XR-Lab Recruitment Overview
The XR-Lab welcomes student applicants throughout the year who are eager to explore and innovate within Extended Reality. We seek individuals with:
- A strong passion for devising creative solutions using Extended Reality.
- Advanced design and 3D modeling capabilities.
- Proficiency in Unreal Engine.
- An eagerness to swiftly acquire new skills and venture into new territories.
- A collaborative spirit, thriving in team-oriented projects.
Opportunities for Joining the XR-Lab:
- Independent Study Course with Ming Tang: ARCH 4091-020/ARCH 7090-020 offering 1 to 3 credits (unpaid).
- Co-Op / Experiential Education Program (EEP): Options available for both paid and unpaid positions.
- Student Workers: Positions are compensated on an hourly basis, with flexible working hours.
- Graduate Assistantships: Paid positions with a set number of hours per semester.
- Post-Doctoral / Research Associate Roles: These are paid positions featuring a fixed salary.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio showcasing their work. Online submissions are preferred. For additional information or any inquiries, please contact Lab Director Ming Tang.
Joining the XR-Lab Process
Level 1: Volunteer Phase (Unpaid)
During this initial phase, students receive training in utilizing Unreal Engine for XR development. To begin, please reach out to Prof. Tang for training materials and GitHub access.
Level 2: Student Worker (Co-op)
In this phase, students transition to paid positions, compensated at an hourly rate. They participate as active team members on various projects and receive comprehensive lab access.
Level 3: Lab Fellow
At this advanced level, students engage in a more committed capacity, with compensation based on an hourly rate under a long-term contract. They lead various projects and are entrusted with lab access
FAQ
What programming skills are required to work in the Lab?
To participate effectively in the Lab, familiarity with Unreal Blueprint is essential. Newcomers are advised to contact the Lab to access training materials during Phase 1 of their involvement.
What modeling skills are necessary for working in the Lab?
Prospective Lab members should possess fundamental 3D modeling skills. While we do not mandate proficiency in specific software, we recommend gaining expertise in at least one of the widely-used 3D modeling tools, such as Blender, Sketchup, Rhino, SolidWorks, Maya, 3ds Max, Revit, Fusion 360, etc.
Are there any preparatory tutorials for Unreal skills before engaging with the Lab?
As a UC student, you have comprehensive access to Unreal Engine tutorials, including those available on Unreal tutorials in Linked In ( formal Lynda). We suggest starting with these resources to build a solid foundation in Unreal Engine. After mastering the basics, contact Prof. Tang for more advanced tutorials and to gain access to the XR-Lab’s GitHub repository.
Can I contribute to Lab projects with Unity experience?
While all Lab projects are developed using Unreal Engine, having experience with Unity provides a valuable foundation for quickly learning Unreal, as both engines have similar workflows. However, you will need to complete Level 1 training in Unreal to develop the necessary skills for Lab projects.
Is it possible to work on my thesis or dissertation project within the Lab?
Absolutely. Students are encouraged to merge their thesis or dissertation projects with the Lab’s research on Extended Reality (XR). Lab resources are available to support your XR research endeavors.
Does the Lab offer co-op opportunities?
Yes, the Lab provides co-op positions. However, it’s important to note that these roles are compensated on an hourly basis rather than a fixed 40-hour workweek. Work schedules are flexible and can be adjusted based on project needs.
Is independent study supported by the Lab?
Indeed. Students interested in pursuing independent study projects are encouraged to present their proposals to Prof. Tang. The Lab has previously supported projects in areas such as Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins, eye-tracking, human behavior analysis, and visualization.
Student projects supported by XR-Lab.
