Computer Research Engineer

Job Summary

A full-time computer research engineer position is available at the National Capital Area Medical Simulation Center, Uniformed Services University. The incumbent will assist in the design and development of surgical simulators and immersive virtual environments for medical team training. The individual can expect to encounter, and help solve theoretical and technical challenges in the process

Context

Located in the Greater Washington D.C. Metro area, the National Capital Area Medical Simulation Center (SimCen) is part of the Uniformed Services University (USU). USU is the United States Federal Government’s medical school. The SimCen focuses on the use and development of simulation for medical education, and is the nation’s largest integrated simulation facility of its kind. The SimCen has one of nation’s largest arrays of computer-based simulators in routine use for surgical and medical training. They include vascular anastomosis, limb trauma, intravenous catheterization, ultrasound, and bronchoscopy simulators. The SimCen has developed simulators that are world firsts: Pericardiocentesis, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, and cricothyroidotomy. The SimCen conducted the nation’s first Advanced Trauma Life Support© (ATLS®) course using virtual-reality based simulators, computer-controlled mannequins, and medical models. The ATLS® course trains doctors in assessment and resuscitation techniques for the seriously injured patient. ATLS® is an international course taught in over 30 countries.

The SimCen has a very well equipped Virtual Medical Environments (VME) Laboratory. It includes 6,000 sq. ft. of space for research into the use of immersive virtual environments for medical team training. This space currently houses a 3-wall, 6-projector CAVE. This system will be upgraded into a 1,000 sq. ft. immersive Wide Area Virtual Environment (WAVE) for medical team training. Construction is expected to be complete within three years. The VME Lab also has a 400 sq. ft. facility for medical simulator development. Its resources include a 10-dof Laparoscopic WorkStation by Immersion Corporation, three Phantom 1.5 haptic interface devices, two Phantom Omnis, two Kaiser Electro-optics headmount, a Polhemus FastScan 3D laser digitizer, and computer workstations, including twelve liquid-cooled Alienware Aurora ALX computers.

The SimCen is expanding its computer-based simulation capability. It plans include the development of new simulators for cricothyroidotomy, intracranial hematoma, pulmonary artery catheterization, and situational team training.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Engineer will participate in the design and development process of one or more of the projects described above. The individual can expect to encounter and help solve theoretical and technical challenges in the process. The individual will also assist in the daily operation of the VME Laboratory. Some travel to support offsite demonstrations of the SimCen’s simulation assets may be necessary. The incumbent will report to the Director of Virtual Medical Environments.

Cadidate Profile

The ideal candidate should have the following qualities:

1. Masters, Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science or related field.
2. A strong background in one or more of the following areas:
   haptic feedback, real-time deformable models, creating surgical effects such as cutting bleeding and suturing, computer graphics,
   distributed rendering, tiled displays, collision detection, deformable object modeling, immersive virtual environments (CAVEs, HMDs).
   The candidate is not expected to be proficient in every area.
3. Individuals with at least two years experience in game development will also be considered.
4. Excellent C++ and OpenGL or DirectX programming skills (at least two years experience in a work or graduate student environment).
5. An ability to work independently and deliver according to schedule.
6. There is no US citizenship or permanent residency requirement.

The following qualities are highly desirable but not essential:

1. At least two years experience developing applications in a Windows environment using the Microsoft Visual Studio programming environment.
2. Some experience with developing surgical simulation systems.
3. Experience in developing realistic, real-time interactive visual environments for minimally invasive surgery.
4. Experience with GPU programming.

Familiarity with the following is desirable but not essential:

1. 3D StudioMax
2. Some experience with Java programming

Interested candidates should contact Alan Liu with a current resume.