Streamlining simulation with GenAI

About the research project

Pharmacy Simulator is a computer-based 3D simulation of pharmacy practice, used to train pharmacy and other healthcare students in patient counselling and communication skills. It is a University of Tasmania IP, commercialised both domestically and internationally by Imitated Environments Pty Ltd.

Recent research has revealed that uptake of this innovative product is limited by educator concerns about the workload involved in authoring new scenarios. Generative AI has been identified as an ideal candidate for streamlining this process, since the primary burden in scenario authorship is writing large volumes of patient/provider dialog options.

We are seeking a student with experience in computer science and artificial intelligence who can work directly with Imitated Environments Pty Ltd to experiment with various Large Language Model based solutions (using Unity3D) for streamlining the scenario authorship process, and can evaluate the performance of these solutions in terms of quality, authenticity, user acceptance, and time/workload savings.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Ivan Bindoff

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Additional Funding

If successful, applicants will also be considered for a Medicines Australia Continuing Education Program top-up scholarship of $10,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from Medicines Australia Continuing Education Program.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Open to applications from a computing/computer science background only, equivalent professional experience may be considered

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with software development
• Experience with generative artificial intelligence (AI)
• A Masters by Research or equivalent research and/or professional experience
• English language proficiency

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with C#
• Experience with the Unity3D game engine
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods such as surveys, interviews, and time and motion studies
• Familiarity with health and healthcare systems

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Ivan Bindoff to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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