Post-doctoral Fellow position in the Psychology Department, Florida State University

The Psychology Department of Florida State Univeristy is inviting applications for a post-doctoral fellow position beginning September 1, 2007. The position is funded from a contract with Florida Department of Transportation that ends on December 31, 2008. There is high probability of extension of this position with other existing projects contingent on availability of funding.

Brief Project Description:
The main objectives of the project entitled Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Research are to examine functionality of traffic signs and signals for motorists and pedestrians of varying ages in order to recommend guidelines for sign/symbol design. In light of these objectives, the project aims to conduct a series of field and laboratory-based studies that will investigate legibility, recognition and comprehension of various signs and symbols (for example, street names, warning signs, pedestrian signals, dynamic message signs, etc.) for young, middle-aged and older adults in different ambient light conditions. It is hoped that findings of these studies would generate guidelines for design of the signs, training of the elder drivers, and adoption of specific driving/pedestrian programs by Florida Department of Transportation.

Qualifications:
PhD in Psychology (emphasis on aging) or Engineering with solid background in human factors/applied cognition/engineering psychology. Experience in design and conduct of field and laboratory study is highly desirable. The position requires having substantial knowledge and experience in data collection and analysis procedures, and report generation and presentation. The fellow should have experience in leading, managing, and organizing the project team and related activities. Knowledge of statistical analysis (e.g., SPSS) and experimental design tools (e.g., E-Prime) is preferred. Effective verbal and written communication skills are required.

Other requirements:
A valid driving license and vehicle to commute between the university, testing site(s), and Traffic Engineering Research Laboratory within the city of Tallahassee. Some studies are conducted after hours (evening and night time).

Responsibilities:
The position requires the fellow to help design and conduct proposed field studies, co-ordinate between students, principal investigator and FDOT personnel. In cooperation with other research assistants, the fellow will take part in screening and recruiting participants for the studies, collecting and analyzing data using necessary computer software(s), writing and presenting study reports. The fellow will also be responsible for coordinating weekly project meetings and writing monthly progress reports for FDOT.

Apart from the project related responsibilities, there will be opportunities to pursue other research activities in human factors and applied cognition areas (e.g., the CREATE project). This position does not require any teaching responsibilities.

Remuneration/Benefits:
The annual salary of this position is approximately US $50,000 with additional funding available for health insurance. However, no relocation cost is available.

Application
Interested candidates should send current vitae and two reference letters to the following address (electronic submission is encouraged). Review of applications will begin immediately and recruitment of an eligible candidate is anticipated in a very short time.

Dr. Neil Charness
Room A205, Department of Psychology
Florida State University
1107 W Call St.
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4301
Phone (offices): 850-644-6686, 850-644-8571
Fax: 850-644-7739
E-mail: charness@psy.fsu.edu