This position has been filled.
The MIT.nano Immersion Lab connects the physical world to the digital and virtual world— it is an environment for visualizing data, prototyping advanced tools for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and developing new software and hardware concepts and tools for immersive experiences. The Immersion Lab is a platform to connect scientists, engineers, artists, musicians, and performers through creative projects that bridge disciplines.
The Immersion Lab's mission is to propel research and education at MIT by:
- Accelerating the human capacity to harness and understand large, complex, and dynamic datasets—from visualization to human interaction and interpretation to machine interactions and interpretation—for science, engineering, art, entertainment, and education.
- Providing the campus with an array of cutting-edge technologies to facilitate immersive experiences;
- Broadening interdisciplinary interest in immersive technologies at MIT and promoting collaborations in art, science, and technology;
- Supporting digital and virtual teaching and mentoring MIT community members seeking to realize their projects through use of Immersion Lab tools;
- Bridging the domains of hardware and software—and encouraging cycles in which advances in one domain spark innovation in the other;
- Fueling experimentation and research in enhanced reality and gaming technologies through seed grants, shared equipment, symposia, and other resources.
The lab is an open, central, research and education facility. MIT faculty, staff, students, those from other universities, MIT.nano consortium members, and external users may access the lab and apply the tools to pursue their interests.
Immersion Lab Associate (Position Title)
We are seeking a determined and diligent individual to support the mission of the Immersion Lab. The Immersion Lab Associate has two main responsibilities: support the users of the Immersion Lab and assist in identifying, installing, and supporting the hardware and software technology of the Immersion Lab.
This team member will be responsible for implementing projects in the Immersion Lab through the thoughtful deployment of hardware and software. The duties will touch on all aspects of the Immersion Lab to grow the capabilities and user base.
This position reports to the Manager of the Immersion Lab.
Duties
- Guide the users in the best way to accomplish their projects by communicating with users and collaborators to understand research and teaching objectives and help to implement solutions to meet those objectives.
- Assist in deployment of user-initiated ideas by applying the technical capabilities of the space and choosing the best technical option for a suggested research concept.
- Develop content for the Immersion Lab as demonstrations of the tools and latest technology
- Train users to use specific tools safely and effectively to gather high quality data
- Supervise users who are learning to use tools with increasing independence
- Assist in the use and provide the training required to use systems for data visualization & interaction, including AR/VR, photogrammetry, motion capture and computing.
- Help to continually update and improve the tools in the lab in response to new technology and new user needs and options and review and assess the latest technology in order to effectively advise and assist users.
- Support new development of hardware and software; develop new content. Develop and deploy gaming technologies, including AR/VR, computing, motion capture, photogrammetry, and digital content in support of research and teaching at MIT.
- Create documentation and teaching modules on the proper use of lab hardware and software systems through written, video, virtual, and/or in-person training.
- Operate and troubleshoot AR/ VR systems (and other immersive technologies) including Steam, Unity, Unreal, Oculus, Vive, and Optitrack Motive.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot hardware, software and systems in the lab, including AR/VR head mounted displays, controllers, computers, sensors, and motion capture.
- Operate, maintain, grow, and troubleshoot computer network and data storage systems in the lab.
- Assist with lab demos and tours.
- Maintain a safe laboratory environment. Understand, and enforce all safety and humans subject research requirements for usage of lab tools.
Qualifications
- Experience in AR/VR, motion capture, and other gaming technologies as applied to data visualization, teaching, and research.
- Experience with motion capture for biomechanics, robotics, or other applications. Understanding of best practices for
- Strong communication skills and the ability to create documentation in a variety of media, including written, spoken, video, and digital media. In particular, the ability to communicate technical information to collaborators from other disciplines.
- Ability to work in cross-functional teams and collaborate with others from different disciplines
- Experience working with digital platforms and 3D software, including Unity, Vive, Steam, Oculus, Steam, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite, UnReal, Maya, and other related tools.
- Familiarity with computer and server configurations, GPU use, configuring computer networks and data storage infrastructure.
- Ability to think creatively, be resourceful, and work towards a solution through a complex problem.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
- Minimum 5 years experience supporting hybrid Window and Macintosh environments required.
- Advanced knowledge of IT standards/policies required.
Additional preferred, not required, qualifications:
- Experience working with photogrammetry, special effects, animation.
- Experience interacting with, manipulating, and making sense of large, multidimensional data sets.
- Experience with haptic devices, spatial sound fields, driving simulators, and other leading-edge immersive technologies.
- Knowledge of human subject research or clinical research.
MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. MIT considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.