Undergraduate Researcher - FWS Required

University of Virginia Physicians Group; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Virginia Physicians Group seeks a Computer Science student to help maintain an AR application built with Unity (C#) and extend its features. This continuity role involves taking over a shipped app, understanding its architecture, and continuing development under supervision.

You will join the existing CS student team, refactor code, and apply OO design to improve readability, performance, and future VR expansion.

Qualifications

• Foundational coding experience, including data structures and familiarity with object-oriented programming in at least one language.
• Ability to read, understand, and extend an existing codebase written by others.

Responsibilities

• Learn and take ownership of an existing, published AR application built in Unity (C#).
• Contribute to feature development on the application.
• Refactor and streamline existing code to improve readability, maintainability, and performance.
• Coordinate with the current team of CS students.
• Apply object-oriented design principles when structuring new code.

Skills

Coding fundamentals

Data structures

Object-oriented programming

Education

Undergraduate UVA student

Tools

Unity

C#

Job description

Federal work-study students only Overview: Devin Harris' lab has developed an augmented reality (AR) application to support structural engineering education. The application is already published and available on the App Store. It is intended to help students visualize and interact with structural engineering concepts that are difficult to convey through traditional instruction. The lab is seeking a Computer Science student to help maintain the application and contribute to its continued development. Outline: The undergraduate researcher will join the existing development team. This is a continuity role: the priority is being able to take over an existing, shipped application, understand how it works, and keep developing it. Work will be conducted under the supervision of the lab and in coordination with the current student developers.

Responsibilities

• Learn and take ownership of an existing, published AR application built in Unity (C#).
• Contribute to feature development on the application.
• Refactor and streamline existing code to improve readability, maintainability, and performance.
• Coordinate with the current team of CS students.
• Apply object-oriented design principles when structuring new code.

Required Qualifications

• Foundational coding experience, including data structures and familiarity with object-oriented programming in at least one language.
• Ability to read, understand, and extend an existing codebase written by others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Unity and C#.
• Some experience with augmented or virtual reality development.
• The lab intends to expand the application toward VR in the future, so VR experience or interest is especially valued.
• Some experience with graphic design.
• Typically a second-year student who has completed core CS coursework (though strong candidates at other stages will be considered).

Criteria

• The undergraduate researcher must be able to work effectively within an existing codebase. Comfort reading unfamiliar code, asking questions, and working independently and as a team is essential.

Experience

Preference is for Computer Science students, though students from adjacent technical fields with relevant coding experience will also be considered.

Compensation & Hours

Compensation: $15/hr. Scheduled Hours: 10-20 per week.

Eligibility

• Education: Undergraduate UVA student.
• Federal Work-Study required.
• Experience: None
• Licensure: None

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia and inaugurated a bold experiment. Two centuries later, Jefferson’s vision thrives. Across Grounds - and throughout the world - UVA students, faculty, staff and alumni challenge convention, break barriers and pursue the greater good. The University of Virginia is made up of eleven schools and affiliated foundations in Charlottesville plus the College at Wise in Southwest Virginia. The University of Virginia Health System is a renowned academic medical center committed to providing outstanding patient care, educating tomorrow's health care leaders and discovering new and better ways to treat diseases. The University's Medical Center, School of Medicine and Physicians Group are recognized for their excellence in patient care, education and research.

At UVA, we offer a rich collection benefits, which have long been recognized and valued for their comprehensiveness and competitiveness in the market. In addition to a robust array of traditional benefits such as health care, time off, and retirement, UVA offers a comprehensive list of benefits and services to help staff and faculty meet their personal and family needs.