We're Recruiting for an ICT Accessibility Researcher
Written by CFIT Jobs Thursday, 21 January 2010
We're currently recruiting for an ICT Accessibility Researcher to work on the VICON project. VICON (Virtual User Concept for Inclusive Design of Consumer Products and User Interfaces) will address the needs of people with age-related sensory and physical impairments in the design of mobile phones, white goods and other Information and Communication Technologies. This is a 27 month fixed term contract starting in April 2010.
NOTE: Application call for this position is now closed.
Job details
NCBI CFIT works to promote Digital Inclusion through the accessible design of information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as websites, digital television, mobile devices and consumer electronics. As part of its work, CFIT is involved in collaborative European research into Inclusive Design – the design of mainstream ICT products in a way that ensures they are also accessible to older people and people with disabilities such as sight loss. As an ICT Accessibility Researcher, you will report to and be guided by a senior CFIT consultant.
VICON aims to create and test a set of design and development software tools based on virtual user models. NCBI's role in this project is mainly in the specification of end-user requirements, the evaluation of design tools and prototype user interfaces and the application of results to improve the design tools.
During the period of employment, you will have opportunities to receive training in and contribute to CFIT's other areas of work, including the accessibility evaluation of websites and online applications.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design of requirements gathering exercises and evaluations.
- Carry out requirements gathering exercises involving a range of qualitative techniques such as ethnographic field studies, user observations, focus groups, questionnaires and interviews. Users will be older people with mild to moderate impairments in vision, hearing and dexterity.
- Carry out evaluations of design tools and designed products using task-based user testing and observation, field trials and interviews/questionnaires. Users will be both product designers and end-users.
- Analyse the results of these activities and deliver written reports with recommendations.
- Contribute to the writing and presentation of other project deliverables and research papers at international conferences.
- Attend project meetings across Europe.
- Other associated duties, as required.
Qualifications
Applicants should have a research MSc, a PhD or 4 years full time research employment in a relevant discipline such as human computer interaction, ergonomics or psychology.
Essential skills and experience required
- Knowledge and experience in methods of qualitative research involving human subjects. One or more of: ethnographic field studies, observational studies, user testing, structured interviewing and questionnaires, focus groups.
- Excellent planning and organizing skills.
- Written reporting and presentation skills.
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
- Ability to work both independently and under direction, bringing in your own ideas and approaches as well as taking on those of others.
- Willingness to travel.
Ideal additional skills and experience
- Experience and/or interest in working with older people and people with disabilities, particularly in the use of digital technologies.
- Proven interest in the social impact of technologies.
- Usability / ergonomics of hardware and software.
- Interest and familiarity with current digital consumer technologies.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and tools.
- Web accessibility and related issues.
- Web and software user testing.
Details
The position is available from April 2010 as a 27 month fixed-term contract and will be based in NCBI's head office in Whitworth Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Hours of work are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
As this is a collaborative European project, some travelling will be involved.
Annual salary is €35K - €42K depending on qualifications and experience.
Application
Apply by Friday 12th February 2010 by sending an email describing why you want to work for NCBI CFIT on this project and attaching a CV describing your relevant qualifications and experience, to:
Helen Shanahan, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Any hard copy materials that you wish to accompany your application can be sent to:
Helen Shanahan,
Senior HR Officer,
NCBI Limerick,
Midwestern Regional Office,
Units 2 and 3, Parkview Court,
Lord Edward Street,
Limerick,
Ireland