Exploring the efficacy of Virtual training for x-ray scanning image interpretation in aviation security – PhD (Funded) Ref: 5468

Supervisors

Professor Sam Vine

Professor Mark Wilson

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 2025 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. 

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 especially when viewed on mobile) 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). 

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. 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) and no stipend. 

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

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. 

The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], 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. The collaboration with the named project partner is subject to contract. Please note full details of the project partner’s contribution and involvement with the project is still to be confirmed and may change during the course of contract negotiations. Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

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 human performance science (e.g. Psychology, human factors, pedagogy). If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

For further information and how to apply – Award details nearmejobs.eu Funding and scholarships for students nearmejobs.eu University of Exeter

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).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying).
• 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 31st March 2025. Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 7th April 2025. All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided. Please quote reference 5468 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.