Associate/Junior User Researcher

Shape the Future of Digital Archives – Your Research, Your Impact

At The National Archives, we don’t just preserve history—we ensure it remains accessible, meaningful, and usable for generations to come. As the official archive of the UK Government, we safeguard records that define our democracy, from historic treaties to the latest digital-born government data. Our work ensures that public records—whether websites, digital correspondence, or machine-readable datasets—remain a vital resource for researchers, policymakers, and the public.

User research is at the heart of this mission. Digital archives are only as valuable as the people who use them, and our success depends on understanding their needs. Whether improving how government departments transfer records or enhancing how the public interacts with born-digital archives, user-centred design shapes everything we do.

As a User Researcher, you will play a key role in this effort, ensuring our services are intuitive, inclusive, and built around real-world user needs. You will work within a multi-disciplinary team, using research methods such as interviews, usability testing, and data analysis to drive the development of innovative digital archiving solutions. Your insights will shape services that protect and open up access to the nation’s digital heritage.

This is not just a research role—it’s an opportunity to influence how the UK’s most valuable digital records are preserved and accessed. If you are passionate about human-centred design, digital preservation, and the power of public records, this role will put you at the forefront of an exciting, ever-evolving field.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are recruiting for one position, with two possible routes depending on experience and career goals:

Option 1: Junior User Researcher (Band D) – an early-career role as a User Researcher
If you have qualifications in user research, human-computer interaction (HCI), or a related field, and wish to gain more practical experience; or if you are returning to the workforce after a break — this may be the role for you. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has developed relevant skills through study or self-learning and is ready to apply them in a professional setting.
We would also like to encourage applicants who are currently studying part-time for a qualification in user research, HCI or a related discipline.

Option 2: Associate User Researcher (Band C) – a flexible, entry-level role
This role is for those who may not yet have a formal qualification in user research but have transferable skills and a strong interest in a career in this field. You might come from a background in psychology, social sciences, customer research, service design, or another discipline where you have developed skills in understanding people’s behaviours and needs.

As an Associate, you can:

• Use this as an entry-level position to gain hands-on experience as a User Researcher

and/or

• Undertake formal study while you work via an apprenticeship, leading to a professional qualification in User Research

A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

In either role, you will work closely with our Senior User Researcher, supporting a multi-disciplinary Agile product team. You will:

• Conduct user research using interviews, surveys, usability testing, and other methods
• Analyse and present research findings to help shape digital services
• Work directly with designers, product managers, and developers
• Learn from experienced researchers while developing your own expertise
• Advocate for user-centred design and help improve public digital services

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for individuals with:

• A curious, analytical approach to understanding how people use digital services
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with different stakeholders
• A highly organised and proactive mindset, capable of managing multiple tasks
• A collaborative approach, working effectively within a team

WHICH ROLE SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR?

• If you already have qualifications or experience in user research or a related field and are ready for a professional role, apply for the Junior User Researcher position.
• If you have transferable skills, some knowledge, and are looking for a way to enter the field, apply for the Associate User Researcher position. For the right candidate, the Associate role has the option of studying while you work for a professional qualification in user research, via an Apprenticeship.

We are committed to supporting diverse career paths and welcome applications from those currently studying part-time, returning to work after a break, or transitioning from other fields.

WHY JOIN THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES?

Working at The National Archives means contributing to a vital national institution at the forefront of digital preservation. You will be part of a team ensuring that today’s government records remain accessible for decades, even centuries, to come. The scale and significance of this work are unique in the UK and internationally.

We offer:
• A strong focus on professional development with access to training and learning opportunities
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace, where innovative ideas are encouraged
• Excellent benefits, including a Civil Service pension with up to 27.9% employer contributions
• Free access to Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, and national museums

For more information and to apply please click on the link below:

Museum Website: https://nationalarchives.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Careers/details/Associate-Junior-User-Researcher_JR200547