Supervisors

Prof Sam Vine (University of Exeter)
Prof Mark Wilson (University of Exeter)
Dr Leanne Simpson (Smiths Detection)

Location: Public Health and Sports Sciences, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter, UK

The University of Exeter’s Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences is inviting applications for a PhD studentship fully-funded by their research partners Smiths Detection (https://www.smithsdetection.com/) a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies. The PhD will commence in September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £19,237 for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.

Project Description

The project is focused on a new virtual training system being developed by Smiths Detection, which will train the cognitive, perceptual and procedural skills needed to operate x-ray equipment used to screen baggage and cargo. As such the PhD project is being set up to answer important questions about how the training system supports learning, and how subsequent performance in the real-world is affected ,and how trainees acquire the perceptual skills needed to interpret the x-ray images produced by the x-ray equipment. In terms of discipline, the work will be a combination of Psychology, Human factors, and Pedagogy.

The successful applicants will be based within the Virtual Immersive Training and Learning (VITAL) research team, within the department of Public Health and Sports Sciences.

The project will examine the efficacy of a new training system; the role of various features in supporting performance and training; and the optimisation of training delivery (including novel concepts related to the delivery of feedback; and the automatic creation of trainee oriented courses). The PhD students will develop new skills in measuring psycho-physiological indices of cognition and emotion (e.g., eye movements); analysing large data sets (from video and databases); and general data science skills for analysing data sets. Data will include those generated in experimental trials and those collected by the company from the device in use. As such postgraduate level qualifications and skills in either research methods, psychology, or data science are required (e.g., an MSc or equivalent in psychological research methods).

Funding

This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.  For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £19,237 per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee (~£24k pa) and no stipend.

International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding, this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter. Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

As this project is positioned within the security sector, security clearances will be required. In order to apply for this, you will need to be in the UK with no restriction on your ability to be in the UK (i.e., not dependent on a visa).

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology. A drivers license and the ability to drive within the UK will be advantageous. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level (Profile B) as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/

How to apply

Apply now

In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents:
• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 24th May 2024. Interviews will be held on the University of Exeter St Luke’s Campus, or online, date TBC

If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email pgrapplicants@exeter.ac.uk or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers)  Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor Prof Sam Vine (s.j.vine@exeter.ac.uk).

Summary