PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Quantum-Secured Artificial Intelligence Models

Monash University; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship package

Travel grant

Candidature funding

Job summary

Monash University invites applications for a PhD scholarship in Quantum-Secured Artificial Intelligence Models at the Clayton campus in Melbourne. The successful candidate joins a cutting-edge program supervised by Professor Muhammad Usman, working on robust quantum AI models with broad industry applications.

The scholarship offers a total package including a base stipend, candidature funding, and a travel grant, with a two-stage selection process and strict eligibility criteria.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree with research thesis/project or Masters with research thesis/project
• Meet English language requirements
• Not have previously completed a PhD
• Be able to commence in offer year

Responsibilities

• Develop novel quantum artificial intelligence models robust against adversarial attacks
• Collaborate with world-leading researchers at the Faculty of Information Technology
• Work under supervision of Professor Muhammad Usman on state-of-the-art projects
• Engage with industry partners and explore applications across sectors

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Python

PyTorch

Quantum computing

Research collaboration

Education

Bachelor\'s degree (4-year)

Master\'s degree with research

First Class Honours equivalent

Tools

Qiskit

Job description

PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Quantum-Secured Artificial Intelligence Models

Job No.: 699174

Location: Clayton campus Melbourne

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: The scholarship may be held for up to 3.5 years (fulltime) for Research Doctorate (PhD) studies.

Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive

• A scholarship package totalling approximately $41,100 AUD per annum (2027 rate with annual indexation)
• FIT Candidature Funding of $4,000 AUD for the duration of the candidature
• Up to $1,265 AUD from Monash Graduate Research Office as a one-off travel grant

The Opportunity

This is an unprecedented opportunity to work at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence – two most fascinating fields of research. The PhD candidate will be supervised by world-leading quantum computing expert Professor Muhammad Usman at the Faculty of Information Technology. The PhD project involves developing novel quantum artificial intelligence models which are intrinsically robust against adversarial attacks, with applications in wide range of industry sectors such as autonomous vehicles, military systems, and medical diagnostics.

The Scalable Quantum Systems Lab,

directed by Professor Muhammad Usman, is home to a range of innovative tools and projects – including developing applications of quantum computing Brisbane 2032 Olympics Games, National Quantum Computing Testbed Facility, and Quantum Artificial Intelligence for Defence. The successful PhD candidate will be part of a world-class research program interacting with post-doctoral researchers and PhD students at the Faculty of Information technology.

To be considered for this opportunity

you should fulfil the eligibility requirements listed below:

• Both Australian citizen or permanent residents and international students will be considered for this opportunity.
• A bachelor’s degree of at least four years in a relevant discipline, which includes a research thesis or project, with a minimum overall average grade of an honours degree equivalent to the First Class Honours; or
• A master's degree in a relevant discipline which includes a research thesis or project equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study, with a minimum overall average grade of honours equivalent to the First Class Honours; or
• A qualification, or combination of qualifications and relevant professional experience, deemed equivalent by the GRC (or delegate).
• Meet university English language requirements.
• Not have previously completed a PhD.
• Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.

The ideal PhD candidate will have:

• A strong background in machine learning, deep learning, and software programming
• Proficiency in Python and machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch (required)
• Knowledge of quantum computing or quantum algorithms (advantageous but not essential)
• Strong analytical skills, curiosity for interdisciplinary research, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both academic and industry teams

Monash University strongly advocates diversity, equality, fairness and openness. We fully support the gender equity principles of the Athena SWAN Charter.

This position has a two-stage selection process:

Enquiries: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Applications will close when the role has been filled, no earlier than Tuesday 15 December 2026, 11:55pm AEDT