PhD Studentship in Driver behavior simulation sponsored by Jaguar Cars

Starting 1st March 2009, this International Postgraduate Research Studentship will fund an outstanding student for 3 years. Part-funded by Jaguar Cars, the research will broadly focus on driver distraction and vehicle automation, but within this there is scope for the student to pursue their own research ideas. The studentship is associated with the Safety Group at ITS, a multidisciplinary team encompassing psychologists and engineers, with potential to use our world-class driving simulator to support the PhD www.its.leeds.ac.uk/facilities/uolds

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in Psychology, Engineering or Human Factors with an interest in carrying out behavioural studies. The collaboration with Jaguar Cars creates an exciting opportunity for the student to contribute to cutting-edge research with a practical application.

Eligibility
This studentship is a Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (www.epsrc.ac.uk) and Jaguar(www.jaguar.com).

The award is part of a national initiative to bring outstanding students from India, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Russia, South Africa and the developing world to the UK to study for PhD degrees in top-rated research environments. The eligible countries are those listed in Part 1 on the OECD website www.oecd.org/dataoecd/35/9/2488552.pdf
Background to the Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards Scheme can also be found at www.rcuk.ac.uk/hodgkin/

Minimum academic requirements
A very good first degree (equivalent to a UK first class honours degree) from a prestigious institution (a lower rated BSc with a Masters will not normally be accepted as the equivalent of a UK first class honours degree). Candidates must also meet the University’s English language requirements.

Value
A maintenance grant (currently £12,940 p.a tax free) for a maximum of 3 years, plus full overseas rate fees and a Research Training Support Grant.

How to apply
The application form and guidance notes are available from www.leeds.ac.uk/rds/schol/dhpa-forms.html
Closing date: 30th January 2009 (studies to commence by March 2009)

Further information
For an informal discussion of the project area please contact
Dr Samantha Jamson Email: s.l.jamson@its.leeds.ac.uk
Tel: + 44 (0)113 343 6606 Fax: +44 (0)113 343 5334
Details are also available from the ITS website www.its.leeds.ac.uk/restrain