Healthcare Work Systems Engineer/Human Factors Specialist

Scope of Position

The Healthcare Work Systems Engineer/Human Factors Specialist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC James) plays a key role in advancing the organizations mission to deliver exceptional cancer care through the application of human-centered design, systems thinking, and human factors engineering.

As part of one of the nations premier cancer programsrecognized as an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1976 and consistently ranked among the top cancer hospitals by U.S. News amp; World Reportthis position contributes to innovations that enhance patient safety, improve quality of care, and streamline healthcare delivery.

This specialist will support efforts across the 356-bed, 21-floor James Cancer Hospital by analyzing and optimizing complex healthcare systems. Responsibilities include designing and refining workflows, aligning organizational resources with strategic goals, and supporting multidisciplinary teams in identifying system-level improvements. The role demands a blend of expertise in systems engineering, human factors, and organizational research, and is pivotal in redefining how care teams collaborate to deliver coordinated, high-quality cancer care.

Position Summary

The Healthcare Work Systems Engineer/Human Factors Specialist will play a vital role in advancing patient safety, enhancing care quality, and optimizing hospital workflows by applying human-centered design and systems thinking principles. This role designs and helps to manage the overall structure of complex systems within the healthcare organization. The Healthcare Work Systems Engineer/Human Factors Specialist role is qualified to add value at every level of the organization, driving the alignment of goals and strategies with resources and infrastructure in patient care delivery settings. Part systems engineer, part healthcare human factors specialist, part organizational researcher, this role will work with multidisciplinary teams to reveal and redefine how critical roles, departments, and divisions interact and cooperate to synchronize workflows across the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in Human Factors, Industrial Engineering, Ergonomics, Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience applying human factors methods in healthcare, patient safety, or quality improvement required. Experience in a hospital/healthcare system preferred.
• Strong understanding of RCA, FMEA, and safety event analysis tools.
• Strong data literacy.
• Familiarity with hospital accreditation requirements, safety regulations, and clinical workflows.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software use.
• Certification in human factors (e.g., CHFP, CPE) or quality improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Knowledge of EHR systems and clinical software usability.

Career Roadmap:

Function: Environmental Health and Safety

SubFunction: Hospital Safety - Environment of Care

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S4