Human Factors Psychologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly complex world, the role of human factors psychologists is more important than ever.

As society and technology advance side by side, the demand for professionals who can understand, optimize, and enhance the interaction between humans and the systems they use escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a human factors psychologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this profession,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of human factors psychology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable human factors psychologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Human Factors Psychologist Duties and Responsibilities

Human Factors Psychologists aim to understand the interactions between humans and their environment, especially in relation to manufactured products.

They apply psychological principles and research methods to improve the overall human experience within the designed environment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting research to understand human behavior and interaction with products and environments
• Designing and conducting experiments to collect data on user behavior and experience
• Assessing and optimizing the usability of systems and products by identifying areas for improvement
• Applying the principles of ergonomics to the design of products, procedures, and workspaces
• Collaborating with designers and engineers to implement ergonomic and user-focused designs
• Developing training programs and user guides to improve human performance and reduce errors
• Ensuring compliance with human factors, ergonomics and safety standards
• Providing expert testimony or evidence in litigation related to human factors and ergonomics
• Creating and implementing surveys to gather data on customer satisfaction and product usability

 

Human Factors Psychologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Human Factors Psychologist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating and designing systems and environments to align with human capabilities.

The goal is to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

The ideal candidate will have experience in conducting research to understand how people interact with products, systems, and environments.

The role requires the application of psychological principles to improve design and ease of use, and to ensure the safety and well-being of users.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting research to understand how people interact with products and environments
• Designing systems and environments to align with human capabilities
• Applying psychological principles to improve design and ease of use
• Working with designers and engineers to implement improvements
• Developing and conducting user testing sessions
• Identifying potential design improvements based on user feedback
• Evaluating the effectiveness of design changes
• Working to improve the safety and well-being of users

 

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in psychology, human factors, or a related field
• Experience in applied psychology or ergonomics
• Strong knowledge of human behavior and performance
• Understanding of the interaction between humans and systems
• Experience conducting research and user testing
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Human Factors Psychologist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for research or consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Psychologist or Research Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Human Factors Psychologist Do?

Human Factors Psychologists, also known as Ergonomists, often work in research and development teams for corporations, government agencies, or consulting firms.

They may also serve as professors or researchers in academic institutions.

Their primary role involves studying how humans interact with machines, technology, and environments and then using this knowledge to design more intuitive and user-friendly systems.

This could range from designing a more ergonomic office chair to improving the user interface of a software application.

These psychologists apply principles of psychology to design products, systems or processes that maximize user satisfaction and minimize the potential for errors or accidents.

They conduct research to understand human behaviors, abilities, and limitations and then use this data to inform their designs.

They might also design or conduct usability studies and surveys to collect data on how real users interact with systems and make recommendations for improvements.

Their work often involves collaborating with engineers, designers, and other professionals to integrate the human factors considerations into product designs or process improvements.

In addition to this, Human Factors Psychologists may also be responsible for developing training programs, writing user manuals, and conducting safety inspections.

 

Human Factors Psychologist Qualifications and Skills

Human Factors Psychologists focus on improving the interaction between humans and products or systems.

They require a unique blend of skills and qualifications, such as:

• Strong analytical skills to evaluate, understand, and improve the interaction between humans and the various elements of a system or product.
• Exceptional research abilities for studying human behavior and ergonomics in diverse settings, and for creating strategies to enhance user experience.
• Excellent communication skills to share their findings and proposed solutions with various stakeholders, including product designers, engineers, and users.
• Effective problem-solving abilities to identify potential challenges in human-system interaction and devise practical solutions.
• Ability to design and conduct experiments, surveys, and observational studies, ensuring the accuracy and validity of the data collected.
• Knowledge of software and tools used for data analysis, such as statistical software and user experience (UX) design tools.
• Interpersonal skills to understand and empathize with users, ensuring that their needs and limitations are considered during product development.
• Strong project management skills to oversee research projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are conducted efficiently and on schedule.
• Knowledge of the principles of psychology, engineering, and design, and their application in improving human-system interactions.

 

Human Factors Psychologist Experience Requirements

Candidates entering the field of human factors psychology typically start with an undergraduate degree in psychology, human factors engineering, or a related field.

This provides a foundational understanding of the principles and theories of human behavior and cognition, as well as the interaction between humans and technology.

Internships or research assistant positions during undergraduate or postgraduate studies are often the first practical experiences for these professionals.

They may involve working on research projects related to human factors psychology, such as usability testing, user experience design, or ergonomic assessments.

Entry-level positions typically require at least a Master’s degree in Human Factors Psychology or a related field, along with 1-2 years of relevant experience.

This can be gained through internships, research assistant positions, or relevant work in fields such as user experience design, ergonomics, or safety engineering.

For more senior roles or specialized positions, employers often look for candidates with a Ph.D. in Human Factors Psychology or a related field, along with 3-5 years of professional experience.

This experience may involve conducting research, developing user interfaces, assessing product usability, or leading teams in a human factors-related role.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience and a demonstrated track record in the field may be suitable for managerial or leadership roles within human factors psychology.

These roles often require skills in project management, team leadership, and strategic planning, in addition to a deep understanding of human factors principles.

 

Human Factors Psychologist Education and Training Requirements

Human Factors Psychologists typically require a doctoral degree in psychology with a specialization in human factors or ergonomics.

This involves completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, followed by a master’s and then a doctoral program.

During the undergraduate program, students should focus on courses that provide a foundation in psychology, statistics, and human factors.

On a graduate level, they should opt for courses related to human factors, ergonomics, experimental psychology, and research methods.

In addition to the degree, obtaining a license is a requirement in most states.

The licensing requirements vary by state, but typically include completion of a degree, supervised professional experience, and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.

Internships or relevant work experience in areas of human factors and ergonomics are highly recommended to gain practical experience and increase job prospects.

Some positions may require specific certifications, depending on the industry or nature of work.

Continuing professional development is crucial for human factors psychologists to stay current with advances in technology and new research findings.

This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, and advanced courses in ergonomics and human factors psychology.

 

Human Factors Psychologist Salary Expectations

A Human Factors Psychologist earns an average salary of $89,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ based on the individual’s experience, level of education, location, and the organization for which they work.

 

Human Factors Psychologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Human Factors Psychologist need?

Human Factors Psychologists require excellent research skills, with abilities to design, conduct, and interpret experiments.

They need strong analytical skills for assessing the efficiency of systems and processes, as well as problem-solving skills to improve these.

They should also possess good communication skills to effectively express their findings and work with a diverse group of professionals.

 

Do Human Factors Psychologists need a degree?

Yes, Human Factors Psychologists need at least a master’s degree in psychology, engineering, or a related field.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a doctoral degree in human factors psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, or a related field.

These studies usually include coursework in industrial psychology, ergonomics, human performance research, human-computer interaction, and design.

 

What should you look for in a Human Factors Psychologist resume?

A Human Factors Psychologist resume should reflect a strong academic background in psychology, human factors, or related fields.

Look for experience in conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting findings.

Experience in a specific industry like aviation, manufacturing, health care, or technology is a plus.

Also, check for any publications, as this indicates the candidate’s ability to communicate complex information effectively.

 

What qualities make a good Human Factors Psychologist?

A good Human Factors Psychologist displays a deep understanding of human behavior and cognitive processes.

They are also curious and analytical, always seeking to understand the link between people and their environments.

Good communication skills are essential, as they often need to explain their findings to non-psychologists.

They also need patience and persistence, as their research might take a long time to yield results.

 

What are the daily duties of a Human Factors Psychologist?

Typically, Human Factors Psychologists spend a significant portion of their day conducting research, analyzing data, and preparing reports.

They may also meet with clients or teams to discuss project goals and results.

They might work on designing and modifying equipment, systems, or environments to improve safety and efficiency.

They often collaborate with other professionals like engineers and designers.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve exposed the intricate world of a human factors psychologist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about understanding human behavior.

It’s about shaping the future of human-technology interaction, one psychological insight at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive human factors psychologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every psychological insight contributes to the broader understanding of human factors.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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