UK : EPSRC PhD Studentship Formal reasoning about human-computer interaction for the design and safe use of interactive medical devices

Queen Mary, University of London - School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

(Ref CHI+MED/Q0901)

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship on formal reasoning about human-computer interaction for the design and safe use of interactive medical devices as part of the CHI+MED (www.chi-med.ac.uk) project. Based at the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Queen Mary, University of London, the successful candidate will be part of the internationally leading Theory and Interaction, Media and Communication (IMC) research groups as well as the CHI+MED team.

CHI+MED is a major EPSRC funded multidisciplinary research project that brings together researchers from Queen Mary, University of London, UCL, Swansea University, and City University. It aims to improve the usability and safety of interactive medical devices. This is a pressing area for research because even simple errors can result in incorrect treatment, or patient death.

Under the supervision of Paul Curzon (www.dcs.qmul.ac.uk/~pc/) of Queen Mary and Duncan Brumby (www.uclic.ucl.ac.uk/people/d.brumby/) of the UCL Interaction Centre, the successful candidate will investigate formal computational modeling and reasoning to support the prevention of human error. The focus will be on the basic setting of an individual working with a single device. This will involve the development of formal logic-based models of human behaviour with linked methods, based on model checking or proof to analyse medical scenarios.

The detailed focus of the project will be developed by the student in the early stages of their research. However, one possible focus is work to support the design of device interfaces and work practices to help individuals avoid making slip errors in multi-tasking scenarios. Such situations, with frequent interruptions, are the norm in a hospital environment.

Key Requirements

Applicants for the PhD studentships will need to have a first or upper-second (2:1) class honours degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or another related area and be able to demonstrate a strong mathematical background. High levels of ability in computing and programming and a clear interest in formal methods and human-computer interaction are also required.

British and EU nationals who meet the UK residency requirements, as outlined at http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining/StudentEligibility.htm, will receive a full award that covers both tuition fees and a tax-free annual stipend starting at £15,290 per annum. The post is also open to overseas candidates, however the studentship will then only cover UK tuition fees (£3,390 per annum) and stipend. If an overseas student is successful we may apply for a fee-waiver to cover the additional fees, though this is considered by the college on a case-by-case basis.

The studentship runs for 42 months full-time starting January 2010 and is subject to meeting satisfactory milestones.

Further Details

Further information concerning the studentship and the application form, is on the web at: http://www.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/vacancies/

Detailed information about the school and its research areas can be found at www.eecs.qmul.ac.uk and further information about the research area can be found at: www.CHI-MED.ac.uk

Informal queries can be directed to Paul Curzon (pc@dcs.qmul.ac.uk, tel. 020 7882 5212) or Duncan Brumby (Brumby@cs.ucl.ac.uk, tel. 020 7679 0689)

Completed application forms along with a full CV, names, two references, a statement of purpose and a one page research statement describing your previous research experience and outlining its relevance to this project should be sent, ideally by email, to Paul Curzon at: pc@dcs.qmul.ac.uk

If this is not possible a paper copy should be sent to:Paul Curzon, School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, West Square, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End, London, E1 4NS

Applications must arrive by the closing date: 1 December 2009

Interviews will be held on the afternoon of 8 December 2009.