PhD Scholarship Opportunity - Quantum-Enhanced Machine Learning Models for Digital Health and Medical Diagnostics
Job No.: 701336
Location: Clayton campus
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 3.5-year 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
- Faculty of Information Technology Tuition Fee Scholarship (if international)
The Opportunity
This is an unprecedented opportunity to work on Quantum Machine Learning for Medical Imaging and Digital Health. The PhD project will be developed as a collaboration between Monash University (Professor Muhammad Usman’s Lab at Faculty of Information Technology) and Quantum Motion (Led by Dr Matt Sims-Goh). The successful candidate will work at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning – two most fascinating fields of research. The PhD project will involve developing novel quantum machine learning models with aim to advance medical diagnostics in nuclear medicine and magnetic imaging, leading to improved image resolution, reduce noise, or faster processing time. Applications will include improved diagnostics and early-stage detections of injuries or diseases.
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.
Quantum Motion is a full-stack quantum computing company building utility-scale quantum computers based on the same technology used in smartphones and conventional computers – silicon. Headquartered in London and with a growing global footprint reaching Sydney, San Sebastian and Maryland, the company has recently raised $160mil (USD) in Series C funding. The successful PhD candidate will join a leading industry player, with access to global expertise across all segments of the quantum computing stack.
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.
- Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
- Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
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
- 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:
Stage 1: Please submit your interest to Professor Muhammad Usman at muhammad.usman@monash.edu or Dr Matt Sims-Goh at matt.sims-goh@quantummotion.tech
With the EOI please include the documents - CV, academic transcripts, a cover letter and a draft research proposal of up to 2 pages, responding to one or more of the above research objectives.
The draft research proposal should highlight your prior research experience and interest in the quantum computing field.
Stage 2: Candidates who pass this stage of the selection process will be invited to discuss their ideas with the supervisory team before developing and submitting a full application.
Enquiries: fit-graduate.research@monash.edu or muhammad.usman@monash.edu
Applications Close: Sunday 28 February 2027, 11:55pm AEDT
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.
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