More than a decade ago I was asked to write my own (ideal) job description.

A lot has changed since then but it was an interesting exercise, and I recommend it. In a few weeks I might even write my own new ideal job description.

Position description for <insert University research centre here>

Job title: Director of Research into Virtual Places

Duties

1. Help <the centre> structure research agenda and aims.
2. Develop research resources; establish academic and professional terminology, evaluation strategies, rigorous research methods and innovative case studies that are likely to be of use to other researchers.
3. Advise on, direct and augment the publication record and reputation for <the centre> as mentor for junior researchers and in own research field.
4. Chair and advise <the centre> research committee on new and emerging research trends, events, gaps, and issues.
5. Help mentor and coordinate (and in some cases, supervise), students who can combine innovative technological research with theoretically polished writing that reveal constructive but critical thinking.
6. Develop some or all of the below research themes via collaboration and personal research.
7. Help develop research-industry collaborations, and associated industry links (in digital media, tourism, digital entertainment, etc).

Address the Below Research Themes as A Researcher

1. Virtual places, theory, definition, and design.
2. Meaningful Interaction in virtual places (appropriate inbuilt evaluation, public and specialist annotation methods, serious gaming and instructional design issues of virtual places, natural mapping for thematic interfaces and peripherals to afford improved platial experiences).
3. Presence (especially cultural presence) in virtual places: terminology and experimental validation (clarify the relationships between place, presence, and intentional/non-intentional interaction).
4. Prototyping virtual places and environments: develop and evaluate new techniques and procedures.
5. Research Methodologies for virtual places: internal and external, pre and post-experience, emic and etic methods and tools for virtual or otherwise digitally mediated places.

Expected <Research Centre> Outcomes

1. A strong international academic profile through advising on, directing and augmenting the publication record and reputation for <the centre>.
2. A strong web presence.
3. A flourishing staff-student research culture.
4. The research committee has been helped by the research director to create and maintain a lucid and coherent ethical clearance procedure for proposed experimental designs involving user testing and the general public.
   

Expected Technical Skills

1. Some experience in digital media skills (including web design).
2. 3D and related design skills in creating virtual places.
3. Experience in creating or supervising prototypes.
4. Ability to run, mentor or advise on experimental designs, case studies, and evaluations.

Suitable Background

1. Related academic qualifications in architecture, philosophy, engineering, or HCI.
2. Familiarity with the research fields of virtual environments/ VR, virtual heritage, place theory, the design and use of online places, architectural theory of place, philosophy and aesthetics and place, and presence research.
3. Experience in developing and or supervising virtual environment research, digital media research, and methodological studies into appropriate research methods (especially spatial design research) at tertiary level.
4. Experience in game design may be beneficial.
5. Experience with Instructional design and user documentation (for procedures, methods, and terminology.
6. Some experience in digital media skills (including web design).
7. 3D and related design skills in creating virtual places.
8. Understanding of scripting issues in creating virtual places.
9. Experience in creating or supervising prototypes.
10. Experience with both academic studies in the area and industry practices in IT.
11. International academic profile and reputation for research, speaking, and publication in cultural presence, meaningful interaction, and virtual places.
    

Suitable Aptitudes/Skillsets

1. Ability to work with different skill sets, cultural backgrounds, professional perspectives, and disparate disciplines.
2. Ability to work individually and as a member of a team.
3. Work experience in different countries and cultures.
4. Ability to source research material, write high quality academic publications, and deliver/edit online articles for  <the centre> website.
   
5. Analytical mind.
6. Experience in public speaking.