Postdoctoral Fellow in System Risk Analysis for Remote Pilotage Operations

Dalhousie University; Halifax; Remote; CAD 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in maritime research is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to explore system risk analysis for remote pilotage operations. This exciting role involves cutting-edge research to enhance safety and efficiency in maritime transportation, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and contributing to a transformative project aimed at integrating advanced technologies into traditional pilotage practices. Join a dynamic team at a leading university, where you will not only advance your research agenda but also foster collaboration and innovation within the maritime community. If you are passionate about interdisciplinary research and eager to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant fields required, with strong research experience in risk analysis.
• Technical skills in STPA, BN modeling, Python, and Matlab are assets.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on system risk analysis for remote pilotage operations.
• Engage with stakeholders and develop frameworks for risk analysis.

Skills

Risk Analysis

Systems Engineering

Operations Research

Interdisciplinary Research

Project Management

Technical Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering

Ph.D. in Systems Engineering

Ph.D. in Safety Science

Ph.D. in Operations Research

Ph.D. in Maritime Transportation

Tools

STPA

Bayesian Network (BN) Modeling

Python

Matlab

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow in System Risk Analysis for Remote Pilotage Operations

Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellow in System Risk Analysis for Remote Pilotage Operations

Posting Number: PTAP2721P

Department/Unit: Industrial Engineering Department

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Job Summary & Key Responsibilities:

Background:
In a wider context of increased autonomy and digitalization in the maritime transportation industries, there is a prospect of using emerging technologies to develop more efficient and sustainable practices in maritime pilotage. In the specific environment of the Saint Lawrence Maritime Corridor (SLMC), there is wide stakeholder interest in transforming the existing maritime pilotage regime to include the possibility of remote pilotage, where pilots rely on advanced communication technologies to support bridge crews in safely navigating vessels through the waterways.

To support decision making about the possible implementation of remote pilotage in the SLMC, a project supported by Mitacs, Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping, and key maritime stakeholders will be implemented starting in Winter 2025. This project will analyze human and system safety risks associated with remote pilotage and investigate impacts on the marine environment, socio-economic aspects, and stakeholder concerns.

Position:
Our Industrial Engineering Department is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) in System Risk Analysis for Remote Pilotage Operations to play a pivotal role in research implementation, coordination, and management of this project. The postdoc will join a dynamic group under the supervision of Prof. Ronald Pelot and Prof. Floris Goerlandt in the Maritime Risk and Safety (MARS) Research Group at Dalhousie University.

The PDF will perform cutting-edge research to develop a new system risk analysis approach tailored to the SLMC, enabling a comparative analysis of occupational health and safety risks, navigation system safety risks, and environmental impacts associated with conventional and remote pilotage. This will require advancing the state of the art in risk analysis and management for maritime industries and maritime autonomous operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with the project team to:

1. Plan the research and refine research questions.
2. Collect, integrate, and manage data, models, and knowledge.
3. Engage with stakeholders and experts through interviews and focus groups.
4. Develop frameworks, modeling approaches, and technical implementation.
5. Support and provide scientific and technical advice to graduate students.
6. Write journal articles, conference articles, book chapters, and policy briefs.
7. Support the development of specific models for case studies.
8. Perform project management tasks such as coordinating stakeholder engagement activities and preparing reports.

The PDF will be employed by Dalhousie University (www.dal.ca) and must be physically based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The PDF will have opportunities to develop their own research agenda, engage with graduate students, and extend their professional network through various relevant research and stakeholder networks.

Qualifications/Requirements of Position:

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., industrial engineering, systems engineering, safety science, operations research, maritime transportation, engineering management, or a related field).

Additional desired skills:

• Relevant research experience in risk analysis, systems engineering, and operations research.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Ability and willingness to learn new research methods.
• Knowledge of maritime transportation, marine technology, human and organizational performance, area-based management, and risk analysis.
• Technical and software skills in STPA and BN modeling; coding skills in Python, Matlab are assets.
• Experience with applying social science research methods.
• High productivity in producing peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong time management, organizational, and project management skills.
• Experience conducting interviews and organizing expert events.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Given the wide range of qualifications, prospective applicants with strengths in only a subset of the above knowledge domains, but with a strong willingness to learn, are encouraged to apply.

Salary Range/Pay Rate: $60,000 (CAD) gross annually

Additional Information:
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from diverse groups. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.

If you require accommodation, please let us know how we can assist. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring equitable participation in the hiring process.

Application Process:
To apply, please submit the requested documents to [e-mail]. The position will remain open until filled; however, to guarantee consideration, please submit by November 22, 2024.

Term of Appointment: 2 years, anticipated start date January 1, 2025