Monica Whitty
Top university
4 months ago
PhD Opportunity: Believable Mis/Disinformation in Social Science and Psychology Monash University in Australia
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
not provided
Funding
Available
Deadline
Expired
Country
Australia
University
MONASH UNIVERSITY
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About this position
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.
Funding details
Available
What's required
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. Applicants 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.
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.
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