Offer DescriptionA Call for one research fellowship (Bolsa de Investigação) for a Game/VR Developer is open at Fundação D. Anna de Sommer Champalimaud e Dr. Carlos Montez Champalimaud (Champalimaud Foundation) in the context of the project entitled "Research Infrastructure for Digital Therapeutics", with reference "LISBOA****-FEDER-********" from the call No "LISBOA************", funded by the: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Lisbon Regional Programme *********.The selected candidate willCollaborate with Immersive AI Systems group to create immersive and interactive 3 D environments for healthcare and rehabilitation applications.Responsibilities- Interactive Game Environments: Integrate AI-generated 3 D assets, characters, and animations into real-time immersive experiences using Unity;
VR Development: Build immersive and interactive VR experiences utilizing frameworks like Open XR to support patient rehabilitation and therapeutic engagement;
3 D Modeling: Create 3 D models and immersive environments using traditional or AI-based tools;
Animationand Rigging: Develop character animations, rigging, and 3 D object movements to enable engaging and realistic interactive movements in therapeutic scenarios;
Graphics and Performance Optimization: Ensure assets and VR experiences are optimized for real time performance across VR headsets and standard displays.
Research FieldsComputer Science and Software EngineeringRequired Education LevelBachelor's degree (minimum) or equivalent.DepartmentCentre for Restorative Neurotechnology | Neuroinnovation Warehouse19/05/202515/072025 or until filled.15/08/2025Skills/Qualifications- Bachelor's in Computer Sciences, Software Engineering or related areas;
5 years proven experience in professional game development or VR development;
Proficiency in English.
Excellent Level.
Specific RequirementsEssential skills- Game Development Expertise: Proven experience developing interactive games and immersive VR experiences using Unity, with a strong grasp of real-time interaction design, physics systems, and scene management;
VR Development: Hands-on experience with VR platforms and frameworks such as Open XR, Steam VR, or Meta Quest SDK, including end-to-end development of immersive environments and interactive mechanics;
3 D Content Integration: Proficient in working with 3 D models, animations, and rigging workflows using traditional or AI-based tools with seamless integration into Unity projects;
Performance Optimization: Sufficient understanding of real-time rendering pipelines, GPU profiling, draw call reduction, and asset management to ensure high performance in VR and standard gaming environments;
Collaborative Workflow: Strong ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including researchers and developers, using tools like Git or Plastic SCM.
Desirable skills that will also be considered- Generative AI: Experience using generative AI tools to streamline asset and animation workflows for VR and interactive media;
PythonProgramming: Proficient in Python for automation, data processing, and integrating ML models into 3 D production pipelines;
Motion Tracking: Hands-on experience integrating systems like Xsens, Opti Track, or Open Pose into VR workflows;
Neural Rendering: Knowledge of techniques like Ne RF, Instant-NGP, or similar neural rendering methods;
Computer Graphics: Solid foundation in real-time rendering, PBR, shading, lighting, and texturing;
Healthcare Applications: Background in developing immersive applications for digital therapeutics, neurorehabilitation, or mental health using VR.
Full immersion into a research excellence ecosystem with highly motivated researchers, supported by state-of-the-art technology and continuous development opportunities.RemunerationCompetitive remuneration according to experience as determined by the Fellowship Regulations of the Champalimaud Foundation.
The fellowship will be paid monthly by bank transfer.
The fellowship holder will have personal accident insurance and, if not covered by any social protection scheme, can ensure the right to social security through adherence to the voluntary social insurance scheme.The Fellowship will have the duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 36 months (never surpassing the termination date of the project, expected at 31/12/2027).
The position is expected to start on or after 15/08/2025, in an exclusive regime as the Fellowship Regulations of the Champalimaud Foundation.Eligibility criteriaNational, Foreign or Stateless candidate(s) who hold at least a Bachelor's degree in Computer Sciences, Software Engineering or other related scientific areas and a scientific and professional curriculum that reveals a profile appropriate to the activity to be developed.In case of Ph D degrees awarded by foreign higher education institutions, the degree must comply with the provisions of Decree-Law No. ********, of 12th of October, and all formalities established therein must be fulfilled by the deadline for application submission.Selection processCandidates will be screened to determine eligibility based on the qualifications listed.
Candidates meeting minimum requirements will be scored according to the required application materials: CV 60%, motivation letter 25%, interview 15%.
If provided, and if shortlisted, candidates' referees may be contacted and may count towards evaluation.Evaluation committee membersApplication materialsCV highlighting relevant past work and letter of motivation (one single pdf document, max 4 pages).
Proof of qualifications (certificates) may be required at a later date for the formalisation of the contract agreement.
Degrees obtained abroad may need to be formally recognised in Portugal.How to applyCandidates must complete the standard application form and submit a single annexed PDF (max 4 pages) document containing the application materials stated in the call.The call reference will be asked and not having may invalidate your submission.This call reference is: WH-Game/VRApplications are also accepted in paper, sent or handed to the Fellows Support Office at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, ******** Lisbon, Portugal.Notification of resultsAll candidates will receive a receipt of acknowledgment within 7-10 business days.
The highest scoring candidate will be notified by email or telephone.
All other candidates will be notified solely by email of the final outcome of the recruitment process.After being notified, candidates will have 10 working days to present a claim for redress by email (****** ).
If no claim is received by the Champalimaud Foundation, the Evaluation Committee's decision will become definitive.About UsResearch is at the heart of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, a modern research and clinical facility situated on the waterfront in Lisbon, Portugal.
The goal of Champalimaud Research (CR) is to perform world-leading fundamental and translational research.
Current research work is focused on the fields of neuroscience, physiology and cancer.
Champalimaud Research comprises a team of over 400 scientists from around the world.
English is the official language of the Centre.
Lisbon's sunny Atlantic Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture and high quality of life make this a great place to live and work.Relevant Institutional InformationIn line with our community guidelines and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and Gender Equality Plan, no candidate may be privileged, favored, prejudiced or deprived of any right or excluded from any duty on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, chronic illness, language, nationality, territory of origin, family status (marital, pregnancy and maternity, having or not having dependents), socioeconomic situation, education, religion, political or ideological beliefs, trade union membership, or on any other grounds which are irrelevant to decision-making.Legal NoticesThe present call has the sole purpose of filling the indicated research position.
This call may be canceled at any time on or before the jury's evaluation of all eligible candidates and the recruitment process shall be concluded on the day of the full execution of the contract between the Champalimaud Foundation and the selected candidate.