Jaguar LandRover sponsored iCase PhD studentship in: Encouraging Drivers to Use Voice Agents for Interaction

Reference

ENG1527

Closing Date

Monday, 28th February 2022

Department

Engineering

Applications are invited for an exciting 4-year PhD studentship to conduct Human Factors research into the design of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that use voice input/output to enhance the experience of drivers and passengers in future vehicles. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the Human Factors research team at Jaguar LandRover (JLR) in Coventry and will involve a 3-month placement at their offices. Initially, the PhD will aim to understand the motivators and de-motivators of users for voice and speech systems in vehicles. This knowledge will then inform the design and evaluation of novel HMIs which use voice agents in an intelligent way for a variety of different automotive scenarios. Studies will make use of the high-fidelity driving simulator available at the University of Nottingham as well as our instrumented vehicle facilities.

The applicant appointed will join the Human Factors Research Group , an inter-disciplinary team in the Faculty of Engineering with approximately 60 researchers, academics, and students working on a variety of projects aiming to develop human-centred theories, methods and approaches to tackle contemporary, real world Engineering design challenges.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for PhD research at the University of Nottingham. Ideally you will have a 1st class or good 2:1 honours degree and/or an MSc in a relevant subject, such as Human Factors/Ergonomics, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction. Moreover, you should be able to demonstrate an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. Good team-working, flexibility and communication skills are all essential skills for the successful candidate. As development of HMIs is likely in the PhD, experience in software prototyping is highly desirable. A good knowledge or experience in driver behaviour research is desirable, as is a UK driver’s license.

The PhD position is available from 1st October 2022. The funding is for UK/eligible for home fees students only. This project will include the payment of tuition fees as well as an enhanced stipend of approximately £18,000 p.a. tax free awarded to the suitable candidate. When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (ENG1527) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship. Informal enquiries may be sent to Professor Gary Burnett ([email protected] )

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.