Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate – Human Factors / Cognitive Science
School of Psychology

A Research Associate is required to work within the Human Factors Excellence Research Group (HuFEx), School of Psychology, on a funded project investigating multimodal distraction effects on driving performance.  To conduct research within the areas of Human Factors and Applied Psychology. The project is focussed on (but not limited to) auditory and visual distraction risk factors in the context of driving road vehicles. The post holder will also contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research with the potential to lead to publications. This position will be subject to successful defence security checks and clearance.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Philip Morgan at [email protected]

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 8 months or until 30 September 2024 (whichever is sooner).

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6).
Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (eg. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

Date advert posted: Thursday, 11 January 2024

Closing date: Sunday, 28 January 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE
To conduct research within the areas of Human Factors and Applied Psychology on a project examining multimodal distraction effects on the ability to operate vehicles. The project is focused on (but not limited to) auditory and visual distraction risk factors in the context of driving road vehicles. The post holder will also contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research with the potential to lead to publications. Please note:   This position will be subject to successful defence security checks and clearance.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

• To conduct research within areas of Human Factors and/or Applied Cognitive Science on a project examining multimodal distraction effects on the ability to operate vehicles. The project is focused on (but not limited to) auditory and visual distraction risk factors in the context of driving road vehicles.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including supporting bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and (where appropriate) the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 
• To work with the project team to develop research objectives and further proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree (or near completion / submission) at PhD level in Human Factors / Cognitive Science / Applied Psychology / or a highly related subject area, or, equivalent or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields (or highly related fields):
i.              Transport Psychology
ii.             Human Factors
iii.            Applied Psychology
iv.            Experimental Psychology
v.             Human-Computer Interaction

3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4. Proven ability to publish in national/international journals / national/ international conferences and/or other research outputs.
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Communication and Team Working
6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
8. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Other
9. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
10. Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

1. Relevant professional qualification(s) – e.g. MSc in Psychology / Human Factors or highly related area
2. Evidence of working on research projects with industry and/or Government
3.Research experience involving human aspects of transportation / transport systems
4. Experience of using eye trackers
5. Programming experience – including experiment generation software packages
6. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

Additional Information

The post(s) involve working with an expert team of academics within the School of Psychology at Cardiff University and an industry partner (KSharp) on a funded project examining multimodal distraction effects on the ability to operate vehicles. The project is focussed on (but not limited to) auditory and visual distraction risk factors in the context of driving road vehicles. The role will involve activities such as (but not limited to): evidence reviewing, synthesis and write-up, experimental design, research ethics and risk assessment, possible pilot testing of an experiment(s) with human participants, and contributing to reports and publications. This position will be subject to successful defence security checks and clearance.

Job Category

Academic - Research