About this role
Job summary
We'relooking for a Senior User Researcher to help shapehigh-qualitydigital andnon-digitalhealth services that meet the needs of people in Wales.
Main duties of the job
In this role,you'llplan,designand deliver user research across multiple projects and portfolios, working closely withusers,clinicians,analystsand delivery teams.
You'll be usinga range of methods such as in-depthinterviews,workshopsand ethnographic research to develop a deep understanding of people's needs,behavioursand contexts.
You'llshare research insights, build understanding of user needs, and support teams to turn learning into next steps.
You'll also play a key role in strengthening and evolving user-centredresearch practice across Public Health Wales,helping embed research into everyday work, influencing roadmaps, and challenging assumptions about what "good" research looks like in a healthcare setting.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome.
Interviews will be held week commencing 8th June 2026.
About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.
We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job description Job responsibilities
As a senior practitioner,youll:
Lead and deliverhighqualityuser research, from planning and recruitment through to analysis and insight sharing
Collaborate across disciplines to create a holistic picture of user needs and service experiences
Championusercentreddesign, influencing how services are shaped and improved
Contribute to a shared library of research and user needs, ensuring best practice and continuity
Ensure all research meets NHS,governmentand industry standards
Support Public HealthWalesDigitaland Data Strategy by helping create services that are informed by evidence,insightand real user experience
This is a fantastic opportunity to help reframe user research in the NHSWales,not as anaddon, but as a core part of delivering better,fairerand more effective health services for Wales.
Ifyoureinterested, feel free to reach out to the hiring manager to learn more about the role and how to apply.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE Essential
Educated to Masters level or equivalent level or equivalent in Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Psychology, Information Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience Evidence of continued professional development. Current knowledge of the public sector/NHS.
Desirable
Knowledge of NHS, Welsh Government and strategies, policies and plans.
EXPERIENCE Essential
Extensive experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative user experience research using a variety of research methods with a demonstrated understanding of the strengths and shortcomings of the different methods Recent experience or in-depth knowledge of organising and executing agile research/validation sprints for digital and service touchpoints (e.g., field research, usability testing, contextual inquiry), especially in a healthcare or professional environment Project management Experience of mentoring junior members of staff in both quantitative and qualitative user research methods Demonstrable partnership working and collaboration
Desirable
Software design Demonstrated expertise in a Healthcare environment
Aptitude & Abilities (SKILLS) Essential
Problem-solving aptitude Analytical and creative thinker Excellent communication skills Excellent verbal and written communication (including presentation) skills. Demonstrable ability to act upon incomplete information, using experience gained to make inferences and appropriate recommendations. Significant ability to analyse complex information, assess options and draw appropriate initiatives Demonstrable ability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly Demonstrable ability to work effectively between competing activities where required. Demonstrable ability to manage own workload Excellent inter- personal skills and ability to build and maintain successful working relationships. Time management skills and reliability in consistently delivering against deadlines.
Desirable
Ability to speak Welsh or willingness to learn
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & VALUES (Demonstrable) Essential
Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public. Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure. Strong sense of commitment to openness, honesty and integrity. A strong sense of accountability. Consistently looks to improve what they do. Values diversity and difference operates with integrity and openness. Self-awareness in terms of emotional intelligence, biases and personal triggers with cultural sensitivity and awareness.
OTHER Essential
Willingness and ability to travel between sites.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Public Health Wales
Address Public Health Wales
2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall street
Cardiff
CF10 4BZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://phw.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)