Scientific Programmer Motion Capture and Animation

Faculty/Services: Faculty of Science

Educational level: higher vocational education/university

Function type: Support Staff

Closing date: 15 May 2023

Vacancy number: 11470

Are you an enthusiastic and skilled software developer with an interest in motion capture and XR technology and are you looking for an opportunity to interact with scientists to enable exciting new applications? Then you might be a great addition to our team!

UvA’s SignLab and Visualisation Lab have recently installed a state-of-the-art motion capture system that is used for research on sign language as well as human-centred XR applications. Your role will be to develop an efficient data processing workflow to ensure robust, high-quality motion capture data, and the animation of virtual human characters.

What are you going to do?

You will work closely with researchers in the SignLab and the Visualisation Lab to develop a workflow for the acquisition, post-processing and analysis of motion capture data as well as the synthesis of virtual human characters, in particular virtual sign language avatars.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement software solutions for the motion capture system, ensuring high-quality data output and efficient data processing.

• Collaborate with researchers and developers to optimize the motion capture system for sign language and XR applications.

• Work with researchers and developers to ensure smooth data acquisition and management.

• Develop documentation for software development and data processing pipelines.

• Provide technical support for research and development projects using the motion capture system.

What do you have to offer?

We are looking for a developer who is enthusiastic about producing beautifully designed software, who wants to work closely with people doing fundamental research, and who appreciates the importance of outreach activities aimed at increasing societal awareness of scientific findings.

Your experience and profile:

• Master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field.

• Strong programming skills in C++, C#, C, Python or other programming languages.

• Experience with motion capture systems, including data acquisition, processing and analysis.

• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, and skills in developing XR applications.

• Experience with 3D modelling software such as Blender and Maya.

• Strong interest in developing software solutions for scientific applications.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Attention to detail and ability to work independently.

The following skills are nice to have:

• Experience with Vicon and Faceware motion capture hardware and software

• Experience with digital modelling and animation of realistic virtual humans

• Knowledge of sign language and XR applications

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract of (up to) 38 hours per week for a period of 6 months. Flexible part-time arrangements (possibly for a longer period) are also possible. The preferred starting date is June 1st, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,471 to € 3,336 (scale 7). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Education/Research Officer is applicable. For this position we can not sponsor a visa. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime employment) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;

• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;

• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;

• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;

• partly paid parental leave;

• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;

• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;

• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;

• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Amsterdam in which researchers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities collaborate. Its central research area is the study of fundamental principles of encoding, transmission and comprehension of information. Research at ILLC is interdisciplinary, and aims at bringing together insights from various disciplines concerned with information and information processing, including computer science, artificial intelligence, linguistics, cognitive science, and philosophy. ILLC offers an international research environment with world-class faculty in all of its areas of specialization.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Prof. dr. Floris Roelofsen, f.roelofsen@uva.nl

• Dr. Rob Belleman, R.G.Belleman@uva.nl

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 15 May 2023.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a CV with details about your education and work experience;

• a project portfolio: for each project listed in your portfolio, please include a short description of the project in general, a description of your own role in the project, and preferably a link to a demo of the software that you developed;

• a letter of motivation;

• optionally, a list of academic publications that you have contributed to;

• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

Interviews will be held soon after the application deadline.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.