UNIV- PostDoctoral Scholar Human Factors- Department of Anesthesia

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Job Description

Job Description:

Healthcare systems create inefficiencies and accidents through a complex mix of factors. The tasks required, the equipment used, the working environment, the team and pressures from the organization all contribute to failure or success in any complex system. Human beings create safety by holding deficient systems together, and rather than signifying "negligence," adverse events are a symptom of deeper system problems. Putting humans at the center of developments in technology and treatments allows us to address the needs of our providers and patients, improving safety and efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing overall well-being. 

The role will be to collaborate with others and lead research and practice in the application of human factors knowledge and techniques within clinical settings. The clinical focus will be toward surgery, and anesthesia practice, but may encompass any form of care delivery that MUSC or its close partners may be engaged in. The work will require collaboration with a wide range of physicians, nurses, staff, administrators, other hospital employees and occasionally patients. It will also require collaboration with a broad range of academics, architects, technology or equipment vendors, human factors experts, and any other stakeholders engaged in the design and implementation of clinical systems. 

The HF applicant should be prepared to work on a variety of research and improvement projects, including, but not limited to, surgical teamwork and performance, operating suite design, sterile services improvement, medication errors, hospital-related IT and technology implementation, surgical robotics, and error modeling. They should also work over time to establish their own research interests, portfolio, collaborators, and funding streams. They should also be prepared to sufficiently supervise and lead others in applying human factors techniques and other research methods to deliver to self-defined project goals. The applicant should be willing to work alongside, and occasionally take direction from the Chair of Human Factors. 

Job Duties:

•  35% 
• Applies human factors expertise and user-centered design principles to research and evaluation projects.
• Conducts user trials, task analyses, interviews, stakeholder interactions, and direct observation of clinical work
• Advocates for applies human factors considerations to root cause analysis and quality improvement projects.

• 35% 
• Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results, and identifies and troubleshoots unexpected results.
• Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.
• Works to develop and secure research funding.
• Advocates and demonstrates the value of human factors considerations on multi-disciplinary teams of designers, engineers, clinicians, administrators, academics, architects, IT developers and other stakeholders.

• 30%   
• Works with a broad range of collaborators to deliver research in the area of human factors, patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare.
• Identifies opportunities for publications and research funding.
• Analyses and presents data, and prepares abstracts and manuscripts for dissemination.
• Leads and collaborates on peer-reviewed journal submissions.
• Works with clinicians, performance improvement, or safety specialists in the design of new, complex or unusual protocols and applies techniques to improve human performance and efficiency in surgery and other acute care situations.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS 

Evidence of practice in the independent application of human factors, industrial psychology or related discipline in an applied setting in an acute health care settings. 

Knowledge of human factors techniques, such as task analysis, usability testing, user needs elicitation, direct observation, ethnography, behavioral markers, human reliability assessment. 

Experience in safety science, quality improvement, teamwork/non-technical skills, accident and incident analysis, medical simulation. 

Extensive knowledge and skills using PC/Macintosh applications, especially spreadsheets, word processing, presentation software, and statistical analysis packages. 

Must have excellent oral and interpersonal skills, and be willing to develop written communication skills. 

Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and able to adapt to evolving needs. 

Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

Ability to quickly develop and maintain productive relationships with team members. 

Ability to complete work assignments, accurately, timely, and with minimal supervision. 

Ability to identify, define and develop research projects and competitive, fundable grants. 

Ability to lead a team in delivering complex applied research projects. 

Ability to successfully publish findings within clinical, safety, human factors or other suitable peer-reviewed journals. 

Minimum Requirements:

PhD

Additional Requirements:

PhD in industrial/organizational psychology, human factors, human sciences, ergonomics or engineering. Should be eligible for membership of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, or other organization affiliated with the International Ergonomics Association

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent)
Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Additional Job Description

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If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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