EPSRC/Jaguar Cars Research Studentship

Systems Engineering and Human Factors Department

A Postgraduate Research Studentship part-funded by Jaguar Cars is available for an outstanding student with a background in Psychology and/or Ergonomics. This exciting research will investigate how drivers interact with automotive designs (the Human-Machine Interface … HMI) and will identify how the product design and the associated design process can be improved.

The research will broadly focus on the development of a multi-dimensional self-report instrument measuring the affective and the cognitive domain in response to HMI solutions. Such an instrument would allow product attributes to be quantified as a whole as well as by its component parts allowing HMI solutions to be adapted at an earlier less expensive stage of the design process. However, there is scope for the student to pursue their own research interests within this project.

The studentship will be associated with the Systems Engineering and Human Factors Department at Cranfield University’s School of Engineering. The department houses a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and Ergonomists.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in Psychology, Engineering or Human Factors with an interest in carrying out behavioural studies. The collaboration with Jaguar Cars creates an exciting opportunity for the student to contribute to cutting-edge research with a practical application. The successful candidate is expected to register for a PhD.

Value of Award: Maintenance Stipend for a maximum period of 3 years (£12,940 for Session 2008/09), full overseas rate fees and a Research Training Support Grant

Number Available: One
Closing Date: 1 October 2008
Minimum Academic Requirements: A very good first degree (equivalent to a UK first class honours degree) from a prestigious institution. Candidates must also meet the University’s English language requirements.

Additional Information: This award is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (www.epsrc.ac.uk <http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/> ) and Jaguar (www.jaguar.com <http://www.jaguar.com/> ) and is available in for a research project in the area of Affective and cognitive responses to Human Machine Interface Solutions’.

Please contact Dr Lisa Dorn for enquiries about the project.
Email: l.dorn@cranfield.ac.uk <mailto:l.dorn@cranfield.ac.uk>  01234 758229