Graduate Student Opportunities

The University of Iowa’s VSR program, within the Center for Computer-Aided Design (CCAD), is seeking graduate students for a variety of research positions.  VSR is a world renowned multi-disciplinary team, with expertise spanning computer science, physiology, engineering, biomechanics, computational mechanics, 3D modeling, and others.   VSR has developed a new kind of virtual human named SantosTM, which continues to grow from cutting edge research and from user-driven product development.  SantosTM is an applied tool for simulating human behavior.  Thus, we model strength, physiology, fatigue, musculoskeletal structures, etc., all with a focus on posture and motion prediction.

This search extends to Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering graduate students with excellent programming skills, a background in dynamics and optimization, experience with computer graphics and real-time simulation, interests in strength and fatigue experiments and data-gathering, and/or experience with motion-capture.  Multiple positions are available, most involving potential work with C and C++, as well as work with the Virtools game engine.  Duties may include software development, real-time 3D game engine scripting, strength and fatigue experiments, and motion-capture studies.  Strong verbal and written English skills are required.  Creativity, the ability to work in a results-oriented group, and the ability to learn independently are also required.
Specific needs are as follows:

1. Ph.D. candidates with a background in programming, dynamics, and optimization, to develop code for a new approach to dynamic motion prediction
2. Ph.D. candidates with a background in programming and dynamics/statics, to develop a new code for human posture prediction with applied loads
3. Ph.D. candidates with a background in programming, controls, AI, and/or human modeling, to continue work with predicting human grasping motion/postures
4. Ph.D. or M.S. candidates with a background in biomedical engineering, to conduct experimental strength assessments and modeling

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Joel S. Steele, Administrator (josteele@ccad.uiowa.edu); Center for Computer Aided Design; The University of Iowa; 234 Engineering Research Facility; Iowa City, Iowa 52242.

Undergraduate Opportunities

The University of Iowa’s Virtual Soldier Research program, within the Center for Computer-Aided Design (CCAD), is seeking student programmers.  VSR is a world renowned multi-disciplinary team, with expertise spanning computer science, physiology, engineering, biomechanics, computational mechanics, 3D modeling, and others.   VSR has developed a new kind of virtual human named SantosTM, which continues to grow from cutting edge research and from user-driven product development.  SantosTM is an applied tool for simulating human behavior.  Thus, we model strength, physiology, fatigue, musculoskeletal structures, etc., all with a focus on posture and motion prediction.

This search extends to Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering students with excellent programming skills and a knowledge of C++ and C#.  Experience with 3D computer graphics and real-time simulation is desired..  Multiple positions are available..  Duties include implementing mature research, developing new capabilities that leverage existing research, and real-time, 3D interface development.  Good work ethics, commitment, reliability, creativity, the ability to work well alone as well as in a team environment are required, as are strong verbal and written English skills.

 To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Joel S. Steele, Administrator (josteele@ccad.uiowa.edu); Center for Computer Aided Design; The University of Iowa; 234 Engineering Research Facility; Iowa City, Iowa 52242.