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We're Recruiting for a Part-Time ICT Accessibility Researcher

Written by CFIT Jobs Thursday, 14 October 2010

We're currently recruiting for a part-time ICT Accessibility Researcher to work on our European research projects. The work concerns how to address the needs of older people and people with disabilities in the design of digital Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as Web 2.0 applications, IPTV and mobile devices and services. User testing is a major part of the job.

This is a part time post, 17.5 hours per week, on a 30 month fixed term contract starting in January 2011. Deadline for applications is Friday 5th November.

Job details

NCBI CFIT works to promote Digital Inclusion through the accessible design of information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as websites, internet applications, 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.

You will work on two collaborative European research projects. The projects concern how to address the needs of older people and people with disabilities in the design of digital Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and ubiquitous internet services. These include Web 2.0 applications, IPTV and mobile devices and services. The aim of this work is to create software tools for design and development, based on virtual user models integrated into. The resulting tools will undergo iterations of evaluation, including user testing, which will feed back into design improvements before re-evaluation. NCBI’s role in this project is mainly in the specification of user requirements; the evaluation and user testing of design tools and prototype user interfaces; and the application of evaluation results to improve the design tools.

Responsibilities

• Carry out requirements gathering exercises involving a range of qualitative techniques such as ethnographic field studies, user observations, focus groups, questionnaires and interviews.
• Gather user data and additional requirements by researching published design guidelines and studies.
• Contribute to the creation of user/interaction models based on requirements and user data.
• Evaluate design tools and designed products using task-based user testing and field trials.
• Contribute to the application of evaluation results to improve the design tools.
• Deliver written reports with recommendations.
• Contribute to the writing of project deliverables and research papers.
• Other associated duties, as required.

Qualifications

Applicants should ideally have a higher degree (MSc/PhD) or work experience in a relevant discipline such as human computer interaction, ICT accessibility, user-centred online development, 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.
• Experience and/or interest in working with older people and people with disabilities, particularly in the use of digital technologies.
• Excellent planning and organizing skills.
• Excellent writing, reporting and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Ideal additional skills and experience

• Interest and familiarity with online and mobile technologies.
• Experience in user testing of websites and software.
• Knowledge of web accessibility and the WCAG 2.0 guidelines.
• Knowledge of web design and coding of rich internet applications (Web 2.0).
• Proven interest in the social impact of technologies.

Details

The position is available from January 2011 as a 30 month fixed-term contract, subject to continued project funding, and will be based in NCBI’s head office in Whitworth Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

Hours of work are negotiable, to total 17.5 hours per week.

Annual salary is €16K - €19K depending on qualifications and experience.

Application

Apply by Friday 5th November 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