User Researcher (Defence)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher (Defence)

Company: Kainos

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom (with potential for Birmingham, United Kingdom)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Service Design Operations

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered design strategies by delivering actionable insights to define and enhance digital service experiences, with a strong focus on user needs.

• Advocate for and implement design research, design thinking, and service design methodologies within a growing Experience Design capability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams, including Agile delivery environments, to integrate user research findings and demonstrate its value to business objectives.

• Produce comprehensive research reports and present compelling recommendations to stakeholders, influencing product development and service improvement.

• Possess sound commercial awareness to align user research initiatives with business goals and ensure measurable impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Kainos's Experience Design capability, focusing on creating digital services. While the title is "User Researcher," the responsibilities strongly align with a "Service Design Operations" or "UX Research Operations" function, emphasizing the practical application of research to service delivery and user experience within a commercial context. The "Defence" aspect suggests potential work within government or public sector projects, requiring a strong understanding of user needs in complex, often regulated, environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive research plans, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methods, to uncover user needs and behaviors.

• Conduct in-depth user interviews and usability testing sessions with empathy, ensuring a deep understanding of participant perspectives.

• Analyze research data and synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for product and service improvements.

• Develop and present detailed research reports, findings, and strategic recommendations to diverse stakeholders, including clients and internal teams.

• Collaborate with wider project teams, including designers and developers, to embed user-centered principles throughout the service design lifecycle.

• Work with recruitment agencies or client insight teams to effectively source and manage research participants.

• Contribute to the establishment and communication of the value of user research within project teams and the broader organization.

• Maintain a strong awareness of commercial objectives and ensure research efforts align with business goals and deliver measurable impact.

• Apply knowledge of Agile delivery methodologies to ensure research activities integrate seamlessly into development sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on research role with a strategic component. The emphasis on "actionable insights," "user needs," and "measurable impact" points to a need for researchers who can not only gather data but also translate it into tangible improvements for digital services, particularly within the defence sector where user impact is critical.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Design, Computer Science, or a related discipline is highly beneficial. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Approximately 2-5 years of professional experience in user research, UX research, service design research, or a closely related field, with demonstrable experience in applying research methodologies to real-world projects.

Required Skills:

• Excellent knowledge and practical application of qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, ethnography, usability testing).

• Sound knowledge and application of quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, analytics, A/B testing).

• Ability to design and write comprehensive research plans, clearly outlining objectives, methodologies, and deliverables.

• Proficiency in conducting user interviews with a strong emphasis on empathy and active listening.

• Proven ability to produce clear, concise reports and present findings and recommendations effectively to various audiences.

• Sound commercial awareness, understanding how research contributes to business objectives and ROI.

• Understanding of the difference between functional requirements and genuine user needs, and how to choose appropriate research methods accordingly.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrable knowledge in user-centered design (UCD) practices and principles.

• Understanding of core design disciplines: information architecture, interaction design, and visual design principles.

• Experience working within a full-service digital agency or consultancy environment.

• Experience working on projects within the Defence sector or other government/public sector domains.

• Active participation in relevant professional communities (e.g., UXPA, IxDA, online forums) or experience speaking at industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of methodological expertise and practical application. The preference for Agile experience and agency background suggests a dynamic, project-driven environment. The "Defence" specialization is a key differentiator, implying a need for candidates who can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and potentially sensitive project requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end user research process from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Clearly articulate the research objectives, chosen methodologies, participant recruitment strategy, and data analysis techniques for each case study.

• Highlight how research findings were translated into concrete recommendations and how these recommendations influenced design decisions or product improvements.

• Quantify the impact of your research where possible, using metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion rates, efficiency gains, or business outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating well-structured research plans that align with project goals and wider business strategy.

• Examples of how research findings were documented and communicated to diverse stakeholders (e.g., reports, presentations, workshops).

• Demonstrations of how user insights were integrated into design and development workflows, potentially referencing Agile or other iterative processes.

• Showcasing the ability to conduct ethical research, adhering to data privacy and participant consent protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is critical. This section emphasizes not just the research itself, but the process and impact. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their research lifecycle, explain their methodological choices, and crucially, demonstrate how their work led to tangible improvements and business value, particularly relevant for operations roles focused on efficiency and ROI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a User Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in the UK, particularly in major cities like Belfast and Birmingham, a competitive salary range would typically fall between £35,000 and £55,000 per annum. This range can vary based on specific experience, the complexity of defence projects, and the candidate's proven track record.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs: Including private medical insurance, dental coverage, and mental health support resources.

• Generous Paid Time Off: A competitive annual leave allowance, public holidays, and potential for additional leave for specific circumstances.

• Pension Scheme: A robust employer-matched pension contribution plan to support long-term financial security.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, conference attendance, and continuous learning in UX research and design methodologies.

• Life Assurance: Financial protection for dependents in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based incentives or profit-sharing schemes may be available.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Kainos may offer some flexibility regarding start and end times, subject to project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on UK market data for similar roles and experience levels. Kainos is a large, established tech company, so benefits are expected to be comprehensive and competitive. The mention of "Defence" projects may sometimes involve specific security clearance requirements, which can also influence compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software Development, Digital Transformation Consulting, and IT Services. Kainos operates across various sectors including government, healthcare, and financial services, with a specific focus on Defence for this role.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 1,000 employees). Kainos is a significant player in the UK tech scene.

Founded: 1987. With decades of experience, Kainos has a stable and established presence, known for delivering complex digital solutions.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will be part of the growing Experience Design capability, which likely comprises UX Designers, Service Designers, and other UX Researchers.

• This team collaborates closely with project management, development (software engineers), quality assurance, and client stakeholders.

• Reporting likely goes up through a Head of Experience Design or a Senior UX Lead, with project-specific reporting to Project Managers or Programme Leads.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Research findings are used to inform strategic decisions and product development.

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and prioritizing user needs in all service design efforts.

• Agile Development Integration: Research activities are embedded within Agile sprints to ensure continuous feedback and iterative improvement.

• Collaborative Design: Cross-functional teams work together to co-create solutions, leveraging diverse perspectives.

Company Website: https://www.kainos.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kainos's established presence and large size suggest a structured yet innovative environment. The "people-first culture" and emphasis on "real impact" are key cultural indicators. For a Defence sector role, understanding the specific client environment and its unique operational requirements will be crucial for successful collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level User Researcher (Senior Associate). This level implies a need for independent work on defined research projects, the ability to mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the strategic direction of research within projects. The role is expected to translate research into tangible business value.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Lead UX Researcher or Head of Experience Design, with day-to-day project work guided by Project Managers or Programme Leads. Collaboration will be a key aspect, requiring effective communication with development teams, designers, and clients.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the quality, usability, and effectiveness of digital services delivered to end-users, particularly within the Defence sector. By ensuring services are user-centered, the researcher contributes to increased adoption, user satisfaction, operational efficiency, and potentially cost savings or risk reduction for clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or user groups relevant to the Defence sector.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior User Researcher, Lead UX Researcher, or Managerial roles, leading research teams and shaping research strategy.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to service design, interaction design, and product management, broadening skill sets.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge within the Defence domain, becoming a go-to expert for related projects.

• Mentorship: Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the development of Kainos's research practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Associate" title suggests a step beyond entry-level, requiring demonstrated capability. Growth opportunities are robust, typical of a large consultancy, offering paths into leadership, specialization, or broader UX/product roles. The "Operations Impact" is framed in terms of delivering value to clients through effective service design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Kainos offers modern, well-equipped office spaces designed to foster collaboration and productivity. The Belfast and Birmingham offices are likely hubs for client engagement and internal team development.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Belfast, United Kingdom, with potential for work in Birmingham, United Kingdom. These are major cities with good transport links and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices will feature meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan seating designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Technology Enabled: Access to necessary research tools, software, and hardware for conducting user research, data analysis, and presentations.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with fellow researchers, designers, developers, and project managers, facilitating a cohesive team dynamic.

Work Schedule: The role is primarily on-site, requiring adherence to standard office hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While some flexibility may be accommodated, consistent presence in the office is expected for team collaboration, client meetings, and project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key characteristic. For operations roles that often involve deep work and analysis, the office environment is crucial for fostering spontaneous collaboration, idea generation, and strong team cohesion, which Kainos seems to prioritize.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a Talent Acquisition specialist to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager (likely a UX Lead or Head of Experience Design) to delve into experience, research methodologies, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present 1-2 detailed case studies from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, findings, and impact. This is a critical stage for assessing practical skills.

• Technical/Team Interview: May involve a practical exercise or a discussion with other team members (researchers, designers) to assess problem-solving skills, collaboration style, and technical proficiency.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations, company alignment, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your approach, the challenges faced, your solution (research insights/recommendations), and the outcome/impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, wireframes, user flow diagrams, or anonymized research artifacts to illustrate your process and findings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the value of your research (e.g., improved user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times, increased conversion rates).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your methodology choices and why they were appropriate for the specific project context.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled difficult stakeholders, or how you adapted your research approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research challenge related to Defence digital services.

• Methodology Justification: Be ready to explain why you would choose specific research methods for different scenarios.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating research findings and recommendations in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner suitable for a diverse audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a cornerstone of the hiring process for UX and design roles. Candidates must be prepared to actively present and defend their work, demonstrating not just technical skill but also strategic thinking and the ability to communicate value. This is where operations candidates can truly shine by showcasing their process-driven approach and impact measurement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for remote usability testing, participant recruitment, and survey distribution (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and potentially quantitative analysis (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R).

• Prototyping/Wireframing Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to understand design outputs and collaborate effectively.

• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Workspace, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Basic understanding of tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to contextualize user behavior.

• BI Tools (Familiarity): Awareness of tools like Tableau or Power BI for data visualization and reporting, though direct use may not be required.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Familiarity): Understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) can inform user segmentation and research context.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with Agile project management tools like Jira or Confluence for tracking research tasks and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is research-focused, familiarity with the broader tech stack used in digital service delivery is advantageous. This includes understanding how research integrates with design tools, development workflows (Jira), and how to interpret data from analytics platforms to enrich research insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the end-user in all aspects of digital service design.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared openly, and diverse perspectives are valued to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the exploration of new approaches to solve complex problems.

• Impact: A focus on delivering tangible, measurable value to clients and end-users through high-quality digital solutions.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and client interactions, particularly important in sensitive sectors like Defence.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with UX designers, service designers, developers, product owners, and client representatives to ensure research insights are understood and acted upon.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive criticism to improve research processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the dissemination of research findings and best practices across teams and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kainos's stated values of "people-first," "real impact," and "collaboration" translate directly into the team culture. For operations roles, understanding how research contributes to overall business impact and operational efficiency is key. The emphasis on integrity is paramount given the potential Defence context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Working with diverse stakeholders in the Defence sector, each with potentially different priorities and levels of understanding of user research.

• Translating Research into Action: Ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and adopted by design and development teams to drive meaningful change.

• Balancing Methodologies: Deciding on the most appropriate research methods given project constraints (time, budget, access) while maintaining research rigor.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating the business value and return on investment of user research initiatives to clients and internal leadership.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops, training, and conferences focused on emerging research methods and UX best practices.

• Domain Specialization: Developing deep expertise in the Defence sector, understanding its unique user needs and operational contexts.

• Leadership Development: Programs designed to enhance leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills for those aspiring to senior or management roles.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced researchers and designers for guidance and career development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed in terms of practical application and impact, common in operations-focused roles. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical skill enhancement and career progression within a large consultancy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for user needs against strong business or technical requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Focus on empathy, data-backed arguments, and collaborative problem-solving.)

• "How would you approach researching user needs for a critical Defence system where direct user access might be limited or highly controlled?" (Preparation: Think about alternative methods like proxy users, expert interviews, analyzing existing data, and understanding security protocols.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Kainos, and specifically on Defence projects?" (Preparation: Research Kainos's mission, values, and recent work in the Defence sector. Connect your motivations to their goals.)

• "How do you ensure your research aligns with commercial objectives and demonstrates measurable impact?" (Preparation: Discuss ROI, linking research to KPIs, business goals, and client success metrics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your research approach, the key findings, and most importantly, the tangible impact your work had on the product or service. Use metrics where possible.

• Explain Your 'Why': Be prepared to justify your methodological choices. Why did you choose interviews over surveys? Why was a specific analysis technique selected?

• Show Process, Not Just Results: Demonstrate your thought process, how you synthesized data, and how you translated raw findings into actionable recommendations.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation. Be enthusiastic, clear, and concise. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight the candidate's ability to think strategically, apply methodologies effectively, communicate value, and demonstrate cultural fit, all critical for operations roles. The emphasis on the Defence sector requires specific consideration of its unique challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Researcher (Defence) position:

• Submit your application through the Kainos careers portal link provided.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight specific experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, Agile environments, and any Defence or public sector project work. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select 1-2 strong case studies that best demonstrate your end-to-end research process, your ability to generate actionable insights, and the impact of your work. Ensure it's well-organized and visually appealing.

• Prepare for the Presentation: Practice presenting your case studies concisely, focusing on the problem, your approach, the findings, and the impact. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your methodology and decision-making.

• Research Kainos: Understand their company culture, values, and recent work, particularly within the Defence sector. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company.

⚠️ 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.

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