PhD Opportunity on Generative-AI driven Requirements Regulation in Space Missions

PhD Opportunity on Generative‑AI Driven Requirements Regulation in Space Missions Monash University invites applications for the PhD Opportunity on Generative‑AI Driven Requirements Regulation in Space Missions. Job No.: Location: Clayton campusEmployment Type: Full‑timeDuration: Up to 3.5 years (full‑time) for a Research Doctorate (PhD)Remuneration: A Faculty of Information Technology Research Stipend Scholarship (living allowance) $37,145 AUD per annum A Faculty of Information Technology International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (tuition) which includes Overseas Student Health Cover FIT Candidature Funding of $4,000 for the duration of the candidature Up to $1,265 from Monash Graduate Research Office as a one‑off travel grant The Opportunity This is an exceptional opportunity for a PhD candidate to shape the future of space‑mission design through AI. The project focuses on building and evaluating a generative‑AI requirements regulatory compliance solution that translates complex mission briefs and regulations into rigorous, traceable, regulator‑ready requirements. The candidate will join an interdisciplinary community spanning computing, systems engineering and socio‑technical research, and will engage with government and industry stakeholders under confidentiality arrangements. Contributions will support open, reproducible methods and public guidance for responsible AI in high‑assurance settings, particularly in the space domain. Eligibility and Academic Requirements Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a PhD at Monash and meet the following minimum academic criteria: Bachelor’s degree of at least four years in a relevant discipline, including a research thesis or project, with a minimum overall average grade equivalent to a first‑class honours degree; or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline that includes a research thesis or project equivalent to at least 25 % of one year of full‑time study, with a minimum overall average equivalent to a first‑class honours degree. For this position, an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in applied AI, computer science, software/systems engineering or data science is required. Experience with NLP/LLMs and / or requirements engineering is highly desirable; familiarity with model‑based systems engineering, safety‑critical domains, the space/satellite domain, and quantitative research will be viewed favorably. Project Outline Characterise current practice and pain points in space requirements engineering across concept, design and authorisation phases, including regulatory traceability and change impact. Develop AI‑assisted requirements engineering methods (e.g., retrieval‑augmented drafting, model/standard linkage, explainable traceability) that improve quality and reduce rework. Advance theory and methodology for requirements engineering in safety‑critical, highly regulated domains, integrating qualitative insights with empirical software engineering. Deliver public resources—evaluation protocols, red‑team checklists and guidance for responsible, auditable AI use in mission design. The project will generate new knowledge about requirements engineering in the space sector, produce validated techniques to improve traceability and impact analysis, and offer practical guidance for procurement, assurance and regulation. Benefits include enhanced efficiency in early design, stronger compliance pathways and improved accountability for AI‑supported engineering. Selection Process Stage 1 – Submit an Expression of Interest using the Faculty of Information Technology Research Project Enquiry form. Include CV, academic transcripts, cover letter, and a draft research proposal (max two pages) responding to the research objectives. Stage 2 – Successful candidates will be invited to discuss their ideas with Dr Chetan Arora before submitting a full application. Application Deadline Applications close on Sunday 31 January 2026, 11:55 pm AEDT. Contact Dr Chetan Arora, Monash University strongly advocates diversity, equality, fairness and openness. We fully support the gender equity principles of the Athena SWAN Charter. #J-18808-Ljbffr