Lead User Researcher
- Lead research across connected projects and teams
- Help stakeholders with conflicting views agree a shared research direction
- Coordinate contributors and coach peers without assuming line authority
Lead User Researcher
- Abilities
- 10
- Core
- 4
- Skills
- 23
What the role expects
Each ability shows how far this role takes it: from Understanding, to Achievement in real work, to Demonstration, where you help others.
Insight3 abilities · 8 skills
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Bring user needs into decisionsCoreDemonstration
Own how user evidence informs decisions across teams and coach colleagues to challenge assumptions without overstating findings.
4 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app -
Synthesise and share findingsCoreDemonstration
Own the quality of research synthesis across teams and coach colleagues to communicate findings without overclaiming certainty.
3 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app -
Run user testingElectiveDemonstration
Own the quality of usability studies across teams and coach colleagues to plan and observe sessions without biasing results.
5 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app
Communication2 abilities · 4 skills
-
Align stakeholders on questionsCoreDemonstration
Own alignment on contested research requests and coach others to address difficult expectations without concealing limitations.
4 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app -
Explain research decisionsElectiveDemonstration
Explain project decisions and changes to people across the organisation, and help teammates communicate clearly, so work stays coordinated beyond the immediate team.
3 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app
Delivery2 abilities · 4 skills
-
Progress open questionsCoreDemonstration
Own progress through ambiguous research work and coach others to balance investigation with realistic commitments.
3 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app -
Adapt research to changeElectiveDemonstration
Own how research assumptions and plans are revisited and coach colleagues to adapt studies without moving the question to suit the results.
3 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app
Collaboration3 abilities · 7 skills
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Build inclusive relationshipsElectiveAchievement
Make research sessions and synthesis accessible, invite less-heard contributors and adjust the approach when participation is unequal.
3 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app -
Coordinate without authorityElectiveAchievement
Coordinate agreed work with colleagues and external contributors, take on necessary tasks and follow through on commitments, so others can rely on your contribution without depending on formal management authority.
4 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app -
Respect participants and peersElectiveAchievement
Help colleagues with conflicting viewpoints understand each other and agree a shared direction, so disagreement can lead to coordinated work rather than a stalled project.
4 skills · 2 practice tasks · your starting point in the app
Where it leads
See where you stand against Lead User Researcher.
Confirm your starting point, see your exact gaps and find a mentor who’s done it. Join the pilot waitlist and we’ll be in touch as places open.