PhD Scholarship: Deconvolving Individual Bioaerosol Signatures Using AI-Driven Analysis of Complex Biological Datasets at Griffith University

This project brings together a leading multidisciplinary team of researchers across three research institutes with unique and complementary expertise that will push the boundaries of what is possible in real-time environmental monitoring. The I,CaN-CU team merges cutting-edge nanotechnologies, material science, surface chemistry, and bio- and chemical-sensing techniques (Prof. Joe Tiralongo & Dr Oren Cooper, Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG)), with aerosol/bioaerosol sampling technologies (Prof. Igor Agranovski, School of Engineering and Built Environment (EBE)), interferometric sensing (A/ Prof. Erik Streed Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute (QATRI)), all integrated with AI technology (Prof. Alan Liew, School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)).

The successful applicant will be predominantly based at the Gold Coast but will be required to also undertake elements of the project on the Brisbane South (Nathan). 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 work on an Office of National Intelligence, National Intelligence Discovery funded grant titled “Integrated, Controlled and Networked-Change Authentication Unit (I,CaN-CU)”. The primary focus of this project is to determine whether individual human bioaerosol signatures can be detected and distinguished within a shared indoor space.  This project includes the integration of environmental aerosol sampling technologies, high-resolution chemical analysis, and AI-driven signal deconvolution. Specifically, this project aims to develop and refine an AI-based framework capable of identifying individual-specific bioaerosol signatures from complex biological data. The PhD candidate will join a productive, multidisciplinary research team and contribute to a research programme that has a strong emphasis on emerging technologies.

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, a background in computer science or a related discipline, and familiarity with AI and machine learning, are essential. Candidates are also expected to have experience with widely used AI platforms such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn, and to be proficient in Python.

You will have evidence of a passion for discovery and pushing the limits of what is possible, with a strong desire to undertake innovative research and make meaningful contribution to science and the national interest.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic applicants (Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or New Zealand special category Visa holder).
• 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.

About the scholarship
The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

An annual top up scholarship of $5,000 (fixed) for a period of three years of full -time study is also available.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across locations 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 must be submitted to Prof.Joe Tiralongo ([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, including a  copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of  two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Monday 3 November 2025 5pm AEST

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

For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Joe Tiralongo
Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Email: [email protected]