SCIENTISTS – ARTISTS – PHILOSOPHERS – ENGINEERS
WE ARE NOW HIRING motivated people FROM a range of backgrounds (Scientists, Artists, EngineerS… Academic, non-academic) who are excited to explore new disciplinary frontiers...
We are looking for talented developers, artists, scientists, and researchers to join our laboratory and work at the forefront of nanoscience, digital art, virtual reality, human-computer interaction, and neuroscience. You will participate in state-of-the-art research projects that defy disciplinary classification. Come join us in our quest to explore the intangible realities whose forces shape our experience of the world!
The IRL is a research lab based in Santiago de Compostela at the CiTIUS | Centre for Intelligent Technologies Research, exploring the intersections of science, art, and technology. Our mission is to create immersive experiences that push the boundaries of what is possible and challenge our understanding of the world around us. Through virtual reality, real-time scientific simulations, and other state-of-the-art technologies, we seek to transform the way we understand and interact with the world and with each other.
The IRL is supported by NANOVR, a 5-year grant from the European Research Commission (ERC) under the European Union’s 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement 866559).
How to apply
Applications are open on a monthly rolling basis until filled. The application window is open for approximately two weeks each month.
For information on how to apply for a specific job, email IRL administrator Sila Sobrado your CV and supporting documents, stating the job title in the subject line.
The most up-to-date list of the various positions which are currently available is below, and also on the CiTIUS website
1. Unity3d VR Developer
Duration: Position runs for 2 years, with the possibility to extend
We are seeking a skilled VR Developer to join the IRL in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and implementing engaging VR-enabled immersive environments for visualizing and interacting with real-time molecular simulations using Unity3D and modern software development tools (e.g., see https://tinyurl.com/5esum5jb; https://tinyurl.com/2yhfve2m; https://tinyurl.com/yc38ndk6). The ideal candidate will have previous experience developing interactive VR environments and enthusiasm to work collaboratively with a team of interdisciplinary scientists, artists, and developers.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain immersive VR environments for visualizing the dynamics of interactive real-time molecular simulations.
Work with our interdisciplinary team to design and implement new features and functionalities in Unity3D.
Optimize VR-enabled immersive environments to ensure high performance, engaging user experience, and compatibility with the latest hardware and software APIs.
Conduct research on emerging VR technologies and integrate them into our workflows.
Regular presentations to IRL members to share ideas, outline progress, and solve problems.
Base Salary: €36k/year.
Additional Salary: Depending on qualifications, skills, experience, and track record, it may be possible to offer a complement, up to a max value of €10k/year.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
Proven experience developing interactive VR applications using Unity3D.
Proficiency in C# and experience with modern software development tools such as Visual Studio, Git, and GitHub.
Strong understanding of 3D graphics and physics concepts.
Experience with VR hardware such as Oculus, HTC Vive, and Valve Index.
Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time.
Ability to devise, review, and deliver complex procedures, and work independently towards pre-defined goals, maintaining accuracy and precision in all areas of work.
Proficient English.
Desired Skills:
Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related field.
Familiarity with scientific visualization and data analysis.
Experience developing graphics shaders.
Familiarity with 3d modelling tools like Blender.
Experience with cloud computing and data interchange formats like ProtoBuf.
Knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Experience designing user interfaces which are accessible to those without prior technical knowledge. (e.g., using Unity3D, C#, Node, NPM, Javascript, Typescript, HTML, CSS).
Familiarity with game audio programming.
Familiarity with the Rust programming language.
2. Creative Technologist
Duration: Position runs for 2 years, with the possibility to extend
We are seeking a motivated creative technologist to join the IRL in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In this role, you will work closely with our interdisciplinary team to support a wide range of projects at the frontiers of nanoscience, digital art, virtual reality, human-computer interaction, and neuroscience. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and a passion for creative exploration, with previous experience developing immersive environments using frameworks such as Unity3d, openFrameworks, Processing, Blender, Python, Arduino, and others.
Key Responsibilities:
Work closely with our team of scientists, artists, and developers to develop and implement cutting-edge VR applications, interactive installations, and other immersive environments.
Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that push the boundaries of what is possible at the intersection of science, art, and technology.
Research and implement emerging technologies and tools that enhance our creative workflow.
Support and train members of the team in technical and creative areas.
Regular presentations to IRL members to share ideas, outline progress, and solve problems.
Base Salary: €36k/year.
Additional Salary: Depending on qualifications, skills, experience, and track record, it may be possible to offer a complement, up to a max value of €10k/year.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Digital Media, Interaction Design, or similar).
Proven experience developing immersive environments using at least some of the following frameworks: Unity3d, Unreal Engine, openFrameworks, Processing, Blender, Python, Arduino, etc., along with experience using modern software tools like GitHub and relevant IDEs.
A creative portfolio of compelling aesthetic work demonstrating your passion for this area.
Ability to learn new technical and software frameworks to carry out creative projects.
A strong aesthetic sensibility and passion for exploring new creative ideas.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time, excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team.
Interest in exploring the creative frontiers of science, art, and technology, and ability to work independently towards pre-defined goals.
Ability to devise, review and deliver complex procedures, maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision in all areas of work.
Proficient English Speaker.
Desired Skills:
Master's degree or PhD in related field (e.g., Computer Science, Digital Media, Interaction Design, or similar).
Familiarity with 3D scanning/photogrammetry software such as Agisoft Metashape or RealityCapture.
Knowledge of audio and music production software such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro.
Experience with hardware prototyping using sensors, microcontrollers, and other electronic components, using microcontrollers such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi.
Knowledge of video editing and post-production software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Familiarity with augmented reality development frameworks such as ARKit or ARCore.
Experience with graphics frameworks like OpenGL and computer vision libraries like OpenCV.
Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
Experience with audio processing and interactive sonification using tools like MaxForLive or OSC.
Familiarity with machine learning techniques and knowledge of web development frameworks.
Familiarity with 3D modeling and animation software such as Maya or Cinema 4D.
3. Back-end Molecular Modelling Software Engineer
Duration: Position runs for 2 years, with the possibility to extend
We are seeking a back-end Scientific Software Engineer to join the IRL in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining high-performance cloud computing systems and molecular simulation software, as well as mentoring and training junior members of the team. The ideal candidate will have expertise in parallel programming strategies for multi-threaded CPU and GPU applications, as well as a strong working knowledge of tools such as Docker, gRPC, continuous integration, and version control.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, develop, and maintain high-performance cloud computing systems for molecular simulations and other scientific applications.
Develop and maintain molecular simulation software, and optimize it for high-performance computing architectures.
Develop protocols for efficient data storage and management.
Mentor and train junior members of the team in best software development practices.
Collaborate with our interdisciplinary team of scientists, artists, and developers to integrate back-end systems with front-end applications such as VR clients.
Stay up to date with the latest cloud computing and molecular simulation technologies, and integrate them into our workflows.
Presentations at conferences and/or publications in respected journals or equivalent in the field.
Base Salary: €36k/year.
Additional Salary: Depending on qualifications, skills, experience, and track record, it may be possible to offer a complement, up to a max value of €10k/year.
Requirements:
PhD in Computer Science, Computational Chemistry, or related field, with a proven record of experience in one or more of the following:
theoretical & computational approaches to simulating molecular dynamics
quantum chemistry
machine learning
computational science
high performance computing methodology
Expertise in parallel programming strategies for multi-threaded CPU and GPU applications.
Experience with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure, and cloud deployment procedures such as Docker & Terraform.
Strong programming skills in Rust, C++, Python, or other scientific computing languages.
Previous experience of independent research (or transferable skills gained from professional or clinical experience combined with some experience or an awareness of the research environment)
High-level analytical skills.
High level of proficiency in using integrated development environments, and also source management tools like Github.
Experience in managing agile development workflows, software lifecycles, and ability to lead technical teams.
Ability to work independently towards pre-defined goals, in order to devise, review and deliver complex projects.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team.
Proficient English Speaker.
Desired Skills:
Familiarity with scientific visualization and data analysis.
Proficiency with molecular dynamics visualization tools like VMD, pyMol, etc.
Experience in designing and maintaining virtual reality-enabled simulation codes.
Database management systems such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.
Familiarity with the Rust programming language.
4. Data Scientist / Machine Learning Researcher
Duration: Position runs for two years, with the possibility to extend
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Data Scientist/Machine Learning expert to join the IRL in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In this role, you will develop algorithms and approaches that enable human users in virtual reality to train AIs to carry out 3D molecular manipulation tasks in virtual reality (e.g., see https://tinyurl.com/5esum5jb; https://tinyurl.com/2yhfve2m; https://tinyurl.com/yc38ndk6). The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field, with expertise in reinforcement learning and other machine learning approaches, as well as familiarity with 3D modeling approaches.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement machine learning algorithms and approaches that enable human users to train AIs to carry out 3D molecular manipulation tasks in virtual reality.
Collaborate with our interdisciplinary team of scientists, artists, and developers to integrate machine learning approaches into our workflows.
Stay up to date with the latest machine learning techniques and tools, and integrate them into our research and development.
Work closely with our VR developers and 3D modelers to ensure seamless integration of machine learning approaches into our VR-enabled immersive environments.
Regular presentations to IRL members to share ideas, outline progress, and solve problems.
Presentations at conferences and/or publications in respected journals or equivalent in the field.
Base Salary: €33k/year.
Additional Salary: Depending on qualifications, skills, experience, and track record, it may be possible to offer a complement, up to a max value of €13k/year.
Requirements:
PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent experience.
Proven experience developing machine learning algorithms and approaches, with expertise in reinforcement learning and related approaches/software packages/statistical methods.
Strong programming skills in Python, and familiarity with software development tools such as Git, relevant IDEs, and continuous integration.
Familiar with machine learning libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenAI Gym, RLlib), and cloud computing platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure).
Strong mathematical skills and experience with data analysis tools such as NumPy, Pandas, or R.
Ability to work independently towards pre-defined goals: to devise, review and deliver complex projects.
Knowledge and Experience of Good Software Practice & Maintenance of Open-Source Codes.
Experience in developing robust algorithms for analysing massive data sets.
Proficient English Speaker.
Desired Skills:
Familiarity with scientific visualization and data analysis.
Knowledge of web development frameworks such as Flask or Django.
Experience with game engines such as Unity3D or Unreal Engine.
Interest in exploring the frontiers of science, art, and technology.
Database management systems such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.
CUDA and related GPU programming tools.
Familiarity with 3D modeling approaches.