Associate User Researcher - The Guardian : Job Details

This role has a starting salary of £52,047 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. This position is offered as a 6-month fixed term contract opportunity, with the possibility of extension based on project needs.

We are excited to be hiring two Associate User Researchers to join our fantastic Digital team, based in Woodhatch Place in Reigate. The role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between working from home and collaborating together in the office two days per week.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team

As an organisation we are focussed on becoming a Digital Council and so as an Associate User Researcher, you will work across the Council's Digital, Data and Tech Portfolio as part of a Digital Design team together with Delivery Managers, Business Analysts, User Experience Designers, and Product Owners. The team is part of Engagement, Digital and Innovation and responsible for rapid delivery of innovative, user centred solutions, focused on Discovery, Prototyping or proof of concept.

About the Role

An average day for an Associate User Researcher in the Digital Design Team is dynamic and multifaceted. Starting the day, they might join a virtual stand-up meeting with their team, which includes with Delivery Managers, Business Analysts, User Experience Designers, and Product Owners to discuss progress and any blockers.

An Associate User Researcher plans, executes and reports on research activities focused on the needs of the user. The insights gained from the research are used to inform and test delivery of services into Surrey County Council. Knowledge will include analysis and synthesis techniques, inclusive research skills, user centred and agile practices knowledge.

As the Associate User Researcher, you will be required to run workshops, interviews, or user analysis at locations where users' behaviour being analysed is based.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Demonstrable experience in planning, executing and reporting on User Research to support delivery strategies and objectives
• Familiarity with GDS (Government Digital Service) principles is preferred
• Familiar working with Dovetail, Atlassian Jira or comparable agile planning tools
• Ability to work effectively with 3rd party suppliers to ensure their successful and timely contribution to the project
• Experience of, or in working closely with, Business Analyst, User Experience Designers, and Product Owners

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 4th March 2025 with interviews to follow.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.