Traineeship title: Game Designer for ITI/LARSyS Research Projects
Reference: N154472/20/MADEIRARegion
MadeiraCountry
Portugal
Traineeship start date:
01/07/2026Traineeship end date:
30/11/2026Traineeship Duration:
Approximately 5 monthsDeadline
30/04/2026Work Schedule
35 hours/week, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM (flexible for lab access; max 8 hours/day with 1- hour lunch).Work may occasionally involve coverage of events in late afternoon or early evening (e.g.,research demos)
Location
FunchalTraineeship Area:
Graphics and DesignPeriod and duration of the language course:
The Portuguese language course takes place during the first month of the internship (1 June to 30 June 2026).Includes Trips
NoDescription of the tasks to be undertaken by the trainee(s):
The trainee will design and prototype interactive games and experiences for the ITI
Research Center and its related research projects (e.g., XR applications, interactive
simulations, digital installations). Key responsibilities include:
Conceptualize game mechanics, levels, narratives, and user interactions for research
prototypes and dissemination tools.
Develop playable prototypes using Unity (C# scripting), including assets, physics, UI/UX, and basic AI behaviors.
Collaborate with researchers and teams to iterate designs based on testing feedback,
ensuring research goals and user engagement.
Create design documents (storyboards, wireframes, GDDs) and update ITI website/research project pages with prototypes, demos, and promotional assets.
Produce campaign content (trailers, screenshots, social posts) to promote research
outputs on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and ITI channels.
Test, debug, and optimize prototypes for performance across devices; analyze metrics
to refine usability and impact.
Support research workshops/demos by building modular game templates for
interactive data visualization or simulation concepts.
Profile of the Trainee
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or enrolled in/completed Master's in Game Design, Computer Science,
Interactive Media, or related field.
Hands-on Unity experience (1+ projects in portfolio); basic C# programming for scripting mechanics and interactions.
Passion for research-driven interactive projects, XR, and prototyping for
scientific/academic applications.
Familiarity with research tools or 3D modeling (e.g., Blender) a plus.
Personal and Social Skills
Creative problem-solver with strong attention to gameplay balance and research objectives.
Team player able to collaborate with researchers, developers, and interdisciplinary teams.
Organized, deadline-driven, and adaptable to iterative feedback from experiments.
Enthusiastic about emerging tech trends and innovative research communication.
Language Skills
English: B2–C1 level (good written and spoken communication).
Portuguese: B1–B2 level (desirable, not mandatory; useful for interacting with local
stakeholders).
Information Technology (IT) Skills
Proficient in Unity (C# scripting, scenes, physics, UI Canvas).
Basic 3D tools (Blender/Maya for prototyping assets).
Programming: C#, introductory Python/C++ for logic/scripts.
General: Git/version control, Adobe Suite for assets, CMS (e.g., WordPress) for research page updates.
Other Skills
Interest in higher education, research communication and promotion of scientific and artistic projects.
Sensitivity to visual identity and branding in academic contexts.
Other Skills
The trainee will be integrated into the team of the Master in Interactive Media Design
and related research projects, with supervision and regular feedback.
There is flexibility to adapt some tasks to the trainee’s specific skills and interests (e.g.,stronger focus on video, graphic design, copywriting or analytics)