Senior Scientist

The Homeland Protection & Preparedness Business Unit currently has an opening for a senior scientist who will be responsible design, development, and enhancements various software capacities to support 3D scanning technology and its applications to improve human protective clothing systems used by the warfighter. The anthropology group uses a model 30/30 head/face scanner, an mm scanner, and model WB4 whole-body scanning system built by Cyberware Inc., Monterey CA. as the primary means by which 3D anthropometric data is acquired. These systems employ a laser-scanning triangulation method to acquire 3D images. The Cyberware head/face scanner can image a region from about the neck to the top of the head while the whole-body system can image a much larger surface and provide data everywhere on the body except where hidden by pose, such as the soles of the feet, groin and under arms. The scanned volume of the WB4 is approximately equal to a 2 meter high by 1.2 meter diameter cylinder. Image resolution ranges between 2 – 3 millimeters in the x and y axes and less that 1mm along the z axis. Digitizing speed for the maximum scanned volume is around 17 seconds, which yields about 400,000 3D coordinates on the surface of the adult human body. Each Cyberware scanner runs on a separate Silicon Graphics Iris workstation and the image data produced by the scanners are compatible with most common computer-aided design formats. Data storage requirements are about 6 Megabytes each for 2 key image files generated during WB4 scanning and post-processing. The surface images generated by the scanner are data dense and require significant computational resources to manipulate. JOB DESCRIPTION: I) Provide computer programming support to ongoing research efforts in anthropology and develop software routines for extracting anthropometric data from 3D image files generated by the Cyberware scanners. Typical tasks shall include the development, testing, and integration of data extraction tools such as body segmentation, interactive anthropometric measurement, and automated landmark identification and measurement extraction. This work shall be coordinated with the anthropology staff as well as with other government and industry partners working in collaboration. II) Develop an approach to utilize the 3D whole-body scanner as a tool for evaluating the interface between clothing and equipment items and the human body. The development of automated software functions for extracting information such as surface area coverage, the distribution of surface area coverage across the major body segments, and total scanned volume are examples of the type of information that shall be required. Basic tools for interactively manipulating clothing items such as body armor on the scanned images shall also be developed. III) Operate and maintain the Cyberware head/face and whole-body scanning systems as required during the normal course of scanning operations within the 3D anthropology lab. Interactions with technical support staff and the software development staff at Cyberware shall be required. IV) Provide operational support to the Silicon Graphics computer workstations (Iris Indigo and Iris Impact) and local network which drive the Cyberware head/face and whole body digitizing systems. The scientist shall be required to assist the anthropology staff in maintaining and archiving the 3D image files generated by the scanners. V) Assist the anthropology group in the development and execution of program demonstrations and briefings to other Army agencies, other military representatives, private industry, and academic institutions as required to support technology transfer and research communication objectives. Due to restrictions relating to access to government facilities, computers and networks, U.S. citizenship is required. REQUIRED EDUCATION & SKILLS: Familiarity with UNIX, SGI, and MS-Windows graphic programming structures, and the Cyberware operating system (CY-Scan) An advanced degree (Ph.D. is preferred) in computer science, human engineering, or related discipline. Possess a fundamental understanding of the 3D whole-body digitizing system. A minimum of at least 5 years of experience with these systems and scanning human subjects is essential. Direct knowledge and experience in working with 3D data sets with respect to data extraction, manipulation, and application development. Intimate knowledge and at least 4 years of experience working with object-oriented computer programming languages such as C, C+ and C++. Familiarity with the operation and programming environment of Silicon Graphics Computer Systems. A proficiency in scientific and technical report writing. Oral presentation and communication skills. DESIRED EDUCATION, ETC.: Ph.D. is preferred in computer science, human engineering, or related discipline. A successful candidate is advised to provide the following information when responding to this job opening: I) Vitae and examples of technical reports and/or scientific papers written on topic-related to 3D scanning systems, the creation of anthropometric data extraction software, and the development of other application software for 3D based imaging systems. II) Examples of computer programs written in support of 3D scan system application development by individual to be assigned to this task. Company: SAIC Location: Natick, MA 01760 Status: Full Time, Employee Job Category: IT/Software Development Relevant Work Experience: 5+ to 7 Years Career Level: Experienced (Non-Manager) Education Level: Doctorate Company: SAIC Reference Code: Req ID 126211