Manager II (Virtual Reality Laboratory) (P7) (Library & Information Centre: Tech

Manager II (Virtual Reality Laboratory) (P7) (Library & Information Centre: Technical Services)

Advert reference: uj_001731

Advert status: Online

Apply by: 1 November 2024

Position Summary

Job category: Education and Training

Campus: Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: EE

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for societal impact in the context of the changing social, political, and economic fortunes of Africa.”

The Manager II: Virtual Reality Laboratory will be responsible for providing support and guidance in the use of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and motion capture environments, development tools, and related technologies in support of curricular and research needs.

Responsibilities:

Simulation Development

• Create, maintain, and enhance VR and AR simulations.
• Collaborate with faculties to explore and advocate for VR and AR solutions in diverse disciplines.
• Innovate and develop VR and AR systems for research and teaching purposes on both the APB and SWC campus libraries.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals within defined constraints.
• Manage projects, ensuring they meet deadlines and stay within budget.

Project and Laboratory Management

• Spearhead VR, AR, and MR projects, serving as the library go-to expert.
• Ensure the lab environment and equipment are well-maintained and operational.
• Collaborate with other technology experts within the university to troubleshoot and assess new equipment.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations and upgrades of the VR Lab.
• Make the lab accessible, schedule equipment usage, and provide technical support.
• Conduct engaging lab tours for students, visitors, and industry professionals.
• Ensure the lab environment and equipment are well-maintained and operational.
• Collaborate with other technology experts within the university to troubleshoot and assess new equipment.
• Be responsible for the procurement of hardware and software required as well as income-generating activities.
• Contribute to preparing the annual budget as aligned with the Library’s strategy.
• Plan, compile, manage, and execute the annual budget within area of responsibility.

Human Resources Management

• Supervise and manage staff working in the lab, including student assistants.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams made up of academics, librarians, and postgraduate students working on developing virtual environments.
• Foster collaboration with similar initiatives across the university and beyond.
• Organize workshops, demonstrations, and promotional events showcasing our XR capabilities.
• Represent the XR Lab at technology conferences, presenting our innovative work and staying abreast of industry advancements.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (NQF 7) with two (2) to three (3) years' job-related experience.
• Proficiency in C#, and Unity development.
• Understanding of the application of VR in diverse academic disciplines.
• Knowledge of the latest XR devices and technologies.
• Knowledgeable about 3D mapping using 360 cameras or platforms like Zillow, Matterport, and EyeSpy360.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing, and/or using visual media.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts to a diverse audience in an inclusive and accessible way.
• Advanced computer literacy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Adept at working in a fast-paced environment and in early stages of product development.

Recommendations:

• Previous experience as VR Lab Manager at a Higher Education Institution.
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field, such as Interaction Design, Games Design, 3D Computer Animation, Creative Computing, Software Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Knowledge of AR & VR product development.
• Knowledge of AV hardware, interconnects, technologies, and standards, such as digital projection, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and video over IP.
• Understanding of VR-related concepts such as positional tracking, frame rate, spatial audio, motion sickness, and mixed or merged reality.
• Knowledge of VR and AR deployment environments, such as Unity, Google Daydream, Android Studio, or Xcode.
• Understanding of digital arts software, such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro.

Enquiries:

Enquiries regarding the job content: Mr Frederick Mavhunduse on Tel: (011) 559 1058

Enquiries regarding remuneration & benefits: Mrs Presheka Naidoo (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 3912

Your application, comprising a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to, and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative output.

Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.

For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO.