The School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (SMEA) invites applications for a 3 year research studentship commencing October 2015. The proposed project will build a new strategic collaboration between SMEA, Psychology and the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS). Vehicle interfaces are becoming more complex as ICT dominates the operation of modern transport platforms. This project will exploit expertise and build on existing research evaluating operator distraction and human performance in VR to directly measure levels of attention in real time.

Distractibility is a key design driver in determining optimal console and interior layout design for vehicles across the transport sector. The project goal is to quantify distractibility and the broader human experience across the 17-80 age demographic within vehicular interiors using simulated environments around the user / vehicle interface. The project will consist of three parts:

1. Benchmark current vehicle consoles: Understand current drivers for interior design and define exemplar(s) as the basis for digital equivalent(s)

2. Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environments: Build simulation environment(s) focusing on aspects related to distractibility reflecting realistic driver/operator functions.

3. Human factors analysis: Design experiments to quantify human aspects of design in terms of distractibility taking into account ergonomics and cognitive load.

The complexity of modern transport systems which is aimed at improving vehicular efficiency can impose an increased cognitive load on operators, causing distraction, and increasing the chance of death or injury from accidents. In the current project EEG will be used alongside behavioural measures (target detection, and reaction times) within a simulated, VR environment to quantify changes in attention state over time. Safety and ergonomics for drivers and users will be specifically addressed through design methodologies and VR technologies.

Candidates with a minimum 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in any of these fields will find this studentship especially relevant:

• Industrial and systems engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Computer science- Human-Computer Interaction

• Statistics

• Software engineering

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology with interest in data modelling and signal processing; or a related subject.

Strong programming skills and experience with signal processing are required.

Good data analysis and computing skills are essential, ideally in Java, C++, MATLAB and Visual Basic is a must. Knowledge of various types of simulation modelling software is especially beneficial.

Candidates must be self-motivated, possess excellent communication skills, an ability to work in teams and adhere to all project deadlines. The candidate is expected to develop analytical and computational skills and submit results of work for publications in academic literature. An original contribution to knowledge in the field is expected.

Further details of the project and instructions on how to make an application can be found on our website: - http://www.qub.ac.uk/mechaero

Applications should be made electronically through the Queen’s online application portal at 
http://go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply

This studentship provides fees and a maintenance tax free stipend of £13,863 (2014/15 rate) for UK nationals.

Informal inquiries may be addressed to Dr A. Marzano (email: a.marzano<στο>qub.ac.uk).