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SalaryUser Researcher
The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the University as a User Researcher working to develop and implement an institutional wide user focussed approach to digital services.
We are open to discussing this position in terms of flexible working between office and home.
IT Services is a key department that ensures that the University has robust, reliable and high-performing IT facilities it requires to support the distinctive needs of those engaged in teaching, learning, research and administration. We value and recognise our own and the contribution of others, creating a great culture to work in and a place where we all feel we belong.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
About the Role
As the User Researcher, you will be expected to work with stakeholders across the University. The role will report into and work closely with the newly appointed Head of User Experience.
You will act as a research advisor to project owners who want to understand their audiences better. Providing advice on research that can be done and offer relevant training when necessary. You will also be responsible for creating and maintaining a repository of research on different University audiences that teams can access as needed.
The User Researcher will also be responsible for obtaining a suitable set of user research tools that can be used by anyone at the University and provide training on how to use them.
Key responsibilities include:
- Drawing out ideas from others; encouraging others to contribute new ideas, including external stakeholders
- Champion the value of user research, advocating for and educating stakeholders on the importance of research in informing design decisions and driving organisational success
- Building user centred practices within teams
- Using user centred design practices, and solid research processes that involve users and stakeholders throughout
- Ensuring users are considered at every phase of the product development process
- Helping teams to understand the diversity of users and support them in design and delivering accessible services that work for all users
- Identifying gaps where data is needed and working with teams to fill them
- Regularly testing design work with users in partnership with UX Consultant
- Iterating work based on testing and data analysis
- Communicating actionable insights in creative and compelling ways
- Ensure ethical and responsible management of user data in research activities (e.g. privacy, consent, data security)
- Taking ownership of own development and career
**About You
**
We are seeking a talented individual with:
- Proven experience of planning and leading user research sessions to gather insights and requirements
- Experience of planning and implementing research strategies and effectively communicating them to a diverse range of stakeholders
- A solid grasp of accessibility norms and legislation, including the implications of the 2018 public sector regulations for the University
Application Process
You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 20 April 2024
Interviews will take place week commencing 29 April and will be face to face/online
