Join Social Security Scotland as a User Researcher and play a key role in shaping services that truly work for people. You’ll plan and deliver research to understand the needs, experiences, and challenges of those who rely on our services, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to turn insights into practical improvements. Your work will help ensure services are simple, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. You’ll take ownership of smaller research projects, contribute to ethical research practices, and champion the voice of the user throughout the design process. This is a great opportunity for a confident, collaborative researcher who can work independently, knows when to seek support, and is keen to learn and grow within a supportive community.
This is a Fixed Term Appointment for 23 months, with the possibility of extension or permanency depending on business needs.
User Researchers conduct research to support the design of policies and services that meet user needs and achieve policy intent. They plan, design, and deliver research activities to build a shared understanding of users and how services are used, working both independently and within multidisciplinary teams. They advocate for inclusive, accessible, and user-centred design, contribute to ethical research practices, and ensure insights inform decision-making. They also engage with the wider research community and seek guidance where needed to maintain high-quality outcomes.
Success Profiles
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about the framework here .
For this post, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed:
Experience
- Experience using research analysis and synthesis methods to produce clear, practical insights that can be shared with colleagues and used to inform decisions.
- Experience carrying out ethical and inclusive user research with a diverse range of users, and using this to represent user needs and support the design of accessible and inclusive services.
Experience selecting and using a range of user research methods, choosing the most appropriate approach for different situations and contexts.
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing (Level 3)
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here.
Technical / Professional Skills:
This role is aligned to User Researcher within the Government Digital and Data and Profession.
These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at sift stage. They will be not be assessed at application stage. Please review the following to understand the skill expectations: User researcher - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework
How to Apply
Apply online, you must provide a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words ) which provides evidence of how you meet the Experience and Behaviours listed in the Success Profiles above.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples 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, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV and Supporting Statement against the first Experience criteria.
Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed.
There may be a telephone interview prior to the final interview stage.
Successful candidates will be invited to an interview which will assess the Experience and Behaviours, and a technical assessment comprising a 10 minute presentation which will assess the Technical Skills.
Full details of the interview and assessment process will be shared with shortlisted candidates once the sift has been completed.
We aim to provide feedback on request. However, if we receive a large number of applications it may not be possible for us to provide specific feedback on your application. We will provide feedback on request to candidates who attend an interview/assessment.
Information Session
We are holding a candidate information session for this role to provide you with information about the application and interview process as well as further information on the role and team.
We will be talking about:
- The User Researcher role and User Centred Design team
- About Social Security Scotland
- Our recruitment process
- Q&A with the hiring manager
The session will be held on Thursday 25 th June at 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Please join us using the link below:
Join the meeting
Expected Timeline (subject to change)
Sift – w/c 29 th June
Interview – w/c 20 th July
Location – In Person in either Dundee or Glasgow
Reserve List
In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months.
About Us
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve. Find more about us here .
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer .
As part of the UK Civil Service , we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules .
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location, which will be either Glasgow or Dundee. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website , or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide .
Equality Statement
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected]
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Right to Work in the UK
Social Security Scotland is an approved sponsor under the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Please note that UK immigration guidance, including skill and salary thresholds and eligible occupations, is reviewed regularly and subject to change. If you require visa sponsorship, you should check the latest criteria to confirm whether this role meets current requirements before applying. You can find further advice on Gov.UK - Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK
Further Information
Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission
If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland at [email protected] in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.
The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website .
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via [email protected]
Apply before 23:55 pm on Tuesday 30 th June 2026
Contact Name - Resourcing Team
Contact Email - [email protected]
