Lead User Researcher - Public Sector

hedgehog lab; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

hedgehog lab is seeking a Lead User Researcher to join on a permanent basis, embedded in government projects that affect people at scale. You’ll plan and run end-to-end research from discovery through usability testing, working with multidisciplinary teams to ensure decisions are grounded in evidence.

This is a hybrid role. You’ll work from home most of the week, with two days on site at our client’s Manchester or Newcastle office, whichever is closest to you.

Qualifications

• Experience working on government or public sector digital services.
• Experience working to the GDS Service Standard.
• Proficiency across a range of qualitative and quantitative methods.
• The ability to recruit and research with diverse and potentially vulnerable user groups.
• A user-first mindset and strong stakeholder communication skills; you can make research compelling to non-researchers.
• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run end-to-end research from discovery through usability testing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ground decisions in evidence.
• Translate findings into clear recommendations that shape product direction.

Skills

Government experience

GDS Service Standard

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Recruit diverse users

Stakeholder communication

Agile teams

Job description

hedgehog lab | Government Projects

We're looking for a Lead User Researcher to join hedgehog lab on a permanent basis, embedded in government projects that affect people at scale.

This role will suit someone who genuinely cares about improving public services. You'll plan and run end-to-end research from discovery through to usability testing, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure decisions are grounded in evidence. You'll be comfortable operating in complex, regulated environments and confident translating findings into clear recommendations that shape product direction.

This is a hybrid role. You'll work from home most of the week, with two days on site at our client's Manchester or Newcastle office, whichever is closest to you. We're looking for candidates based within 50 miles of either location.

You'll Bring

• Experience working on government or public sector digital services
• Experience working to the GDS Service Standard
• Proficiency across a range of qualitative and quantitative methods
• The ability to recruit and research with diverse and potentially vulnerable user groups
• A user-first mindset and strong stakeholder communication skills; you can make research compelling to non-researchers
• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams

Why hedgehog lab?

You'll be joining a consultancy with 20 years of experience trusted by global brands, working at the intersection of AI and software engineering. You'll be part of a community of talented, supportive people who challenge each other, share knowledge, and care about delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients and the citizens they serve.