We are currently looking for a Senior User Researcher to join our Digital and Service Design Function within the Digital and Technology group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 7/8 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.
This role attracts a Market Pay Supplement of up to £20,371 per annum, in recognition of the specialist skills required and current market rates. The supplement is reviewed annually and is non-pensionable.
Who are we?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
The Digital and Technology Group (DTG) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world-class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. Its centre of excellence is also responsible for delivering a broad portfolio of change initiatives, both to transform the Agency’s legacy technologies and to deliver innovative new solutions. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU.
User-Centred Design helps MHRA deliver accessible, inclusive and effective digital services that meet user needs. The function brings together user research, service design, interaction design and content design to support multidisciplinary teams across the service lifecycle.
What’s the role?
This is an exciting opportunity for a User Researcher to help shape a new user-centred design practice at the MHRA. Working across multidisciplinary teams and high-profile services, the post holder will plan, design and deliver research that builds a deep understanding of users, their needs and behaviours. They will help establish research standards and approaches that support evidence-led, accessible and user-centred service design across the agency.
Key responsibilities:
Leading and conducting user research for complex and high-profile projects, programmes and/or portfolios of work, helping teams adopt a wide range of user research methods
Planning, designing and preparing a range of user research activities to support the design, development and continuous improvement of agency services.
Carry out a wide range of user research activities from recruiting participants, preparing discussion guides and moderating research sessions.
Helping teams understand the diversity of users of government services, know how to include all kinds of users in appropriate research activities and advocate for inclusive practices and help teams design and deliver accessible services that work for all users.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will demonstrate:
Significant experience in planning and conducting user research across the service lifecycle
Applying a range of qualitative and evaluative research methods
Analysing and synthesising evidence into actionable insights
Communicating findings clearly to varied stakeholders
Championing inclusive, accessible, standards-led service design
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
Experience Criteria:
Significant experience designing and conducting user research across the various stages of service development (discovery, alpha, beta, live) (A, I, P)
Significant experience utilizing a range of user research techniques including ethnographic, participatory, and evaluative techniques (I, P)
Experience developing user research plans including selecting and identifying the appropriate techniques and methods to use based on the project brief (A, I, P)
Experience analyzing research findings, synthesizing and pulling out actionable insights and user needs that can be used to inform user stories and requirements (A, I, P)
Experience communicating findings form user research in a compelling way for different stakeholders and audiences (I, P)
Technical Criteria:
Degree level or equivalent professional experience (5+ years working as a user researcher or related field) (A, I)
Previous experience working as a user researcher within teams designing and delivering digital products and services (A, I)
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification !
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The selection process:
We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here .
Online application form, including a statement of suitability, of no more than 750 words demonstrating how you meet the person specification. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. Please ensure not to include any personal identifying information on your supporting information.
Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Significant experience designing and conducting user research across the various stages of service development (discovery, alpha, beta, live) .
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the statement of suitability provided. You can view the criteria for this role in the job description.
Use of AI in Job Applications
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Closing date: 12 th July 2026
Shortlisting date: from 13 th July 2026
Interview date: from 20 th July 2026
If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [email protected]
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here .
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks .
Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:
Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here .
Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.
Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.
The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected] .
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at [email protected] .
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
[email protected]
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