Junior User Researcher

The Design Project; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company in London is looking for a Junior User Researcher to support research activities and translate findings into actionable insights for product teams. Emphasis on foundational skills in user research, qualitative and quantitative methods, and collaboration with UX/UI designers. Ideal for early-career professionals seeking growth in a dynamic industry. Offers a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Mental Health Support

Assistance Programs

Work-Life Balance

Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of research techniques, especially qualitative methods.
• Proven analytical skills to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the User Research team in conducting mixed-methods research.
• Translate research ideas into actionable insights for product managers.
• Manage the user research repository for future reference.

Skills

Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

Communication & Presentation

Organizational Skills

Empathy & User Advocacy

Continuous Learning Mindset

AI Tool Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, HCI, or related field

Tools

UserTesting.com

SurveyMonkey

Zoom

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title: Junior User Researcher
Company: Spotlight Sports Group
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: User Research / Product Design
Date Posted: 2026-01-16
Experience Level: 0-2 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

• Support the established User Research team in conducting mixed-methods research, with a primary focus on qualitative fieldwork and user interviews.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights for UX/UI designers and product managers, directly impacting product development and customer engagement strategies.
• Manage and maintain the user research repository, ensuring all research findings, reports, and documentation are organized and accessible for future reference.
• Assist in the planning and execution of user research activities, including usability testing, interviews, and surveys across UK and international projects.
• Develop foundational skills in qualitative research operations, participant data management, and the presentation of research findings to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Junior User Researcher, indicating a focus on foundational research skills, support, and learning. The emphasis on "assisting" and "building up to taking lead responsibility" suggests a structured development path within the User Research team. The hybrid model with specific office days highlights a need for in-person collaboration and fieldwork.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Researcher and User Researcher to ensure the efficient execution of all research activities and project timelines.
• Work hand-in-hand with UX/UI designers and product managers to effectively translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights that drive product improvements.
• Assist in the collection and rigorous analysis of qualitative and quantitative research data across a spectrum of projects, from initial discovery phases to validation and iteration.
• Support the planning and meticulous execution of user research activities, including but not limited to, remote and in-person usability testing, in-depth user interviews, and structured surveys.
• Progress towards taking primary responsibility for conducting qualitative interviews, including scheduling, conducting sessions, and debriefing effectively.
• Oversee and manage user research operations, including participant recruitment, consent management, data privacy compliance, and the secure handling of participant data.
• Develop, maintain, and curate the user research repository, ensuring it serves as a comprehensive and easily navigable source of research findings, reports, documentation, and historical data.
• Actively contribute to ongoing research projects by conducting research sessions, meticulously documenting observations, and performing thorough analysis of findings.
• Begin presenting user research findings and insights to the Product team, the Product Design & Research (PD&R) department, and occasionally to other relevant cross-functional departments, building presentation confidence and stakeholder communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct research support, operational management of research processes, and the development of analytical and presentation skills. The mention of "evening interviews and some field visits in the UK" indicates a need for flexibility and a hands-on approach to qualitative data collection.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Sociology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.Experience: Recent graduate or early-career professional seeking to transition into or build a career in user research, with demonstrable academic or professional experience in user research, usability testing, or related qualitative/quantitative research methodologies.

Required Skills:

• Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods: Foundational understanding and ability to apply a range of research techniques, with a particular emphasis on qualitative methods like user interviews and usability testing.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Proven ability to critically analyze complex user behaviors, identify patterns, and translate raw data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate research findings, insights, and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational capabilities to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain research documentation, and facilitate research operations, including participant scheduling and data management.
• Empathy & User Advocacy: A genuine passion for understanding user needs, behaviors, motivations, and a strong ability to advocate for the user throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Continuous Learning Mindset: A proactive approach to learning and developing new research skills, staying abreast of industry best practices, and embracing new methodologies.
• AI Tool Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to effectively leverage AI tools to enhance research processes, improve efficiency, and augment analytical capabilities while maintaining the integrity of core research methodologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Interview Practice: Prior hands-on experience conducting user interviews, including participant recruitment, interviewing techniques, and post-interview analysis.
• Data Visualisation: Experience or strong aptitude for creating compelling visual representations of research data to communicate insights effectively.
• Storytelling: Ability to weave research findings into compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders and drive understanding of user needs.
• Domain Curiosity: While not required, a strong interest and willingness to learn about the sports betting and horse racing industry will be highly beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly distinguish between foundational knowledge and practical experience, with a preference for candidates who have already engaged in some form of research. The inclusion of AI tool proficiency highlights the company's forward-thinking approach to research operations.

• Research Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 distinct research projects (academic or professional) that demonstrate your process from research question formulation to actionable insights and impact.
• Methodology Application: Clearly articulate the research methods used, the rationale behind their selection, and how they were applied to address specific research objectives.
• Data Synthesis & Insights: Provide examples of how you synthesized qualitative and quantitative data, highlighting your ability to derive meaningful, actionable insights.
• Deliverables Showcase: Include examples of research outputs such as reports, presentations, personas, journey maps, or other artifacts that communicate findings effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Demonstrate an understanding of how to plan research projects, including defining objectives, selecting methodologies, and outlining participant recruitment strategies.
• Execution & Data Collection: Illustrate your approach to conducting research sessions, managing participants, and systematically collecting data.
• Analysis & Reporting: Show your process for analyzing research data, synthesizing findings, and creating clear, compelling reports and presentations.
• Repository Contribution: Evidence of how you would contribute to a shared research repository, including organizing findings, tagging data, and ensuring accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for a junior role, candidates are strongly advised to prepare examples of their work. The emphasis is on demonstrating a structured approach to research, clear synthesis of data, and effective communication of findings, mirroring the responsibilities of managing research operations and contributing to a knowledge base.

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Junior User Researchers in London with 0-2 years of experience, a competitive salary range of approximately £30,000 - £40,000 per annum is anticipated. This range reflects the entry-level nature of the role, the required educational background, and the cost of living in London.

• Private Medical Insurance
• Mental Health Support
• Assistance Programs
• Work-Life Balance:
  • Excellent Parental Leave policies
  • 25 days of annual holiday
  • Birthdays off work
• Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Season Ticket Loan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Complimentary access to Racing Post Members Club (Ultimate Membership)
• Star Card and Step Further Awards (Employee Recognition Program)
• Opportunities to volunteer two days per year with a charity partner.
• Global Mobility: Access to a "working globally" policy, indicating potential for international exposure or collaboration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement requiring 3 days in the London Southbank office and 2 days working from home. Flexibility may be required for evening interviews as part of the research duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from typical UK junior researcher roles, considering London's higher cost of living and the specific industry. The benefits package is extensive and highlights the company's commitment to employee well-being, work-life balance, and professional engagement.

Industry: Global Media and Technology, specializing in sports betting, horse racing, and fantasy sports content and data.Company Size: Over 300 employees globally, with a significant presence in the UK. This size indicates a stable, established organization with resources for dedicated teams like Product Design & Research, yet potentially agile enough for impactful contributions.Founded: Spotlight Sports Group operates established brands like Racing Post, suggesting a long history of expertise in its niche. The integration of ICS-digital also points to a blend of media, technology, and marketing services.

Team Structure:

• Product Design & Research (PD&R) Team: You will be part of this team, working closely with UX/UI designers and product managers, indicating a strong, collaborative product development environment.
• User Research Focus: The team includes a Lead Researcher and at least one other User Researcher, providing mentorship and a supportive environment for a junior role.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role involves close collaboration with product management, design, and potentially engineering and marketing teams, emphasizing a holistic approach to product development.

Methodology:

• Customer & Business Focus: SSG balances deep customer understanding with business objectives, a critical aspect for revenue-generating media and tech companies.
• Data-Driven Insights: Research findings are intended to translate directly into actionable insights, suggesting a culture that values data in decision-making.
• Best-in-Class Digital Products: The company aims to create high-quality digital products, implying a commitment to user-centered design and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Spotlight Sports Group appears to be a well-established player in its niche, combining media heritage with modern technology and data services. The company culture seems to foster collaboration and a user-centric approach within a structured product development framework.

Operations Career Level: Junior User Researcher (0-2 years experience). This level is designed for individuals early in their research careers, focusing on learning core methodologies, supporting senior researchers, and gaining practical experience in research operations and execution.Reporting Structure: The Junior User Researcher will report to the Lead Researcher and work closely with other members of the User Research team, as well as UX/UI designers and product managers. This structure provides direct mentorship and exposure to product development processes.Operations Impact: The role directly influences product development by providing user insights that inform design decisions, feature prioritization, and overall user experience strategy. This impact is crucial for enhancing customer engagement, retention, and ultimately, the success of SSG's digital products and services within the competitive sports betting and racing markets.

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in qualitative research methods, including advanced interviewing techniques, observational studies, and potentially quantitative analysis.
• Research Leadership: Progress from supporting to leading research projects, managing stakeholder relationships, and contributing to research strategy.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Gain exposure to product management, UX/UI design, and potentially other areas of the business, opening doors for diverse career paths within the company.
• Industry Knowledge: Acquire in-depth knowledge of the sports betting and horse racing industry, a valuable asset for specialized roles in media and technology.
• Mentorship & Training: Benefit from structured learning and development opportunities provided by senior researchers and the company's commitment to continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Junior User Researcher at SSG is clearly defined, moving from a supportive role to one of increasing independence and strategic contribution. The company's emphasis on continuous learning and its specific industry focus provide unique development pathways.

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with a requirement to work 3 days per week from the London Southbank office and 2 days from home. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.Office Location(s): London Southbank, United Kingdom. This vibrant location likely offers excellent transport links and access to a dynamic professional community.Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to foster collaboration with UX/UI designers, product managers, and other researchers, facilitating brainstorming and knowledge sharing.
• Resource Access: Likely equipped with necessary tools and technology for research, design, and communication, supporting efficient workflow.
• Hybrid Flexibility: The arrangement balances in-person interaction and team cohesion with the flexibility and autonomy of remote work, catering to modern work preferences.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours apply, with the potential need for occasional evening work to conduct user interviews. This flexibility is key to gathering diverse user data and accommodating participant availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, indicating a company that embraces modern work practices while valuing in-person collaboration for team synergy and specific research activities like fieldwork.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess qualifications and initial fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Lead Researcher or Hiring Manager to delve into your background, motivations, and understanding of user research principles.
• Practical Exercise/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home exercise or a live case study related to user research, analyzing a hypothetical problem or presenting a mini-research plan. This assesses your analytical skills and approach.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with other User Researchers, UX/UI Designers, and Product Managers to evaluate your collaborative abilities, communication style, and how you integrate research into product development.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the Product or Technology department to discuss overall fit and career aspirations.
• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, ideally by project. For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the methodologies used, your process, key findings, and the impact of your research.
• Showcase Your Process: Don't just present final deliverables; explain how you arrived at your insights. Detail your steps in planning, recruiting, conducting research, analyzing data, and synthesizing findings.
• Highlight Actionable Insights: Emphasize the "so what?" – what were the key takeaways from your research, and how did they lead to specific recommendations or product changes? Quantify impact where possible.
• Tailor to the Role: If possible, select projects that align with the responsibilities of a Junior User Researcher, such as usability testing, interviews, or survey analysis.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and understand. Use clear language and compelling visuals.
• Understand the Company: Research Spotlight Sports Group, its brands (Racing Post, Pickswise), and its target audience. Understand the sports betting and horse racing landscape.
• Review Research Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss core qualitative and quantitative research methods, their pros and cons, and when to apply them.
• Practice Presenting: Rehearse presenting your research findings and insights clearly and concisely. Focus on telling a story about the user.
• Think About Research Operations: Consider how you would manage participant recruitment, data organization, and the maintenance of a research repository.
• AI Integration: Be ready to discuss how you might use AI tools to enhance research efficiency or analysis, while still maintaining rigorous research practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's foundational research skills, analytical capabilities, collaborative potential, and understanding of research operations, with a strong emphasis on practical application and clear communication.

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: While specific tools aren't listed, expect familiarity with or a willingness to learn platforms for usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), online surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms), and potentially remote interviewing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet).
• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with tools like Slack for communication and collaboration.
• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing research tasks and timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, organization, and basic visualization.
• Presentation Software: Strong skills in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for presenting research findings.
• Data Visualization Tools (Desirable): Exposure to tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating more sophisticated data visualizations, though this might be more relevant at a senior level.

CRM & Automation:

• Basic CRM Understanding: Awareness of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) are used to manage customer data, which can indirectly inform user research.
• AI Tools: Demonstrated ability to effectively use AI tools to enhance research work, improve efficiency, and potentially assist in data analysis or synthesis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools for direct research execution, data management, and stakeholder communication. The explicit mention of AI tools suggests a modern approach to research operations, where efficiency and enhanced analysis are key drivers.

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing research insights and data to inform strategic choices and product improvements.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.
• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly learn, refine processes, and enhance the quality of research and products.
• Passion for Sports: A genuine enthusiasm for sports, particularly horse racing and betting, which fuels the company's mission and connects employees to the product.
• Integrated Product Teams: Working closely within product teams, ensuring research is a foundational element of design and development, not an afterthought.
• Open Communication: Encouraging candid feedback and open dialogue between researchers, designers, product managers, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing research findings, best practices, and learnings across departments to build collective understanding and expertise.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing agile methodologies that allow for rapid learning and iteration based on user feedback and research insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of industry passion (sports), user advocacy, and a structured, collaborative approach to product development, supported by data and continuous learning.

• Translating Insights into Action: Effectively communicating complex user needs and research findings in a way that resonates with product teams and leads to tangible product improvements.
• Balancing Research Methods: Navigating the need for both qualitative depth and quantitative breadth in research, and understanding when to apply each method.
• Managing Research Operations: Ensuring efficient participant recruitment, data management, and repository maintenance, especially as projects scale.
• Navigating a Niche Industry: Developing a deep understanding of the sports betting and horse racing market and its specific user behaviors, which may be distinct from broader consumer tech.
• Evolving AI Landscape: Staying current with AI tools and their ethical, effective application in user research.
• Advanced Research Methodologies: Deepen expertise in qualitative techniques, learn new quantitative methods, and explore emerging research areas.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Gain specialized knowledge in sports, betting, and horse racing, becoming an expert in user behavior within this domain.
• Research Operations Mastery: Develop robust skills in managing research pipelines, participant databases, and knowledge management systems.
• Presentation & Stakeholder Management: Hone skills in presenting research to senior leadership and influencing product strategy.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced researchers and product professionals within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior role in a specialized industry, offering significant opportunities for learning and development in core research skills, industry knowledge, and professional impact.

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach researching the usability of a new feature for our Racing Post app?"
  • Preparation: Outline a research plan including objectives, target users, methodology (e.g., moderated usability testing, think-aloud protocol), key tasks, metrics (e.g., task success rate, time on task, satisfaction), and deliverables. Discuss how you'd recruit participants relevant to the app.
• "Describe a time you had to synthesize complex qualitative data into actionable insights. What was your process?"
  • Preparation: Prepare a specific example from academic work or a previous role. Detail the data you collected, your analysis method (e.g., affinity mapping, thematic analysis), the key insights you uncovered, and how these insights informed a recommendation or decision.
• "How do you ensure your research findings are clearly understood and acted upon by product managers and designers?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your communication style, methods for tailoring reports (e.g., executive summaries, detailed findings, visual aids), and experience presenting to cross-functional teams. Emphasize the importance of actionable recommendations.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Spotlight Sports Group and our brands like Racing Post?"
  • Preparation: Research the company's mission, recent news, and its key brands. Connect your interest to your passion for user experience, sports, or media technology.
• "How do you see yourself contributing to a hybrid work environment?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your ability to collaborate effectively both in-person and remotely, your self-discipline, and your approach to communication in a hybrid setting.
• "What are your thoughts on using AI tools in user research?"
  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss your experience or thoughts on how AI can assist in tasks like transcription, thematic analysis, or sentiment analysis, while also acknowledging the importance of human oversight and ethical considerations.
• Tell a Story: For each project in your portfolio, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your journey to solve it through research, the discoveries you made, and the impact of those discoveries.
• Focus on Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.
• Visualize Your Process: Use simple diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate your research process.
• Highlight Key Insights: Spend more time on the "aha!" moments and the actionable recommendations derived from them.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology, challenges faced, and how you would approach similar problems in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid understanding of user research fundamentals, practical application in a product context, and the ability to communicate effectively, while showing enthusiasm for the company's specific industry.

To apply for this Junior User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Tailor Your CV: Highlight academic projects, internships, or volunteer work that demonstrate your foundational understanding of user research methodologies, analytical skills, and any experience with data synthesis or presentation. Use keywords from the job description.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Express your genuine interest in Spotlight Sports Group, its brands, and the user research field. Briefly touch upon your relevant education, key skills (especially qualitative research and communication), and your eagerness to learn and grow in a hybrid environment.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Even if not explicitly requested initially, have 1-2 strong examples of research projects (academic or personal) ready to showcase your process, methodologies, and insights. Focus on clarity and demonstrating your analytical approach.
• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Spotlight Sports Group, its brands (Racing Post, Pickswise), its mission, and the sports betting/horse racing industry. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview questions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in related fields and a basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Prior research experience is desirable, along with strong analytical and communication skills.

Private Medical Insurance, Parental Leave, Mental Health Support, Assistance Programs, Social Gatherings, Pension Scheme, Life Assurance, Employee Rec…