Research Assistant, College of Design, Architecture, Art, & Planning

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.” UC's momentum includes anchoring the Cincinnati Innovation District, operating the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country (students earn $94 million annually through paid experiences), and contributing $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio.

About The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP)

The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati is a nationally recognized leader in creative education, ranked among the top programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Business Week, Design Intelligence, and others.

About the role

The Extended Reality (XR) Laboratory, directed by Professor Ming Tang within the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support ongoing research and development initiatives at the intersection of artificial intelligence, workforce training, and digital heritage preservation.

Responsibilities

• Create 3D models and generate digital assets for XR environments.
• Design and implement runtime data collection methodologies.
• Develop XR applications for VR headset platforms.
• Support generative AI and procedural modeling workflows for building imaging.
• Document research methods, results, and findings in technical reports and presentations.
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to the development of novel research approaches.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
• XR app development using Unreal Engine.

Work Environment

• Sitting: Continuously
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing): Often
• Hearing, listening: Often
• Talking: Often
• Standing: Often
• Walking: Often
• Bending: Often
• Stooping: Often
• Lifting: up to 20 pounds – Often
• Kneeling, squatting: Seldom
• Noise: Sufficient to require shouting to be heard above ambient level.
• Hazards: Proximity to moving mechanical parts, tools, vehicles, electrical current, scaffolding, high places, or exposure to chemicals.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation that may affect the respiratory system.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Tuition Remission: Covers tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs for you and your eligible dependents.
• Robust Retirement Plans: Choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position (no Social Security contribution except Medicare).
• Work-Life Balance:
  • Generous vacation and sick time.
  • 11 paid holidays plus additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days).
  • 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription).
  • Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs.
  • Professional development & mentorship opportunities.

Eligibility for benefits may vary by position and FTE status. Learn more about UC Benefits.