Lab Manager AR/VR/XR CoE

1. Title - Lab Manager – AR/VR/XR CoE

2. Job Purpose

To manage the day-to-day operations, technical infrastructure, equipment, software, safety, and utilization of the AR/VR/XR and AI laboratories. The Lab Manager will ensure that all laboratory facilities are operational and available for teaching, projects, research, workshops, demonstrations, and industry collaboration.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Laboratory Operations

• Manage the day-to-day functioning of the laboratory and ensure readiness for scheduled classes, laboratories, projects, research and demonstrations.
• Maintain laboratory schedules and coordinate utilization of lab resources.
• Ensure proper functioning and availability of all laboratory equipment and systems.
• Ensure compliance with university laboratory policies and safety procedures.

B. AR/VR/XR & Immersive Technology Management

• Operate and maintain VR/MR/AR devices and immersive systems.
• Manage devices such as Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Varjo XR, Ray-Ban Smart Glasses and other XR equipment.
• Support immersive displays, LED/video walls, projection systems and interactive visualization systems.
• Manage Tobii eye-tracking systems, haptic gloves/suits, motion-capture systems, IoT devices, sensors and wearables.
• Assist faculty and students in setting up XR experiments, demonstrations and applications.
• Maintain device configurations, firmware, and licenses and associated software.

C. GPU Infrastructure

• Manage GPU workstations and AI computing infrastructure used for teaching, projects and research.
• Support NVIDIA GPU-based systems and ensure appropriate utilization of GPU resources.
• Assist users in configuring GPU environments, drivers, CUDA/toolkits and required software.
• Monitor GPU workstation availability, performance and utilization.
• Coordinate with IT/NVIDIA/vendor teams for technical issues, upgrades and maintenance.

D. Software & Platform Management

• Install, configure and maintain laboratory software and development platforms.
• Support platforms such as NVIDIA Omniverse, Unity, Unreal Engine and other relevant XR/AI tools.
• Maintain software licenses and ensure timely renewal wherever applicable.
• Maintain standard software images/configurations for laboratory systems.
• Assist faculty and students in resolving software and compatibility issues.

E. Equipment & Asset Management

• Maintain an updated inventory of all laboratory equipment, accessories and consumables.
• Maintain asset registers, equipment history and service records.
• Track equipment issue/return and ensure proper handling of devices.
• Conduct periodic physical verification of laboratory assets.
• Identify equipment requiring repair, calibration, replacement or upgrade.
• Maintain records of warranty, AMC/CMC and service agreements.

F. Vendor & Procurement Coordination

• Coordinate with vendors for installation, commissioning, maintenance and servicing of laboratory equipment.
• Assist the department in preparing technical specifications for procurement.
• Obtain technical information and quotations from vendors when required.
• Coordinate demonstrations, trials and acceptance testing of new equipment.
• Follow up on warranty claims, repairs and replacement of defective components.
• Maintain vendor contact and service records.

G. Teaching, Projects & Research Support

• Provide technical support during laboratory sessions and practical classes.
• Assist faculty in preparing laboratory setups, experiments and demonstrations.
• Support student projects, capstone projects, hackathons and innovation activities.
• Provide technical assistance to research scholars using laboratory facilities.
• Support interdisciplinary projects involving AI, computer vision, XR, robotics, IoT and immersive technologies.
• Assist in conducting workshops, FDPs, training programmes and industry demonstrations.

H. Lab Safety & Security

• Ensure safe operation of electrical, computing, VR/XR and other laboratory equipment.
• Implement procedures for safe handling and storage of VR headsets, sensors, haptic devices and other specialized equipment.
• Ensure appropriate cable management, power management and UPS requirements.
• Report equipment damage, safety hazards and infrastructure issues immediately.
• Ensure authorized access to specialized and high-value equipment.

I. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain daily/weekly/monthly laboratory activity records.
• Prepare equipment utilization and laboratory usage reports.
• Maintain preventive maintenance schedules and service logs.
• Prepare reports on equipment downtime, repairs and utilization.
• Maintain documentation for audits, accreditation, inspections and institutional reporting.
• Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and user guidelines for laboratory equipment.

J. Innovation & Industry Collaboration

• Support demonstrations of the Centre/Lab to industry partners, academic visitors and prospective students.
• Recommend technology upgrades and new equipment based on academic, research and industry requirements.

4. Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology Multimedia, VR/AR/XR, or a related discipline.
• Relevant technical experience in laboratory management, computer systems, AI/ML, GPU computing, XR/VR/AR or immersive technologies.
• Good knowledge of computer hardware, networking, operating systems and software installation.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues.

5. Desirable Skills

• Experience with NVIDIA GPUs, CUDA and AI computing environments.
• Knowledge of Unity and Unreal Engine.
• Knowledge of NVIDIA Omniverse and digital-twin technologies.
• Experience with VR/MR/AR devices and immersive displays.
• Knowledge of motion capture, eye tracking, haptics, IoT, sensors and wearables.
• Basic knowledge of computer vision, generative AI and LLM applications.
• Experience in managing high-value technical equipment and vendor coordination.

6. Key Competencies

• Technical troubleshooting and problem solving
• Laboratory and asset management
• Equipment maintenance and documentation
• Vendor and service coordination
• User support and communication
• Time management and multitasking
• Safety awareness
• Willingness to learn emerging technologies

7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Laboratory uptime and equipment availability
• Timely resolution of technical issues
• Equipment utilization rate
• Accuracy of asset and inventory records
• Preventive maintenance compliance
• Timely completion of vendor/service activities
• Support provided for classes, projects and research
• Compliance with laboratory safety and SOPs
• User satisfaction among faculty, students and researchers
• Timely submission of laboratory reports and documentation