THE OPPORTUNITY

Monash University seeks applicants for this opportunity who are able to demonstrate and present valid and current Australian work rights.
This program will tackle hurdles that are roadblocking quantum-safe security technologies and innovative industry applications of quantum computing.
It will deliver novel quantum-safe cryptography technologies to protect online systems from QC attacks, and accelerate the adoption of quantum-enhanced cybersecurity, AI, optimisation and simulation algorithms across Australian industries – aligning with the Digital Economy 2030 strategy.

We are looking to recruit postgraduate research students (at either Honours, Masters thesis, or PhD level) for the following three projects with our industry partner Senetas. Senetas is a global leader in cybersecurity based in Melbourne, Australia. Its hardware and software products protect commercial, government, defence and critical infrastructure data in over 40 countries.

• Quantum-Resistant Cryptography for Cloud-Based File Sharing Systems
• The aim of this project is to design and evaluate practical quantum-resistant (aka post-quantum) cryptosystems suitable for enhancing security of and providing novel functionalities to a cloud based file sharing system. The outcomes of the project will be applied in novel secure file system products of Senetas.
• See www.monash.edu/it/nextgen/quantum-information-technology/cloud-based-file-sharing-systems for more details.
• Quantum-Resistant Cryptography for Network Encryptors
• Senetas network encryptors are specialised hardware and software appliances used to encrypt network traffic for government, defence and commercial. The aim of this project is to develop, implement and evaluate prototypes of practical quantum-resistant (aka post-quantum) algorithms for enhancing the security of a Senetas Network encryptor application. Targeted applications include agile high throughput network encryptors, code-signing engines, or key management modules. The outcomes of the project will be applied in novel network appliance products of Senetas.
• See www.monash.edu/it/nextgen/quantum-information-technology/network-encryptors for more details.
• Quantum-Resistant Digital Provenance
• Digital provenance refers to the process of verifying and tracing the origins, lifecycle, and integrity of digital content. C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) is an initiative founded by multiple technology and media companies, aiming to address the increasing concern of misleading information and disinformation on the internet. The main objective of C2PA is to establish a standardized approach for digital content provenance, which essentially means tracing the origin and verifying the integrity of digital content. This project will investigate and evaluate enhancements to the security of digital provenance via the application of quantum-safe cryptography to integrate with C2PA standards.
• See www.monash.edu/it/nextgen/quantum-information-technology/quantum-resistant-digital-provenance for more details.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply.
Scholarship holders must undertake industry placements with industry partner(s) of the program within which the student enrols.
Students must register and complete the coursework component of the Next Generation Graduates Program within the within the first 12 months of receipt of a scholarship.
Students who receive a scholarship are expected to undertake their training in Australia and endeavour to remain in Australia for two years following completion of their degree.
Applicants must show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated research within a high-performing and target-driven group of researchers. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over Zoom if necessary. The interviews will be conducted in English.
The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by July 2025.

Please refer the Job description for details