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CSIRO Industry PhD (iPhD) Scholarship

The CSIRO Industry PhD (iPhD) is a four-year applied research PhD that combines university study with CSIRO and industry collaboration to solve real-world challenges. It offers joint supervision, a scholarship ($48,000 p.a.), project funding, industry engagement, and professional development, leading to a standard PhD awarded by the host university.

Important dates

Opens: 16-02-2026 Closes: 31-07-2026

Applies to

Domestic Postgraduate Research

At a glance

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

The Program includes:

  • Admission to a university PhD program.
  • Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
  • A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $48,000 per annum (2026 rate).
  • A four year Project Expense and Development package starting from $13,000 per annum.
  • A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
  • A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the participating university in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

Project Details

Title: Autonomous vulnerability assessment and red teaming for operational technology (OT)

Description: This Project develops a framework for vulnerability assessment and red teaming for OT. Outcomes include a framework which includes a structured knowledge base to provide machine-understandable context, as well as the tooling to implement automated, adaptive security testing. This will enhance national resilience and cyber defence capabilities for OT cybersecurity.

Primary location: Edith Cowan University, School of Science, Joondalup WA 6027

Eligibility guidelines

The student must:

  • Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
  • Meet participating university PhD admission requirements.
  • Meet university English language requirements.
  • Not have previously completed a PhD.
  • 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.
  • Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.
  • Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements.

Selection criteria

We are seeking a self-motivated PhD candidate with strong problem-solving abilities and a demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research and experiment with new techniques, under the guidance of a supportive supervision panel.

Essential skills:

  • Strong scripting and/or programming skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Desirable:

  • Background in Computer Science and/or cybersecurity.
  • Publication(s) in cybersecurity or machine learning.
  • Familiarity with machine learning techniques, particularly large language models (LLMs).
  • Experience with penetration testing or ethical hacking.
  • Knowledge of ICS, SCADA, or broader OT environments.

Terms and conditions

Please visit CSIRO's Industry PhD (iPhD) Program.

How to apply

  • Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to Dr Ahmed Ibrahim.
  • The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
  • The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant and informs iPhD office and GRS (or equivalent).

Further information

Questions about this scholarship can be directed to Dr Ahmed Ibrahim.

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