PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Secure Quantum Computation on Shared Quantum Processors

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

Benefits offered by this job

Travel grant

Job summary

Monash University is offering a PhD scholarship at the Clayton campus in Melbourne to research secure quantum computation on shared quantum processors. The candidature runs up to 3.5 years full-time with a total annual scholarship of about $41,100 AUD, plus a travel grant.

The ideal candidate has a strong software security background, skills in Python and PyTorch, knowledge of linear algebra and quantum computing, and the ability to collaborate across academic and industry teams in the Scalable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's with research thesis; First Class Honours recommended.
• Strong background in software security and mathematical basis (linear algebra).
• Proficiency in Python and PyTorch; knowledge of quantum computing is advantageous.
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and with industry partners.
• Meet English language requirements and eligibility for PhD candidature.

Responsibilities

• Analyse security vulnerabilities of shared quantum computers and develop software-level solutions.
• Collaborate with the Scalable Quantum Systems Lab and other researchers to advance secure sharing of quantum compute resources.

Skills

Software security

Linear algebra

Software engineering

Python

PyTorch

Education

Bachelor's degree (4+ years) with honours First Class

Master's degree with research thesis

Job description

PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Secure Quantum Computation on Shared Quantum Processors

PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Secure Quantum Computation on Shared Quantum Processors

Job No.:699200

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 project offers an unprecedented PhD research opportunity to work on secure quantum computations on a shared quantum processor. Quantum computing is an emerging area of research with potential for revolutionary industry applications. In the near-term, the access to quantum processors is provided through shared environment via cloud systems. In this model, many users access the same quantum processor to perform their computing jobs. However, such shared environment poses a serious security vulnerability where an adversary can create cleverly selected sequence of quantum gates interfering with the computing jobs by other users leading to wrong answers. Similar security issues have been detected in the process of quantum error correction or software level compilations. In this project, PhD student will analyse security vulnerabilities of shared quantum computers and develop software level solutions to ensure secure and reliable sharing of quantum compute resources.

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 software security, linear algebra and software engineering
• 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.

Enquiries: ***************@monash.edu or **************@monash.edu

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

Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations, and pays its respects to their elders, past and present.