VUW PhD Opportunity in Software Supply Chain Security 2026

Victoria University of Wellington invite applications for a fully funded PhD position as part of a major research project on software supply chain security, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour Fund. The project focuses on three key areas:

• Detect: Advancing methods for identifying vulnerabilities in software dependencies and AI datasets, and analysing sources of build variability.
• Respond: Developing tools to enhance the effectiveness of emerging practices such as SBOMs, SLSA, and reproducible builds.
• Adapt, Report, and Comply: Strengthening the security and compliance of software supply chains in use across New Zealand organisations.

More information is available on our project website: https://ssc-fort.github.io/.

• Table of Content
• About Victoria University of Wellington
• VUW PhD Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of VUW PhD Scholarship
• VUW PhD Scholarship Courses
• Requirements for VUW PhD Scholarship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for VUW PhD Scholarship
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

VUW PhD Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of VUW PhD Scholarship

• $35,000 (tax-free) stipend per annum, plus PhD Tuition Fees for 3 years.

VUW PhD Scholarship Courses

• Engineering
• Science

Requirements for VUW PhD Scholarship Qualification

• Outstanding PhD candidate to join the project at Victoria University of Wellington - Te Herenga Waka, based in Wellington, New Zealand.
• A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems or a related discipline
• Knowledge of and/or experience in software security
• Strong communication and writing skill

Knowledge of and/or experience in any of the following research methods would also be an advantage:

• Large-scale questionnaire-based surveys
• Interviews and participant observation
• Lab studies, field studies and case studies
• Empirical software engineering using qualitative and quantitative methods

Interview date, Process and Venue for VUW PhD Scholarship

• The project co-leads will make the decision on applicants’ suitability.

Documents Required for Application

• A full CV,
• A personal statement describing their interest in the position, and
• The names and contact details of two referees.

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Chevening Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• To apply for the PhD position, please send the scholarship specific documentation to:  [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit VUW scholarship webpage.