SC Cleared User Researcher

Sanderson Government and Defence; Greater London; On-site; GBP 139,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

IR35 contract

Job summary

Sanderson Government and Defence in London seeks an experienced User Researcher for a high-profile government digital programme. Hybrid role, 1–2 days on site weekly, ASAP start on a 3-month contract inside IR35.

You will conduct discovery through live phases using interviews, usability tests, surveys, and workshops, align with GDS standards, influence stakeholders with evidence, and collaborate with product, service design, business analysis and delivery teams.

Qualifications

• Active SC clearance is required before engagement.
• Proven experience as a User Researcher in Central Government/Defence/Public Sector.
• Strong understanding of GDS standards, service assessments and user-centred design.
• Experience delivering research across the full digital product lifecycle.
• Ability to influence stakeholders through evidence-based insights.
• Strong communication, facilitation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design and conduct user research across discovery, alpha, beta and live phases.
• Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods including interviews, usability testing, surveys and workshops.
• Collaborate with Product Managers, Service Designers, Business Analysts, Content Designers and Delivery teams.
• Analyse and synthesize research findings into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Ensure services align with GDS principles, standards and assessment requirements.
• Communicate research outcomes effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Champion user-centred design, accessibility and evidence-based decision-making.
• Support continuous service improvement through ongoing research and feedback loops.

Skills

SC clearance

User research

Stakeholder management

Facilitation

Agile delivery

Policy & government context

Job description

Salary: £139,100 - 140,400 per year

Requirements:

• We require active SC clearance before engagement.
• We are looking for proven experience as a User Researcher within Central Government, Defence, or wider Public Sector organisations.
• We need a strong understanding of GDS standards, service assessments, and user-centred design principles.
• We require experience delivering research across the full digital product lifecycle.
• We value demonstrable ability to influence stakeholders through evidence-based insights.
• We require strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• We are looking for experience working within agile, multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• You must be able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• We plan, design, and conduct user research across discovery, alpha, beta, and live phases.
• We apply a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interviews, usability testing, surveys, and workshops.
• We collaborate with Product Managers, Service Designers, Business Analysts, Content Designers, and Delivery teams.
• We analyse and synthesise research findings into actionable insights and recommendations.
• We ensure services align with GDS principles, standards, and assessment requirements.
• We communicate research outcomes effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• We champion user-centred design, accessibility, and evidence-based decision-making.
• We support continuous service improvement through ongoing research and feedback loops.

Technologies:

• Support

More:

We are seeking an experienced User Researcher to join a high-profile government digital programme in London on a hybrid basis, with 1 to 2 days per week onsite. This is an initial 3-month contract, inside IR35, offering up to £540 per day, with a strong likelihood of extension and an ASAP start. We offer the opportunity to work on meaningful, user-centred services within a collaborative agile environment, alongside multidisciplinary teams committed to improving digital experiences for citizens. We are proud of our diverse and inclusive community and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives.

last updated 33 week of 2026