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Monica Whitty

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PhD in Social Science: Understanding Vulnerabilities to Cyber Scams Monash University in Australia

I am recruiting a PhD student to research vulnerabilities to cyber scams at Monash University.

MONASH UNIVERSITY

Australia

email-of-the@publisher.com

Nov 20, 2025

Keywords

Sociology
Psychology
Criminology
Cybersecurity
Media Studies
Human Factors Engineering
Social Science
Quantitative Analysis
Structural Equation Modeling
Victimology
Mass Communication
Thematic Analysis
Qualitative Method
Deception Detection
Misinformation
vulnerablity

Description

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.

Funding

Available

How to apply

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) using the Faculty of Information Technology Research Project Enquiry form at supervisorconnect.it.monash.edu/enquire. Include your CV, academic transcripts, cover letter, and a research proposal (up to 5 pages). Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with Professor Monica Whitty.

Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree of at least four years in a relevant discipline (psychology or social science) with a research thesis or project and a minimum overall average grade equivalent to a first-class honours degree, or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a research thesis or project equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study and a minimum overall average equivalent to a first-class honours degree, or a qualification or combination of qualifications and relevant professional experience deemed equivalent by the Graduate Research Committee. Training in quantitative methods (e.g., regressions, non-parametric, parametric tests, Structural Equation Modelling) and/or qualitative methods (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Thematic analysis, Content analysis) is required, but not discourse analysis. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the literature in this area and the ability to develop a solid research proposal drawing from theory in psychology and/or the social sciences.

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