Virtual Reality Software Post-Doc

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution

South Dakota Mines

Working Title

Virtual Reality Software Post-Doc

Posting Number

NFE02281P

Department

SDSMT-Electrical Engineering & Computer Science I

Physical Location of Position (City)

Rapid City

Posting Text

South Dakota Mines is seeking a Post-Doc within the Virtual Reality Lab at South Dakota Mines. This is a full-time, benefited position. As a Post-Doc, you will be working directly with Dr. Rebenitsch in the development and running of virtual reality experiments, learn to develop your own experimental program, and gain mentored teaching experience. The focus of the position is software aids in virtual reality but has notable flexibility and autonomy in the approach. This position is funded by a grant, and therefore these software focused topics take priority, but following the main goals, there is scientific freedom to explore within the range provided by the lab. The lab is a nearly 500-foot space with multiple virtual reality headsets, a 2D treadmill, and several custom interaction components. Prior work in the lab includes interface design and education in virtual reality setting, along with the focus on cybersickness mitigation. The position is under the supervision of Dr. Rebenitsch with a focus on software solutions for cybersickness. As a more senior member of the laboratory, you will be expected to take on a leadership role while also benefiting from direct mentoring from your supervisor. There may be some course development and / or course lecturing with at most joint course per semester, but the quantity is negotiable.

A PhD in Computer Science or a related field is required with some visual side programming. 1-3 years' related experience, including that in an PhD position, is required. Specifically, experience in virtual reality, 3D graphics, and / or the user interface side of computing is required. Preference will be given to those with virtual reality development experience, some educational experience, and some statistical experience.

South Dakota Mines is a best-in-class STEM university that offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees located in Rapid City, the state's second largest city with a MSA population of over 158,000. With 226 days of sunshine, 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery of the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails and nearly 500 miles of hiking trails, there is a lot to see and do. People from around the world come here each year to see top attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens. There's something for everybody!

At Mines, our vision is to develop world-class leaders in science and engineering to benefit society through education, innovation, and engagement. Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on our campus. Mines is an affordable option with a great return on investment.

Known for our academic rigor, we maintain an average class size of 24 and our students benefit from immersive learning experiences including undergraduate research, co-ops / internships, and nationally competitive engineering teams. These experiences make graduates highly sought after by industry and attributes to high starting salaries and 98% placement rate in the field of study.

Research at Mines encompasses four main areas : energy and environment; materials and manufacturing; STEM education; and underground science and engineering. Entrepreneurship is highly valued and programming assists students and faculty to engage in entrepreneurial activities and transition scientific and technological innovations into viable products and business startups.

South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Individuals interested in this position must apply online at Careers at Mines (sdsmt.edu) . Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203. Review of applications will begin April 04, 2024. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name, mailing and email address for each reference).

Posting Date

03 / 06 / 2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

First Consideration Date

04 / 04 / 2024

Advertised Salary

50,800 - $66,000 dependent on education and experience

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Faculty Status

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

No Requirement

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota Mines does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment or the provision of service.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.

Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing / Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

Other

If other protection is used please identify

Nitrile Gloves if clean up is necessary

Disposable face guards on VR headsets

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position

Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Crouching, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Pushing / Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected

Most work is standard keyboard which includes fine finger, repetitive motion, and sitting activities. This is the virtual reality, so manipulation of controllers is needed which includes reaching, use of both hands, use of independent hands, and wrist movement. But, connecting wires and setting up virtual reality equipment can include crouching, lifting above\below the waist, pushing and pulling the computer, but it is all under around 25 pounds, and most is under 5 pounds. Several virtual reality options also require short walking, but is low enough that a wheelchair would be sufficient.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.

Color Vision, Depth Perception, Hearing, Near Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.

Exposure or Potential Exposure to Blood / Body Fluids, Vibrations, Walking / Standing on wood, metal or concrete, Working Around Machinery

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Cybersickness research has a low incidence of emetic responses (in 10 years, I've never had it happen). Virtual reality often uses light vibration in controllers. The lab has a concrete floor. There is 2D treadmill in the lab that needs to be walked around.

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.

Classroom Environment, Lab Environment, Office Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below)

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

The research questions require a very low VOC environment. Therefore, the lab has a fragrance free policy.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

Public Job Posting

Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Optional Documents

Salary : $50,800 - $66,000