Virtual Reality Technical Assistant

Technical Assistant for Virtual Reality Research Internship

Organization: MediaCombo, located in Brooklyn, NY

Project: VITaLS (Visual Thinking and Learning Strategies)

Position Type: Undergraduate or Graduate Student Internship

About the Project

Join an innovative NIH-funded research initiative that's revolutionizing healthcare education! VITaLS combines Virtual Reality technology with Visual Thinking Strategies to teach interprofessional healthcare students critical competencies including close observation, tolerance of ambiguity, and collaborative teamwork through engaging art-based discussions.

This groundbreaking study will compare the effectiveness of VR-based Visual Thinking Strategies training against traditional Zoom and in-person museum-based formats. The research involves conducting 15 one-hour VITaLS sessions in virtual reality, each with 9 student participants, building on established evidence supporting both VTS pedagogy and VR-enhanced learning.

Position Overview

We're seeking a detail-oriented and tech-savvy student to provide essential technical support for our VR research study. This role offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge virtual reality technology, research data management, and collaborative development workflows.

Required Qualifications

•  Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student
• Prior experience with VR technology
•  Comfort and willingness to work in virtual reality environments (ENGAGE VR platform)
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively 
• Strong technical aptitude, proficient in Excel and Word and willingness to learn new software systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with video recording/editing software
• Experience with GitHub or version control systems
• Knowledge of research data management practices
• Interest in healthcare education, educational technology, or research methods

Key Responsibilities

Account & Data Management

• Create and manage email accounts for all Engage VR student and facilitator accounts
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive tracking spreadsheet for student Engage account credentials (usernames, passwords, and screen names)

VR Recording & Video Production

• Master workflows for converting 3D VR recordings to 2D video format
• Access 3D session recordings within ENGAGE VR platform using administrative credentials
• Produce 2D video and audio recordings from the 15 VITaLS sessions by:

- Entering VR environment with headset
- Accessing each 3D recording
- Initiating 2D recordings from optimal top-down gallery views capturing all participant avatars

Research Data Repository Management

•  Learn and utilize the Figshare Data Repository system
• Upload and organize all 2D videos to Figshare following research protocols

Development Collaboration

• Understand and implement GitHub workflows
• Coordinate effectively with multiple developers using GitHub version control

Video Editing

• Edit sample 2D videos as needed for research purposes

Communication

• Submit weekly progress reports to project leadership
• Communicate proactively about challenges, questions, or project needs