Post-doctoral research fellow
The Center for Immersive Experiences at The Pennsylvania State University (immersive.psu.edu), in collaboration with other units at Penn State (such as ChoroPhronesis, chorophronesis.psu.edu, and Teaching and Learning with Technology), is hiring two Post-Doctoral Researchers focusing on areas such as immersive analytics, immersive learning, immersive decision-making, or serious games. The postdocs will be working in vibrant multidisciplinary teams that are addressing a range of topics that see transformative changes due to the paradigm shifting nature of immersive technologies.
Example topics may include empirically validating immersive technologies across the academic spectrum; designing Immersive technologies for environmental decision making; exploring scientific foundations of immersive technologies. The Postdocs will be coordinated through The Center for Immersive Experiences at Penn State (Director: Dr. Alexander Klippel) but will work across projects at The Pennsylvania State University. Ongoing projects include: The Science of Being There – Immersive Virtual Field Trips for Geospatial Sciences; Visualizing Forest Futures – VIFF; Visualization and Access to Informal Settlements through Immersive Experiences; Transforming Education through Immersive Technologies; Immersive Storytelling for General Education Across the Academic Spectrum; Digital Innovation through Immersive Technologies: Establishing New Paradigms for Environmental Decision Support. Postdocs can have a range of qualifications and can come from several different backgrounds such as computer science, engineering, GIScience, landscape architecture/architecture, education, or psychology.
Any subset of the list below is possible, but a strong focus is placed on technical skills as well as skill related to the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of immersive technologies. The ideal candidate must be adaptable, capable of thriving in a rapidly changing environment, where new approaches and technologies may change quickly. Qualifications include: 3D modeling and visualization skills (modeling for real time rendering a plus); programming skills (in particular C#); experience in the development of software for commercial or open source applications; code management system such as git; application development with game engines such as Unity3D and Unreal Engine; experience in learning assessment; experience in the design of experimental evaluations of (immersive) learning; communication skills for interacting with academics, instructional designers and others across the academic spectrum.
The initial appointment is intended for 12 months but excellent options for an annual renewal exist depending on performance. The start date is envisioned for the winter 19/20 and can be as early as December 1, 2019. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The positions are full-time, benefits-eligible academic professional on a 12-month service basis. Eligibility for benefits are contingent on your citizenship or work authorization.
The following documents are required for the application: Cover letter (no more than 2 pages), CV/Resume, link to a portfolio of projects/experiences (if applicable), up to three scientific publications, three academic references (letter writers). For questions about the positions please contact Dr. Klippel at klippel@psu.edu. Application materials should be uploaded through psu.jobs (psu.jobs/job/88810)
Fully funded PhD/Master positions focusing on immersive experiences and technologies
The Center for Immersive Experiences (https://immersive.psu.edu/) in collaboration with associated departments such as Geography (GIScience) at The Pennsylvania State University, invites aspiring young scientists to apply for several open PhD and Master positions in the area of immersive experiences and technologies. CIE is currently developing over 30 projects related to xR (augmented, mixed, and virtual reality) and we seek creative and technically skilled minds that are keen to complement our team.
In this dynamically evolving field of immersive technologies we are particularly interested in intrinsically motivated researchers who embrace and love technology, seek to understand how design choices affect experiences and performance, and appreciate working in a team to get inspired and be an inspiration for others. The PhD/masters positions will allow making contributions to a variety of projects and areas that see transformation through immersive experiences or focus on fundamental questions of how and why immersive experiences allow unprecedented insights and experiences, not possible before.
Technical skills to design immersive experiences or a solid basis that would allow for learning the necessary skills quickly are essential for the offered positions. Bachelor or masters training in information or computer science, geomatics, GIScience, education technology or other related fields is expected.
Applicants should have a good command of English both spoken and written. Applications from females and under-represented groups are particularly encouraged.
Students who successfully apply will be offered a 4-year funded position (stipend, tuition and benefits) for PhD students and a 2-year position for masters students with the option to convert it into a PhD, subject to yearly performance reviews.
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Alexander Klippel (klippel@psu.edu).
xR Developer
The Center for Immersive Experiences (CIE) at Penn State is seeking an experienced xR Developer to complement our growing and successful team (immersive.psu.edu/organization). Penn State's Center for Immersive Experiences is a university-wide supported unit that has the goal to deliver immersive experiences for research, education, and outreach to the Penn State community.