Researcher (Customer Insight & Smart Technology)

Extra Care; Coventry; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization focused on older adults seeks a Researcher (Customer Insight and Smart Technology) to enhance services through applied research. The role involves evaluating smart home solutions to improve wellbeing and safety, and engaging with current and future residents. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and experience in older adult services. This position aims to help create impactful insights that shape strategy and service design, fostering an inclusive environment for all.

Qualifications

• Experience working within retirement communities or older adult services.
• Strong communication skills for interaction with older adults.
• Passion for improving older adults' quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to understand customer values and expectations.
• Evaluate smart devices for usability and impact.
• Develop pilot projects informed by robust insight.
• Monitor developments in the retirement living sector.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience in retirement communities or older adult services

Ability to interact comfortably with older adults

Genuine care for enhancing older adults' quality of life

Job description

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to understand the values, behaviours, and expectations of both current and future retirement living customers
• Investigate the effectiveness of smart technologies in supporting independence, safety and wellbeing in older adults
• Evaluate smart devices (e.g. sensors, voice assistants, health monitors) for usability and impact
• Translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights for senior leaders and operational teams
• Support the development of pilot projects and future‑living concepts, ensuring they are informed by robust insight
• Monitor developments in the UK retirement living sector and broader social trends affecting older adults

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have experience working within retirement communities or older adult services. You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact comfortably with older adults. You should possess a genuine care for enhancing older adults' quality of life.

About the Role

ExtraCare Charitable Trust is looking for a Researcher (Customer Insight and Smart Technology) to play a pivotal role in strengthening our evidence base and shaping the future of our services. You will conduct applied research that strengthens customer experience, independence, and digital inclusion through smart technologies. Working across our villages you will focus on understanding the needs and behaviours of current and future residents by exploring how smart home solutions can enhance wellbeing, safety, and autonomy. You will maintain and develop the Innovation Apartment, assess smart technology solutions, and generate insights that influence strategy, operations, and service design.

ExtraCare strives to create a workplace that fully reflects society. We want our staff to feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work and be part of a safe and supportive community. ExtraCare is committed to making our recruitment practices as fair and inclusive as possible for all. This includes making reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.

ExtraCare does not participate in the current "UK Visa Sponsorship" scheme and would not be able to facilitate sponsorship. ExtraCare reserve the right to close this advertisement early.