Developer (Research Assistant) in Immersive Technologies and Interactive Environments

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University is an innovative, impactful and inclusive University with an established track record of success in teaching and research, student satisfaction and graduate employability, set amidst one of the most prosperous and beautiful areas of the country.

An exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant (Developer) to work in the Robert Gordon University Digital Innovation Lab, a joint project between the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology, the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment and the RGU Business and Economic Development team at Research, Innovation and Enterprise. The primary purpose of this post is to assist with ongoing projects in the Digital Innovation Lab with a particular focus on assisting the development of massive scale interactive digital twins.

The RGU Digital Innovation Lab, created with Just Transition Funding, is investigating the role of massive scale interactive digital twins in supporting decision making around a range of topics including energy use, flood protection and urban development.

In addition to knowledge of developing with immersive technologies (VR, AR and Mixed Reality) and interactive environments (Games Development), this role will require knowledge and experience in full-stack software development, project management, and team-working skills. Experience in game engine development (Unity/Unreal), 3D modelling, photogrammetry and point cloud processing would also be beneficial. We are looking for a highly motivated, ambitious, and hard-working individual.

You will be predominately based at the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Travel may be required from time to time to visit industrial or academic collaborators or to disseminate research.

Initially for 12 months, this post may be extended depending on the availability of further funding and the successful completion of deliverables. There is also a possibility for the successful candidate to enrol on a Part-Time MRes or PhD.

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check. For more information visit: https://www.mygov.scot/basic-disclosure/

You will benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.

We are committed to attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas, and can reach their full potential. For more information, please visit Our Diverse Workforce pages.

As per the UKVI immigration rules, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.  Sponsorship under this route is dependent on factors specific to the applicant and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Digital Innovation Lab Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No supervisory responsibility

PURPOSE OF POST: Development of the Digital Innovation Lab Projects

PRINCIPAL DUTIES: 

• Work on projects within the Digital Innovation Lab
• Manage project activities to meet requirements and timely delivery of project outputs.
• To disseminate research activity papers/preparation of presentations describing the outcomes of the work.
• To collaborate closely with academic, research and development staff within the Digital Innovation Lab, the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology and Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Digital Innovation Lab Manager or the Dean of School of Computing, Engineering and Technology.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Degree in Computing or related discipline

Knowledge and skills

Knowledge of and skills working with immersive technologies such as VR/AR and mixed reality.

Knowledge of and skills working with interactive environments and or games.

Data processing, mining and collection.

Excellent programming/ software development skills

Ability to think independently and to proactively find solutions to computational problems.

Able to work independently and manage your own time, as well as be able to work within a team.

Interested in novel academic research, and able to think outside the box.

Design, development, and deployment of software solutions to real-world problems.

Experience

Experience in deploying applications environment to appropriate platforms for presentation and display.

Experience in Project Management.

 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge and skills

Knowledge of working with 3D data capture and processing of data sourced through 3D data capture techniques, eg point clouds, photogrammetry.

3D Visualisation, Data presentation and/ or interactive visualization.

Development of large-scale simulations.

Implementation of AI in real world problems and simulations.

Experience

Experience appropriate to demonstrate the skills outlined above.

Working with gaming platforms like Unity or Unreal, 3D modelling, photogrammetry and point cloud processing.

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey both straightforward information, and information requiring careful explanation, in a clear and accurate manner

Behaviour 2: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others

Behaviour 3: Service Delivery - Experience of giving customers a positive and satisfactory service, by providing accurate and up to date knowledge of services available in own and related areas of work

Behaviour 4: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner and working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships

Behaviour 5: Planning and Organising Resources - Experience of planning, prioritising and organising your own work or resources to achieve agreed objectives 

Behaviour 6: Analysis and Research - Experience of identifying and using a range of sources to produces reports that combine different types of data