Research Fellow in the Human Factors of Rail

The TOC’15 project represents a collaboration between the University of Southampton and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). You will contribute to workstream 4 that seeks to develop and launch a set of tools and applications for the travelling public to assist and enhance their rail journey. The key focus will be to understand customer needs and help shape design requirements through observations, interviews, focus groups and the application of human factors methodologies such as Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) and the Critical Decision Method (CDM). The recommendations will contribute to prototype applications and interventions to be tested on the Gatwick Express.

 

This will include:

To be successful you will have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in either Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or Design. An appreciation of the importance of user experience or user centred design along with experience of the rail industry would be advantageous. 

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Informal enquiries are welcomed please contact Dr Kirsten Revell by emailing k.m.revell@soton.ac.uk.

 

Job purpose

To undertake research relating to the TOC’15 project advising on provision of rail information via tools and application to the travelling public. The research will be under the supervision of Professor John Preston and Dr Kirsten Revell.

 

Key responsibilities

• To develop and carry out research using Human Factors, User Centred Design or Psychology methods in the Rail domain. Reviewing academic literature and current technology relating to rail information provision. Applying methods such as observations, interviews, focus groups and usability workshops to understand passenger requirements. Application of Human Factors methods such as Cognitive work analysis or Critical Decision Making following interviews.
• Disseminate findings by preparing publication materials for referred journals, presenting results at conferences, or exhibiting work at other appropriate events.
• Collaborate/work on research tasks with partners.
• Collaborate/work on research tasks relating to TRG and broader research in Human Factors Engineering (HFE).
• Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post holder.

 

Person specification

• PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and/or experience in Human Factors or a related discipline (e.g. Ergonomics, Psychology or Design)
• Detailed understanding and knowledge Human Factors and ergonomics or psychology
• Able to organise own research activities to deadline and quality standards
• Able to develop understanding of complex problems and apply in-depth knowledge to address them
• Able to contribute to Academic Unit management and administrative processes
• Work effectively in a team, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of others to help teamwork development
• Communicate new and complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing, engaging the interest and enthusiasm of the target audience
• Able to present research results at group meetings and conferences
• Understanding of relevant Health & Safety issues
• Positive attitude to colleagues and students

 

Application procedure:

The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Matt Saxby (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 3462. Please quote reference 948517AT on all correspondence.

 

Please note: The University will be closed from Friday 22 December 2017 to Wednesday 3 January 2018, so we will not be able to assist you with any application queries during this time.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.