Our friends at Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt (HSHL) are recruiting a research associate (all genders) for “ProSys OSVP”. What is that? You’ll help develop the software behind better virtual-production planning, productions and day-to-day operations – creating a “Digital Twin” of the LED stage, and keeping it ship-shape. Based in Lippstadt, this full-time position starts as soon as possible, runs until 31 December 2028 and is graded E 13 TV-L.
A virtual stage involves plenty of real decisions. ProSys OSVP is developing a prototype for creating and using digital twins of LED stages, so teams can explore set layouts, real and virtual props, camera positions and lighting during planning. Your work will help turn those production decisions into something teams can examine and discuss before committing to a setup.
You’ll be in direct contact with people at HSHL’s partners , like LAVAlabs Moving Images and Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, exchanging ideas across software development, research and filmmaking. Around HSHL’s VFX Lab, that conversation reaches into a wider community: the lab’s opening brought together Babelsberg, the Digital Locations research project, the Fernseh- und Kinotechnische Gesellschaft (FKTG) and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). Systems integrator ICT AG built the stage, with INFiLED LED walls, Brompton Technology processing and AV Stumpfl’s PIXERA platform among its core technologies. It’s a setting where a conversation can move from a filmmaker’s creative idea to the engineering that makes it possible. For someone who enjoys meeting people with different expertise and asking good questions, there is plenty to get involved in.
Your role
You will gather, analyse and document requirements with project partners, help define the system architecture, and design, implement and test a framework for digital twins of VP stage sets. You will evaluate the tools and overall system together, identify improvements, document and scientifically analyse results, and write and present publications.
Help shape the future of filmmaking, one good idea at a time. You’ll build tools that help creative and technical teams explore what is possible on a virtual stage, working across research and film production along the way. It’s a chance to put your head together with brilliant people, swap ideas, challenge assumptions and enjoy the occasional gloriously nerdy tangent. If you like ambitious projects, lively conversations and a good laugh while solving a difficult problem, bring that energy. Your code could help a film crew turn its next “what if?” into a workable plan.
Your profile
You bring a good master’s degree or university diploma in computer science, business informatics, media informatics or engineering, solid Unreal Engine knowledge and confident C++ programming skills. Practical software-development experience, enjoyment of complex technical challenges, and experience measuring and evaluating media-technology systems and interpreting test results are required.
That combination suits the project’s ambitions: translating ideas for stage planning into working software, then examining how useful the result is. An interest in the conversation between developers and production teams will help you engage with a collaboration that brings academic and filmmaking perspectives together.
Why join HSHL?
Good work deserves a working environment that supports it. HSHL offers flexible working hours and home-office options, alongside family support and coaching to help work fit different stages of life. Training and professional-development opportunities give you room to keep learning, while structured onboarding and regular feedback help you find your feet and plan your next steps. You will work on a modern campus with ergonomic workstations and access to health and wellbeing activities. Public-transport connections, campus parking, charging facilities and a canteen take care of the everyday practicalities. Just as valuable is the chance to work in a university community that encourages collaboration, independent working and active participation. If you enjoy developing ideas with others and want your technical skills to contribute to research and the next generation of talent, this is an opportunity to take seriously.
Meet your future workplace
Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt is a public university of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, with campuses in Hamm and Lippstadt. Founded in 2009, it combines practice-oriented teaching and applied research across engineering, natural sciences, computing and business. Your workplace for this role is Campus Lippstadt, at Dr.-Arnold-Hueck-Straße 3. Set in the central but green “Himmelreich” area, the campus brings together laboratories, a media centre, a library and shared spaces for students and researchers. The railway station is around 15 minutes away on foot, with a direct bus connection to campus. Beyond the university, Lippstadt has a technology-focused economy spanning automotive electronics, automation and other engineering industries, alongside the CARTEC technology centre.
Two opportunities, two ways into virtual production
HSHL is also recruiting for DigiLoc – Digital Locations. If your strengths lie in photorealistic environments, scan processing and digital filming locations, take a look at our companion vacancy. ProSys OSVP offers the route into the software and systems supporting stage planning. Pick the challenge that best matches what you want to build next.
Apply by 20 October 2026
Ready to put your skills to work? Apply through HSHL’s online portal. Part-time arrangements may be possible, subject to operational requirements.
