PhD Opportunity - Building AI Agents for Virtual Reality Training System

About UTS and Navantia Australia:

UTS is celebrated for its cutting-edge research and robust industry connections. Behavioural Data Science provides an elite research environment with a supportive peer group of doctoral and senior researchers. We have collected and provided access to rich datasets to derive insights, real-world problems, and know-how. Behavioural Data Science has strong connections with industry and government, providing a testing bed for your research and career pathways post-graduation.

Navantia Australia leads in maritime technology, focusing on delivering superior solutions for Australia's Defence. This collaboration offers a unique chance to influence major advancements in VR training and AI technologies.

Embark on a journey with us to redefine virtual training, where AI facilitates personalized, adaptive learning experiences.

Overview:

At the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in partnership with Navantia Australia, we're transforming virtual training experiences. We aim to integrate Virtual Reality (VR) with serious gaming to create educational simulations. Imagine piloting a virtual helicopter in a fire crisis scenario, with your team members being highly advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents. These agents, designed to be smarter and more adaptable than typical game bots, will learn from in-game interactions and adapt to the users’ learning curve.

Project Aim:

This research focuses on developing AI agents capable of seamless interaction with users in a VR setting, utilizing these interactions to provide tailored educational experiences. The groundbreaking aspect of this project is the development of AI-powered bots that adapt to users' in-game behaviours, learning from the most skilled players. This approach enables a broad range of applications, including transitioning from training to performance evaluation.

The Role:

• Research Focus: Developing AI Agents for VR training environments, in collaboration with Navantia Australia.
• Responsibilities: Building AI models to learn from virtual interactions, personalizing training through behaviour analysis, and pioneering AI in educational simulations.
• Environment: Work within Marintec's advanced research framework, with access to premier facilities and a close partnership between UTS and Navantia Australia.

Eligibility:

• Must be an Australian citizen.
• Requires a solid foundation in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge or Experience in Reinforcement Learning and AI agents is preferred.
• Demonstrated passion for educational technology research and innovation.

What’s on Offer:

• A comprehensive PhD scholarship valued at $47,500 per annum for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees and providing a generous living stipend.
• Access to leading-edge research facilities and academic expertise at UTS.
• Exclusive industry engagement opportunities with Navantia Australia.
• Involvement in the UTS Industry Doctorate Program (IDP), equipping you for future leadership positions in your field.

How to Apply:

Please send your application by email to (***************@uts.edu.au) – Associate Professor with the the following documents:

• Your CV, showing your education and professional experience, prizes (such as university medals etc.), awards and publications if any.
• A cover letter (no more than one page), outlining a) your profile’s match with the current subject, and b) your expertise (example: describe one prior project involving Computer Science/ML/AI).
• Grades transcripts from undergrad/Honours/Masters
• Masters thesis or equivalent research thesis (if applicable).
• 3 referees (academic or industrial supervisors, co-authors) with name, position and email.
• (If you have one) one of your publications that is most relevant for this opportunity.

Applications Close on 15th April 2024.