DigiPen Institute of Technology Hiring for Graduate Research Assistant Job at Redmond, WA Full Time

Job title: Graduate Research Assistant – Surgery Simulator

Reports to: Mark Henne

Overview

This project is supervised by Mark Henne, John Hermanowski, and Evan Geller MD.

Graduate Research Assistants will work under the guidance of DigiPen faculty to produce a proof of concept for a laparoscopic abdominal surgery simulator in Unreal 5. The project is intended to have a photorealistic look, so that internal organs appear the way they would through a laparoscopic camera. Work will continue through Fall and Spring of the 2021-22 academic year, potentially continuing into the Summer semester of 2022.

First year goals are to create assets for an accurately modeled, shaded and lit Unreal 5 app. Camera navigation will be with static models. Basic dynamic interaction with the models is a stretch goal.

Hours per week may be variable subject to the needs of the project, ranging from part-time to full-time.

Positions are available in the following areas. Applicants may work in multiple areas.:

Technical Artist/Graphics Programmer

• Work in Unreal 5 to create a navigable environment simulating the movements of a laparoscopic camera
• Support other artists in developing realistic visuals and optimizing performance

Modeling/Texturing Artist

• Create accurate internal anatomy with appropriate polygonal detail
• Assign UV coordinates for texture mapping and procedural shading

Shading/Lighting Artist

• Design surface mapped and procedural shading models in Unreal 5
• Create interactive lighting to match the design concept

Production Manager

• Coordinate tasks of the team, targeting given milestones
• Work with faculty to create production schedules
• Organize materials for review sessions

All Graduate Research Assistants will be expected to work as a team:

• Implement feedback and offer solutions
• Attend meetings, communicate effectively, contribute to achieving milestones, etc.
• Learn new material whether introduced by faculty or in self-directed sessions

Qualifications/Competencies:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Digital Arts, Game Design, or related field
• Experience in team production of a 3D game or animated film, or assets for a similar project
• For Modeling: Solid background in Maya, Substance, and zBrush
• Experience working in Unreal

Working Conditions:

• Attend scheduled team meetings
• Flexible work schedule
• Option to work at DigiPen or from your offsite facility