Immersive Artist – Fall 2026
For Speculative Journeys in Future Healthcare Systems
Description
We are looking for students to assist in the development of an immersive experience during the Fall 2026 semester. The immersive experience aims to bring speculative journeys in future healthcare systems to life through a series of immersive vignettes that will be on display in May 2027 in Blacksburg and/or Roanoke.
Successful applications to this position should have proven experience in one of the following areas: motion graphics, 3D animation, 3D environments, graphic design, or audio production. Applicants should also speak to their experience completing projects on time, with feedback, and in a self-directed manner.
In this position the Immersive Artist(s) will be responsible for collaborating with the team on a real-world, grant-funded project by assisting with the collection of qualitative data and interviews, creation of original graphic designs, creation of 3D environments, creation of original audio compositions, and/or the production of the final projection-mapped installation. Training for additional skills and processes in areas such as immersive environments, projection mapping, motion capture, VFX, compositing, qualitative data collection, and audio production may be available as required.
Work Hours
This is primarily an on-campus, Blacksburg position, with access to the Virtual Environments Studio spaces. This position will expect approximately 6-8 hours per week during production weeks. Specific hours are flexible and negotiable.
Duties
- 40% Artwork production:
- 3D assets, graphic design, motion/animation, or audio assets
- Incorporate team feedback and rework projects as needed to fit project expectations
- 30% Support project development:
- Assist in the development of initial prototypes and rough versions of ideas to test the feasibility and look
- 20% Proactive contributions to team development:
- Independently investigate solutions to creative problems and software challenges
- Consistently and constructively communicate with the team in a timely manner
- 10% Data collection support:
- Assist in the collection of targeted interviews and the processing of the resulting data
Required Qualifications
- Strong communication skills
- Experience working independently and collaboratively with a team
- A portfolio that demonstrates experience in one of the following areas:
- 3D environments
- Graphic design
- Motion graphics or 3D animation
- Audio production
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with one of the following areas of art and design:
- Immersive environments
- Projection mapping
- Motion capture
- Visual effects
- Compositing
- Experience using emerging creative technologies in a production environment
- Experience investigating new skills independently
- Experience with qualitative data collection or analysis such as interviewing or interview coding
- Experience with Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, and/or Adobe After Effects
Pay Rate
$17 per hour.
Work window
September 2026 – May 2027
Note: This position will not necessarily require a commitment to this entire window but an opportunity may exist to work throughout the entire window.
Our Team
This position will report to Trevor Finney, manager of the Virtual Environments and Gaming Studios at the University Libraries. This position will also work closely with Rachael Paine, assistant professor and chair of Graphic Design.
The rest of our team includes:
- Roberto Silva, Head, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Health Sciences and Technology Library
- Sarah Parker, PhD, Chair, Health Systems and Implementation Science
- Andrew Gipe-Lazarou, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, College of Architecture Arts and Design