User Researcher | Contract (Upcoming Role)

hedgehog lab | Government Projects

This is an upcoming opportunity. The role is not yet live but we expect to be hiring shortly. Register your interest now and we'll be in touch as soon as the position opens.

We're looking for an experienced User Researcher to join hedgehog lab on a contract basis, embedded in government projects that affect people at scale.

You’ll plan and run end-to-end research from discovery through to usability testing, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure decisions are grounded in evidence, not assumption. You’ll be comfortable operating in complex, regulated environments and confident translating findings into clear recommendations that shape product direction.

Location note: This role may require presence at an office in Newcastle for approximately 1–2 days per week. While this isn't confirmed, it’s something candidates should be prepared for. We would therefore encourage applications from candidates based within a commutable distance of Newcastle.

You’ll Bring

• Experience working on government or public sector digital services (GDS-aligned experience a strong advantage)
• Proficiency across a range of qualitative and quantitative methods
• The ability to recruit and research with diverse and potentially vulnerable user groups
• Strong stakeholder communication skills; you can make research compelling to non-researchers
• Familiarity with working in agile, multidisciplinary teams