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Recognised as a technical specialist in Immersive technology, this post will contribute to the development of creative and innovative solutions to enable effective teaching in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), immersive and interactive media. They will train staff, students or other technical colleagues in immersive technologies (AR/VR/MR) and digital media, contribute to the development and delivery of teaching activities, and provide specialist knowledge. The Technical Specialist will work within the Teaching Technologist Team to shape the way the Immersive Arts team supports students’ project-based learning and their experiences in developing immersive media, XR experiences and applications. The TS will also work in partnership with leading academics to encourage and enable innovative and exciting teaching practice to happen. Importantly, the TS will exercise initiative and pragmatism to help bring ambitious ideas to life. The Technical Specialist will support Immersive Arts students’ curricular projects by providing encouragement, technical advice, recommending and upskilling in specialist creative XR tools. This is a demanding and varied role, and day-to-day may include, but not be limited to: advising students with VR and AR and related hardware, 360 cameras, projectors; resource and project management queries; creating and delivering cutting-edge teaching resources; managing and maintaining specialist project spaces and equipment; working with academics, Professional and Technical Services team members to improve the student experience.
Job Responsibility:
Apply professional expertise in the design of stimulating learning solutions
Provide specialist guidance and support to students, staff or other technical staff in the utilisation of virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and motion capture environments, development tools, and related technologies, to enable excellent teaching and learning for all types of students
Use specialist experience to provide services, guidance, troubleshooting, support and training to students conducting creative immersive projects or research studies
Provide workshops and project support across a range of units and particular guidance will be needed as students develop blended or virtual performance and immersive pieces or need to submit sketches and show the process of design work
Proactively engage in academic and pastoral student support procedures, provide direct support and/or making referrals to the wider University support network as appropriate
Collaborate with Unit and Programme Directors in the design and delivery of teaching within labs or other teaching space(s)
Work with key stakeholders (e.g Unit and Programme Directors) to provide specialist solutions in the planning, design and delivery of practical teaching
Deliver teaching and develop physical and digital teaching resources
Respond independently using initiative and judgement to find solutions and take action
Maintain awareness of developments and changes in immersive technologies and media
Evaluate effectiveness of teaching practical outcomes, to inform future development, and monitor consistency between repeated sessions
Gather and provide relevant feedback to Unit and Programme Directors
Technical input into specialist purchases, liaising with relevant contacts and suppliers to ensure fit for purpose solutions and cost effectiveness
Operate, service, maintain, manage and calibrate specialist equipment
Onboard students and staff with equipment to ensure safe and effective use
Writing risk assessments and method statements/standard operating procedures (SOPs)for all activities undertaken in Immersive arts
Provide guidance and training to service users (staff and students), ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines and ensure H&S practice reflect current best practice
Train other service users in specialist processes and activities, and provide advice and guidance to all users of the space
Give task direction to others when necessary
Plan and prioritise own workload to best meet service demands
Plan resource requirements in advance to meet scheduled teaching activities, e.g. facilitating timetabling, ensuring availability of learning resources, planning and organising tasks in line with the workload of other team members
Consult, collaborate and influence by building and maintaining effective working relationships with key contacts (e.g. timetabling, Unit and Programme Directors, teaching staff)
Contribute specialist technical knowledge and experience to the design and delivery of existing and new teaching units and any changes to the teaching space, hardware or technologies
Monitor a delegated budget, where applicable
Use of expert knowledge to implement and review local rules, University Health & Safety policies and legislative requirements
set and uphold standards, e.g. safe working, good working practices, relevant legal frameworks
Inform, contribute to and influence policy and procedure where appropriate
Where appropriate induction and supervision of students or other technical staff, particularly around Health & Safety
Responsible for day-to-day management of specialist teaching resources and facilities
Requirements:
Current specialist knowledge and refined skills in immersive technologies, interactive and immersive media production
significant experience in tools for creating virtual reality and augmented reality, building virtual environments and interactions
Knowledge of using games engines (Unity or Unreal) to develop for Immersive projects
Knowledge of 360 video and 3D graphics for VR
3D Animation/ Modelling and design (Maya, Blender)
Thorough knowledge of digital/interactive media software (e.g. DaVinci Resolve, FCP, Premiere, Touch Designer, Stornoway), and AI tools for XR creation
Knowledge of analogue and digital sound and spatial audio for VR and Immersive projects
Knowledge of Motion Capture, 3D scanning and photogrammetry
Detailed, current knowledge, skills and experience of XR hardware, such as Meta Quest VR headsets, mobile handsets, including system setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance, platforms like SteamVR and Oculus SDK for managing VR hardware
expertise with specialist equipment like 360 cameras and ambisonic microphones
Knowledge of MacOS and Windows
Demonstrable experience of training and instruction in emerging creative technologies and techniques, including 3D animation/virtual production, interaction design and coding, spatial audio recording and design, 3D scanning/photogrammetry, motion tracking or volumetric capture, 360 video making/editing, haptic feedback accessories, wearable tech, development software, etc
Experience in the design, review and implementation of practical teaching with immersive technologies and emerging media
Experience of technical teaching/training/developing creative technology work in a relevant context, e.g. games design, technology-enabled performance or installation, immersive arts, digital filmmaking (especially 3D animation/virtual production), spatial sound design
Excellent IT skills, to include use of IT to enhance teaching and learning, and an ability to learn to effectively use new software or IT systems when required
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time and to be able to cope under pressure
Ability to work independently, and apply specialist knowledge to provide solutions
Consistently maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision in all areas of work
Innovative approach to integrating technical teaching and commitment to enhancing student experience
Vocational qualifications (NVQ level 4-5 or equivalent), or formal training/relevant degree, plus experience in a relevant technical teaching/training role
or significant relevant professional industry/development experience
Successful completion of appropriate teaching and learning training
Appropriate professional registration
Polite and courteous approach when dealing with others
Ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of contacts
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Ability to impart knowledge, convey complex technical information and test understanding
Excellent influencing and negotiation skills
Commitment to customer care and to providing a quality service
Take ownership for continuous improvement in own knowledge, practice and skills
Ability to use initiative in service delivery and teaching design