Research Fellow in Computer Science & Engineering NTU, Singapore

Research Fellow positions for project "Visual and Haptic Rendering in Co-Space"
Research Fellow position for project "Emotion-based Personalized Digital Media Experience in Co-spaces"

Research Fellow (2 positions) for project "Visual and Haptic Rendering in Co-Space"


Job Description

This is a full-time job is in the areas of computer graphics, mathematics, geometry, and physics. This is a part of the 3-year Singapore Media Development Authority funded project entitled “Visual and Haptic Rendering in Co-Space” which commences on 15 December 2008. The work will be carried out in Singapore at the School of Computer Engineering of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The goal of the project is to propose an efficient interoperable mathematical model defining geometry, visual appearance and tangible physical properties of virtual objects in shared Co-Space - 3D virtual shared space on the web. The object definitions must be small in size and invariant to the rendering platform used in Co-Space. The particular goals of the project include development of the fast interactive definitions by implicit and explicit functions, description of complex geometry using parametric partial differential equations, introduction of function-defined physical properties to objects in Co-Space, and development of several exemplar applications illustrating the usefulness of the proposed approach, including an ability to establish physical contact with other party in Co-Space through haptic devices.

The project includes but not limited to the following tasks which will be shared between the researchers and graduate students working on the project:

·Definition of complex shapes with implicit, parametric and explicit functions
·Parameterization and implicitization of geometric shapes
·Definition of geometric shapes using partial differential equations
·Accelerating rendering of the shapes defined by implicit mathematical functions
·Interactive free-form shape modeling and rendering
·Definition of physical properties of the virtual objects using mathematical functions
·Definition of deformable objects by mathematical functions
·Collaborative shape modeling and haptic interaction using Sensable Phantom, Noving Falcon and potentially other devices
·Grid-based interactive visualization of the function-defined objects
·GPU-based interactive shape modeling and visualization of the function-defined objects
·Haptic interaction with the participants of the Co-Space


Requirements

·A PhD degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related-fields.
·Advance knowledge of mathematics, geometry, knowledge of physics and good programming skills. Evidence of the experience will be required.
·Knowledge of one or more of the following areas: 3D computer graphics, interactive computer graphics, web visualization, web programming, parallel computing, GPU programming.
·Good English written and oral communication skills.

Salary and benefits

Successful candidates will be offered a competitive salary based on their qualifications. The salary fund for this position is up to S$ 90K per year (approximately USD60K, EUR46K, GBP39K) which includes the basic salary, 13th salary, yearly performance bonus (1-2 basic salaries), and medical insurance. Given good performance the salary will increase by 8-10% each year. Annual income tax can be calculated here http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page03.aspx?id=282. For Singapore citizens and permanent residents the salary will also include CPF contribution. The initial appointment is normally for two years followed by the extension for the third year.

Cost of living and accommodation

For foreign applicants the job requires relocation to Singapore. Refer to http://www.xpatxperience.com/makinghome/singapore_cost_of_living.shtml for the cost of living in Singapore. You can also search internet for it and find other independent assessments. New research staff are able to stay in the university transition accommodation for up to 1 month. This is a room in a 3-bed room fully furnished apartment in one of the university academic staff houses. The fee is ~S$ 30 per day. During this month (or even before coming here) one will need to find the place to rent. The cost of renting in the government subsidized houses (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDB) will be around S$ 1,500 for a 3 room apartment (1 bed-room, 1 living room, kitchen + 1 more bed room which is usually locked by the owner). When sharing it with somebody else, the cost will be smaller around S$ 600-700. To rent an apartment in a private condominium (higher quality of houses, swimming pool, sauna, shop, etc.), the cost will be ~S$ 3,000 per month. Sharing it with somebody else will make the cost lower (S$ 1,000-1,500 per month). My current research staff and students can be the best advisors on how and where to rent. These are a few links on renting houses:

http://classifieds.mocca.com/property/
http://www.jtc.gov.sg/products/readybuilt/housing/pages/index.aspx
http://www.singaporeland.com.sg/ads/index.asp?property_purpose=1
http://www.nationproperty.sg/


Application procedure

To be considered for the job, prepare your complete CV, full list of publications (indicate 3 most significant publications authored by you), citation indices. Please also write which of the project research tasks you are capable to work on, and what knowledge, skills and experience you have in this connection. Be as specific and detailed as possible. Email all this docs together with the expected salary to:

Assoc Prof Alexei SOURIN

assourin{at}ntu.edu.sg
School of Computer Engineering
Nanyang Technological University
Blk N4, #02a-10
Singapore 639798

Closing Date
The position is available immediately and will be open until a suitable candidate is found.