Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism

This PhD scholarship, part of the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism, offers a unique opportunity to undertake a substantial historical study of antisemitism in Australia. The Initiative, led by Associate Professor David Slucki, supports rigorous, policy-relevant, and publicly engaged research, aiming to deepen understanding of how antisemitism has been expressed, contested, and reshaped across different periods and social settings. The successful candidate will be based at Monash University's Caulfield campus in Melbourne, joining a vibrant research culture within the Faculty of Arts.

The PhD project is flexible within the Initiative’s aims and may focus on a defined historical period, institutional histories (such as political parties, unions, churches, education systems, universities, or government agencies), or the analysis of antisemitic discourse in Australian print culture, broadcasting, or online environments. Comparative and transnational dimensions, such as Australia’s relationship to UK, Europe, or US currents, are also welcome. Candidates will have access to expert supervision, support for archival travel, fieldwork, and conference attendance, and opportunities to contribute to Initiative outputs and public engagement activities.

Monash University is Australia’s largest university and consistently ranks among the world’s top 100. The scholarship provides a Research Living Allowance of $37,145 AUD per annum (2026 full-time rate, tax-free stipend), indexed plus allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions. Additional support for research-related travel and conference participation may be available.

Applicants must have an excellent academic track record in History or a closely related discipline (such as Jewish studies, political history, cultural history, intellectual history, migration history, or historical sociology). The selection committee prioritises candidates with 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 evidence of research output. English language proficiency requirements apply, and applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible. Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus.

To apply, candidates must first discuss their research proposal with Associate Professor David Slucki (Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation) via email. The Expression of Interest should include a cover letter, brief research proposal (max 750 words), CV, academic records, English language proficiency test results (if applicable), names and contact details of two academic referees, and a copy of the current passport (if available). Applications close on Sunday, 10th May 2026, 11:59 pm AEST. For further details, visit the Monash University scholarship policy and procedures page and the Faculty of Arts graduate research application guide.

This scholarship supports a diverse workforce and encourages applications from candidates with varied backgrounds and experiences.