PhD Scholarship: Foundation Models for Anomaly Detection

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to undertake research in anomaly detection and graph machine learning. The primary focus of this role is to develop foundation models and frameworks for detecting anomalous patterns across diverse graph datasets and application domains. This project includes investigating unified and transferable graph anomaly detection models, developing advanced graph representation learning and anomaly detection techniques. Success in this role requires collaboration with [the supervisory team and researchers in graph machine learning, anomaly detection, and trustworthy artificial intelligence.

This position is primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) campus. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations. Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

This scholarship will be based within the School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Griffith University. The successful candidate will join an active research environment in artificial intelligence and machine learning, with opportunities to work alongside researchers in graph machine learning, anomaly detection, trustworthy AI, and related areas. The project will be supervised by Dr Yixin Liu, ARC DECRA Fellow and Lecturer in the School of ICT. His research spans graph anomaly detection, generalizable and out-of-distribution graph learning, graph representation learning, and trustworthy artificial intelligence.

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 and problem-solving skills, the capacity to undertake independent research, and effective written and verbal communication skills. You will have evidence of a passion for artificial intelligence and machine learning, with a strong desire to undertake research in graph machine learning and anomaly detection.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters 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 the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

Applicants are advised that the following backgrounds and skills are highly desirable:

• A strong academic background in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with machine learning or deep learning, preferably including graph neural networks, graph representation learning, anomaly detection, or related topics.
• Programming experience in Python and familiarity with modern deep-learning frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design and conduct independent research.
• Evidence of research experience, publications, competitive scholarships, academic awards, or other indicators of research potential is desirable but not essential.

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:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
• A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
• A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19.

About the scholarship

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.

What Griffith offers

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).

Through this project, you will be supported to develop advanced research capability in graph machine learning and anomaly detection, including designing new learning frameworks, conducting large-scale empirical studies, and communicating research outcomes through high-quality publications and conference presentations. You will work in a research environment with strong expertise in graph anomaly detection and generalizable graph learning, and will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers at Griffith University and external research partners.

EOI Process

Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to Dr Yixin Liu at [email protected], containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• 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 of two referees.

The closing date for expressions of interest is: Friday 25 September 2026 at 5pm AEST

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

For project related enquiries please contact:

Dr Yixin Liu

Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: [email protected]