KTP Associate: Software Engineer

University of the West of Scotland – School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences

Full time: 37.5 hours per week

Fixed Term: 24 months

Smartify and the University of the West of Scotland are now embarking on an exciting project to transform clients’ experiences (museums and cultural institutions) and drive their service-level through the development of a novel automated optimisation algorithms for 3D meshes in a web XR context.

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between Smartify and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), will deliver an AI driven system for the optimisation of 3D meshes for WebXR in the cultural heritage sector. The project focuses on developing an end-to-end automated pipeline for 3D mesh optimisation aimed at the 3D models from cultural heritage to be deployed on the company web XR platform. The capabilities embedded from this project, will help Smatify delivering engaging XR experiences for the cultural heritage sector and provide them with a powerful and easy to use development tool, positively transforming operation for Smartify.

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of the West of Scotland but working virtually with monthly in-person visits to Smartify offices in Edinburgh and London. The associate will be fully supported by both company staff and staff from the School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences at the University and will receive a £4k personal development budget.

The successful candidate should have the following: 

• First class BSc in Software Engineering, Computing, or related subjects
• Experience in extended realities (XR) software engineering and development based on WebXR and/or WebAR APIs and/or OpenXR
• Hands-on experience programming experience using Python, Javascript or TypeScript.
• Experience working with diverse 3D formats and/or mathematical 3D mesh descriptions
• Strong skills in software engineering
• Excellent programming skills
• Ability to understand and process data

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Smartify is a social enterprise founded in December 2015 with a mission is to democratise access to art and culture whilst supporting cultural venues. Smartify offers a single platform that allows cultural institutions to host their content on and reach international and local audiences interested in learning more about their collection.

Since public launch in 2017 Smartify now contains over 2 million artworks, 700+museums and 3 million users. The app has been described by the New Scientist as the 'Shazam of art' and has won numerous awards including the 2019 UN World Summit Award for Culture and Tourism the GLOMO for Most Innovative App at the Mobile World Congress 2018, three Webby Awards (Best Art App, Best Use of the Mobile Camera, and People's Choice) and Apollo Art Magazine's Digital Innovation of the Year.

Partners include major museums including Vienna's Belvedere Palace, Denmark's Frederiksborg Castle, Yale Centre for British Art, National Galleries of Scotland and The Philadelphia Museum of Art. In the last year the app has experienced a 300% increase in daily downloads and 100% in monthly active users.

About KTP:

This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK.  It’s essential you understand how KTP works with business and the University, and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position.  Please visit: https://www.uws.ac.uk/business/knowledge-expertise/knowledge-transfer-partnerships/ contact Stuart McKay (stuart.mckay@uws.ac.uk)  

WHY UWS?

We support you – We are the only Scottish University to have a dedicated KTP centre, meaning you are fully supported throughout your time with the company by UWS staff. 

We are growing – In 2019, UWS were the top performing University in the UK by value of secured KTP projects. 

You grow with us – Many of our KTP associates are offered permanent roles and continue to provide support to projects as part of a team and autonomously. We will also invest £4,000 in your development.

KTP is a strategic priority at UWS. The only Scottish University with a dedicated KTP Centre dedicated to supporting your KTP and professional development journey.

If you have questions about this vacancy contact: marco.gilardi@uws.ac.uk

Closing Date: Thursday 24^th July 2025

Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 28^th July

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups. 

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.

JDPS - REQ000311 - KTP Associate Software Engineer 3D Model Optimization for WebXR.pdf