Description
The Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a XR Research Assistant. This Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 3 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the XR Research Assistant will support research on the MITACS project - Evaluating the Transferability of Non-technical Professional Development Skill Acquisition through Extended Reality-based Healthcare Simulations, which includes software design, implementation, and data collection.
The XR Research Assistant is engaged to perform work on a flexible and irregular schedule with the expectation to work sometimes outside of regular hours to support a startup.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Research:
- Conducts XR research under the direction of supervisor.
- Methods and procedures are designed and modified and results are communicated in a concise form.
Communications/Relationships:
- Ensures that work assigned is completed within acceptable time frames and as required to professional research standards, meeting all University standards and processes.
- Respectfully interacts with co-workers, members of the University community, members of the public (e.g. stakeholders) and outside agencies/organizations.
- Manages own time effectively to accomplish tasks.
- Appropriate and safe use of University equipment.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- MSc in Computer Science preferred.
- Experience with Unity.
- Knowledge of VR for Thoracentesis.
- Experience with user studies.
- Strong communication skills (oral + written).
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Familiar with University culture and environments within research-intensive Canadian institutions, including reporting protocols for major granting agencies (i.e., MITACS).
- Flexibility, adaptability, and familiarity working in a team environment are essential to the program.
- Previous experience working in a university/academic research environment will be valued. The candidate should have an intellectual interest in our research activities and in ongoing learning.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, initiative, and the ability to work independently.
- Possess technical knowledge in the highly specialized field of XR development.
- Has experience with Unity, Unreal.
- Has knowledge of XR tools and applications for healthcare, specifically XR training for Thoracentesis.
- Has experience data collection and user studies.
- Work in an inter-disciplinary team, and receiving guidance from multiple supervisors.
- Work independently day-to-day, with guidance from supervisor(s) who identify major deliverables and directions.
Application Deadline: July 29, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the General Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
