Senior User Researcher - Agentic AI / Quantitative Research - Outside IR35

SR2; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A tech consulting firm is seeking a Senior User Researcher to lead user research for a government project focused on AI/LLM-powered services. The role demands extensive experience in user research, especially with AI products, and strong skills in qualitative/quantitative methods. This position is crucial for developing solutions that prioritize accessibility and privacy. The contract offers competitive pay and flexible work arrangements, with some travel to London required.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a User Researcher, specifically in digital services.
• Experience with AI/LLM products or data-driven services.
• Ability to evaluate performance of AI/LLM models from a user-centred perspective.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of user research for AI services.
• Apply mixed-methods to capture user needs in complex environments.
• Collaborate with teams to translate research findings into actionable insights.

Skills

User Research

Qualitative and quantitative research methods

Presentation skills

Statistical analysis

Knowledge of AI/LLM products

Job description

Senior User Researcher - Agentic AI / Quantitative Research

Outside IR35: 475 - 525

5 month initial contract, likely to extend

ASAP Start

Once a week / once every 2 weeks to London

We are seeking an experienced Senior User Researcher to support a government department on a high-profile programme of work. The role will involve leading user research for the design and delivery of advanced AI/LLM-powered products and services, ensuring that accessibility, privacy, and safeguarding requirements are embedded into solutions at scale.

You must either hold or be eligible for SC for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of user research activities for AI/LLM-powered services.
• Apply mixed-methods research (qualitative and quantitative) to capture user needs, behaviours, and expectations in complex, high-transaction environments.
• Evaluate and provide recommendations for training data collection, categorisation, and labelling from a user-centred perspective.
• Test and assess AI/LLM model outputs against user requirements, accessibility standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Collaborate with AI engineers, designers, and product teams to translate research findings into actionable design and development decisions.
• Prototype and test new human-AI interaction patterns, ensuring transparency, oversight, and trust.
• Champion inclusive research practices, ensuring accessibility, safeguarding, and privacy are prioritised.
• Lead stakeholder workshops, service assessments, and cross-government user research communities of practice.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience as a User Researcher, with a track record of leading research on digital services or emerging technologies.
• Proven hands-on experience conducting research on AI/LLM products or data-driven services.
• Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis.
• Ability to evaluate AI/LLM model performance and outputs from a user-centred and compliance perspective.
• Skilled in presenting complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences, building consensus and influencing decisions.
• Experience working in government, regulated environments, or large-scale digital transformation programmes (desirable).
• Strong understanding of accessibility, privacy, and safeguarding requirements in digital service delivery.