User Researcher

DIGI2AL is an employee-owned defense-focused digital services consultancy. A vendor-agnostic UK Crown Commercial Services accredited supplier, we have delivered over 120 cloud-hosted digital services across the public sector, working in partnership with clients to research and develop outcomes and services spanning artificial intelligence, data science, low code and complex code software engineering, cyber security, cloud engineering, and user-centred design. At DIGI2AL, our technology values drive everything we do. We are committed to open, contemporary and secure solutions that put users first. We embrace cutting-edge technologies while ensuring interoperability, resilience and ethical innovation. By prioritising transparency, adaptability and security, we enable organisations to build future-proof digital services that deliver real impact.

We are building a team to support a new opportunity providing Engineering and Technical support for our data fusion platform. This team will drive the operational implementation of this low-TRL product, bridging the gap between tactical edge sensors in low-bandwidth environments and strategic HQs running enterprise analytics.

Requirements

Contextual Inquiry in Defence: Conducting field research and observation within tactical environments (exercises, command posts, vehicles) alongside military operators.

Dual-Persona Research: Designing research sessions that accommodate two distinct user mental models: fast-paced tactical operators needing high-signal alerts vs. strategic analysts performing deep querying.

Usability & Visualisation Testing: Evaluating how fused data is visualised (GIS, map layers, timeline views) within Palantir or custom dashboards to minimise cognitive overload under operational stress.

Ethical & Security-Conscious Synthesis: Conducting user interviews and synthesising feedback while maintaining strict operational security (OPSEC).

Research Methods: Contextual Inquiry, Field Research, Ethnographic Study, Usability Testing, Dual-Persona Mapping, Human Factors, Cognitive Task Analysis.

Design & Domain: C4ISR UI/UX, Information Overload Reduction, Map-Based Visualisations (GIS), Tactical Ergonomics, Ruggedised UI Testing.

Synthesis & Ops: User Journey Mapping, Insight Synthesis, OPSEC-Compliant Research, Agile Integration, Accessibility (Defence Standards).

Important Information

Start Date: ASAP

Security Requirements: Minimum clearance required is SC - due to the nature of the role and the security requirements the post holder must be a British Citizen

Days on Site: 2-3

Travel: The role would be ideally based in London but we are willing to consider applications from across the UK. There will be a requirement for travel to client sites

SFIA Level: 5/6

Benefits

• 25 days holiday increasing annually up to a maximum of 30 days

• Support for flexible working

• 2 paid charity days a year

• 16 weeks of full pay Maternity leave

• 2 weeks full pay Paternity leave

• Annual bonus - all employees are eligible (following successful completion of probationary period) - level varies by position and is dependent on company performance

• Discretionary bonus for exceptional performance

• 5% matched pension

• Healthcare

• Employee Ownership Trust - from day 1 employees share in the benefits of the company

• Support with your professional development including training and certifications and attendance at conferences

• Diverse and interesting projects which give you an opportunity to make a difference

• Choice of laptop and screen