XR Designer - Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning
University of Illinois

XR Designer - Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Center for Innovation for Teaching and Learning (CITL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of education through the integration of cutting-edge technologies. We strive to revolutionize the learning experience by harnessing the power of Extended Reality (XR) technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Our team is passionate about exploring new ways to engage learners and empower educators through immersive experiences. Our primary objective is to make a meaningful difference in the landscape of education, championing unity, accessibility, and unparalleled educational quality. At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to advancing inclusivity and diversity across every facet of our work.
We are seeking a talented XR Designer to join our Innovation team. As an XR designer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing immersive educational experiences using XR technologies. You will collaborate closely with instructional designers, educators, programmers, and other stakeholders to create impactful learning solutions that enhance student engagement and comprehension.

Duties & Responsibilities -

Design of immersive learning experiences -

• Design and develop immersive XR experiences, including virtual simulations, interactive 3D environments, and augmented reality applications.
• Collaborate with instructional designers and subject matter experts to translate educational content into engaging XR experiences.
• Utilize Unity3D, Unreal Engine, and other relevant development tools to build XR applications for various platforms (e.g., VR headsets, mobile devices).
• Integrate multimedia elements, such as 3D models, animations, videos, and audio, into XR experiences to enhance interactivity and realism.
• Optimize XR applications for performance, usability, and accessibility, ensuring a seamless user experience across different devices.
• Conduct user testing and gather feedback to iterate on XR experiences and improve learning outcomes.
• Ensure that instructional materials adhere to accessibility standards and best practices, such as ADA compliance and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, to ensure equitable access for all learners, in alignment with CITL's commitment to inclusivity.

Collaborations and management -

• Stay current with emerging XR technologies, trends, and best practices, and actively contribute to the Center's innovation initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the integration of XR technologies into teaching and learning practices across various disciplines.
• Manage multiple XR development projects simultaneously, from initial concept to final deployment. Coordinate with team members, manage timelines, and ensure project goals are met.
• Create comprehensive documentation for XR applications, including user guides and technical specifications, to facilitate efficient use and troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications -

• Bachelor's degree in digital art & design, game design, computer science, software engineering, interactive media, or a related field.
• A total of one year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience with Extended Reality (XR) development (e.g. Unity3D, Unreal Engine, or similar game engines.)
  (Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
• Demonstrated experience in XR technology (e.g. Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality).

Preferred Qualifications -

• Portfolio of XR projects or demos demonstrating technical proficiency and creativity is highly desirable.
• Experience with optimizing XR applications for performance and scalability.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -

• Ability to create interactive and dynamic XR experiences, animations, and simulations.
• Solid understanding of 3D modeling, physics simulations, and visualization techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git or Git Hub) for collaborative development.
• Familiarity with spatial audio implementation in XR.
• Ability to implement universal design and human-centered design practices.
• Knowledge of experiential learning and interactive design.
• Ability to craft compelling stories and narratives that enhance the immersive experience.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on December 2, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Submit a cover letter, resume, at least three references (including contact information) and transcripts or proof of degree(s). In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling (steiling@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1027199
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

---