Director for Applied Vision and Graphics Lab

The University of Southern California (USC) Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) is seeking a Director for its Applied Vision & Graphics Lab (AVGL) to lead maturing and applied research projects focused on graphics and immersion at the ICT.  The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success securing research funding and will be widely recognized for their achievements in computer graphics and/or computer vision, with an emphasis on delivering solutions to customers.  The candidate will be knowledgeable about computer graphics, computer vision, animation, immersive displays, HDR imagery, photogrammetry, virtual humans, man-machine interfaces, content workflow, user assessment design, and systems evaluation design.  The candidate will be familiar with best practices for system design.  The candidate should possess a strong background and knowledge of  Dept of Defense (DoD) research objectives, challenges, programs, organizations and strategies related to the development and use of immersive technologies.

The successful candidate will actively seek funding for projects related to computer graphics and vision, and in particular projects focused on computer-supported approaches to training and education.  They will also be responsible for writing/submitting proposals and peer-reviewed publications.  The candidate will be expected to present and demonstrate project research at various venues, including academic and industry conferences, and Government installations. 

The candidate will be responsible for directing medium to large teams, often consisting of both internal and external research and production personnel. The Director will lead teams through the coordination, planning, execution, and deployment of project development phases.  Most of these projects will be Government-funded and require direct and tight coordination with an assortment of Government sponsors and organizations. 

The USC Institute for Creative Technologies was founded in 1999 to bring researchers at the cutting edge in computer graphics, mixed reality, artificial intelligence and the learning sciences together with talented personnel from the entertainment industry with the goal of creating the next generation of systems for training and education.  The Institute is the ideal place to pursue research in computer graphics and vision, with unparalleled access to new technologies, extraordinary challenging research questions, and a vibrant culture of interdisciplinary collaboration. The ICT Vision and Graphics Lab has a track record of over 20 years of breakthrough research and technology.  The ICT LightStage has been used to create relightable “digital doubles” for actors in over 25 major Hollywood films, including Avatar, Superman Returns, Spiderman 2, Maleficent and The Hobbit, and has earned its developers two Technical Academy Awards.  The lab pioneered techniques for light-field projection that allow viewers to see 3D images without wearing special glasses or other devices.  More recently the lab has developed techniques using machine learning that can create a detailed 3D model of a face from a single 2D photograph. We are world leaders in virtual human research, computer training simulations, and immersive experiences for decision-making, cultural awareness, leadership and health. Here, teams of world-class researchers work side-by-side with developers, practitioners, and students to address the research and development needs of a diverse set of funding organizations.

The annual base salary range for this position is $155,000 to $180,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

The University of Southern California, founded in 1880, is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. The Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) is an off-campus research facility located in the westside Los Angeles neighborhood of Playa Vista, in close proximity to the ocean and the Silicon Beach tech sector.

Required skills:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, Interactive Media or related discipline
• Demonstrated ability to propose and obtain funding for projects
• 5-10 years of project leadership/management experience
• 5-10 years of experience with computer vision and/or computer graphics
• Demonstrated ability to produce computer vision and graphics systems that advance the state-of-the-art
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analysis skills, in relevant technical areas
• Demonstrated team leadership skills
• Demonstrated balance between technical and leadership skills and experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of the DoD research and technology domain
• Active TS or SCI clearance

Desired skills:

• Experience with large-scale industry or Government and DoD-related research projects
• Experience leading and/or developing systems using game-based technologies

Why work at ICT:

• Work on exciting and engaging projects that have real-life impact.
• Small project team environment allows for involvement across entire project lifecycle.
• A quality work-life balance.
• Meet interesting people from all walks of life – technologists, social scientists, military, writers.
• Opportunities for free, top-tier university education for you and your children.
• Located in the heart of Silicon Beach.
• Great benefits - medical to matched retirement http://benefits.usc.edu/

Minimum Education: Doctorate Minimum Experience: <1 year Minimum Skills: Demonstrated record of outstanding research contributions and experience. Proven technical proficiency, exceptional creativity, successful collaboration with others, and independent thought. Strong managerial skills. Demonstrated reputation as an emerging leader in field with sustained performance and accomplishment. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize research directions, exert technical leadership, communicate technical ideas, coordinate individual contributions to a research program, and present research plans and results in a manner that will elicit favorable funding actions. Preferred Experience: 5 years Preferred Skills: Nationally recognized reputation for excellence in area of expertise.