Description
Senior User Researcher
Description of Role:
Senior User Researchers scope, design and carry out research activities with users that help service design and delivery teams get a deep understanding of the people that use the service, and help users engage in the design processes in ways that are appropriate and proportionate and in keeping with the Scottish Approach to principle of designing and delivering services with and not just for service users.
Research informs policy, strategy, service, content, and interaction design, so that services work well for users and achieve their policy intent. We work closely with colleagues and other stakeholders to ensure design decisions are made with users and not just for them.
As a Senior User Researcher, you will work with the design team to plan and research, influence service propositions, align user research activities with wider plans, and support the building of user centred practices in new teams. You will ensure research quality aligns with Digital Scotland Service Standards.
We are looking for a Senior User Researcher to help us create new services and navigate change as an organisation as we implement new. As a Senior User Researcher, you will work as part of our user-centred design team, leading on the engagement and research strategy to deliver well-designed, accessible, and inclusive public services. We are a small team who work in close collaboration, aiming to grow a culture and understanding of design throughout the organisation.
Responsibilities:
Develop and manage delivery of user research projects - developing focus and plan, selecting appropriate methods for different life cycle phases and situations, and monitoring outcomes and quality.
Design and undertake research engagements including interviews, surveys, focus groups, field observations and usability testing to generate actionable insight into user's needs and behaviours.
Undertake rigorous data analyses using appropriate analytical tools and approaches as needed and involving colleagues and service users in synthesis and analysis of data.
Ensure all research conducted meets ethical standards.
Ensure a culture of continuous delivery and improvement, ensuring that key tools, methods, and processes are regularly reviewed, maintained, and improved.
Explain, and be a persuasive advocate for, the value of user/design research within the organisation and to other stakeholders.
Normal Place of Work
Glasgow/Hybrid
Essential Skills, Competences, Relevant Qualifications
Demonstrable experience (minimum two years in a digital service design setting) of designing and delivering a wide range of user research activities including: negotiating research briefs and delivering actionable insights.
Understands, can apply, and demonstrate a range of user research methods (from data gathering to synthesis and analysis) correctly. Can choose appropriate methods for different life cycle phases and situations.
Able to demonstrate a strong blend of technical 'know how', and business facing ability - able to think, act and communicate strategically both internally and with external partners and in such a way as to stimulate conversation and collaboration, influence, and lead thinking as appropriate.
Demonstrable knowledge about how to ensure research activities and tools used are as inclusive and accessible as they can be for both users and teams working with.
Demonstrable experience of carrying out user research with vulnerable participants, using trauma informed research design practices
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy or maternity or age