Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) 3D-Rendering, XR-Visualization and Simulation-Driven System Development

We are looking for a research associate (m/f/d) who has the intention to pursue a PhD and brings a strong passion for 3D graphics, rendering, and C++. The position combines academic research with practice-oriented industry projects, including applications in the space industry.

You will work at the intersection of computer graphics, XR technologies, and industrial simulation and digitalization processes. A particular focus lies on the generation of highly realistic virtual environments based on 3D simulation models as well as novel rendering techniques such as Gaussian Splatting. Your goal: your software enables people, sensors, and systems to operate within highly realistic virtual environments, making use of state-of-the-art IT infrastructures and visualization systems. With your software, components and systems are developed, AI algorithms are trained, and results are validated.

We offer:

• The opportunity to pursue a PhD in a highly relevant and cutting-edge research field
• Access to state-of-the-art XR and visualization hardware (e.g., Apple Vision Pro, Magic Leap 2, aixCAVE VR system, PowerWall)
• Work on real-world applications for industry and space with direct relevance to current space missions (such as NASA/ESA's Artemis program)
• Exciting research and development projects with industry partners
• A creative, interdisciplinary research environment at one of Europe's leading technical universities
• Significant freedom to develop your own ideas and research directions
• Up to 40% remote work

About us:

The Institute for Man-Machine Interaction (MMI) is a nationally and internationally very active and successful research institution as part of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of RWTH Aachen University. MMI specializes in modelling, simulating, controlling, and analyzing complex systems in their operational environments, in connecting humans, devices and machines, and in realizing intelligent systems. MMI's innovative Digital Twins revolutionize the development process and the operation of (not only) robotic systems and are the basis for the convergence of the virtual and real world. The application areas span various industries and disciplines ranging from space robotics, robot manipulators, mobile robots, and road vehicles up to agricultural, forestry, and construction machines.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct research and development in the areas of 3D rendering, visualization, and simulation-based system development
• Develop high-performance C++ software for visualization, simulation, and physically based rendering (PBR)
• Design and extend software modules for rendering in the context of graphical user interaction interfaces as well as physically based simulation models for sensors (especially cameras and LiDAR)
• Digitize and visualize real-world production environments based on 3D scans and modern reconstruction and rendering methods (e.g., Gaussian Splatting)
• Develop XR applications for industrial and space-related scenarios
• Contribute to research and industry projects with a strong practical focus
• Supervise student theses and share knowledge through teaching activities
• Publish scientific results and attend international conferences, with the goal of completing a PhD in your area of research and interest

Your profile:

• An excellent Master's degree (or comparable) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Graphics, Game Technology, Visual Computing, or a related field
• Very strong programming skills in C++
• A strong enthusiasm for 3D rendering, real-time graphics, and visualization, as well as for combining modern software algorithms with high-end hardware technologies
• Experience with graphics APIs (e.g., OpenGL, Vulkan, DirectX) or game engines (e.g., Unreal, Unity) is an advantage
• Interest in XR technologies (VR/AR/MR)
• Experience with 3D reconstruction, photogrammetry, or Gaussian Splatting is a plus
• An independent, creative, and research-oriented working style
• Excellent English and German language skills

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term for three years initially.
An extension is planned.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a full-time position.
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.