Manager II (Virtual Reality Laboratory) (P7) (Library & Information Centre: APB Campus Library)
Position Summary
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”.
Job description
- 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
Procurement & Financial Management
- Being responsible for the procurement of hardware and software required as well as income generating activities.
- Contribute to preparing 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: These are not set teams, but different teams made up of academics, librarians and post graduate students that will be working on developing virtual environments.
Outreach
- 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
- 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.
- Proven collaboration skills.
- Good time management skills
- Previous experience as VR Lab Manager at a Higher Education Institution.
- Postgraduate degree in 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, 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
Your application, comprising of 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.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
