The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile lines Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Department for the Psychology of Human Movement and Sport seeks to fill the position of a

Research Associate
(focus: computer science/ game development)

commencing on 01.10.2025. We offer a full-time position (40 hours per week), offered as a fixed-term position until (Date: 30.06.2027).

You will become part of an interdisciplinary team and play a vital role in ensuring the success of a Momentum project funded by the VolkswagenStiftung that aims to establish a new paradigm in Virtual Reality (VR) to uncover the social dynamics and anticipatory processes in real-time interactions.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop interactive avatars and respective 3D environments for VR research
• Analyse and process kinematic data to create and animate interactive VR avatars
• Help build and run a cutting-edge VR laboratory
• Be involved in developing experiments that allow to examine motor, perceptual and cognitive processes in dyadic, real-time interactions in VR
• Conduct interdisciplinary research to navigate anticipation research to new frontiers
• Help publish research articles in quality international, peer-review journals

Your profile:

• M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) preferably in computer science, game development or in a related field
• Proficiency with 3D engines (e.g. Unreal Engine, Unity 3D)
• Experience with animation software and 3D modelling
• Excellent programming skills
• Prior involvement in research projects is desirable
• Strong interest in running behavioural research in VR
• Good communication skills in English (oral and written)
• Scientific enthusiasm and motivation to work within an interdisciplinary research team

Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.

We offer:

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• An exciting and varied scope of activities with creative freedom
• Excellent equipment and infrastructure
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL), Job Ticket (benefits for public transport), and an occupational pension (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

The advertised position is (initially) limited to a maximum of 21 months with the possibility of extension. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). The working place is Jena.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 15.06.2025 using our online form.