Main duties and responsibilities
De Montfort University is recognised for creativity, innovation, and industry partnerships. You’ll be based within the Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture, which excels in applying mixed-reality technology to creative industries. You’ll have access to advanced facilities, research expertise, and a dynamic environment that supports experimentation and professional growth.
About SDI Displays Limited: Established in 1979, SDI Displays is a design-led manufacturer with deep expertise in retail and shopper marketing. Using advanced techniques like visibility forecasting and eye-tracking, we create impactful visuals that connect with shoppers in competitive retail settings. Our team of Strategists, Creatives, Engineers, Makers, Builders, and Installers works end-to-end to deliver exceptional experiences for our clients, with a focus on quality, innovation, and attention to detail.
About the Role: As a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate (KTP), you’ll be at the centre of a strategic collaboration between SDI Displays Limited and De Montfort University (DMU). You’ll lead the development of new tools, workflows, and pipelines that embed mixed-reality capabilities into SDI’s creative process, helping the business offer its clients innovative, technology-led retail experiences.We’re seeking a visionary MX Designer to lead a cutting-edge project fusing mixed reality (MX), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into immersive retail experiences for high-end brands.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and prototyping of MX/AR/VR environments for high-profile retail brands.
- Use generative AI and creative data-driven approaches to design and evaluate interactive retail experiences.
- Work with software such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Reallusion, SolidWorks, or similar tools to develop 3D content and workflows.Develop web-based creative workflows for collaborative design and review.
- Build and refine state-of-the-art pipelines, incorporating tools like motion capture, real-time rendering, and AI-assisted creative tools.
- Create a virtual studio environment for retail clients to visualise, interact with, and refine prototypes.
- Collaborate closely with academic and industry experts, applying research into commercial design solutions.
- Facilitate knowledge transfer by delivering workshops and training sessions to SDI staff, ensuring new skills and methods become part of everyday practice.
Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for a passionate innovator who combines a flair for design with the technical skills to make it real. You should have an affinity for creative technologies and design thinking, ideally with experience in one or more of the following areas:Game Art, Animation, 3D Modelling, Interior or Product Design, Visual Effects, or Computer Science.Experience with VR/AR/MX development platforms (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender, Autodesk suite) and affinity to learn new tools as neededUnderstanding of generative AI tools and data-driven creative processes. Appreciation of design workflows, from concept creation to interactive prototyping.Ability to work collaboratively across creative and technical teams.
There will be a two stage interview process with the initial stage being an informal interview followed by a formal interview.
To view the Job Description & Person Specification please click here.
Contact
For more information contact Prof. Tracy Harwood tharwood@dmu.ac.uk or Brian Wealthall BWealthall@dmu.ac.uk