Research Assistant for Physical-Digital Prototyping 50%

About the job

• Collaboration in practice-oriented research and development projects of the Extended Spaces team at the interface of space, design, and digital technologies
• Iterative development of concepts and ideas, as well as their implementation as physical-digital prototypes, interactive objects, spatial installations, and experimental test setups
• Development of physical-digital interfaces with Arduino, model making, 3D printing, and other suitable technologies
• Creation of 3D models (e.g. in Blender) for Unity and web applications.
• Participation in the preparation and execution of workshops, user testings, exhibitions, and public formats
• Documentation of development processes and project results, occasionally also using photo and video

• Completed bachelor’s degree in a design-technical field, e.g. Interaction Design, Industrial Design, Digital Ideation, or Spatial Design. What matters to us is your practical experience and enthusiasm for developing physical-digital prototypes.
• Strong enjoyment of building, experimenting, and prototypical development as well as good manual and technical understanding
• Experience in several of the following areas: physical prototyping and model making, 3D modelling, 3D printing, microcontrollers, as well as physical-digital interfaces or interactive installations
• Ability to combine design ideas and technical requirements and pragmatically translate them into functioning prototypes
• Independent, solution-oriented working style as well as enjoyment of iterative development processes and inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration
• Experience with Unity or comparable development environments (AR, VR or Mixed Reality advantageous)
• Knowledge in audiovisual production, especially film and video editing, is a welcome addition
• Very good German skills, among others for dealing with people in workshops or similar situations

• A versatile role with creative freedom in an interdisciplinary research and development team
• The opportunity to directly translate your own ideas into physical and digital prototypes and test them in real application contexts
• Participation in socially relevant research projects at the interface of space, design, interactive technologies, and participation
• Access to workshops and technical infrastructure of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• Collaboration with various design, technical, and scientific disciplines as well as external practice partners
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home
• The position as research assistant is limited to two years, with the option to extend by three more years by mutual agreement
• A parallel part-time study in one of the four majors of our Master Design is possible and encouraged.

As the largest educational institution of the six Central Swiss cantons, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is at the cutting edge with its offerings. Far-sighted and innovative, nationally and internationally, we impart knowledge. Join us and become part of our shared, sustainable future.