Location: Cambridge/Cambourne, UK (Hybrid)

Company: Cambridge XR – Where Immersion Meets Intelligence

Contract type: Temporary (3 months) with the possibility to extend beyond.

Salary: £39 - 42K PA Depending on Experience.

At Cambridge XR, we blend creativity, technology, and research to push the boundaries of how people learn, play, and interact in virtual worlds. Based in the heart of Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem, we’re a close-knit, multidisciplinary team of developers, artists, and researchers creating next-generation experiences that combine XR and AI. We value curiosity, experimentation, and the playful spirit that drives innovation.

Join us on a project to transform museum experiences with intelligent and engaging immersive digital content. If you’re a postdoctoral researcher who thrives on both academic rigour and practical invention, and you want to see your research come alive in immersive games and simulations, Cambridge XR is the place for you.

Qualifications and Education

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral qualification) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Game Development, Human–Computer Interaction, or a related discipline.
• Proven research track record with publications in leading journals and conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, IEEE Transactions, CHI, SIGGRAPH).

Technical Skills and Experience

• Strong experience in developing interactive applications or games using Unity.
• Proficiency in C# and Unity scripting, including AI-driven gameplay mechanics or simulations.
• Demonstrated experience applying AI and machine learning within interactive or game-based environments.
• Knowledge of AR and VR development, including SDKs such as ARKit, ARCore, Oculus SDK, and Open XR.
• Strong experience in conducting user-centred design research activities, e.g., design workshops, focus grous and interviews.

Research and Analytical Skills

• Ability to independently design, execute, and evaluate research projects.
• Strong analytical, creative, and problem-solving skills with a focus on prototype-driven research.
• Experience contributing to research proposals or collaborative R&D projects.

Communication and Collaboration

• Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and with external partners.
• Strong experience in presenting research findings to a variety of audiences.

Personal Attributes

• Highly self-motivated, inventive, and adaptable to a fast-paced startup environment.
• Passion for bridging research and real-world applications in immersive technologies.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of game-based learning, HCI, or interactive storytelling.
• Experience with real-time data visualization or sensor integration.
• Open-source or community contributions.

Benefits

• High-specification gaming laptop (PC).
• Gym membership.
• BUPA health check.

Interview Process

• Stage 1: 30 initial call with appropriate take home task for the role.
• Stage 2: 1-hour interview with company CEO.

Note:

1. We currently cannot offer visa sponsorship for international candidates and would only consider candidates with UK work authorisation for the current role.
2. The current role is a Hybrid work one and requires at least 3 days on site in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire.