Vacancy for Research Associate in Virtual Museum Curation at University of Glasgow

Vacancy for Research Associate in Virtual Museum Curation at University of Glasgow

Date: 3 December 2023

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Type: Fixed Term

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the ‘Museums in the Metaverse (MiM)’ project working with PI Professor Neil McDonnell, focused particularly on the project’s Museology work package led by Co-Is Professor Maria Economou and Dr Pauline Mackay.

The successful candidate will help liaise with the project’s cross-sector partnership to research, prioritise and establish the core functionality of the MiM platform. This will involve assisting in the selection, curation and interpretation of cultural heritage objects, experiences and narratives in Virtual Reality.

They will support the development and testing of virtual curatorial work processes and tools for the MiM platform and assist in developing and implementing sector-appropriate workflows/methods for object handling, documentation, archiving and interpretation. They will work as part of a team to undertake design, curation (in Virtual Reality), evaluation and dissemination of exemplar MiM experiences developed in line with partners’ target audiences/strategic direction(s).

They will research and organise access to sites/objects for photogrammetric capture/processing by the project Collections Digitisation Technician, and support development/maintenance of the project database. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this innovative and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy, including research, interpretation and composition of themed immersive VR/XR experiences.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, populating/maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to joint project publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem where appropriate.
4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand Standards relevant to Digital Cultural Heritage/the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industry Partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and project research activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the project as appropriate.
9. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development where appropriate.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
11. Make a leading contribution to activities designed to demonstrate and promote the MiM platform (including demonstrating and onboarding people to fully immersive VR experiences) and associated admin as assigned by the Project Investigators.
12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the fields/disciplines of Digital Cultural Heritage, Virtual/Extended Reality and the design/evaluation of Immersive Experiences.
13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Project Investigators.
15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.