Senior User Researcher – 12-month FTC

Dambuster Studios Ltd; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading video game development studio is looking for a Senior User Researcher to join their Games Lab team for a 12-month FTC. This role focuses on planning complex research projects that will enhance player experiences. You will bridge development teams and players, ensuring the games are intuitive and accessible. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in user research within the gaming industry and a relevant degree. The position allows for remote work, with required travel to the Nottingham studio for certain activities.

Benefits

Core hours flexibility

Relocation support to Nottingham

Increased holiday allowance with service

Annual pay reviews

Enhanced maternity leave

Studio funded learning opportunities

Subsidized gym membership

Annual company events

Employee referral bonus scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Weekly office treats

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in user research in the video games industry.
• Clear understanding of game development processes.
• Strong communication skills including presentation writing and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead complex user research projects.
• Design and conduct user research studies for game development.
• Monitor user tests and analyze participant behavior.

Skills

User research

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Qualitative research tools

Attention to detail

Resourcefulness

Passion for video games

Education

Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Psychology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation if the role requires you on‑site frequently (if the role requires this, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.

Senior User Researcher – 12-month FTC

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA‑nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Senior User Researcher to join our highly talented Games Lab team on a 12‑month FTC covering parental leave.

Role overview

We’re looking for a talented Senior User Researcher to help shape exceptional player experiences. Acting as the bridge between development teams and players, you’ll lead impactful research projects, provide strategic insights, and champion user‑centred design throughout the production cycle.

You’ll work closely with cross‑functional teams, guiding decisions with evidence‑based recommendations and ensuring our games are intuitive, accessible, and fun. As a senior team member, you’ll set high standards, mentor junior colleagues, and drive continuous improvement across projects.

Please note – this position can be offered on a remote UK contract, but being onsite for prepping the lab and moderating the game is mandatory. This means travelling to the Nottingham studio will be requested each time there is a test (travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed).

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Annual pay reviews
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
• Quarterly company funded cross‑team events
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Responsible for planning & leading multiple/complex research projects
• Aligns research activities with broader plans
• Advise management on the best course of action for each project (methodologies, timeline…)
• Support UR Director and dev teams in establishing a research roadmap for all projects
• Define the focus for each test with the development teams and the user research team
• Design and conduct user research studies to drive customer‑centric experiences in games in development
• Define research methodologies that will provide actionable consumer insights
• Participate in screening/recruiting and managing participants before and after each test
• Participate in lab maintenance before each test
• Monitor the participants during user tests
• Write thorough analysis of the participants’ behaviour and point of view based on surveys and/or interviews and monitoring notes
• Coach juniors when necessary to improve best practices

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in user research in the video games industry (mandatory)
• Bachelor or Master’s Degree in psychology, ethnography, marketing research, information science, cognitive science, human computer interaction, computer science or related field
• A clear understanding of game development processes (mandatory)
• An understanding of the dynamic between studios and publishers (nice to have)
• Able to clearly identify issues with tested products and prioritise those issues through reporting
• Strong communication skills including:
  • Presentation writing and delivery skills
  • Challenging stakeholders regarding requests feasibility and best practices
• Comfortable with qualitative research tools like interviews, survey development, usability testing, etc.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel and PowerPoint)
• Resourceful, quick to learn, and willing to make games better through user research
• Adaptable, action‑oriented and a keen attention to detail
• Strong collaborator, empathy and people skills
• Passion for video games

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.