Overview
This is an exciting time to join an organisation with an essential role in the UK’s tertiary education sector. QAA is the UK’s independent quality body for tertiary education, and our purpose is to ensure that students and learners experience the highest possible quality of education. We have evolved to meet the sector’s reform needs across all nations of the UK. We are the UK’s authority on quality and standards, acting as custodian on behalf of the sector for reference points including the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, Subject Benchmark Statements, and the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications. We work with governments and funders, and in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland we collaborate with the sector to meet national needs. In England, our membership programme provides resources to strategic leads, quality specialists and students. Globally we are recognised as a leading quality body supporting the UK sector as it welcomes international students and expands through transnational education.
We are a remote‑first organisation and encourage day‑to‑day flexibility. Our working environment aims to enable us to deliver services in a way and location that provides the best outcomes for stakeholders and customers while meeting expectations. We want individuals and teams to feel empowered to work where, when, and how they choose, provided business needs are met.
Role
We’re looking for a User Researcher to play a key role in shaping how QAA understands and serves its users. Reporting to the Head of Product, you’ll lead discovery and Jobs to be Done (JTBD) research to uncover insights that drive better products and services, helping embed user‑centric practices across the organisation.
In this role, you’ll design and deliver research across the product lifecycle, conducting interviews, surveys, and usability testing, and translate findings into clear, actionable outcomes. You’ll also contribute to building internal research capability by developing tools, templates, and guidance that make user research a core part of how we work.
This is a 6-month fixed term contract, offering a great opportunity to make an impact and gain valuable experience within our organisation.
Responsibilities
* Lead discovery and Jobs to be Done (JTBD) research to uncover insights that drive better products and services and embed user‑centred practices across the organisation.
* Design and deliver research across the product lifecycle, conducting interviews, surveys, and usability testing, and translate findings into clear, actionable outcomes.
* Contribute to building internal research capability by developing tools, templates, and guidance that make user research a core part of how we work.
Qualifications
* Experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, skilled at uncovering user needs and turning insights into stories that inspire action.
* Experience with JTBD frameworks and user‑centred design is essential.
* Familiarity with learning or knowledge management systems (LMS/KMS) is an advantage.
Additional information
More information about this role can be found in the job description. If you would like more information in advance of applying, please contact careers@qaa.ac.uk.
* Position: User Researcher
* Location: We offer employees the opportunity to work flexibly from home, within the UK.
* Job type: Full-time, 6-month FTC
* Hours: 35 hours per week, flexible working available
* Band: 5
* Salary: £40,500 - £51,000, pro rata, per annum, dependent on knowledge, skills and experience, plus excellent benefits
This is a 6-month fixed-term contract. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the role may close earlier than the proposed closure date of 31 October 2025, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
To apply, please create a profile on our recruitment portal and submit your CV with a covering letter outlining your experience. Only applications which include a CV, and a cover letter will be considered for the role.
QAA recognises the positive benefits of equity, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for all to feel respected, free to be themselves no matter what their identity or background, and able to give their best. We value the differences that a variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and skills brings and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants to apply and join us.
We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all applicants. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please careers@qaa.ac.uk. We are committed to working with all to understand what accommodations are necessary to ensure a fair and accessible process.
If you have not heard from QAA within three weeks of the closing date for this vacancy, then your application has not been successful. Please be aware that we are unable to provide feedback on individual job applications.
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