The Opportunity
This PhD scholarship is funded as part of the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism, led by Associate Professor David Slucki.
The Initiative supports rigorous, policy-relevant and publicly engaged research on antisemitism in Australia. This scholarship will support a PhD candidate to undertake a substantial historical study of the history of antisemitism in Australia, examining how antisemitism has been expressed, contested, and reshaped across different periods and social settings. The project may draw on archival and documentary sources, institutional records, public debate, cultural production, and/or media (with a historical lens).
The successful applicant will be embedded within the wider Initiative and contribute to shared activities, while developing and completing their own distinct PhD thesis. The precise PhD topic is open to negotiation within the Initiative's aims, and may include (for example):
* a focused study of antisemitism in a defined period (e.g., Federation to WWII; post-war Australia; late-20th century; contemporary roots)
* institutional histories (political parties, unions, churches, education systems, universities, government agencies)
* historical analysis of antisemitic discourse in Australian print culture, broadcasting, or online environments
* transnational influences and comparative dimensions (e.g., Australia in relation to UK/Europe/US currents)
Undertaking this PhD within the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism has several advantages. The candidate will be integrated into an active research agenda and will have access to support for archival travel, fieldwork and conference attendance (where relevant). The candidate will benefit from expert supervision and opportunities to contribute to Initiative outputs and events, including publications, workshops, and public-facing engagement activities (with appropriate recognition of the candidate's contributions).
Monash University is the largest university in Australia and regularly ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. The successful applicant will be based at the Caulfield campus in Melbourne and join a strong and supportive research culture in the Faculty of Arts.
Candidate Requirements
The successful applicant will have an excellent academic track record in History or a closely related discipline (e.g., Jewish studies, political history, cultural history, intellectual history, migration history, historical sociology).
In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honours or Master's degree in a relevant field, with a significant research component and first-class honours/H1 (or equivalent).
Desirable attributes include:
* demonstrated capacity for historical research design and independent scholarship
* experience with archival/documentary research and strong source-criticism skills
* interest in antisemitism studies and/or histories of racism, religion, nationalism, minorities, or migration
* strong academic writing skills and (relative-to-opportunity) evidence of research output
Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at Applicants should familiarise themselves with these requirements.
Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.
The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by 1 May 2026. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.
Enquiries
You are required to discuss your research proposal with Associate Professor David Slucki, Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Email: before you submit an Expression of Interest.
Submit an Expression of Interest
EOIs shall comprise:
* A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant's suitability
* A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
* A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
* A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
* English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
* Names and contact details of 2 academic referees
* Copy of your current passport (if available)
Once you have discussed your EOI with Associate Professor David Slucki, please submit your Expression of Interest Form and indicate that you are applying for a "Special Scholarship Scheme – PhD Scholarship: Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism - History of Antisemitism in Australia."
Application Close: Sunday 15 March 2026, 11:55 pm AEDT
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