The Human Factors Engineer (HFE) provides specialized expertise in human factors and human-centered systems design to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s (DFCI) mission of delivering efficient, safe, and patient-centered care. Reporting to the Senior Director of Health Systems Transformation within the Department of Quality and Patient Safey, the HFE leads initiatives that enhance system performance, optimize clinical and operational workflows, and reduce staff burden across diverse care environments.
A major focus of this role is supporting the planning, design, and activation of the Future Cancer Hospital (FCH). The HFE integrates simulation-based mockup testing, ergonomic and usability evaluation, systems engineering, and cognitive engineering principles to inform the design of new and existing facilities. The role also contributes to the development of institutional capability in human factors science and human-centered design.
This position’s work location is hybrid with two or three days per week remote. The selected candidate may only work remote days from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Human Factors and Systems Design Guidance:
- Provide expert guidance on human factors principles to clinical, operational, and design teams to enhance patient safety, system performance, staff well-being, and efficiency. Support the integration of human systems integration practices into new construction and renovation efforts, with emphasis on the Future Cancer Hospital. Work cross-functionally with clinicians, administrators, and operational leaders to identify opportunities to improve system performance.
Simulation and Design Integration:
- Plan and execute Simulation-Based Mockup Testing in collaboration with Facilities, Design & Construction, Patient Care Services, and other stakeholders. Conduct ergonomic assessments, scenario-based testing, and workflow optimization activities. Analyze resultant data to identify design vulnerabilities and system-level opportunities during various phases of construction.
Safety and System Performance Enhancement:
- Partner with Patient Safety, Risk Management, Information Systems, Nursing, Pharmacy, Facilities and operational teams to support proactive design-focused safety assessments when relevant. Participate selectively in event review processes, focusing on identifying system-design contributors. Recommend human-centered design strategies that reduce staff burden, improve reliability, and enhance system performance.
Human Factors Analyses and Insights:
- Conduct human factors analyses such as cognitive task analysis, cognitive walkthroughs, heuristic assessments, and usability testing. Perform observational studies, surveys, contextual inquiries, and data synthesis to support design and operational decisions. Collaborate with analytics teams to identify data needs and interpret findings for evidence-based decision-making.
Project Management and Deliverables:
- Support scoping, charter development, project tracking, and documentation for human factors components of major initiatives. Develop high-quality presentations, reports, and design recommendations for internal and external audiences. Contribute to conference presentations, research posters, white papers, and educational programming.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Comprehensive understanding of Human Factors Science, including cognitive processing, human-machine interaction, and ergonomics.
- Ability to structure and analyze complex problems, derive insights from data, and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing organizational needs.
- Experience applying systems engineering or other improvement frameworks in healthcare settings.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and data visualization platforms.
- Commitment to fostering a culture of safety, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Minimum Job Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Healthcare, engineering, management, or a related field required. Master's degree and advanced training or coursework in Human Factors, Systems Engineering, or Ergonomics preferred. 3 years of relevant experience in human factors engineering, patient safety, or healthcare systems improvement, preferably within a healthcare setting. Prior experience in a healthcare or academic medical environment with application of human factors methodologies, simulation-based testing, and systems engineering principles preferred.
License/Certification/Registration Required:
Certification in Human Factors Engineering, Ergonomics, or a related discipline preferred.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Patient Contact:
None
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
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Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$105,300.00 - $135,900.00
