PhD Scholarship: Responsible Infrastructure for Agentic AI Systems

The project will be undertaken within the School of Information and Communication Technology at Griffith University, in connection with the TrustAGI research lab. The lab conducts research on trustworthy and responsible artificial intelligence, with interests spanning agentic AI systems, multi-agent coordination, AI governance, software systems, and emerging digital infrastructure.

This opportunity will be primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to investigate the responsible design, evaluation, and governance of infrastructure for agentic AI systems .  The primary focus of this role is to develop methods that improve the reliability, accountability, and resilience of shared runtime components used by autonomous and multi-agent AI systems .  This project includes research on agent memory, shared state, tool-use workflows, retrieval-augmented generation, context management, and runtime monitoring mechanisms .  Success in this role requires collaboration with academic researchers, industry partners, and interdisciplinary stakeholders working on trustworthy AI, software systems, and emerging digital infrastructure.

This project is embedded in an ARC Linkage Project, offering the candidate opportunities to work with academic and industry partners on responsible infrastructure for next-generation agentic AI systems.

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to demonstrate strong analytical, programming, and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to conduct independent research in AI systems, software infrastructure, and responsible technology development. You will have evidence of a passion for agentic AI, trustworthy AI, multi-agent systems, and intelligent software infrastructure, with a strong desire to undertake research in [responsible infrastructure for agentic AI systems.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with honours equivalent to first-class honours, or a Master’s degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a Bachelor honours degree, or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program, refer here.

• Applicants should have a strong background in Information Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related discipline.
• Applicants should have a strong academic record, normally with a GPA greater than 85/100 or equivalent.
• Applicants with prior research experience, research project involvement, peer-reviewed publications, or demonstrated experience in AI, machine learning, software systems, multi-agent systems, or related areas will be highly regarded.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 OR
3. A score of no less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only) OR
4. A minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency OR
5. An overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025) OR
6. An overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025) OR
7. An overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic OR
8. An overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET) .

The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years full time study. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to ***email_hidden*** containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Brief research proposal, maximum 2 pages
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the ‘About you’ section
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names and contact details of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 02 October 2026 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

Professor Leo Zhang

Phone: (07) 5552 8***

Email: ***email_hidden***

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: ***************@griffith.edu.au