User Researcher

About This Role

In DWP Digital our User Researchers put user needs at the centre of our thinking as we improve our systems for millions of users. You'll be planning and designing research programmes that will inform inclusive, effective services that really work for the people that need them. Your findings will help our teams get a deep understanding of the people that use government services.

You'll need good analytic skills and knowledge of research methodologies. You will independently run research projects from planning to sharing findings. You'll choose the right qualitative and quantitative methods, generate clear insights, and translate these into recommendations that support departmental goals. You'll work closely with product teams, build strong relationships, and champion user‑centred design. You'll test both broad concepts and detailed service elements, ensuring that research findings are clearly communicated, understood, and translated into practical, actionable recommendations.

Your work will shape services that are inclusive, effective, and aligned with the needs of the people who use them.

• Experience of user research or relevant research experience in other fields.
• Knowledge and experience of using a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, selecting the most appropriate method depending on the requirements.
• Significant experience of planning and conducting research that considers the diversity of users, keeping in mind access needs and the ethical nature of research.
• Extensive experience and proven track record of generating new and useful insights for a project team to leverage, ensuring where relevant that the insights influence decisions.

We are a Disability Confident employer. We will normally offer an interview to any applicant who declares that they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role. In some high‑volume recruitment situations, we may limit the number of interviews for both disabled and non‑disabled candidates.

We are a community of tech experts building and maintaining digital solutions used by nearly every person in the UK. DWP is the UK's largest government department, helping people into work and making payments worth over £195bn a year to support and empower millions of people. Our purpose is unique, and we’d love you to join us.

Pay: up to £46,547. Employer pension contributions: 28.97% (up to £12,876 per year). Hybrid working model with flexible hours and work‑life balance. Holidays: 26 days rising to 31 days over time plus up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi‑time. Public holidays included.

• Employer of the Year 2023 (Women In IT Awards), Founders Award for Outstanding Digital Leadership 2023 (Digital 100).
• Flexible working, including flexible hours and flex‑friendly policies.
• Time off volunteering and charitable giving.
• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'.
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more.
• Interest‑free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket.
• Sports and social activities.
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.