User Researcher - Contractor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher - Contractor

Company: Digi2al Limited

Location: Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contractor

Category: User Experience Research / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Plan and execute diverse user research initiatives to deeply understand user needs and behaviors within digital service development.

• Translate raw research data into actionable insights that directly influence product design, service improvements, and strategic decision-making.

• Embed user-centered design principles throughout the agile development lifecycle, ensuring services meet Government Service Standard principles and accessibility requirements.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Designers, Developers, and Delivery Managers, to integrate user feedback seamlessly into agile workflows and continuous improvement loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is User Research, the integration into GTM (Go-To-Market) operations is implicit through the role's responsibility in shaping services that meet user needs and government standards, directly impacting product adoption and market reception. The contractor nature and specific security clearance (SC) suggest a project-driven, potentially sensitive environment, common in government or defense contracting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and conduct comprehensive user research studies using a variety of methods, including generative (discovery) and evaluative (testing) techniques, to capture user pain points and needs across the entire user journey.

• Facilitate stakeholder workshops and collaborative analysis sessions to effectively distill and communicate user insights, ensuring alignment on user needs and priorities.

• Recruit, engage, and manage research participants, ensuring diverse representation to gather robust and representative data.

• Develop and present user research artefacts such as personas and user journey maps to clearly articulate user behaviours, motivations, and pain points to the wider team.

• Contribute evidence-based insights to inform product prioritization, backlog refinement, and iterative design adjustments within an agile framework.

• Support the continuous improvement of live digital services by establishing and maintaining ongoing research and feedback loops.

• Ensure all digital services developed align with Government Service Standard principles, with a particular focus on user needs and accessibility compliance.

• Secure and effectively utilize necessary research tools to expedite research analysis, synthesis, and reporting.

• Conduct virtual interviews and research activities, adapting methodologies as needed for remote or hybrid collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Government Service Standard" and "accessibility" indicates a need for research that is not only user-centric but also compliant with public sector regulations, a key aspect of GTM for government-facing products or services. The responsibility to "source and secure research tools" suggests a need for resourcefulness and potentially a budget-conscious approach typical of contract roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Design, or a related discipline is beneficial but not strictly required if compensated by extensive practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of dedicated user research experience, with a strong preference for prior work within an Agile development environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in planning and executing both generative (discovery) and evaluative (testing) user research methodologies.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively advocate for user needs to diverse audiences, including non-researchers.

• Demonstrated experience in facilitating workshops and collaborative analysis sessions with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Proficiency in recruiting and engaging research participants for various research activities.

• Ability to capture, critically assess, distill, and present user needs and findings in a clear, actionable format.

• Competence in conducting virtual interviews and utilizing remote research tools.

• Experience in developing user research artefacts, including personas and user journey maps.

• Strong collaboration skills, with a personable demeanor and effective visual, literal, and verbal communication abilities. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with a range of user research tools and software for data collection, analysis, and synthesis.

• Familiarity with the UK Government Digital Service (GDS) Standard or comparable public/private sector design frameworks and principles.

• Experience working within secure environments, such as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) or similar governmental organizations.

• Experience with SC Security Clearance or the ability to obtain it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for SC Security Clearance is a significant qualifier, indicating the sensitive nature of the projects and the need for candidates who can meet stringent government vetting standards. The "2-5 years" experience, combined with the "3-5 years" requirement, suggests a mid-level researcher role where practical application and autonomy are expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable case studies showcasing the end-to-end user research process, from initial research design to final insight delivery and impact.

• Evidence of how research findings directly influenced product/service design decisions, leading to measurable improvements in user experience, adoption, or efficiency.

• Examples of user journey maps, personas, or other research artefacts that effectively communicate user needs and behaviours to stakeholders.

• Documentation of experience in applying both generative and evaluative research methods to solve specific user problems.

• Examples of successful stakeholder engagement and workshop facilitation related to user research findings. Process Documentation:

• Showcase a structured approach to research planning, including defining objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and creating research protocols.

• Detail your process for participant recruitment, screening, and management, ensuring ethical practices and data integrity.

• Illustrate your methods for data synthesis and analysis, demonstrating how raw data is transformed into actionable insights.

• Provide examples of how you have communicated research findings and recommendations to development teams and product managers to drive user-centered decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the contractor nature and the specific security clearance requirement, the hiring team will likely scrutinize the portfolio for evidence of robust research processes, clear communication of impact, and a demonstrated ability to work autonomously and securely within government-aligned frameworks. The ability to "source and secure research tools" suggests a need to highlight resourcefulness and efficiency in the portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £480 per day. This is a contractor rate, reflecting the project-based nature of the role and the required security clearance.

Benefits:

• Contract work with an initial term of 6 months, offering potential for extension, providing a defined period of engagement.

• Opportunity to work on impactful digital services aligned with Government Service Standards.

• Exposure to secure environments (SC Clearance required), potentially opening doors to future government contracting opportunities.

• Hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility between remote work and on-site collaboration.

• Potential for professional development through exposure to diverse research challenges and cross-functional team collaboration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with 2-3 days per sprint (fortnightly) requiring on-site presence in Portsmouth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The £480/day rate is competitive for a contract User Researcher role in the UK with SC clearance requirements. The "ASAP" start date and initial 6-month contract length are typical for project-driven roles. The specific on-site requirement (2-3 days per fortnight) defines the hybrid nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Digital Services / Government Contracting. Digi2al Limited appears to operate within the technology sector, likely specializing in providing digital solutions and services, potentially to government or defense clients given the SC clearance requirement and mention of the MOD.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the contractor model suggests they may be a specialized consultancy or a larger firm with project-specific staffing needs.

Founded: Not specified.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will be embedded within an agile delivery team, working closely with Product Managers, Designers, Developers, and Delivery Managers.

• This structure promotes cross-functional collaboration and ensures user research is integrated throughout the development lifecycle.

• The researcher will operate with a degree of autonomy, guiding research methodologies and advocating for user needs within the team. Methodology:

• The team operates using agile delivery frameworks, emphasizing iterative development and continuous improvement.

• A user-centered design approach is paramount, ensuring that user needs and behaviours are foundational to service design and development.

• Research findings are expected to directly inform prioritization, backlog refinement, and design iterations.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/4fW2vg9H6spqQXSgSLnGp9/jobs-at-digi2al-limited

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on digital services and government standards, coupled with the need for SC clearance, points to a culture that values security, compliance, and user-centricity within potentially complex project environments. The contractor role implies a project-focused, results-oriented culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced User Researcher operating at a mid-level capacity, requiring autonomy and proven expertise. It’s a contract position focused on delivering specific research outcomes for defined projects.

Reporting Structure: The User Researcher will report to a Project Lead or Delivery Manager within the agile team, with direct collaboration across various functional roles (Product, Design, Development).

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's impact is critical in ensuring that Digi2al Limited's digital services are user-friendly, accessible, and meet the stringent standards required by government clients. Success in this role directly contributes to the successful delivery and adoption of these services, impacting client satisfaction and future business opportunities for Digi2al Limited.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or specialized areas like accessibility research or secure environment research.

• Project Variety: Gain experience across different types of digital services and government projects, broadening practical application of research skills.

• Network Expansion: Build professional connections within the government contracting and digital services sectors, potentially leading to future contract opportunities.

• Framework Mastery: Develop a strong understanding and practical application of frameworks like the GDS Service Standard, highly valued in public sector digital transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contractor, growth is typically project-dependent. However, the experience gained in a secure environment and with government standards can be a significant stepping stone for future roles in this specialized sector. The emphasis is on demonstrating immediate value and expertise on the current project.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, requiring 2-3 days per sprint (fortnightly) on-site in Portsmouth. The remaining time can be worked remotely.

Office Location(s): Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• The on-site days in Portsmouth will likely involve working within a professional office environment, potentially shared with other project teams or contractors. This offers opportunities for direct, in-person collaboration with designers, developers, and product managers.

• Remote work days provide flexibility, allowing for focused individual research, analysis, and virtual collaboration.

• Access to necessary digital tools and platforms for research, communication, and project management will be provided or expected to be utilized.

Work Schedule: A typical full-time schedule of approximately 40 hours per week is expected. The hybrid model provides flexibility, but consistent engagement and availability, particularly during sprint cycles and key team meetings, are crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature requires strong self-discipline and time management for remote days, alongside effective in-person collaboration during on-site days. The SC Security Clearance requirement implies that the on-site environment will adhere to strict security protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, particularly in user research, agile environments, and relevant methodologies.

• Technical Interview: This will likely involve discussions about your user research experience, methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members (e.g., Product Manager, Designer) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your research process, insights, and impact.

• Security Vetting: Upon successful interview stages, the process of obtaining or verifying SC Security Clearance will commence.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: Focus on case studies where your research directly led to demonstrable improvements or informed critical decisions. Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced user errors).

• Showcase Process: Clearly outline your research process for each case study, from defining objectives and methodology selection to participant recruitment, data analysis, and synthesis.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of both generative and evaluative research methods, as well as experience with virtual and in-person research.

• Tailor to GDS: If you have experience with GDS Service Standards or similar frameworks, make this prominent. Explain how you applied these principles.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Questions: Be ready to discuss why you chose specific research methods for particular problems and the trade-offs involved.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to address hypothetical user research challenges, such as dealing with difficult stakeholders, limited participant pools, or tight deadlines.

• Agile Integration: Discuss how you integrate user research into agile sprints and contribute to backlog refinement and sprint planning.

• Security Awareness: Understand the importance of data security and participant privacy, especially given the SC clearance requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Government Service Standard" and "accessibility" means interviewers will be looking for a deep understanding of these principles and how they are applied in practice. The SC clearance is a non-negotiable requirement, so be prepared to discuss your eligibility and willingness to undergo vetting.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting remote interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Typeform, SurveyMonkey).

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in tools used for agile team collaboration and remote communication (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Miro, Mural).

• Design & Prototyping Tools (for review): Familiarity with tools used by designers to understand prototypes and user flows (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Synthesis Tools: Ability to use tools or methods for organizing and synthesizing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, or advanced spreadsheet techniques).

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in creating clear and compelling presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote) to communicate research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user research integrates with customer data and product development pipelines is beneficial. Familiarity with how user insights feed into product backlogs and development workflows is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ability to "source and secure research tools" implies a need for resourcefulness. Candidates should be prepared to discuss tools they have used or would recommend for various research needs, including those that might be cost-effective or readily available.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental belief that understanding and prioritizing user needs is critical for successful digital service delivery.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Commitment to using research evidence to inform strategic choices, product design, and prioritization.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect are paramount, especially in cross-functional agile teams.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to ongoing learning, iterative development, and refining services based on user feedback and performance data.

• Security & Compliance: Adherence to strict security protocols and government standards, ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of digital services.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Actively participating in agile ceremonies (stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews) to ensure user research is a continuous thread, not an isolated activity.

• Advocacy: Confidently articulating user needs and research insights to influence product direction and design decisions.

• Feedback Loops: Encouraging and participating in regular feedback exchange with designers, developers, and product managers to refine research approaches and product iterations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing research findings and methodologies with the wider team to build collective understanding and empathy for users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Government Service Standard" and "MOD" strongly suggests a culture that values rigor, security, and adherence to established protocols, alongside the typical agile emphasis on collaboration and iteration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Secure Environments: Adapting research practices to comply with the strict security protocols inherent in SC-cleared environments.

• Participant Recruitment: Sourcing and engaging appropriate participants for research, especially for niche user groups or sensitive topics, within project timelines.

• Balancing Autonomy and Collaboration: Effectively working independently while also integrating seamlessly into a broader agile team and aligning with diverse stakeholder expectations.

• Translating Insights: Ensuring that complex user research findings are distilled into clear, actionable recommendations that can be readily implemented by the development team.

• Meeting Government Standards: Continuously ensuring research and service design align with the rigorous requirements of the Government Service Standard and accessibility mandates.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunity to refine skills in specialized research methods relevant to government digital services.

• Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific government sectors or defense-related projects.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhancing understanding of product management, UX design, and agile development processes through close collaboration.

• Security Clearance Value: The SC clearance itself is a significant professional asset, opening doors to future high-security contract roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability, strong communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening specialized expertise and leveraging the unique experience gained in a secure government contracting context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a user need that conflicted with stakeholder priorities. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your ability to present data-backed arguments and negotiate.)

• "How would you approach user research for a new digital service aimed at [specific government function]? What methods would you prioritize in the discovery phase?" (Demonstrate your understanding of generative research and government service context.)

• "Walk us through your process for turning raw user interview notes into actionable personas and user journey maps." (Highlight your synthesis and documentation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the UK Government Service Standard, and how would you ensure our services align with it?" (Show your research and understanding of key compliance frameworks.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with product managers, designers, and developers in an agile setting?" (Emphasize your team integration and communication style.)

• "Given the requirement for SC Security Clearance, what are your considerations regarding data handling and participant privacy in your research?" (Address your awareness of security protocols.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For your chosen case study, clearly outline the problem, your research objectives, the methodologies used, key findings, the resulting recommendations, and the impact of those recommendations.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research efforts (e.g., improved user satisfaction scores, increased task completion rates, reduced support queries).

• Visuals: Use visuals like anonymized screenshots of personas, journey maps, or key data charts to illustrate your points effectively.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your case study within a given timeframe, focusing on the most critical aspects and demonstrating your ability to communicate complex information efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with virtual research tools and methodologies in detail, as this is a listed "must-have." Also, be ready to articulate your understanding of accessibility requirements within digital services.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 key user research projects that best showcase your experience with generative and evaluative methods, agile environments, and ideally, any exposure to government standards or secure projects. Ensure these examples highlight your process, insights, and demonstrable impact.

• Tailor Your CV: Update your resume to emphasize your 3-5 years of dedicated user research experience, highlighting specific methodologies used, tools proficiency, and achievements relevant to agile development and stakeholder collaboration. Ensure keywords like "User Research," "Agile," "Generative Research," "Evaluative Research," "User Journey Mapping," and "Personas" are present.

• Prepare for Security Vetting: Be ready to discuss your eligibility for SC Security Clearance and your understanding of the process involved. Digi2al Limited will likely initiate this process for successful candidates.

• Research Digi2al Limited & GDS: Familiarize yourself with Digi2al Limited's work (if publicly available) and thoroughly research the UK Government Service Standard and its principles, particularly regarding user needs and accessibility.

⚠️ 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. The SC Security Clearance requirement is critical and must be met by the candidate.