Research Assistant/Software Developer

Full-time/Fixed-term for 9 months

The School of Science and Engineering has an international reputation for excellent teaching and topical research, particularly in addressing global challenges in energy, the environment, health care, technology, forensic science and infrastructure.

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as a Research Assistant within our Planet Surface Simulation team, to develop new functionality and example models. This is a fixed-term appointment for 9 months.

The main duties of this role would be to design and implement new functionality to our Planet and Asteroid Natural Scene Generation Utility (PANGU), create new simulations of lunar landings, creating example lunar simulation scenarios from digital elevation models and using 3D modelling software to create validation simulations for thermal cameras. In addition, the research assistant would be expected to contribute to technical reports.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with and extend our PANGU software on a European Space Agency (ESA) funded project. PANGU is used within ESA and by space agencies around the world to support the testing and development of autonomous spacecraft guidance, navigation and control systems. Key skills required for this role are experience in C++ software design and 3D graphics, while experience with 3D modelling and Java will also be useful.

Your priorities will include:

• Design new functionality for the PANGU software package.
• Implement new PANGU functionality in C++ and Java.
• Create new lunar simulation modules from lunar elevation models (DEMs).
• Develop 3D models of spacecraft.
• Work with an external thermal modelling tool to evaluate PANGU thermal simulations.

Who we’re looking for:

• Experience with C++ software design and development (essential).
• Experience with 3D computer graphics (desirable)).
• Experience with a 3D modelling package (desirable)
• Experience with Java programming (desirable).
• Good technical report writing skills (desirable).

This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by the UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Further information can be found at: uod.ac.uk/2qUx1RR

We are one of the UK’s leading universities – internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Conveniently located on the banks of River Tay, our main city-centre campus is at the heart of Dundee - an up-and-coming, friendly, compact and affordable city with a rich heritage in design and technology. We also have campuses at Ninewells Hospital and in Kirkcaldy which are easily accessible via local transport links.

The University of Dundee is a signatory of the Researcher Development Concordat and is committed to enhancing the research environment and culture. Engagement and support of activities which assist the researcher development agenda at the University is therefore essential.

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