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August 28, 2025

**Job Description**
This industry-linked Ph.D. scholarship, funded by La Trobe University in collaboration with a quantitative-trading company, focuses on pushing the frontiers of AI-aided decision-making in quantitative trading processes. The Ph.D. candidate will design next-generation trading agents by exploring reinforcement learning, multi-agent cooperation, and generative worldmodels to develop adaptive strategies for volatile, multi-asset markets. Responsibilities include integrating real-time data streams, balancing performance with governance, and translating theoretical concepts into production-ready strategies and high-quality publications, working closely with industry partners on institutional-grade infrastructure.

**Skills & Abilities**
� Solid background in AI, machine learning, control theory, or quantitative finance.
� Advanced programming skills (Python/C++).
� Desire to publish in top AI/FinTech venues while delivering tangible impact to the trading floor.
� Strong foundation in contemporary AI architectures such as Transformers, large language models (LLMs), vision-language models, and recurrent neural networks (RNNs).
� Mathematical maturity, including optimization, linear algebra, probability, and statistics.
� Demonstrated programming skills with experience in machine learning, reinforcement learning, algorithmic trading, or data-driven modelling.
� Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
� Collaborative mindset, with a willingness to maintain regular communication and project updates with supervisors from both the industry partner and academic team.

**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
� Artificial Intelligence
� Machine Learning
� Control Theory
� Quantitative Finance
� Applied Mathematics
Other:
� Must meet the entry requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy.
� Must not be receiving another scholarship greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate for the same purpose.
� Will be enrolled full-time and undertaking research at a La Trobe University campus.
� Completed a Masters by research or other significant body of research (e.g., an honours research thesis or a lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication) assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above.

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Work Level
Ph.D
Employment Type
Full-time, Scholarship, Temporary
Salary
Annual Salary: $35,000 per annum (2025 rate) Benefits: � Fee-relief scholarship for up to four years � Relocation allowance and thesis allowance � Opportunities to work with La Trobe's outstanding researchers � Access to professional development programs � Hands-on experience developing AI solutions for live trading environments � Access to proprietary market data and institutional infrastructure � Opportunity to translate research into production, contributing to innovative technologies � Professional networking with academic leaders and senior industry practitioners
Details
Full-time / Temporary Duration: 3.5 years (scholarship), up to 4 years (fee-relief scholarship) Location Requirement: Engagement required with industry partner located in Melbourne and academic supervisors based in Bendigo. Research undertaking at a La Trobe University campus.
School / Department / Center / Lab
� Cross-disciplinary research project spanning artificial intelligence, quantitative finance, and applied mathematics
Supervisor(s)
Dr Zhe Chen Dr Zhen He
Supervisor Email
zhe.chen@latrobe.edu.au zhen.he@latrobe.edu.au
La Trobe University
View profile
Industry
Education
Phone
+61 3 9479-1199 +61 3 9479-**** Show
Location
Australia