Specialist Technician - Civil, Maritime & Environmental Engineering

Recent successes in obtaining grant funding within the Transportation Research Group (TRG), part of the School of Engineering at the University of Southampton, have provided the opportunity to employ a specialist Virtual Reality Simulation Technician. This role will focus on the design, development and evaluation of virtual environments, supporting activities using both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) approaches in research and teaching across TRG.

You will work primarily on the EPSRC E-Drone project, working alongside researchers from TRG and Bournemouth University to develop VR and AR environments replicating the likely reality of drone corridors operating between the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton for medical logistics supply. The role will also involve designing, managing and evaluating trials using the VR and AR environments with members of the public and attending internal and external E-Drone project meetings, assisting with reporting to internal and external stakeholders on progress.

To be successful you will have substantial experience in developing computer simulated virtual environments (especially within the Unreal Engine framework), including developing 3D models, computer animation and virtual environment models (e.g. using Maya or Houdini). Excellent inter-personal skills are required, evidenced through experience of working in and managing multi-collaborative projects. Experience of supporting staff, students, external partners, and the public through outreach activities is also preferred. This post is part time 0.5 FTE for 27 months due to funding restrictions. The successful applicant must have skill level equivalent to achievement of HND, Degree, NVQ4 or basic professional qualification in engineering or other related discipline. Working pattern to be discussed with the successful applicant.

Equality, diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in the School of Engineering. We particularly encourage women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME), LGBT and disabled applicants to apply for this position. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science we were awarded an Athena SWAN bronze in 2013 and 2016. We give full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy* and onsite childcare facilities

The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities. This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this is through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.