Research Assistant with a Bachelor's degree (f/m/d) - Support in Virtual Reality

At the Department of Engineering Hydrology (LFI) at RWTH Aachen University, we have been developing VR software for use in university teaching since 2020. Our interdisciplinary team of developers has extensive knowledge in the fields of 3D design, game development and software development. Our avatar-based platform is already an integral part of RWTH's internationalization strategy and is used in teaching.
In addition, the LFI is dedicated to the development of modern methods for rainfall-runoff modeling. Our staff are experts in this field and work on quantitative deterministic water balance models and flood forecasting tools with Kalman filtering.
Current research topics in the department continue to focus on the use of VR to improve university teaching. We want to increase the use of A.I. to create user-centered content. We are also working on a web-based version of our VR software to enable low-threshold access to VR for a wide range of users. We are also testing the use of A.I. in teaching outside of VR in order to drive progress in the digitalization of university teaching. This is a central focus of the department - both now and in the future. 

- Bachelor degree in Informatics (or similar) and enrollment in a consecutive program
- Good programming skills in object-oriented programming with C#
- Good knowledge of the Unity 3D engine
- Good knowledge of working with Git
- Teamwork and communication
- Independence and initiative
- Interest in virtual reality and new technologies
- Good knowledge of English 

Optional

- Understanding of 3D design and Blender

- Support in the implementation of a web-based VR learning platform in the Unity 3D engine
- Support in conducting studies to test the VR platform created

Optional

- Creation of 3D assets for the use in Unity

The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of initially 1 year.
A longer term commitment is sought to handle ongoing projects.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 13 hours.
The salary is based on the RWTH Guidelines for Student and Graduate Assistants.
The position corresponds to a pay grade of 16,80 € per hour.

RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university. As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports. Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual.
In keeping with RWTH’s commitment  to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application.
Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Contact regarding the application