Postdoctoral Research Associate, Systems and Industrial Engineering

Posting Number: req20530

Department: Systems and Industrial Engr

Location: Main Campus

Address: 1127 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA

Position Highlights

The Systems and Industrial Engineering (SIE) Department at the University of Arizona is seeking a qualified and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate.

The successful candidate will explore best practices in extended reality (XR) and UX design to address educational gaps and training needs in chip manufacturing. They will collaborate with developers, faculty, and stakeholders to ensure the XR platform meets requirements and enhances learning experiences. this initiative aims to bridge the gap in chip manufacturing education across various expertise levels, from community colleges to graduate school. Ultimately, the goal is to support a seamless transition for students pursuing careers in this rapidly evolving field.

This position is eligible for via sponsorship.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Investigate and define design elements in consultation with faculty from undergraduate, graduate programs, and community colleges to align XR development with learning outcomes.
• Assist in designing and implementing essential components for the XR platform in collaboration with developers, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Evaluate and assess the effectiveness of XR platform to ensure that it addresses educational and professional needs of students at each level.
• Foster collaborations with the Department, with other units across the University, and with team members at other institutes.
• Present results at laboratory meetings and conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in grant writing, including generating preliminary data, submitting grant applications, and preparing progress reports.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of XR principles and its variations (AR/VR/MR), spatial computing, and user experience design, particularly in educational contexts.
• Demonstrated skill in Application design, UX design, preferably in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of advanced methodologies for effective user engagement, particularly the use of Virtual Reality environments to provide lab experiences to remote students.
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art XR modalities, including immersive environments for remote laboratory experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science or Human-Computer Interaction or a related field of study.
• Selected applicants must have PhD conferred upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience with emerging display technologies and various AR/VR/MR hardware, including immersive caves.
• Previous experience in curriculum design or educational partnerships with community colleges or technical schools.
• Experience working with developers in academic settings, industry, or educational partnerships.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes – Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: FY24 NIH salary guidelines: $61,008 – $74,088

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

Dr. Alejandro Salado

alejandrosalado@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missed information may be considered an incomplete submission.

Cover Letter: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).

Diversity Statement

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

The University of Arizona is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.