Lead User Researcher

User Researchers design, organise, participate in and carry out user-centred research. They develop a deep understanding of the users and advocate for recommendations that improve the user’s experiences with the service. They use research findings to solve problems for the user and the team/Agency. They may contribute to the creation of prototypes for user testing.

The Digital Sourcing Branch of the DTA requires User Researcher services. The successful candidates will be responsible for planning, conducting, analysing, and presenting research projects from discovery through to product delivery. We use a range of methodologies, and they will be capable of running user testing, user interviews, workflow mapping, and existing data analysis. They will produce high quality deliverables across a range of reports, recommendations, wireframes, journey maps, and personas.

The successful candidate will liaise with senior stakeholders to mutually beneficial outcomes and always represent user needs faithfully. They will have the ability to perform complex systems analysis through a design and behavioural lens and be interested in applying these skills to a government procurement landscape.

Prior knowledge of government procurement is not essential but will be considered favourable.

Key duties and responsibilities

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) is responsible for developing and maintaining the Australian Government digital procurement platform – BuyICT.

In this role, you will be embedded in a research team that work alongside a range of delivery and policy teams across the division to uncover and represent user needs, ensuring that BuyICT’s features and services are intuitive, accessible, and aligned with user expectations. You’ll be a key advocate for users, translating research findings into actionable insights that inform design, development, and policy decisions.

Essential criteria

1.User research: Level 5 (SFIA) Plans and drives user research activities providing expert advice and guidance to support the adoption of agreed approaches. Determines the approaches to be used for including users in generative research. Leads the collection and analysis of user research data. Synthesises research, develops insights and presents conclusions to inform decision-making and drive actions. Contributes to the development of organisational methods and standards for user research.

2.Stakeholder relationship management: Level 5 (SFIA) Identifies the communications and relationship needs of stakeholder groups. Translates communications/stakeholder engagement strategies into specific activities and deliverables. Facilitates open communication and discussion between stakeholders. Acts as a single point of contact by developing, maintaining and working to stakeholder engagement strategies and plans. Provides informed feedback to assess and promote understanding. Facilitates business decision-making processes. Captures and disseminates technical and business information.

3.User experience analysis: Level 5 (SFIA) Determines the approaches to be used for user experience analysis. Plans and manages user experience and accessibility analysis activities. Provides expert advice and guidance to support the adoption and adaptation of agreed approaches. Develops user experience tools, techniques and standards as part of the organization’s framework for user-centred design

8 hour day x 5 days/week. Preference is Canberra based in office 2-3 days/week.