Vacancy: Immersive Technologies Design Researcher in Residence

Apply now to join the Entrepreneurial Futures research team

Unlock your potential in a dynamic research environment

Are you passionate about immersive technologies and creative problem-solving? Do you want to make a real impact in fields like heritage, community planning, and the arts? We are seeking innovative individuals to join our team as Design Researchers in Residence on the Entrepreneurial Futures Project. These part-time, temporary roles will allow you to lead the development of exciting new prototypes and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.

Key details

  • Role: Research Assistant (Design Researcher in Residence)
  • Contractual Hours: 22.5 hours per week, for up to 12 weeks
  • Pay: £16.92/hour (Grade 5)
  • Start Date: Flexible
  • Location: University of Plymouth with regular travel within Devon and Cornwall, and remote work flexibility

Role summary

As a Design Researcher in Residence (DRiR), you will be responsible for the technical development of a minimum viable product or prototype immersive experience, with guidance and support from an academic expert and project team.
We are recruiting a number of DRiR who will each work closely with a regional business or organisation, as a solo developer/fabricator, responding to a brief to explore and experiment with immersive technologies, such as: 
  • Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences
  • Interactive museum exhibits
  • Photogrammetry and lidar scanning
  • Spatial audio
  • Digital fabrication
  • Fulldome content and immersive theatre
We are currently seeking a DRiR for the following brief:
Project name: Landscape Futures
The Landscape Futures project is focused on the development of an augmented reality application that can enable residents of a particular community in Cornwall to visualise potential transformations to their local environment.
We are seeking a DRiR to work alongside Creative Kernow and Dr Jamie Harper to develop an MVP prototype AR application which will offer a tangible insight into how specific locations might productively change by overlaying developments in housing, infrastructure and the wider environment on to the existing landscape.
The goal is to create an application that can serve as a tool for place-making initiatives that encourage members of the public to actively consider the developments that they would like to see in their home communities.
Application deadline: Friday 1 November 2024.

What you will do
You will work independently as the lead developer/fabricator for a prototype project. This includes:
  • Design and development: Creating a client-facing research prototype, leading the end-to-end development process from concept to delivery.
  • Collaboration: Working with clients and stakeholders in Cornwall, integrating their needs into the project, and utilising the expertise of academic and technical teams.
  • Problem-solving: Applying creative and technical solutions to address design and development challenges, refining prototypes through iteration and testing.
  • Optimisation: Ensuring that digital or physical prototypes meet high standards, are scalable, and perform optimally across platforms or production environments.
  • Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of your work and assisting in documenting research outcomes for future reference.
  • Professionalism: Adhering to University policies on safety, research ethics, and equality, and ensuring compliance with financial and regulatory standards.

Who we are looking for
We welcome applications from all candidates with:
  • A portfolio of previous interactive, digital, 3D design, and/or immersive projects.
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to new technologies.
  • A passion for immersive technologies and a specific interest in one or more areas such as heritage, arts, technology, or science.
Desirable skills:
  • AR development: Experience with AR platforms (Unity, Unreal Engine, ARKit, ARCore).
  • 3D visualisation/fabrication: Skills in 3D modeling, photogrammetry, lidar scanning, and digital fabrication.
  • Spatial audio: Experience in audio engineering, spatial audio design, and acoustic simulation.
  • 360-degree/immersive content: Familiarity with 360-degree video production, fulldome software, and projection mapping.
The Entrepreneurial Futures Immersive Technologies team is committed to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion. Our mission is to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated and all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute and thrive.  
We believe that a diverse range of perspectives strengthens our research and leads to more innovative, impactful solutions. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a project space that is inclusive, supportive, and free from discrimination.

What we offer
  • Competitive contract rate.
  • Supportive and flexible working environment.
  • Access to technical resources, including DFIML laboratories.
  • Opportunity for those considering a research career and looking to build their expertise, grow their networks and showcase their skills in a client-facing, applied research environment.

How to apply

We are committed to making the application process as inclusive as possible. If you need any adjustments or accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
For an initial discussion around the opportunities available, contact Emily Barrett, KE Specialist emily.barrett@plymouth.ac.uk  
To be considered for a DRiR role, submit the following to emily.barrett@plymouth.ac.uk  
  • A cover letter outlining your interest and experience
  • Your resume/CV
  • Portfolio of relevant work
Please use the subject 'Design Researcher in Residence role' for all emails related to this role. 
Application deadline: 
  • Landscape Futures project: Friday 1 November 2024. 
  • We are recruiting on a rolling basis for other projects and vacancies will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified. Early applications are encouraged due to the fixed-term nature of the Entrepreneurial Futures project, which runs until March 2025. This opportunity will remain open until all positions are filled.

Entrepreneurial Futures

Entrepreneurial Futures is a major new initiative that will benefit businesses and communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly through a £5.6 million investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The project aims to inspire innovation and drive economic growth by connecting businesses with the region’s further and higher education institutions through research and development-led activities.
Isles of scilly