ARC Discovery funded project: Jewish Entrepreneurs and Migrant Trade Networks in the British World

This PhD project will explore the history of Jewish immigrant merchants and traders in the Commonwealth between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with a view to exploring the experiences of Jewish entrepreneurs linking empire and trade. Alongside Australia, possible case studies include South Africa, New Zealand, India, Rhodesia, Britain or Canada. The scope of the thesis is flexible, depending on your archives. The PhD project should aim to tell a new history of migrant trade networks at the turn of the century, and the role of opportunism, entrepreneurship and adventurism in migration history.

The PhD is attached to an ARC Discovery Project titled The Pearl Rush: Broome and the Global Pearl Trade under Chief Investigators Ruth Balint and Julie Kalman. We are researching the pearl rush at the turn of the twentieth century, and the role Jewish gem merchants played in linking Australia’s northwest town of Broome along the maritime highways of trade that connected Australia with ports and cities around the Indian Ocean rim, and to the exclusive gem houses of London and Paris.

This is an opportunity to pursue your PhD in Sydney, Australia, under the supervision of Professor of History Ruth Balint (UNSW Sydney) and Professor of History Julie Kalman (Monash University).

Who should apply

This one-time individual opportunity is open to domestic (Australia) and international students. Candidates should have a proven track record in research fieldwork and historical methodology. A background in migration history, Jewish studies, economic history, commonwealth history and other relevant fields will be assessed favourably. 

Those interested in pursuing their PhD who meet the criteria below, as well as PhD students who have begun programs but who meet the criteria and are interested in shifting to continue and complete their PhD at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) with this project, are encouraged to apply. If the selected candidate is international, they will need to take steps to rapidly secure a student visa so they can be in Australia at the project's commencement (currently scheduled for mid - 2026).

Eligibility

• Domestic and International  PhD & Masters candidates.
• Honours in History

Scholarship

$39,206 per annum (2026 rate), 3.5 years. 

What the experience will be like

As the project's PhD student, you will receive training and mentorship and contribute collaboratively to support and develop project research activities, including a literature review, and presenting papers at seminars and conferences (when ready). You will be full-time (35 hours/week) in this role. With your time, you also will research and write your thesis (70-90k words). The successful applicant will be welcomed into a supportive History Group in the School of Humanities & Languages at UNSW Sydney (consistently ranked in the world's top 20 universities). PhD programs in Australia do not require coursework nor do they attach teaching duties to one's stipend/scholarship. Instead, as a PhD student, you can commit your entire PhD journey to research (though, you can seek an opportunity to do paid teaching or marking/grading in History courses, should the opportunity arise). You will live in Sydney, one of our planet's top quality-of-life cities and a beautiful coastal urban environment.

How to apply 

Please email Associate Professor Ruth Balint r.balint@unsw.edu.au a copy of your CV, academic transcripts and letter of interest by the deadline.

Further information on how to apply can be found here HDR Application Process

Application deadline: 20 April 2026