Human Factors Engineer

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 cancer research and patient care, committed to inclusive, diverse, and equitable environments.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…