 1-2 days per week in an office environment, likely in Newcastle upon Tyne. This suggests a blend of focused individual work at home and collaborative, in-person interaction at the office.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LE. This location is central and accessible.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office days are intended for team collaboration, workshops, and in-person stakeholder meetings, fostering stronger team cohesion and idea generation.

• Resource Availability: Access to necessary office equipment, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized research facilities within the hedgehog lab office.

• Team Interaction: Direct opportunities to connect with colleagues, build relationships, and engage in spontaneous discussions that can spark innovation.

Work Schedule: The role is likely based on a standard 40-hour work week. Flexibility in daily hours may be available, but the hybrid expectation requires predictable availability for in-office collaboration and core working hours for team synchronisation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is common in modern consultancies, aiming to balance the benefits of remote work (focus, flexibility) with the advantages of in-person collaboration (team building, spontaneous ideation). Candidates should be prepared for this structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.

• Hedgehog Lab Introduction: An initial conversation, potentially with a recruiter or hiring manager, to discuss your background, expected day rate, and interest in the role and company.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A detailed discussion where you will present case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your research process, methodologies, findings, and impact. This will likely involve a deep dive into your experience with government projects and stakeholder communication.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members (e.g., Product Managers, Designers) and key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate into their workflow.

• Final Assessment: A concluding discussion to clarify any remaining questions and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Government Projects: Highlight 2-3 strong case studies specifically related to government, public sector, or large-scale digital services if possible.

• Showcase End-to-End Process: Clearly articulate the journey from problem definition, research planning, execution, analysis, to actionable recommendations and their impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "identified issues that led to a 15% reduction in user errors" or "recommendations adopted, resulting in improved user satisfaction scores").

• Tailor Presentation: Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience directly address the requirements outlined in the job description, especially regarding complex environments and stakeholder communication.

• Be Ready for "How": Anticipate questions about your specific choices of methodology, recruitment strategies, and how you handled challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical research challenge related to a government service. Think about how you would approach defining the problem, selecting methods, and planning the research.

• Process Explanation: Practice articulating your research process clearly and concisely, focusing on efficiency and impact.

• Stakeholder Management: Consider how you would communicate potentially challenging findings or manage conflicting stakeholder priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is an "upcoming role," the initial application is a registration of interest. The subsequent interview process will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on practical demonstration of skills through portfolio work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Proficiency with a variety of qualitative and quantitative research tools, which may include:

  • Survey Tools: SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms.
  • User Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar (for feedback widgets/surveys).
  • Recruitment Tools: User panels, direct outreach, potentially specialized recruitment platforms.

• Collaboration Tools:

  • Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello.
  • Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams.
  • Documentation: Confluence, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Miro (for whiteboarding/synthesis).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (familiarity is a plus for understanding user behavior data).

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools for presenting quantitative findings (familiarity is a plus).

CRM & Automation: While not direct CRM/automation tools, familiarity with how user research integrates with CRM data or informs B2B/B2C customer journeys is beneficial. Understanding of user segmentation and personas derived from research is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are less critical than the ability to select and use the right tools for the job. The emphasis will be on methodological soundness and the ability to derive actionable insights, regardless of the exact software used.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Evidence-Based: A reliance on data and research findings to guide strategy and problem-solving, rather than assumptions.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in the power of multidisciplinary teams working together towards a common goal.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on delivering tangible value and positive outcomes for users and the organization.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to refining processes, learning new methods, and adapting to evolving user needs and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated: User Researchers are expected to be embedded within product teams, working closely and continuously with designers, developers, and product managers.

• Transparent: Open sharing of research plans, findings, and insights to ensure alignment and informed decision-making across the team.

• Iterative: A feedback loop where research informs design, and design decisions may lead to further research.

• Consultative: Providing expert guidance and recommendations while respecting the expertise of other team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Hedgehog lab's consultancy background suggests a proactive, client-focused, and results-oriented culture. The emphasis on government projects also implies a need for rigor, ethical considerations, and a commitment to public service values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Environments: Working within the constraints and regulations of government projects requires adaptability and a thorough understanding of compliance.

• Diverse User Groups: Researching with potentially vulnerable populations necessitates ethical sensitivity, specialized recruitment strategies, and careful methodology selection.

• Translating Insights: Effectively communicating complex research findings to diverse audiences, some of whom may be unfamiliar with research methodologies, to ensure buy-in and action.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In agile environments, there's a constant need to balance the demand for quick insights with the requirement for robust, reliable research.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating the value and return on investment of user research, especially within public sector budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• GDS Expertise: Deepen knowledge and practical application of Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and best practices.

• AI & Emerging Tech: Gain exposure to how user research is applied in the context of AI and advanced software engineering projects.

• Public Sector Domain Knowledge: Develop a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within government digital services.

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunity to explore and implement advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• Consultancy Skills: Enhance skills in client management, project scoping, and strategic advisory within a consultancy framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in complex sectors and highlight the need for experienced, resilient candidates who can not only execute research but also strategize and influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research within a complex, regulated environment. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on government/public sector experience, adaptability, and ethical considerations.)

• "How would you approach recruiting participants for a study on a government service that serves a broad, diverse population, including potentially vulnerable individuals?" (Highlight recruitment strategies, ethical protocols, and understanding of diverse needs.)

• "Walk us through an end-to-end research project from your portfolio that had a significant impact. What was the problem, your approach, key findings, and the outcome?" (Be prepared to present 1-2 strong case studies, emphasizing process and impact.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are understood and acted upon by stakeholders who may not have a background in user research?" (Focus on communication, storytelling, and tailoring your message.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on government projects with hedgehog lab?" (Show genuine interest in public service impact and hedgehog lab's technological focus.)

• "How do you see user research contributing to the development of AI-driven government services?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and understanding of emerging technologies.)

• "Describe your experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams. How do you integrate research into their workflow?" (Emphasize collaboration and adaptability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, use a clear narrative: Problem/Context -> Objectives -> Methodology -> Execution/Process -> Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact/Outcome.

• Visual Aids: Use slides with key visuals, charts, and concise text. Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information per slide.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific methodological choices, data analysis techniques, and stakeholder interactions.

• Showcase GDS Alignment: If applicable, explicitly mention how your work aligns with GDS principles or standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "upcoming role" status means the hiring team is likely looking for candidates who are proactive and can articulate their value proposition clearly, even before the role is officially posted.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on careers.hedgehoglab.com to register your interest.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest user research case studies that best demonstrate your experience with end-to-end research, public sector projects, and stakeholder influence. Ensure they clearly articulate your process and impact.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, usability testing, user recruitment (especially diverse groups), and any GDS or public sector digital service work. Emphasize your communication and collaboration skills.

• Prepare Your Day Rate: Have a clear understanding of your expected day rate, based on your experience and market research for contract User Researchers in the UK.

• Research Hedgehog Lab: Familiarize yourself with hedgehog lab's work, particularly their involvement in AI, software engineering, and any publicly available government projects they may have worked on. Understand their consultancy model and values.

⚠️ 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.