Position open until filled

The project: To deliver large and complex programmes, multidisciplinary teams are deployed to address the solution. They may come from hardware, software, systems, and reliability, support and safety disciplines and have roles that, in addition to the technical, address management, process and decision making aspects. They are all required to work effectively and efficiently on these complex problems where the efficiencies of delivery do not allow for miscommunication. The engineering teams work in a co-engineering manner either internally or with their external suppliers of products and services. Each of the disciplines may take a slightly different approach to problem solving, documentation and also the manner in which they communicate their problem and solution statements.

There has been a good deal of research in the domain exploring methods and tools (modelling and simulation) to support multi-disciplinary co-engineering, especially based around model-based engineering approaches, SysMl and so on. A second body of work, again based on tool development, concerns multi-disciplinary optimisation and the development of tools sets and frameworks to support this. A third body of work concerns study of the behaviour of multi-disciplinary teams, especially through ethnographic studies, other design observation but also questionnaires and the like. 

It is proposed that a multi-stage research approach should be taken following the Blessing/Chakrabarti research methodology [1] comprising a descriptive study phase involving empirical studies of designers and design teams at work in order to get a better understanding of design practice in developing shared design understandings then a prescriptive study involving experimental development of methods for mapping of design domains for multi-party understanding. This method should be evaluated using a second Descriptive Study and then depending on results embedded in Thales tools.

[1] Blessing, L. T., & Chakrabarti, A. (2009). DRM, a design research methodology. London: Springer

For full http://www.bristol.ac.uk/eng-systems-centre/idc/vacancies/thales-multi-coeng.html

How to apply:

Applications should be made online at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply Please select 'Systems Engineering (EngD)' in the Programme Choice section and quote the project title in the Research Details and Funding sections of the form.

Candidate requirements:  Candidates should have a minimum of an upper second (2.1) class honours degree (or equivalent) in a numerate subject (e.g. mathematics, engineering, physics), desirably with engineering and /or business experience

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate excellent understanding of typical systems design approaches, an understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of design and knowledge of the tools and methods used in technical design situations. Candidates’ normal background is anticipated to be from within the disciplines of engineering, computer science, although competent applicants of mathematics, physics or economics background will also be considered. Project management experience would be another plus.

The EngD in Systems is a full-time, four-year doctorate programme, offering the experience of rigorous, leading-edge research within a business context. Approximately 75% of The EngD researchers time is spent working with the Company-Sponsor on the research project, with the remaining time spent on taught courses.

NOTE: Candidates must be willing to undertake pre employment and government security checks.

Funding: See Salary

Contacts: Academic contact: chris.mcmahon<στο>bristol.ac.uk  

Administrative contact: systems-eng<στο>bristol.ac.uk

The University of Bristol is committed to equality and we value the diversity of our staff and students