Computer Scientist

Role

The incumbent serves as a computer scientist, with responsibility for performing and advising on research activities involving advanced visualization technologies. The work involves access to advanced technology involving biomedical, biomechanical, graphic design, 3D modeling and computer programming, as well as aspects of a highly productive clinical research program.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Systems Development and Management
  • Designs and develops scientific software applications. Uses Unity^tm or similar programs or programming languages to create 3D immersive environments for use in programmatic research. Collaborates with a research team of computer engineers, programmers, clinical nurse specialists and research staff to create user interface, environmental appearance, object characteristics, timed events, location-based events, integrated audio and visual elements, and user movement.
  • Creates new virtual environments, maintains, and updates existing 3D environments, and assists staff in implementing and troubleshooting all virtual environments. 
  • Extracts and exports data from user actions in virtual environments to researcher defined variable list and data structure. Develops novel models for analyzing and understanding human movement and interactions in virtual space. Extract and export tracking data from VIVE HTC Pro 2 HMD. Independently designs and implements beta-testing, pre-UX testing, and data simulations software testing processes. 
  • Use industry standard software techniques associated with developing, testing, and monitoring software performance from design to implementation. Develops novel, independent solutions to complex software issues for which existing technologies do not exist. 
  • Acquires, tests, maintains technology used in VR/AR research studies including computers, VR equipment, peripherals, graphic design tools, audio-visual equipment, motion detection suits, face cameras, and physiological measurement devices. Performs testing of equipment and software prior to implementation and troubleshoots problems if they occur during implementation. Identifies and acquires required equipment and appropriate vendors and/or creates novel technologies to solve complex visualization problems. Provides input to lab PI on budget requirements for technology acquisition and support. 
  • Establishes functional requirements through discussion with investigators and observations of their methods and investigates software architectures and development of methods to improve software reusability and portability. Identifies areas of risk in design implementation, provides multiple alternative solutions, designs plan for evaluating potential solutions, and presents findings to the research team. 
  • Keeps abreast of software standards in operating systems, graphics, and file systems, and assesses their relevance to computing. Investigates and evaluates the suitability of specific software components for assignments. Manages storage and access of data acquired from studies. Develops protocol for data sharing and archiving in coordination with NINR/NIH standards. Works directly with NINR CIT staff to implementation of data storage and sharing solutions.
  • Communicates effectively with team members to understand project requirements, provide options for implementation of requirements, utilize collaboration software effectively, and incorporate knowledge and skill of team members in the software development process. Contributes to assessment of user experience and translates acquired user information into interface and/or experience improvements. Communicates technological information to external and internal stakeholders.
  • Provides direct supervision of technology staff, contractors, and consultants as required. Is responsible for the development of duties, responsibilities, and time frames for completion of tasks by technology staff, contractors, and consultants. Work with lab manager on establishing level of support required for technology projects. Directly manages activities of technology trainees and fellows. 
• Advice, Consultation, and Collaboration
  • Serves as a technical advisor to NIH scientists and researchers in the development of all forms of advanced technology applications for use in clinical research. 
  • Advises scientists and researchers in planning and designing research and clinical studies requiring digital-human interface design for clinical populations. Advises on potential adverse effects of digital technologies in clinical populations and advises on techniques to reduce potential AEs. Provides guidance on user experience processes and testing phases. 
  • Provide technical assistance to researchers in the form of recommendations for development environment, peripheral devices, required technology. Advises on data extraction and manipulation for complex 3D environments. Advises on software development, testing, and maintenance.
  • Keeps abreast of related computer science research and development at other institutions; evaluates its relevance and applicability to the organization’s requirements. Participates in conferences and meetings of professional groups concerned with the application of bioinformatics and computer technologies. 
  • Independently with the knowledge and approval of the lab manager develops research and consulting relationships with researchers in the NIH IRP. Establishes reputation as an expert in visualization techniques and 3D environments among NIH IRP researchers.                           
• Computer Science Research
  • Prepares written and verbal reports describing developed systems and the general application of database technology to biomedical research for publication, or for use by management. 
  • Disseminates computer science research through publication in relevant scientific journals, professional presentations, and/or technology sharing agreements/licensing. 
  • Keeps abreast of current research in computer science and reports on innovations relevant to the AVB research. 
  • Research techniques and models for simulating human behavior in 3D environments.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Digital Arts or related field.