Details

Published on Monday, 09 May 2022 00:47

NCSA is currently seeking an Academic Hourly Researcher who will solve specific tasks in a given Houdini scene file. The applicant will work to visualize data and simulations created by external science teams, such as datasets of the Milky Way, stars, stellar orbits, and a blackk hole shredding a star.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Research Duties (70%):

* Develop scientific visualizations in Houdini.
* Iterate on Houdini scene files. Some tasks will require starting
from scratch, others will involve adding to existing scenes.
* Work with scientific data, represented in Houdini as particles,
lines, surfaces, and volumes.
* Design virtual scenes, which combine scientific data with
artistic elements.
* Design shaders with data-driven attributes.
* Meet with the visualization team, science teams, and other
stakeholders to iterate on the scientific visualization and ensure
accurate scientific portrayal.

Training (30%):

* Train other AVL staff members in the use of Houdini by
explaining the thought process behind implemented solutions, and
describing how tasks were accomplished.
* Document solutions so that they can be easily understood,
followed, and re-used in other situations.
* Answer questions regarding how tasks might be accomplished.
* Follow and encourage the use of best practices.

Position Requirements and Qualifications
Education:
Required: Bachelor's degree required, preferably in a related field.

Experience:
Required: 2+ years of experience using Houdini software for visual effects, animation, and/or visualization. Preferred: 5+ years of professional experience using Houdini. Interest in science and/or data, especially astrophysics. Some experience with compositing, especially in Nuke software.

This is a part time Academic Hourly Research position at NCSA, with potential to become full time at a later date. Applicants must possess required education and experience by start date of position.  Interviews and hires may occur before the closing date; however, all applications received by the closing date will receive full consideration.

For further information regarding our application procedures, you may visit https://www.ncsa.illinois.edu or email janalenz@illinois.edu
 

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV/resume to janalenz@illinois.edu">janalenz@illinois.edu by the close date (05/23/2022). Contact information for three references must be included<. 

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify  to verify employment eligibility The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment.

For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment

University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.

The University of Illinois System must also comply with applicable
federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the
right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.