A full-time Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarships (MQRES) is currently available for a PhD investigating the modelling and analysis of quantitative security and safety critical systems. The robustness of security and safety critical systems depends crucially on the information available to the controlling software. This project will investigate mathematical techniques for evaluating the safety and security issues of software where information protection is a significant factor. Applications could include protocols for the internet, wireless networks, smartcards and e-voting. The research will focus particularly on applying and developing automated analysis techniques for quantitative verification and evaluation of novel applications.

MQRES scholarships are available to domestic and international students. Applicants should have completed equivalent research qualifications to an Australian undergraduate degree with first class honours in a relevant discipline, such as a Masters degree with substantial thesis component. We are seeking high calibre, suitably qualified Mathematics, Engineering, Computing or equivalent graduates. Early career professionals interested in returning to higher degree studies are particularly encouraged to apply.


The MQRES stipend is currently $19,616 p.a. tax exempt (2007). Tenure is 3.5 years full-time, subject to satisfactory progress with tuition fees funded for the scholarship tenure. Additional support for project costs and conference travel will also be available.

Further information regarding the project may be obtained by contacting the supervisors: Dr Annabelle McIver email: , telephone: +61-2-9850 9579, or Professor Vijay Varadharajan, email: , telephone: +61-2-9850 9534.

Application forms (see below) and award conditions are available from the Higher Degree Research Office, telephone +61-2 9850 7987, e-mail:
Applications should be forwarded to:

The Scholarship Officer
Higher Degree Research Office
Cottage C4C
Macquarie University
NSW 2109
Australia

http://www.research.mq.edu.au/students/scholarships/pages/ICS_CriticalSystems
Closing Date: 29 June 2007