User Researcher or User Experience Specialist
GCHQ is the United Kingdom's intelligence, security and cyber agency, working to identify, analyse and disrupt threats to the UK.
About Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
A UK public body whose statutory function includes foreign-focused signals intelligence. GCHQ uses technical capabilities, analysis and online effects across counter-terrorism, cyber security, serious and organised crime, strategic advantage and support to defence. It has publicly described responsible AI use in its national-security mission.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will plan and conduct user research or user experience activities across a portfolio of services, guidance and interventions. You will use mixed-method research, iterative testing and evidence-based design to understand user needs, behaviours and contexts. You will generate actionable insights, advocate for diverse users, and help delivery teams make informed decisions. At senior level, you will lead research and design activities, advise on appropriate methods, share insights with stakeholders and support peer review. At lead level, you will provide strategic advice, shape requirements and delivery approaches, assure quality, mentor senior practitioners, and escalate significant risks or blockers.
Requirements
- Experience in User Research, User Experience or a related User Centred Design role.
- Experience applying user-centred practices to understand user needs and improve services.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience selecting, applying and adapting appropriate research or user experience methods and tools throughout delivery lifecycles.
- Experience embedding user-centred approaches from early stages through delivery in complex environments.
- For lead roles, experience shaping user-centred strategy across project areas.
- For lead roles, experience providing technical assurance of UCRD standards, outputs and approaches.
- British citizenship or dual British nationality.
- Ability to obtain Developed Vetting security clearance.
- Live within commuting distance of Manchester, London, Cheltenham or Scarborough.
- Launch the application from within the UK.
Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct user research or user experience activities.
- Apply mixed-method research, iterative testing and evidence-based design approaches.
- Generate actionable insights from user needs, behaviours and contexts.
- Advocate for diverse users and embed user-centred approaches throughout delivery.
- Support multidisciplinary teams to make evidence-based delivery decisions.
- Provide user research or user experience consultancy for NCSC initiatives.
- Lead research and design activities across projects at senior level.
- Advise teams on appropriate user-centred methods and tools.
- Share insights with stakeholders and provide constructive challenge.
- Provide strategic advice, technical leadership and quality assurance at lead level.
- Mentor senior practitioners and escalate significant risks or blockers.
- Contribute to ways of working, capability growth and professional collaboration.
Benefits
- 25 days of annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years of service, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays.
- Interest-free season ticket loan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Subsidised gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars at some locations.
- Paid parental and adoption leave.
- Civil Service pension scheme.
- London allowance of £6,250 for London-based roles.
- Reasonable reimbursement of travel costs for in-person recruitment and vetting appointments.
Hiring Process
Initial online application → online Situational Judgement Test → full online application → application sift assessing technical expertise, experience and motivation → online interview → conditional offer of employment. Vetting is included and the process may take around 6 to 9 months.