This fully funded PhD opportunity at Monash University, supervised by Professor Monica Whitty, focuses on the study of believable mis/disinformation from a social science and psychological perspective. The successful candidate will join a world-leading cybersecurity research group dedicated to creating a safer and fairer digital world. Professor Whitty is a renowned expert in human factors in cybersecurity, with extensive experience in cyber scams, insider threats, online deception, and disinformation. The project aims to examine different types of mis/disinformation and conduct experimental studies to determine which are more believable to various audiences, drawing on psychological and social science theory. Applicants should have a strong background in psychology, sociology, information science, criminology, or media and communication studies, with training in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods (excluding discourse analysis). The research is expected to generate new knowledge about the real impact of mis/disinformation. The position offers a Research Living Allowance of $36,063 AUD per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually), $4,000 in FIT Candidature Funding, and a one-off travel grant of up to $1,265. Applicants must meet Monash PhD eligibility requirements, including a relevant bachelor's or master's degree with a research component and a first-class honours equivalent grade, or equivalent qualifications and experience. The application process involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) with supporting documents and a research proposal, followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. The deadline for applications is 20 November 2025. Monash University is committed to diversity, equality, and gender equity. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in the intersection of psychology, social science, and cybersecurity to contribute to impactful research on misinformation and disinformation.

Monash University in Australia is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship for research on vulnerabilities to cyber scams, supervised by Professor Monica Whitty, a leading expert in human factors in cybersecurity. The successful candidate will join a world-class cybersecurity research group and focus on understanding why certain groups or individuals are more susceptible to cyber scams, with the aim of developing effective methods to reduce victimisation. Applicants should have a strong background in psychology, sociology, information science, criminology, or media and communication studies, and be skilled in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods. The project encourages candidates to design studies focusing on specific societal groups or types of cyber scams. The scholarship includes a generous living allowance, additional candidature funding, and a travel grant. Monash University advocates for diversity, equality, and gender equity. The application process involves submitting an EOI with supporting documents and a research proposal, followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. The deadline for applications is November 20, 2025.

This fully funded PhD opportunity at Monash University invites outstanding candidates in psychology or social sciences to research vulnerabilities to cyber scams under the supervision of Professor Monica Whitty, a leading expert in human factors in cybersecurity. The successful applicant will join a world-renowned cybersecurity research group at Monash's Clayton campus, working on projects that aim to create a safer and fairer digital world. Professor Whitty, a Maureen Brunt Fellow and recipient of the 2025 cyberpsychology and cybersecurity lifetime award, has extensive experience in cyber scams, insider threats, online deception, and disinformation, and has authored five books and over 100 articles in the field. The project will focus on understanding why certain groups (such as the elderly, young people, or specific ethnicities) or types of scams (like investment or work-from-home scams) are particularly vulnerable, with the goal of generating new knowledge to reduce victimisation. Applicants should have a strong background in psychology, sociology, information science, criminology, or media and communication studies, with training in quantitative (e.g., regressions, parametric/non-parametric tests, Structural Equation Modelling) and/or qualitative methods (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Thematic analysis, Content analysis), but not discourse analysis. Prior experience in cyber scam research is not required, but candidates must demonstrate theoretical and methodological expertise and the ability to develop a robust research proposal. The position is open to those with a four-year bachelor’s degree (with research thesis/project) or a master’s degree (with research thesis/project) in a relevant discipline, both requiring a first-class honours equivalent, or equivalent qualifications and experience. The scholarship provides a living allowance of $36,063 AUD per annum (2025 rate, indexed), $4,000 in candidature funding, and a one-off travel grant of up to $1,265. Monash University is committed to diversity, equality, and gender equity. The application process involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) with supporting documents and a research proposal, followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. The application deadline is 20 November 2025.