Research Fellow

Post Status: Specific Purpose Contract – Full-time 

Research Group / Department / School: Centre for Innovative Human Systems, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin 

Location: Centre for Innovative Human Systems, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland 

Reports to: Principal Investigator: Dr Michael Gormley 

Salary: Appointment will be made on the Irish Universities Researcher Salary Scale, (Post Doctoral Researcher Scale) at a point in line with Government Pay Policy and experience €46,305 to €52,863 per annum 

Hours of Work: 39

The Purpose of the Role 

Applications are invited from candidates interested in pursuing research in a post funded by the European Commission and Enterprise Ireland. The grant was awarded to the Centre for Innovative Human Systems, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin. The successful candidate will oversee the collection of camera and physiological data from participants engaged in simulated driving tasks under the influence of alcohol. 

This information, particularly the camera-based data, will be shared with colleagues to explore its potential for accurately detecting alcohol levels. In addition, the candidate will assess how alcohol affects driver competency and associated cognitive functions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its impact on performance.

Centre for Innovative Human Systems 

The Centre for Innovative Human Systems (CIHS) has a very active portfolio spanning research, education, training, consultancy and outreach activities. Our expertise lies in applying Psychology, Human Factors, Systems Thinking, and Action Research to address and enhance operational and strategic risk, change management, safety, well-being, and long-term sustainability within safetycritical sectors. The unique contribution of the CIHS is to put the human at the Centre of its analysis – systems and processes have to work for people, and they can only do this if the role of humans is central. The approach of the CIHS encompasses all those factors that can influence people and their behaviour. The CIHS collaborates extensively with a wide range of industries, including Health, Aviation, Finance, and Pharmaceuticals, fostering long-term partnerships in research, training, and education. Additionally, our thriving alumni community from the PG Cert/Diploma/MSc in Managing Risk & System Change actively contributes to our shared mission and ongoing activities.

Context 

This project forms part of ATHENA, an EU Horizon initiative (Advanced Technologies for High-value ImagiNg Applications) that focuses on the development of advanced imaging technologies, particularly long-wave infrared sensors, to enhance the production of imaging components. The long-term goal is to create in-vehicle cameras capable of detecting a driver’s alcohol level, thereby preventing intoxicated individuals from operating a vehicle.

Person Requirements 

The candidate should be interested in working in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative context which focuses on the impact of alcohol on driver competency. They should have a general appreciation of how physiological status can be measured and how it relates to constructs such as attention, cognitive workload, and fatigue impact relevant behaviours. 

Qualifications 

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or cognate discipline together with a PhD in a related topic, within computer science, engineering, physiology or psychology. Candidates who have not yet been awarded their PhD will be considered if they have submitted or are about to submit their thesis.