Department: School of Journalism and Communication
Rank: Research Assistant (Type B)
Annual Basis: 9 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Applications will be reviewed as needs arise

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a complete application, including a cover letter, resume and three professional references.

Department Summary

The School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) is an accredited research and professional school serving approximately 2,200 undergraduates and 100 graduate students both on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene and at the George S. Turnbull Center in Portland. Degrees offered are the BA, BS, MA, MS, and Ph.D., as well as a minor in Media Studies. The school also supports the interdisciplinary major in Cinema Studies and interdisciplinary minors in Multimedia and Native Studies. The SOJC employs approximately 125 faculty and staff, over 50 graduate employees, and roughly 50 student employees. The School is one of the oldest journalism programs in the nation, founded in 1916.

Position Summary

The University of Oregon's Reality Lab is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to contribute to innovative research on the uses and effects of immersive media technologies, specifically augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). This role offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and collaboration with OR Lab Directors, faculty, and students on the development and evaluation of AR/VR applications.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop AR/VR stimuli for use in research studies approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Assist with participant recruitment and manage the scheduling and logistics for lab and field experiments.
• Support the setup, maintenance, and operation of lab spaces, equipment, and AR/VR hardware for research and events.
• Conduct experiments, collect data, and contribute to the analysis and interpretation of results.
• Provide general assistance with research operations and other administrative tasks as needed.
• Assist with the preparation of grant applications for AR/VR research projects.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a related field (e.g., media studies, computer science, psychology, or a similar discipline).
• Two years of hands-on experience with augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) technologies.

Professional Competencies

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-focused environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in media studies, psychology, computer science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with AR/VR development tools (e.g., Unity, Lens Studio) is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with 3D modeling skills (e.g., Blender, Maya)

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

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