Position: Designer of Information Visualization and 3-D Modeling
Position Number: FAA070
Position Location: Doha, Qatar
Position Begins: July 1, 2012
Review of Application Begins: February 9, 2012 and continues until position is filled.

VCUQatar (www.qatar.vcu.edu) is the Qatar campus of the prestigious Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1998 through a partnership with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, VCUQatar offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design, graphic design, interior design and painting & printmaking and a Master of Fine Arts degree in design studies. Located in Doha, the capital city of Qatar, VCUQatar is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The current student body represents a diverse range of nationalities with students coming from more than 40 different countries.

VCUQatar strives to provide an engaged, learner-centered environment that fosters inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global setting. The university hosts the biennial international design conference Tasmeem Doha and supports the biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Islamic Art Symposium, attracting globally recognized designers, academics and thinkers while fostering sustainable, university-community partnerships that enhance the educational, economic and cultural vitality of Qatar. The university has substantial involvement with the emerging design industries in Qatar and is a significant catalyst for that growth. It has established itself as a center of excellence for education and research in art and design.

VCUQatar has 131 full-time faculty and staff and a student body of 249. VCUQatar was the first campus established in Education City, a unique 2500-acre campus community. Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Carnegie-Mellon University, Texas A&M University, Weill Cornell Medical College, Northwestern University, and HEC Paris have since joined the university.  

Qatar is a liberal, hospitable and progressive country in the Arabian Gulf and remains one of the healthiest economies in the Gulf region. English is the standard second language and the population of Qatar is approximately 1.65 million and growing – 350,000 Qatari, the remainder expatriates. Doha offers all the conveniences found in a contemporary and cosmopolitan city, and also maintains a traditional Arab flavor, evident in the old markets and the city’s Islamic Arab architecture. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M.Pei opened in November 2008 and the Arab Museum of Modern Art (MATHAF) opened in 2010. The US Embassy considers Qatar among the safest countries in the world for Americans.

Position Description

The incumbent is responsible for working with entrepreneurship teams on the development and implementation of design concepts and product solutions. This position will help set VCUQatar apart by employing cutting-edge visualization technologies skills and developing the same cutting-edge skills in alumni. The Designer of Information Visualization and 3-D Modeling will focus on visualization concepts, data, 2D and 3D projects, products and time dependent phenomena.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Assists in the development and creation of virtual and real-time visual models using appropriate computer visualization techniques, traditional rendering skills or other media as appropriate related to VCUQatar research, enterprise or academic led project;
• Provides instruction and training to the interns in the incubation program on computer modeling and three-dimensional prototyping;
• Develops new technologies related to three-dimensional visualization and modifies existing technologies to meet client needs;
• Works closely with internal and external workshop fabrication, prototyping or presentation and production facilities;
• Provides technical insight to interns as needed, such as suggesting more efficient methods of handling tasks;  
• Establishes meetings, conducts meetings/presentations, and provides customized training for interns in the incubation program;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Graduate degree in architecture, engineering, automotive engineering and design, product design and innovation, computer science or a related field required, or an undergraduate degree in a related design discipline and commensurate professional experience that equates to a graduate degree.
• Mastery of one or more of the following software: Rhino, 3D Studio Max, Maya, Solid Edge, Solid Works, Pro-engineer, Mud Box, or other industry standard visualization software is essential.
• Knowledge of code writing and software customization is desirable.  
• Possess advance skills ranging from computer & surface modeling, rapid & digital three-dimensional prototyping, math-based parametric to scripted programming.
• Possess a unique ability to visualize complex problem sets.
• Ability to develop advanced digital visualization tools.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to react and respond quickly to the needs of management and interns.
• An ability to work with and lead diverse design teams.  
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent oral and written presentation and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU and VCUQatar.

• Competitive international salary
• Tax protection for U.S. Taxpayers
• 30% Off-shore supplement to base salary
• Medical Insurance (100% employer funded premium and employer cost shared options available)
• Fully furnished villa or apartment including wireless internet
• Annual travel allowance to home of record (to include a spouse and dependents relocated to Qatar)
• Monthly transportation allowance
• Educational reimbursement for up to 4 dependent children enrolled in an accredited K-12 program
• International Professional Development and Research Opportunities

Application Process:  Qualified applicants who have a record of achievement appropriate to VCUQatar should submit a letter of interest with a curriculum vita and the names of five references including email and telephone contact information to Tomaree Porter (tlporter@vcu.edu), Human Resources Administrator, Qatar Support Office. Only Electronic submissions will be accepted.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information on VCUQatar and this unique international opportunity, please visit

www.vcu.edu/arts/employment/qatar