Applications are invited for a PhD studentship on developing interactive medical devices that 
support interaction that is resilient to human error.  Based at the UCL Interaction Centre 
(www.ucl.ac.uk/uclic), the student will be part of an internationally leading Human-Computer 
Interaction group within the CHI+MED project.

Under the supervision of Ann Blandford and Anna Cox, the student will develop and test innovative
approaches to assessing interactive medical devices in terms of their resilience to human error. 
The project will build on prior work on error checklists and evaluation methods for interactive 
systems, and on empirical studies on human error, and aim to develop tools or methods for manufacturers
or procurers of medical technology.  The research could involve the development and testing of new
methods, such as a mobile phone app for comparing different devices and assessing their suitability
for a planned context of use, aimed at procurers; "serious games" for informing designers and 
manufacturers about human error and interaction design; or multimedia guidelines for design or 
procurement. The detailed focus will be defined by the successful candidate, in discussion with 
supervisors and other members of the CHI+MED team.

Applicants should have a first or upper-second (2:1) class honours degree in Psychology, Artificial
Intelligence, Computer Science, Design or another related area and have a clear interest in human-
computer interaction.  Strong analytical skills are desirable, as is experience of conducting user 
studies or implementing novel systems.  Candidates should have excellent written and oral communication
skills.

British and EU nationals who meet the UK residency requirements, as defined by EPSRC 
(www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining/StudentEligibility.htm), will receive a full award covering 
both tuition fees and a tax-free annual stipend starting at £15,590 per annum.  The post is also 
open to overseas candidates, who will receive the annual stipend, but please note that only a 
portion of the total tuition fee, equivalent to the UK fee (£4000 per annum), will be covered.

Instructions on how to apply can be found at www.chi-med.ac.uk/docs/2011_studentship.doc, while 
information about the CHI+MED project is available at www.chi-med.ac.uk.  Informal queries can be 
directed to Ann Blandford (A.Blandford@ucl.ac.uk).


The studentship runs for 42 months full-time starting September 2011 or as soon as possible 
thereafter.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 11th May.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 7th June.

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