PhD Scholarship: Artificial Intelligence-Powered Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

Company Description

As one of the most influential universities in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region, you will join Griffith University that spans five physical campuses in South East Queensland, while our network of more than 200,000 graduates extends worldwide. Griffith Sciences Group has over 450 staff members and researchers. We take pride in our global research contributions driven by our three Schools; Environment & Science, Engineering & Built Environment and Information & Communication Technology. Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates within the Schools have unfettered access to our leading researchers, state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative industry partners. The School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Griffith University is a leading institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the fields of computer science, information technology, and digital systems.

The successful applicant will be primarily based at Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Job Description

This PhD research focuses on the development of advanced privacy-preserving Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for the early diagnosis and management of skin cancer. By integrating deep learning with secure computation techniques, the study aims to create a robust, scalable, and privacy-aware system for detecting and classifying various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

The research will explore privacy-enhancing methodologies such as federated learning, differential privacy, and homomorphic encryption to enable secure processing of medical images while preserving patient confidentiality. Large-scale, diverse datasets of skin lesion images will be leveraged to reduce biases and enhance generalisability, ensuring fairness across different skin tones and lesion types. The proposed system will employ explainable AI (XAI) techniques to generate transparent, interpretable decisions, fostering trust among healthcare professionals and patients.

By addressing key challenges in medical AI—such as data security, explain ability, and algorithmic fairness—this interdisciplinary study aims to bridge the gap between AI advancements and clinical applicability. Ultimately, this research will contribute to the development of ethical, privacy-compliant AI solutions for medical diagnostics, supporting early intervention and improving patient outcomes while maintaining stringent data protection measures.

Qualifications

The selection of applicants for higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University considers academic merit and research background. To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a commitment to meeting research deadlines. Evidence of a passion for environmental sustainability and advanced data analytics is essential, along with a strong desire to contribute to innovative research in greenhouse gas emission tracking using hyperspectral satellite imagery and cutting-edge visualisation and analytical methods.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and onshore international applicants and international applicants. If you are an international applicant who is currently offshore please consider the viability of travelling costs before submitting an expression of interest. Please see the FAQs web page for requirements for offshore international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to second class (division A) 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 Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

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 minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

Additional Information

About the scholarship
The Griffith Industry PhD Scholarship Scheme has an annual stipend of $50,000 for a period of up to 3.5 years of full-time study. Please see the Industry PhD Scholarship 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. 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).

EoI process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest (EoI) must be submitted to t.nguyen19@griffith.edu.au containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Research Proposal
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a  copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template
• Two reference letters

Closing date for expressions of interest: Monday 30 June 2025 5pm AEST (if a suitable applicant has not been identified prior)

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship online.

For project related enquiries please contact:
Dr. Thanh Tam Nguyen
Email: t.nguyen19@griffith.edu.au

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: hdr-scholarship@griffith.edu.au