Technology Assistant – Full-Stack XR Developer for the SIMPLE Project

SIMPLE is a collaborative initiative co-funded by the European Union, designed to raise awareness among young audiences in the Lower Mekong countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand,
and Vietnam) of the challenges and opportunities associated with local sustainable environmental solutions. The project aims to achieve this through the development and implementation of “virtual sustainability universes” in pilot schools. These environments enable, through the use of virtual reality devices, young people to experience first-hand environmental challenges and explore potential solutions. Those virtual spaces are based, on one hand, on engaging serious-games which are designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to sustainability issues; and, on the other hand, interactive scientific simulations which enhance the understanding of the science behind environmental issues and the impact of proposed policies.
The experiments are supported by the SIMPLE software and hardware platform, which aims to enable students to collaborate virtually in real time in multi-player gaming sessions to seek solutions to sustainability problems using scientifically calibrated models. As part of a dynamic,
international team, you will help to develop and improve this platform using your technical expertise in software development (web, mixed reality and network) and hardware.
For more information on the project, you can visit its website: https://project-simple.eu/

As the Technology Assistant, your activities will include:

● Full-Stack Development: Collaborating with the Technology Development Officer to maintain SIMPLE web-platform (https://github.com/project-SIMPLE/simple.webplatform) using React, Vite, TypeScript, NodeJS, and integrating with the GAMA agent-based modeling platform (https://gama-plaftorm.org).
● XR & VR Development: Working with the developers of immersive VR experiences for Meta Quest 3 devices using Unity, ensuring seamless integration and communication between the VR environments and the GAMA simulation through the web platform.

● Networking Infrastructure: Enriching and maintaining the WebSocket communication protocols for real-time interaction between several applications and VR devices.
● Hardware Integration: Assisting with the design improvement and integration of hardware solutions to ease the deployment and use of the full project within classrooms.
● Technical Documentation & Communication: Producing clear and concise technical documentation and contributing to effective communication within the international team.

● Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
● Demonstrated proficiency in TypeScript (web platform) and C# (for Unity). Experience with Java and/or the GAMA Platform would be highly appreciated.
● Solid experience in full-stack development using NodeJS, React, and Vite.
● Strong understanding of networking principles and experience with WebSocket implementation.
● Practical knowledge of Android development. Familiarity with Meta Quest devices would be appreciated.
● Knowledge of Unity would be a plus.
● Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
● Interest in applying technology to address real-world challenges, particularly in the field of sustainability.
● Excellent written and spoken English skills. Skills in French would be a plus.

● Full-time, one-year contract, with possibility of extension up to three years, located in Hanoi, Vietnam.
● Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact research project with international visibility.
● Collaborative and stimulating work environment within a pluricultural team of researchers and developers.

Depending on the candidate’s profile, experience, and requests, an individual proposal will be made after the interview

To apply, please submit your CV, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio materials (e.g., GitHub
repositories, project demonstrations) to alexis.drogoul@ird.fr and arthur.brugiere@ird.fr by 1st
December 2024. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and explain your
motivation for joining the SIMPLE project.