Research Opportunities

Areas of Opportunity

Formal Methods and Automated Reasoning
Position

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions are available.

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Yoni Zohar

Discipline

Computer Science

Description of the Position

Research positions are open for one PhD student and one postdoc researcher to work on “Formal Methods and Automated Reasoning” in Dr. Yoni Zohar’s lab at Bar-Ilan University.

The lab is new and aims to improve the state of the art of automated reasoning. Specifically, we work on Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) and their applications in the formal verification of software systems, especially smart contracts.

Research is both theoretical and practical.

Inclusion and diversity are important to us and therefore, candidates from all backgrounds with relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have:

  • A Master’s degree (for PhD candidates)
  • A PhD (for postdoctoral candidates)
  • A background in programming and logic.
  • Experience in formal verification research is a plus.
Salary/Funding/Scholarships

The PhD position is fully funded for four years.

The postdoc position is fully funded for one year with the possibility to extend for one additional year.

Starting Date for Position

Starting dates for both the PhD and postdoc are flexible, but candidates are welcome to start immediately.

Contact Details/How to Apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a short cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project as well as a CV, a list of publications, and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point). Emails should be sent directly to Dr. Yoni Zohar at [email protected]

Date Updated

February 2023

Automated Reasoning, Logic, Satisfiability Modulo Theories
  • Interest area/Research scope: Automated Reasoning, Logic, Satisfiability Modulo Theories, Non-classical Logics, Proof Theory, Verification
  • Point of contact: Yoni Zohar ([email protected])
  • PhD and Postdoc Positions: PhD and Postdoc positions are available
  • Options of Support: All available positions are funded
  • Link to a website: http://u.cs.biu.ac.il/~zoharyo1/
Theoretical computer science (algorithms)
  • Interest area/Research scope: Theoretical computer science (algorithms). More specifically: Metric Spaces, Low-Distortion Embeddings, Randomized Algorithms and Approximation.
  • Point of contact: [email protected]
  • PhD and Postdoc Positions: Excellent PhD students, no specific background requirements. Postdocs: I am not actively looking for, but if there is a very good match with good background on my research area, I’ll be happy to talk and check.
  • Options of Support: yes, nice scholarship.
  • Link to a website: http://arnold.filtser.com/

Areas of Opportunity

Charged-Particle Microscopy
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Discipline

Nanotechnology

Description of the Position/s

The BINA Charged-Particle Microscopy (CPM) Facility is looking for students who are interested in performing experiments on systems for scanning, transmission electron microscopy, and focused ion beam, including SEMs, TEMs, and FIBs.

This highly sophisticated equipment can be used for advanced imaging, analysis and fabrication for materials science and life sciences for both academic and industrial projects. The instrumentation can provide information about 3D morphology and topography, as well as 2D imaging and patterning at nanometric resolution.

Find out more about the Charged-Particle Microscopy facility here.

Visit BIU’s Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA) website for further information.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Ilana Perelshtein, Head of CPM Unit and Head of Synthesis of Smart Materials Unit, at [email protected] for further information.

Nano Fabrication
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Discipline

Nanotechnology

Description of the Position/s

The BINA Nano Fabrication Facility provides state-of-the-art tools for research at patterning and crafting nanoscale devices. These include Class 100 and Class 1000 clean rooms equipped for a variety of fabrication processes including e-Beam lithography, photolithography, and direct laser lithography. We are looking for students that want to do research in this environment.

Find out more information about the Nano Fabrication Facility here.

Visit BIU’s Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA) website for further information.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Yossi Abulafia, Head of the Nano-Fabrication Facility, at [email protected] for further information.

 

Surface Analysis
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Discipline

Nanotechnology

Description of the Position/s

BINA’s Surface Analysis facility has an established reputation for overcoming complex challenges and solving intricate problems in materials science. We are looking for researchers who are interested in analyzing polymers, metals, semiconductors, corrosion coatings, thin films, glass and metal-oxide ceramics with Scanning Probe Microscopy, Ion Beam Analysis, and X-Ray Diffraction.

Find out more about the Surface Analysis facility here.

Visit BIU’s Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA) website for further information.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Olga Girshevitz, Head of Surface Analysis Facility, at [email protected] for further information.

 

Multinary Material Systems for Energy and Sustainability
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Hannah-Noa Barad

Discipline

Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Energy and Sustainability

Description of the Position/s

The Multinary Material Systems Lab in the Department of Chemistry, Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, and Center for Energy and Sustainability at Bar-Ilan University is searching for MSc, PhD, and Postdocs.

Are you creative? Motivated? Curious? Driven?

Interested in materials science, renewable energy, machine learning methods, and a sustainable future?

We work on multinary (multi element) materials using high-throughput experimentation techniques, to examine sustainable electrocatalytic reactions (CO2 reduction, O2 evolution, etc.) and new photovoltaic materials.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Full scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Hannah-Noa Barad at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Multinary Material Systems Lab

Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Physics

Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions are available.

Researcher/ Supervisor

Dr. Liel Sapir

Discipline

Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Physics

Description of the position/s

Theoretical and computational research of polymers in materials and biophysics. We develop molecular theories of polymer structure and dynamics in various systems, including – polymer membranes, liquid-liquid phase transitions, and bio-polymer networks. We seek to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for polymer behavior and corroborate them using molecular dynamics simulations.

Qualifications / Required Background

PhD applicants must hold a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, physics, or related fields.

Post-doc applicants must have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, physics, or related fields. Specialization in one or more of the following is required: polymer physics, molecular simulations, and statistical thermodynamics.

All applicants should have a good command of English.

Salary / Funding/ Scholarships

Full scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Closing date for application

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/ How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including a list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters are not required at this point).

Interested and qualified candidates can email Dr. Liel Sapir at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

TBA

Areas of Opportunity

Nanotheranostics for Personalized Medicine
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Rachela Popovtzer

Discipline

Engineering

Description of the Position/s

In the Nano-Bioengineering Lab (Nanotheranostics for Personalized Medicine), we strive to develop innovative nanotechnology-based solutions for broad applications, including early diagnosis of disease, targeted drug delivery with fewer side effects, and novel therapeutic approaches. Our vision is to have a major impact on the future of medicine. Our multidisciplinary research approach integrates researchers from engineering, chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Research topics include:

  • Molecular CT Imaging of Cancer using Targeted Gold Nanoparticles
  • CRISPR Nanoparticles for In-Vivo Gene Therapy
  • Synthetic Biology-Based BioChip for Real-Time Microbiome Biomarker Detection
  • Nanoparticles for Tracking Cells and Exosomes and Therapy Delivery
  • Sweet Nanoparticles for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy
  • Bispecific Nanoplatforms
Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. Rachela Popovtzer at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Nano-Bioengineering Lab

 

Ophthalmic Science and Engineering Lab
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Yossi Mandel

Discipline

Engineering

Description of the Position/s

The Ophthalmic Science and Engineering Lab is focused on basic and translational research in ophthalmology and visual neuroscience. Main research interests include the field of electro-cellular interfaces, optical and electronic microdevices development, and applied science for improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various ophthalmic diseases.

One of the central themes is development of artificial retina and studying prosthetic vision in animals and in humans. Additional field of interest: Development of novel technologies for treatment of age-related macular degeneration using nanotechnology-based treatment.

The lab expertise include: stem cells technologies, micro and nano- fabrication of ophthalmic devices, electrophysiology – from cellular to the visual cortex, visual psychophysics (human and animals).

We are looking for highly motivated PhD students and postdoc researchers with a background in brain science, life science, engineering (electrical, biomedical), and nanotechnology.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. Yossi Mandel at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Ophthalmic Science and Engineering Lab

 

Rapid and Sensitive Optical Biosensing
Position/s

 

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

 

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Amos Danielli

Discipline

Engineering

Description of the Position/s

The Optical Imaging and Biosensing Lab in the Faculty of Engineering is looking for outstanding graduate students who are interested in a PhD degree in one of the most exciting and emerging fields of biosensing and diagnostics.

The lab focuses on developing tools for rapid detection of: Coronavirus (molecular, serological, and antigenemia assays DNA sequences), cancer biomarkers and bacteria, protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. The lab collaborates with different companies, hospitals, and leading research groups in the world.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. Amos Danielli at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Optical Imaging and Biosensing Lab

 

Distributed Coding Group
Position/s

Postdoctoral position available

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Ran Gelles

Discipline

Engineering

Description of the Position/s

A postdoctoral position is open in the Distributed Coding Group. The position involves performing theoretical research in coding theory and distributed computation, focusing mainly on:

  • Coding over networks and in interactive settings.
  • Applications to secure coding over networks.
  • Reliability of distributed computations in noisy environments.
  • General models of distributed computations.

 

The length of the postdoctoral position is one year, which can be extended by an additional year contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.

Qualifications/Required Background

Applicants should have background in (at least one of): coding theory, information theory, distributed computation, and algorithms.

Candidates are expected to be highly motivated and mathematically capable.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Applications should be emailed to Prof. Ran Gelles at [email protected].

 

Optical Quantum Technologies


Quantum Science and Technology

Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Eliahu Cohen

Discipline

Engineering/Physics

Description of the Position/s

We are a theory group specializing in quantum science and technology. We collaborate with several experimental groups in Israel and abroad, mostly quantum optical groups, but also work on quantum computation. We are interested in both fundamental questions pertaining to the foundations of quantum mechanics/quantum information and in practical applications for quantum sensing, computation and cryptography.

Recently, we won a Horizon grant for developing and testing quantum algorithms. Therefore, one of the main positions available now is concerned with quantum information and computation employing multipartite entangled states.

Qualifications/Required Background

Prior research experience in the above topics is a clear advantage, but not a must.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Generous scholarships available for excellent students.

Starting Date for Position/s

The starting date is flexible.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a short cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of two potential references (letters not required at this point).

If you are interested, please email Prof. Eliahu Cohen at [email protected].

 

Integrated optics for classical and quantum applications

Integrated optics for classical and quantum applications

  •  Description of the Position/s

The QuantumOptoLab group seeks motivated and talented PhD students to join our team working in integrated quantum optics. We use integrated optical devices to explore the world of high-confinement optics and develop novel systems and techniques for advanced classical and quantum technology. At the same time, we use modern nanofabrication and design techniques to realize the quantum optical circuits in integrated optical chips experimentally.

The lab expertise includes design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization of advanced electro-optical integrated devices for various applications including quantum optics, optical communication, and sensing.

We seek highly motivated PhD students and postdoc researchers with a background in nanofabrication, electro-optical simulations, integrated photonics, and quantum science.

  • Point of contact:

Dr. Boris Desiatov [email protected]

• Qualifications/Required Background

Candidates with research experience in the mentioned topics are preferred

• PhD and Postdoc Positions

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

*Options of Support

Scholarships are available to support outstanding candidates.

Data-aware processes, AI, ML, and optimization techniques

Positions

  • PhD Researchers
  • Postdoctoral Fellows

Researcher/ Supervisor

Prof. Izack Cohen

Discipline

Data-aware processes, AI, ML, and optimization techniques

Description of the position/s

Exciting research opportunities are available for individuals passionate about advancing cutting-edge techniques in data science, optimization, and AI-driven systems.

Qualifications / Required Background

Applicants should have a strong academic record with a BSc or MSc in one of the following fields:

  • Industrial Engineering (IE)
  • Data Science (DS)
  • Computer Engineering (CE)
  • Electrical Engineering (EE)
  • Computer Science (CS)
  • Information Systems (IS)
  • Mathematics

Background in data science and optimization techniques.

Minimum GPA: 90 or higher (or equivalent)

Salary / Funding/ Scholarships

Generous funding and scholarships are available and will be discussed with successful candidates.

Closing date for application

Applications are open until the positions are filled.

Contact details/ How to apply

Send an email with your CV to:

[email protected]

Lab’s Website:

http://izackcohen.com/ 

Machine learning, signal processing, and estimation theory

Call for Graduate Student Positions
Topic: ML-Based Joint Compression and Estimation with Applications to Localization
Overview:
Openings for graduate student positions (M.Sc and Ph.D.) for research at the intersection of machine learning (ML), statistical signal processing and information theory. The research would involve developing new ML-based solutions, particularly with deep neural networks, for performance enhancement of joint compression and estimation methods for distributed systems. Both theoretical and empirical exploration will be included.
Project Description:
The selected student(s) will focus on developing data-driven joint compression and estimation methods for communication-efficient distributed systems, with a focus on emitter localization as the main application. In this project, we aim to achieve state-of-the-art performance in terms of the tradeoff between compression rate and estimation (and, in our context, localization) accuracy. The research will include developing complex algorithmic structures, with neural networks as critical building blocks.
Qualifications:

Curiosity | Diligence | Desire to excel

Background in machine learning, signal processing, and estimation theory.

Strong programming skills with Python
How to Apply:
Candidates should submit the following to [email protected] and [email protected]:
1.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) including your grade sheet
2.
A short paragraph outlining your interests, relevant experience, and the main reason(s) for which you are applying for this position (preferably written by you, and not by ChatGPT)

Areas of Opportunity

Electrochemistry for Sustainable Energy
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Doron Aurbach

Discipline

Chemistry

Description of the Position/s

Our focus in the Electrochemistry for Sustainable Energy Laboratory includes:

  • Modern, physical, analytical electrochemistry with an emphasis on developing most advanced in-situ tools.
  • Electrochemical power sources: batteries and all kinds of super-capacitors.
  • Li ion batteries, Na ions batteries, and rechargeable Mg batteries.
  • Devices for large energy storage and conversion: load leveling and grid applications.
  • Challenges in electro-mobility: propulsion of electric vehicle and unmanned vehicles by most advanced batteries.
  • Electrochemical water treatment processes: the Energy-Water Nexus.
  • Electrochemical water desalination.

 

Qualifications/Required Background

We welcome exceptional PhD students and postdoc researchers with a background in Electrochemistry, Surface Chemistry and Analysis, and Synthesis of Organic and Inorganic Materials, among others.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Funding, fellowships, and scholarships are available for outstanding students. Find out more information here.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. Doron Aurbach at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Electrochemistry for Sustainable Energy Lab

 

Structural Biology
Position/s

Doctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Jordan Chill

Discipline

Chemistry

Description of the Position/s

We are looking for talented, creative, and enthusiastic PhD candidates to join our multi-disciplinary team in the Department of Chemistry.

Our mission in the Chill group is unraveling the secrets of structure, dynamics, and function of proteins and their roles in health and disease. To do this, we study the cellular biochemistry of proteins on the structural level and their interactions with ligands and other proteins using biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance (BioNMR) as our leading technique.

With this and other biophysical methods, we address mechanistic and therapeutic aspects of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, immunodeficiencies, and more.

Qualifications/Required Background

The successful candidates will have a Master’s degree in the field of chemistry or life-sciences-related discipline and working experience in a laboratory environment.

Experience in protein expression/purification techniques is an advantage (not required).

No NMR experience is required. All training will take place within the group.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Funding, fellowships, and scholarships are available for outstanding students. Find out more information here.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Interested and qualified candidates can email Prof. Jordan Chill at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

The Chill BioNMR Laboratory

Read about some of our work:

 

Multinary Material Systems for Energy and Sustainability
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Hannah-Noa Barad

Discipline

Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Energy and Sustainability

Description of the Position/s

The Multinary Material Systems Lab in the Department of Chemistry, Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, and Center for Energy and Sustainability at Bar-Ilan University is searching for MSc, PhD, and Postdocs.

Are you creative? Motivated? Curious? Driven?

Interested in materials science, renewable energy, machine learning methods, and a sustainable future?

We work on multinary (multi element) materials using high-throughput experimentation techniques, to examine sustainable electrocatalytic reactions (CO2 reduction, O2 evolution, etc.) and new photovoltaic materials.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Full scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Hannah-Noa Barad at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Multinary Material Systems Lab

Nanoscale chirality and chiroptical spectroscopy

Interest area/research scope: Nanoscale chirality and chiroptical spectroscopy, crystallization phenomena at the nanoscale.

POC (PI): Dr. Assaf Ben-Moshe – [email protected]

Positions: Several PhD and postdoc positions available in my group for ISF and ERC funded projects.

Options for support: Full scholarships available and for PhD and postdoc positions. For PhDs the department of chemistry offers TA jobs as well.

Chemistry, Biology, AI/Machine learning

Position/s

Doctoral and Post-doc positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Dan T Major

Discipline

Chemistry, Biology, AI/Machine learning

Description of the Position/s

Your work responsibility will include developing code for advanced multiscale docking simulations and applying multiscale methods to enzymes, and you will be working in close collaboration with experimental groups.

Qualifications/Required Background

Post-doc applicants must have a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, bio-informatics, or related fields. PhD applicants must have a MSc in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, bio-informatics, or related fields. The ideal candidate should meet the following requirements:

  • Experience in programming/scripting:
    1. Python (experience required)
    2. Linux scripting (experience required)
    3. Fortran, C/C++ (preferred)
  • Extensive experience with advanced simulation packages (e.g., at least one of the following: CHARMM, Amber, NAMD, Gromacs)
  • Experience in ab initio/density functional calculations of biomolecules
  • Experience with machine learning techniques
  • Experience writing scientific articles
  • Within 3 years of receiving PhD degree (required)
  • Good interpersonal skills

Good command of English

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

PhD students and post-docs will receive standard fellowships.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Interested and qualified candidates can email Prof. Dan T Major at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

The Major Laboratory

Read about some of our work:

Substrate Sensing in Terpene Synthases

Benchmarking docking programs for SARS-CoV-2 protease Mpro

The impression of a non-existing catalytic effect

EnzyDock: Protein-Ligand Docking of Multiple Reactive States Enzymes

Chemistry, Material Science, AI/Machine learning

Position/s

Doctoral and Post-doc positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Dan T Major

Discipline

Chemistry, Material Science, AI/Machine learning

Description of the Position/s

Your work responsibility will include computational design of Li- and Na-ion batteries and Mg-ion batteries. You will be applying computational methods like DFT and molecular dynamics simulations, develop machine learning-based methods, and you will be working in close collaboration with experimental groups.

Qualifications/Required Background

Post-doc applicants must have a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related fields. PhD applicants must have a MSc in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related fields. The ideal candidate should meet the following requirements:

  • Experience in using quantum mechanical programs (e.g., Gaussian, VASP)
  • Experience in atomistic simulations (e.g., Molecular dynamics simulations)
  • Experience in programming/scripting (e.g., Python, shell scripts, Fortran, C++)
  • Experience applying machine learning techniques
  • Experience writing scientific articles
  • Within 3 years of receiving PhD degree (required)
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Good command of English

Good command of English

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

PhD students and post-docs will receive standard fellowships.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Interested and qualified candidates can email Prof. Dan T Major at [email protected] for further information.

 

Lab’s Website

The Major Laboratory

Read about some of our work:

Is ‘Water in Salt’ Electrolytes the Ultimate Solution?

High-entropy materials

Can anions be inserted into MXene?

Layered Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Review of Computational Studies

Chemistry, Biology, Enzymes, Terpenes, AI/Machine learning

Position/s

2 PhD Doctoral positions are available within the framework of a Horizon project (ModBioTerp)

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Dan T Major

Discipline

Chemistry, Biology, Enzymes, Terpenes, AI/Machine learning

Description of the Position/s

Your work responsibility will include developing code for advanced multiscale docking simulations and applying multiscale methods to terpene synthase enzymes, and you will be working in close collaboration with experimental groups across Europe.

Qualifications/Required Background

PhD applicants must have a MSc in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, bio-informatics, or related fields. The ideal candidate should meet the following requirements:

  • Some experience in programming/scripting:
    1. Python (some experience required)
    2. Linux scripting (some experience required)
    3. Fortran, C/C++ (preferred)
  • Experience with some advanced simulation packages (e.g., one of the following: CHARMM, Amber, NAMD, Gromacs)
  • Experience in ab initio/density functional calculations of biomolecules (preferred)
  • Experience with machine learning techniques (preferred)
  • Experience writing scientific articles (preferred)
  • Good interpersonal skills

Good command of English

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

PhD students will receive standard Horizon fellowships.

Starting date

October 1 2024.

Closing Date for Applications

Candidates can apply at any time before the starting date.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of potential references (letters not required at this point).

Interested and qualified candidates can email Prof. Dan T Major at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

The Major Laboratory

Read about some of our work:

Substrate Sensing in Terpene Synthases

Benchmarking docking programs for SARS-CoV-2 protease Mpro

The impression of a non-existing catalytic effect

EnzyDock: Protein-Ligand Docking of Multiple Reactive States Enzymes

Chemistry, bionanotechnology

Description of the position/s

Our lab pursuits a diverse range of means to explore the roles of biopolymers including non-canonical DNA structures termed guanine-quadruplexes and protein self-assembly. We explore this by employing various spectroscopic and biophysical techniques and developing synthetic means to introduce functional modification for studied targets.

If you are enthusiastic about developing interdisciplinary approaches for studying biomolecules and eager to explore novel mechanisms and methods for the chemical basis for multiple genetic diseases and employing proteins as building blocks for material design we are the place for you.

 

Qualifications / Required Background

PhD candidates should have a chemistry or life sciences-related degree with lab-working experience.

Any experience in DNA or protein-related projects will be an advantage but not mandatory.

Organic chemistry experience is also an advantage.

 

Salary / Funding/ Scholarships

Full scholarships are available for those who qualify.

 

Closing date for application

These positions are available without any time limit.

 

Contact details/ How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Candidates should contact Dr. Eyal Golub at [email protected]

Lab’s Website

http://www.golub-lab.com/

Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Physics

Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions are available.

Researcher/ Supervisor

Dr. Liel Sapir

Discipline

Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Physics

Description of the position/s

Theoretical and computational research of polymers in materials and biophysics. We develop molecular theories of polymer structure and dynamics in various systems, including – polymer membranes, liquid-liquid phase transitions, and bio-polymer networks. We seek to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for polymer behavior and corroborate them using molecular dynamics simulations.

Qualifications / Required Background

PhD applicants must hold a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, physics, or related fields.

Post-doc applicants must have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, physics, or related fields. Specialization in one or more of the following is required: polymer physics, molecular simulations, and statistical thermodynamics.

All applicants should have a good command of English.

Salary / Funding/ Scholarships

Full scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Closing date for application

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/ How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including a list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters are not required at this point).

Interested and qualified candidates can email Dr. Liel Sapir at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

TBA

Organic Chemistry

Position/s

PhD Studentship

Researcher/ Supervisor

Dr. Abed Saady

Discipline

Organic Chemistry

Description of the position/s

We are looking for talented PhD students with experience in synthetic chemistry and supramolecular chemistry (preferable), to join our group. Our research is at the interface of supramolecular chemistry and medicinal chemistry, using synthetic organic chemistry to design and develop new mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) such as rotaxanes and catenanes to improve biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics.

Qualifications / Reqiured Background

PhD applicants must have a MSc in chemistry or a chemistry related subject and required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English language skills. All shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by Skype/Teams/Zoom.

Salary / Funding/ Scholarships

PhD students will receive standard fellowship and full exemption from paying tuition fees

Closing date for application

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/ How to apply

Potential candidates should contact Dr. Abed Saady directly ([email protected]) with a CV and covering letter to verify eligibility for the position.

Lab’s Website

www.saadylab.com

Biophysics/biochemistry/radiochemistry

Position/s PhD candidate or postdoctoral fellow

Researcher/ Supervisor Prof. Sharon Ruthstein

Discipline Biophysics/biochemistry/radiochemistry

Description of the position/s The lab of Prof. Ruthstein specializes in employing a diverse range of spectroscopic techniques to unravel the intricate mechanisms of copper cellular metal transfer, both in vitro and within living cells. Notably, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy serves as a primary biophysical tool in their investigations. Complementing the EPR data, they utilize other biophysical and biochemical methods, alongside computational approaches, such as CD, NMR, run-off transcription assays, cell microscopy experiments, and 64Cu(II) radioactive cell experiments. This multi-pronged approach allows them to construct a comprehensive understanding of the cellular copper cycle in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems.

Qualifications / Required Background We are looking for candidates with background in magnetic resonance/biochemistry/radiochemistry. The work involves protein expression in E.coli as well as in insect cells. The lab also holds radioactive chemistry lab, for gaining information on the cellular metabolism using 64Cu.

Salary / Funding/ Scholarships All accepted candidates will be funded using the lab research funds, no requirement for scholarships.

Closing date for application 1/6/2025

Contact details/ How to apply Please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Lab website www.ruthstein-lab.com

 

PhD position in Chemoinformatics/Forensic Informatics

A 4-year PhD position in Chemoinformatics/Forensic Informatics is available at the Senderowitz laboratory at the Department of Chemistry in Bar-Ilan University, Israel.

Work responsibilities will include developing a Machine Learning (ML)-based computational platform for the analysis, identification and classification of physical evidence found in crime scenes. These may include gun-shot residues, explosives, arsons, and illegal drugs and the work will involve close collaboration with experimental groups.

Applicants must have ab MSc in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related fields. The ideal candidate should meet the following requirements:

  • Theoretical and practical knowledge of chemoinformatic methods
  • Experience in programming/scripting (e.g., Python, shell scripts, Fortran, C++)
  • Experience in developing and applying ML techniques
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Good command of English

The position is available immediately. Please send CV and cover letter to Prof. Hanoch Senderowitz at [email protected]

General information: http://researcher.biu.ac.il/hanochsenderowitz/

Post-doc position in Chemoinformatics/Forensic Informatics

A post-doc position in Chemoinformatics/Forensic Informatics is available at the Senderowitz laboratory at the Department of Chemistry in Bar-Ilan University, Israel.

Work responsibilities will include developing a Machine Learning (ML)-based computational platform for the analysis, identification and classification of physical evidence found in crime scenes. These may include gun-shot residues, explosives, arsons, and illegal drugs and the work will involve close collaboration with experimental groups.

Applicants must have ab MSc in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or related fields. The ideal candidate should meet the following requirements:

  • Theoretical and practical knowledge of chemoinformatic methods
  • Experience in programming/scripting (e.g., Python, shell scripts, Fortran, C++)
  • Experience in developing and applying ML techniques
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Good command of English
  • Experience in writing scientific articles
  • Within three years of receiving a PhD degree (required)

The position is available immediately and is initially for 1 year with possibly extension upon mutual agreement. Please send CV and cover letter to Prof. Hanoch Senderowitz at [email protected]

General information: http://researcher.biu.ac.il/hanochsenderowitz/

Areas of Opportunity

Quantum Optics and Laser Spectroscopy
Position/s

Postdoctoral positions.

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Michael Rosenbluh

Discipline

Physics

Description of the Position/s

Prof. Michael Rosenbluh is an experimental physicist who heads the Quantum Optics and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory in BIU’s Physics Department. Current research activity in the laboratory includes generation and detection of broadband entangled photon pairs, quantum key distribution and ultra-fast random bit generators, CPT-based atomic clocks, integrated optics, and nanofabrication.

We have a number of openings for well-qualified postdocs with previous experience in quantum optics and laser spectroscopy research.

In particular, we are looking for people to make use of quantum mechanics-enabled phenomena for improved sensing applications, atomic clocks, and quantum cryptography. We are also seeking people with an interest in nanofabrication of passive and active optical components.

The laboratory is well equipped for all such activities and is currently staffed by eight staff members. Good command of English is necessary.

Qualifications/Required Background

Previous experience in quantum optics and laser spectroscopy research. See above description for details.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should be emailed to Prof. Michael Rosenbluh at [email protected].

Applications should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Funding, fellowships, and scholarships are available for outstanding students. Find out more information here.

 

Quantum Thermodynamics and Related Fields
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions are available.

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Amikam Levy

Discipline

Chemistry

Description of the Position/s

PhD positions (theoretical research) are available in the fields of quantum thermodynamics, open quantum systems, and quantum control theories.

Postdoctoral positions are available in quantum thermodynamics, open-quantum systems, quantum control theories, and related fields.

Qualifications/Required Background

PhD candidates must hold a degree in chemistry, physics, or applied mathematics. Candidates are expected to have both analytical and basic programming skills.

Postdoc candidates will hold (or be about to obtain) a PhD in theoretical physical-chemistry or physics with a specialization in one of the following fields: theoretical quantum optics, foundations of quantum theory, quantum information, open-system dynamics, quantum thermodynamics, quantum control theories, quantum transport, or related fields.

All gender candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

PhD positions are fully funded for four years.

Postdoc positions are fully funded for one year with the possibility to extend for two additional years.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Amikam Levy at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Levy Research Group: Quantum Thermodynamics Lab

 

Areas of Opportunity

Neurogenetics of Social Behavior
Position/s

PhD and postdoc positions are available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Galit Shohat-Ophir

Discipline

Life Sciences

Description of the Position/s

“How not to end up with a shopping cart full of Doritos when shopping on an empty stomach.”

Studying neural mechanisms underlying the formation of gradual motivation

Motivation is a neuronal representation of physiological need states, like hunger, thirst, and sex drive, that promote goal-directed behaviors aimed at obtaining food, water, and successful mating. The role of motivation is not simply to control what we do, but to determine when, how much, and for how long we perform actions.

Most studies in the field have focused on binary states, as if motivation is a black-and-white process, but our lives happen in the gray area where motivation accumulates to generate gradual responses. So practically, although gradients are an essential feature of motivation, very little is known about the neurobiology behind them.

Our studies aim to fill this gap by systematically studying mechanisms underlying the formation of gradual hunger, thirst, and sex drive. This will be achieved using state-of-the-art technologies: automated and AI-based behavior analysis, optogenetics, tissue-specific genomic editing, single-cell RNAseq, nano-scale resolution RNAseq within intact brain tissue, proteomics, and computational analysis.

Our work will fundamentally change how we view motivation and behavior. It will impact our understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders, where there is an uncoupling of the precise need and resulting actions, as in eating disorders or addiction. Besides its relevance for human pathologies, our studies also explain the tremendous natural variation in so-called “normal” human behavior, from altering one’s metabolic set point to dialing up and down the dynamic range of emotional responses.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have a strong academic background in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, biology, life science, and psychology.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Scholarships for MSc, PhD, and postdocs are available.

Contact details/How to apply

Candidates can email Prof. Galit Shohat-Ophir at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

The Shohat-Ophir Lab: Neurogenetics of Social Behavior

 

Epirnomics & of Non-Coding RNA Regulating Translation
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Shulamit Michaeli

Discipline

Life Sciences

Description of the Position/s

Decoding  epistatic  genome/RNome interactions in eukaryotic fitness gain using Leishmania parasites as a unique model system-a synergy project with Prof. Gérald Spaeth from the Pasteur Institute in France and Prof. Tzachi Pilpel from the Weizmann Institute in Israel.

Seeking PhD students and postdoctoral fellows to work on the role of EpiRNomics and the role of non-coding RNA regulating translation.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. Shulamit Michaeli at [email protected] for further information.

 

Systematic Investigation of the Specificity of Degradation Pathways with Implication to Human Disease
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Itay Koren

Discipline

Life Sciences

Description of the Position/s

The Koren Lab is seeking creative and dedicated scientists to join our team. Our laboratory focus is on “systematic investigation of the specificity of protein degradation pathways with implication to human disease”. Our genome-wide approach that monitors the mammalian proteome turnover in real time created a new field of investigation for biological systems, setting a new dimension that has yet to be explored.

In particular, we are interested in comprehensive characterization of sequences regulating proteolysis and matching them with the degradation mechanisms controlling them. In addition, we investigate protein quality control pathways activated by cells to maintain protein homeostasis and how abbreviation in these pathways leads to disease.

You will have the opportunity to perform cutting-edge studies using high-throughput approaches. We use genetics (CRISPR screens) coupled with synthetic biology (high density oligonucleotide libraries synthesis), biochemistry, cell biology, and systems biology approaches to obtain a global view of degradation pathways.

More specifically, we:

  • Investigate how the degradation machineries of the cell specifically recognize and target substrates.
  • Characterize protein quality control pathways activated by cells to maintain protein homeostasis.
  • Explore the involvement of specific degradation machineries in various biological processes including receptor trafficking and turnover, organelle protein targeting, antigen presentation, and more.
  • Elucidate how defects in protein degradation mechanisms result in disease such as cancer or neurodegeneration.

 

Prof. Koren’s lab is fully equipped with all the facilities needed to carry out the proposed research, with full access to the high-quality infrastructure that Bar-Ilan University offers, including next-generation sequencing, FACS, imaging, and animal core facilities.

Qualifications/Required Background

We are looking for talented, curious, and motivated PhD students and postdoctoral fellows with experimental and/or computational expertise to join us. Candidates must have excellent English.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter describing your scientific interests in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Itay Koren at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

The Koren Lab: Protein Degradation Pathways

 

Biological Sciences/Biological Engineering
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Ayal Hendel

Discipline

Life Sciences

Description of the Position/s

We are looking for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to join our therapeutic genome editing team. Our laboratory focuses on developing precise and efficient CRISPR genome editing as a curative therapy for genetic diseases. In particular, we are interested in developing an optimized CRISPR genome editing for gene therapy of hematopoietic inherited disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Our research also focuses on applying the CRISPR technology to treat malignancies using cancer-immunotherapy.

The Hendel Lab specializes in a variety of cutting-edge technologies such as next generation sequencing, flow cytometry, ex-vivo manipulation of stem and progenitor cells, viral vector design, and hematopoietic stem cells transplantation into mice models. The lab has a multidisciplinary team of collaborators who fuse the creativity of academics with clinical experience to create a highly supportive research environment necessary to abridge the bench-to-bedside gap.

Qualifications/Required Background

The following qualifications and experience are required for the position:

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent.
  • A highly motivated immunologist who would like to make an impact in the field of genome editing and gene therapy.
  • Candidates should be able to lead the project independently with high dedication and responsibility and should have a strong work ethic.
  • Candidates will be team players capable of working in a fast-paced research environment.
  • Prior experience in next generation sequencing (NGS) and molecular biology is essential (cloning, qRT-PCR).
  • Prior experience in FACS operation and analysis is essential.
  • Prior experience with mice handling is essential.
  • One first author publication in a high-quality journal.
  • Candidates must have excellent English.
Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email your applications to Dr. Ayal Hendel at [email protected].

Lab’s Website

The Hendel Lab: Genome Editing and Gene Therapy

 

Zoology, neurobiology, molecular biology, endocrinology

Prof. Lee Koren

Zoology, neurobiology, molecular biology, endocrinology

MSc in one of the following: zoology, neurobiology, molecular biology, endocrinology

Full scholarship, tuition, TAship

March 31, 2025

[email protected]

http://leekoren.wixsite.com/korenlab

Sexual conflict can develop if alleles affect traits in both sexes in an opposite manner, promoting fitness in one sex while decreasing fitness in the opposite sex. Although mainly studied in adults, the processes that give rise to sexual conflict likely start in utero, thus shaping the organism’s entire life trajectory. This fascinating process has yet to be elucidated, with a key question remaining unresolved: What factors during fetal development underly sexual conflict? Here we seek to answer this question by providing a mechanistic understanding of sexual conflict during ontogeny, starting in gestation. We will focus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and its components, such as testosterone (T). This axis exhibits sex differences in optimal levels and in the mediation of morphological, physiological, and behavioral processes throughout life, paving the way for sexual conflict. Sexual conflict may be affected by environmental factors, such as steroid transfer between fetuses in litter-bearing mammals. It may also involve a genetic component. In the case of the HPG axis, if its components are heritable, then sex different genetic architecture (from mother only to daughter and father only to son) may reduce sexual conflict. We here propose a holistic approach to testing the contribution of the environmental and genetic effects and their interactions to sex differences in the HPG axis before birth. Our preliminary results on T show sex differences that may be indeed compensated by sex different genetic architecture, which may serve to reduce sexual conflict. Our in utero study will take advantage of the annual culling of hundreds of free-ranging invasive nutrias (Myocastor coypus) in Agmon Hula Park, Israel, which will afford us access to many large litters with validated maternity and widespread within-litter multiple paternity. It will further offer a unique opportunity to test a complete, large, natural dataset that includes variability beyond that of model laboratory animals. We will integrate data collected from different tissues and in different developmental stages, including circulating T in fetal and maternal hair, T in amniotic fluid, and gene expression levels of HPG axis components in fetal gonads and brain areas involved in sexual dimorphism in quantitative morphological and behavioral traits. Then, we will evaluate the contribution of environmental vs. genetic effects, assess sexual conflict using quantitative genetics tools, and test whether there is a differential genetic architecture within and between sexes, in different developmental stages. We will also map the expression of HPG axis genes at different developmental stages (trimesters) and in specific tissues and determine whether there is a relationship between levels of HPG axis gene expression. The interaction between the environmental and genetic effects will be explored in a unified statistical model that will partition the variance of sex differences that can account for sexual conflict. This naturally controlled experiment, where the environment is contained within the mother, is expected to yield a clearer understanding of the environmental-heredity interplay driving sexual conflict. Understanding the contribution of environmental vs. genetic effects on sex differences in HPG axis components is expected to shed light on the mechanisms behind sexual dimorphism in other fitness-related traits. 

 

Cancer Immunotherapy and Primary Immunodeficiencies

 

Position: PhD student

Department: Faculty of Life Sciences, Molecular Immunology Laboratory.

Researcher/ Supervisor: Prof. Mira Barda-Saad

Discipline: Immunology

Description of the position:

The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University is seeking outstanding Ph.D. students in the fields of cancer immunotherapy and primary immunodeficiencies to join the Molecular Immunology lab headed by Prof. Mira Barda-Saad. The research team focuses on developing innovative and high-impact applicative solutions to eradicate solid cancers. This includes conducting in-depth literature reviews, designing and executing impactful experiments, analyzing the resulting data, and preparing manuscripts for publication. The Barda-Saad Lab specializes in cutting-edge technologies such as nanobiology, molecular engineering, gene silencing, molecular imaging, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and in-vivo models. Our dynamic research team, comprised of collaborators, scientists, and clinicians, fosters a synergistic environment where academic integrates with clinical expertise. This unique synergy bridges the critical gap between fundamental research and real-world applications, aiming to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into patient care.

Qualifications/ Required Background

  • MSc in Biology, preferably in Immunology/Molecular Biology
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Experience working with domestic and international equipment and service providers.
  • Strong familiarity with molecular techniques, Flow Cytometry, and cell culture
  • Knowledge and experience working with advanced microscopy systems and data analysis.
  • Experience in scientific writing.
  • Fluency in English
  • Proficiency in working with computer systems.

Salary / Funding/ Scholarships

  • The position is for a fixed term of four to five years.
  • Scholarships and tuition funding are available for qualified applicants, according to Bar-Ilan University guidelines.

Bar-Ilan University is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity among its employees. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Contact details / How to apply

Please send your CV to [email protected]

Lab’s Website

http://www.biu.ac.il/faculty/bardasm

 

Microbiome-Host Interactions Lab
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Lior Lobel

Discipline

Life Sciences

Description of the Position/s

We are looking for a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher to join our Microbiome-Host Interactions Lab.

Diet profoundly impacts our physiology and health and the gut microbiota mediates some dietary effects. Our lab strives to understand the molecular mechanisms at play in the interface of the diet-microbe-host interactions. Specifically, we are interested in studying diet-induced post-translational modifications to decipher novel mechanisms affecting bacterial activity inside the host.

Another primary interest in the lab is studying bacterial modulation of cancer immunotherapy. The gut microbiota was reported to affect cancer immunotherapy in melanoma patients. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive this phenomenon are far from understood, partly due to the exclusive use of metagenomics to infer functional insights. We study the metaproteomic level that is better in deciphering not only “who” is in the sample, but also “what” they are doing. We hope that unraveling metabolic pathways and metabolites altered in immunotherapy responders vs non-responders will lead to novel therapeutics to augment immunotherapy responses.

The Lobel Lab specializes in cutting-edge technologies such as next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, metaproteomics, metabolomics, flow cytometry, and conventional and gnotobiotic mouse models. The lab has assembled a multidisciplinary team of clinical collaborators who fuse the creativity of academics with patients’ samples to create highly relevant research to abridge the bench-to-bedside gap.

Qualifications/Required Background

The following qualifications and experience are required for the position:

  • Master’s/PhD degree or equivalent.
  • Highly motivated microbiologists/immunologists who would like to make an impact in the field of host-microbiome interactions.
  • Candidates should be able to lead the project independently with high dedication and responsibility and should have a strong work ethic.
  • Candidates are expected to be team players capable of working in a fast-paced research environment.
  • Prior experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) or Proteomics is required.
  • Knowledge in molecular biology (e.g., qRT-PCR) or protein work (e.g., Western blotting) is required.
  • Prior experience with mice handling is essential.
  • One first-author publication, preferably in a high-quality journal, is required.
  • Excellent English.

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Lior Lobel at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Lobel Lab: Diet Microbiome-Host Interactions

 

Structural Biology
Position/s

Doctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Jordan Chill

Discipline

Chemistry

Description of the Position/s

We are looking for talented, creative, and enthusiastic PhD candidates to join our multi-disciplinary team in the Department of Chemistry.

Our mission in the Chill group is unraveling the secrets of structure, dynamics, and function of proteins and their roles in health and disease. To do this, we study the cellular biochemistry of proteins on the structural level and their interactions with ligands and other proteins using biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance (BioNMR) as our leading technique.

With this and other biophysical methods, we address mechanistic and therapeutic aspects of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, immunodeficiencies, and more.

Qualifications/Required Background

The successful candidates will have a Master’s degree in the field of chemistry or life-sciences-related discipline and working experience in a laboratory environment.

Experience in protein expression/purification techniques is an advantage (not required).

No NMR experience is required. All training will take place within the group.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Funding, fellowships, and scholarships are available for outstanding students. Find out more information here.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Interested and qualified candidates can email Prof. Jordan Chill at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

The Chill BioNMR Laboratory

Read about some of our work:

 

Marine Microbial Ecology and Marine Microbiology
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Chana Kranzler

Discipline

Life Sciences

Description of the Position/s

PhD in Marine Microbial Ecology

The Kranzler Lab is seeking a curious and highly motivated doctoral candidate to join a new and exciting ERC-funded research project. The project is designed to advance our understanding of the underlying factors that shape microscale interactions within phytoplankton blooms in the ocean. Research will focus on characterizing the molecular ecology of natural diatom assemblages. Work will be field-based, relying upon observational and manipulative sampling approaches and will incorporate physiological, biogeochemical, and molecular omics-based techniques.

Postdoc in Marine Microbiology

The Marine Microbial Ecology Lab at Bar-Ilan University is seeking engaged and motivated postdoctoral candidates for an exciting ERC-funded project on the underlying factors that shape microscale interactions in the ocean. Successful candidates will focus on the molecular ecology that shapes host-virus interactions in marine diatoms – a widespread and biogeochemically critical group of marine phytoplankton. Project will combine lab and field-based research, standard microbiology and algal culturing techniques, and the development and application of molecular tools and single cell-based approaches in marine diatoms and viruses. A strong background in microbiology and molecular biology is required. Position is funded for up to 36 months. For additional information please see: http://www.kranzlerlab.com.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Chana Kranzler at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

The Kranzler Lab: Marine Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry

 

Marine Ecosystem Dynamics

Positions: Master and Doctoral positions available

Supervisor: Dr. Gal Eyal

Discipline: Life Science

Description of the position:

Our lab specializes in marine ecology, with a primary focus on paleoecology as well as the historical and contemporary ecology of marine habitats. We seek to investigate coral reefs changes over spatial, vertical, and temporal scales and understand the dynamics of marine ecosystems. In addition, we are aiming to explore the biology and physiology of benthic marine organisms in shallow reef, mesophotic environment and the deep sea in an era of global climate change.

Our lab is fully equipped with all the facilities needed to carry out the proposed research including ecological survey and physiological assessments’ equipment; coral and sediment coring facility; Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for marine surveys and sampling; and high-resolution photogrammetry underwater gear with cutting-edge computation capabilities for 3D reconstruction analyses.

Successful candidates for MSc or PhD will have several options for research projects:

Historical ecology of shallow coral reefs, mesophotic habitats, and deep-sea ecosystems:

Information about Eilat’s coral reefs and mesophotic to deep-sea environments has been collected since the 1970s by our lab collaborators. Using this data, combined with information from the national monitoring program (NMP) of the Gulf of Eilat, satellites, and recent ecological surveys utilizing our ROV, enables us to evaluate the alterations in these environments and identify their underlying causes over a span of five decades.

Long-term photogrammetry surveys:

This project aims to obtain a modern perspective in high-resolution of the coral ecosystems in Eilat. We will assess the data collected a few decades ago, which explored the coral ecosystem of Eilat and compare it to data that will be collected in this project. By using Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry over time, we will examine how this close-range technique facilitates: (1) detailed spatial mapping of benthic target organisms, (2) consistent characterization of both the abiotic and biotic aspects of the reef environment, such as coral demography, biodiversity and structural complexity, and (3) simultaneous in-situ mass phenotyping such as growth rate, stress indicators and diseases.

Paleoecology of marine environments in Israel:

The goals of this project are (1) to characterize the paleoecology of shallow and mesophotic marine ecosystems at the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba in the last centuries-millennia and (2) to examine the alterations that have occurred in the marine environment of the Mediterranean Sea since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 through the analysis of sediment and rubble cores.

Coral ecology and physiology along a wide-depth gradients:

The goal of this project is to investigate how life-long exposure to distinct depth and light regimes influence coral physiology and heat tolerance by combining in situ investigations with experimental studies. Specifically, (1) investigate the influence of depth and light on coral physiology; (2) assess the heat tolerance of shallow and mesophotic corals across several coral regions and (3) evaluate resilience of depth-generalist and deep-specialist corals.

International projects:

Beside projects at the Gulf of Aqaba and the Mediterranean Sea, research will be carried out in other marine ecosystems worldwide, such as Australia, USA, EU countries, Japan, and Pacific Ocean territories.

Qualifications/Required Background:

The following qualifications are required for the positions:

  • Sc. or M.Sc. degree in the fields of science.
  • Highly motivated candidate who’s enthusiastic to reveal new discoveries in shallow reef, mesophotic environments and the deep sea.
  • Independent students which are capable to lead full projects and have strong work ethic.
  • Team players, experience in field and/or lab work and willing to work unusual hours.
  • Excellent English in writing and speaking.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships:

We provide complete scholarships for both M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, opportunities for teaching assistantships at the faculty, and fully funded field trips to Eilat and other worldwide destinations as required.

How to apply:

Applications (one file in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in our lab and summarizing your qualifications. In addition, a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point). Last, copy of certificates and grade records.

Please email Gal Eyal at [email protected] for further information

Link to our lab website: www.medslab.info

Neuroimmunology

Description of the position

Ph.D. candidate, which will conduct research as part of a research group focusing on a thesis in the field of neuroimmunology. Main areas of interest in the lab are:

  • The roles of immune B cells in aging, Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome.
  • Fetomaternal interactions during pregnancy with a Down syndrome fetus.

Qualifications

Ability to work as part of a group. Excellent collaborative and networking skills are essential. Excellent English is essential. Experience with FACS analysis, immunofluorescence analysis. Bioinformatics knowledge is an advantage.

Required Background

Prior knowledge in immunology and / or neuroimmunology is requisite. Alternatively, knowledge in the field of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease research is sufficient.

Funding

The position is fully funded by the PI

Closing date for application

The position is open on a rolling basis

Contact details/ How to apply

Prof. Eitan Okun

[email protected]

Lab’s Website

http://sites.biu.ac.il/en/okun-lab

BIU’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee

The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine was established in 2011 in Safed (Tsfat) in the heart of the upper Galilee and is Bar-Ilan University’s pride and joy. The Faculty aspires to generate a transformative change in health that will lead to the Galilee becoming the Health Capital of Israel, in effect, positively impacting the entire country.

BIU International

Below is an overview of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine as well as a list of research laboratories and doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities available.

About the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine

The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine ascribes great importance to the study of health and disease unique to the Galilee population with the objective of improving health services for the residents of northern Israel, meeting their needs, and ultimately benefiting all of the people of Israel. Faculty researchers are making innovative breakthroughs in healthcare research that will benefit humanity by helping prevent and cure chronic disabling and life-threatening diseases. It is also involved in science enrichment programs for high school students in the Galilee, preventive medicine, promotion of health and wellness, and environmental health.

Since its opening, 23 principal researchers have joined the Faculty of Medicine. Nearly all of the researchers in the Faculty were recruited from internationally recognized institutions within the framework of the Returning Scientist initiative, and they have been rapidly and cohesively integrated into Israel’s robust biomedical and health research community through the Faculty.

The Medical Faculty offers the following MD programs (MD studies are only given in Hebrew):

  • The three-year program – for students who have successfully completed three years of pre-clinical medical studies at a recognized medical school abroad.
  • The four-year program – for students who have successfully completed their undergraduate degree studies with a background in scientific disciplines.

 

The faculty also offers:

  • Graduate studies in biomedical and population health disciplines – MSc and PhD programs with 150 enrolled graduate students. This program is open to international students.
  • The Faculty ”Galilee Stars” program – aimed at attracting residents to medical centers in the Galilee by offering educational enrichment and research fellowships as part of the medical specialty residency.

 

Contemporary medicine progresses through advances in research and innovative initiatives. To this end, the Faculty has established advanced research centers at both the Faculty campus and the affiliated hospitals. Research topics cover a wide spectrum of biomedical questions, from the basic level of proteins and the cell, through the biological systems of the body, to the wide area of population health.

Emphasis is placed on several research topic areas. Translational research (research that is specifically designed to improve health outcomes) is key for the Faculty.

  • Population health with an emphasis on equality in health and wellbeing
  • Diabetes and metabolic diseases
  • Genomic medicine
  • Microbiome and immunity
  • Convergence of artificial and human intelligence in the service of health
  • Research and innovation in medical education
  • Medical humanities and bioethics

 

We are affiliated with Israeli medical centers throughout the area.

  • Padeh (Poriya) Medical Center, Tiberias
  • Ziv Medical Center (Rebecca Sieff Hospital), Safed (Tsfat)
  • Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya
  • Nazareth Hospital EMMS (Scottish Hospital), Nazareth
  • The Holy Family Hospital, Nazareth (Italian hospital)
  • Mazra Hospital, Acre

 

Molecular and Cellular Cancer Biology: Tumor Cell and Molecular Biology
Position/s

Doctoral positions are available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof, Michael Blank

Discipline

Medicine: Molecular & Cellular Cancer Biology

Description of the Position/s

The Molecular and Cellular Cancer Biology Lab investigates the molecular processes operating in and leading to generation of cancer cells (the process is known as a carcinogenesis), cancer progression, as well as mechanisms underlying the ability of tumor cells “to escape” the destructive impact of anticancer therapies used in clinics.

In particular, we study the role that Smurf2, a HECT type E3 ubiquitin ligase and recently identified tumor suppressor (Blank et al. Nature Med 2012; Zou et al. BBA-Rev Cancer 2015; Emanuelli et al. Cancer Res 2017), plays in the ability of cancer cells to replicate, metastasize, and hinder the effects of anticancer therapies.

The research program addresses key questions in cancer biology: What are the fundamental molecular mechanisms operating in cancer? How are they regulated? How do they affect tumor cell sensitivity to anticancer therapies? And, most importantly, how can we target cancer-related molecular networks to cure this devastating disease.

The laboratory is located in BIU’s Faculty of Medicine in Safed (Tsfat) and has state-of-the-art scientific equipment enabling its researchers to address complicated biomedical questions comprehensively.

Qualifications/Required Background

Two PhD positions (for four years) are available for highly motivated candidates in the Molecular and Cellular Cancer Biology Lab.

Qualified candidates should have:

  • A strong background in one or more of the following areas: molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, and genetics.
  • Experience using mouse models and microscopy are preferred.
  • MSc with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

The two PhD positions are fully funded for four years.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a detailed CV describing your research interests, skill set, achievements, and previous experience), and the names and contact information of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Michael Blank at [email protected] for further information.

Please note: Only candidates who are considered appropriate for the positions will be contacted.

Lab’s Website

Molecular and Cellular Cancer Biology Lab 

Computational and Molecular Biology
Position/s

Doctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Milana Frenkel-Morgenstern

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

Computational and Molecular Biology

We are looking for excellent PhD students in Computational and Molecular Biology.

The research in the Cancer Genomics and BioComputing Lab focuses on the following topics:

  • Liquid biopsy of low burden tumors using circulating cell-free DNA.
  • Chimeric Protein-Protein Interactions (ChiPPI) analysis, and their role in altering cancer-specific phenotypes.
  • Pan-cancer data analysis to study the similarities and differences across diverse tumor types.
  • Liquid Biopsy using cell-free DNA in Glioblastoma.
  • Comparative genomics and protein domain evolution.
  • Codon-usage analysis and cell-cycle regulation.
  • Analysis of miRNA sequences for evolutionary differences.

 

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Milana Frenkel-Morgenstern at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Cancer Genomics and BioComputing of Complex Diseases

Molecular Virology
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Meital Gal-Tanamy

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer with more than 180 million persons infected worldwide. While some of the viral genes conform to the definition of oncogenes, the necessity of chronic infection for hepatocellular carcinoma to develop is currently unexplained. Moreover, no vaccine for HCV is available and immunity against the virus is very poorly understood.

The Molecular Virology Lab leads research that will contribute to the rational vaccine design against HCV through exploring the antibody response to this infectious agent. We implement a comprehensive study that will fill the critically important gap in technology and knowledge related to the mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralization of HCV. An important focus of this study will be to translate this information to characterize the envelope structure of the virus and to develop new vaccine strategies.

In another line of research, we aim to contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of HCV infection and its effect on the mechanisms leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We study the dynamic evolutionary balance between the viral modulations of epigenetic changes of chromatin, the HCC-borne mutations, the viral genome and immune system. We also explore the processes that drives HCV infected hepatocytes towards becoming invasive and metastatic.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Meital Gal-Tanamy at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Molecular Virology Lab

Viral Oncology
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Meir Shamay

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

The research in the Viral Oncology Lab focuses on the functional interactions between viral proteins and the cellular machinery, which control both the viral life cycle and tumorigenesis.

The viruses we study are the human gamma herpes viruses; Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV, HHV-8), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, HHV-4), which are associated with an increasing number of human malignancies.

The goal of our lab is to expand our knowledge on viral infections, and to utilize this knowledge for the development and use of drugs that specifically target virally infected cells.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Meir Shamay at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Viral Oncology

Cell Migration and Invasion/Signal Transduction
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Hava Gil-Henn

Discipline

Medicine/Molecular Biology

Description of the Position/s

Research in the Cell Migration and Invasion Lab focuses on signal transduction mechanisms in health and disease. We focus on signaling mechanisms that control variable processes such as cancer metastasis, cell migration and invasion during wound healing, brain and behavior, and neurodegenerative disease.

We use a multidisciplinary approach, which combines advanced molecular and cellular biology methods, in vitro and in vivo RNAi-mediated genetic manipulations, transgenic and knockout mice models, cutting edge in vivo methods, high-resolution fluorescent and intravital imaging, high-throughput proteogenomic and bioinformatic analysis.

Using these methods, we are trying to understand and characterize, at the molecular, cellular, and whole organism levels, the signaling networks and mechanisms that regulate cancer metastasis, wound healing, and brain function in health and disease. We apply the knowledge gained from our interdisciplinary studies into new strategies for diagnosis and therapeutics of cancer metastasis and brain disorders.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Hava Gil-Henn at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Cell Migration and Invasion Lab

Drug Discovery: Computational and Structural Biology
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Avraham Samson

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

Development of computational tools for drug design

To assist drug design, we are developing computational tools to predict ligand binding sites.

In the past, we developed a structure-based program using normal mode accompanied exposure changes to predict ligand binding sites with 90% accuracy. As one would expect, we are currently attempting to increase the accuracy to 100%.

In addition, we are developing ligand optimization programs based on local motion in the binding site. In particular, we are optimizing drugs that bind to acetylcholine receptors and acetylcholine esterases, and improve concentration in patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Calculation of biomolecular motion and correlation with biological activity

To capture the motion involved in biological mechanisms, we are developing computational tools using molecular dynamics and normal modes. With these tools, we were able to calculate the motion associated with channel opening of the acetylcholine receptor and show how this motion is inhibited by binding of snake toxin.

In addition, we could calculate the conformational change exhibited by prion proteins and show the infection propagation in the mad cow disease. We are currently calculating motion of various biomolecules such as HIV glycoproteins, enzymes, receptors, channels, and the ribosome to explain biological activity.

Development of novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease

To develop viable therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, we are testing promising drug candidates such as arginase inhibitors. First, we administer the drug candidates in mice suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Then, we test their effect on memory and learning, using behavioral experiments such as Morris water maze, and fear conditioning. Finally, we test their effect on brain morphology, using immunohistological tools.

If a drug candidate improves memory and learning and it also reduces inflammation and amyloidosis, then we move on to clinical trials in human patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. Avraham Samson at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Drug Discovery Lab: Computational and Structural Biology

 

Protein-Protein Interactions
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Nir Qvit

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

Protein–protein interactions represent a significant proportion of functionally relevant biological interactions and therefore, manipulating these interactions is an important therapeutic strategy.

The main focus of the Qvit Lab is the identification of molecularmodulators of protein-protein interaction using bioinformatics analysis, peptide and protein chemistry, and system-wide biological assays.

Our goal is the development of compounds capable of modulating protein complexes that will allow better understanding of the role of specific protein-protein interactions in cells and will be a starting point for the development of therapeutic compounds.
Interest areas/research scope:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Protein-protein interactions
  • Peptide and peptidomimetic
  • Mitochondrial homeostasis

 

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Nir Qvit at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Qvit Lab: Protein-Protein Interactions

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Regulated by Kinases in Health and Disease
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Ronit Ilouz

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

The Ilouz Lab focuses on investigating signaling pathways regulated by protein kinases in health and disease. Our ultimate goal is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which supramolecular complexes are assembled and spatiotemporally regulated to achieve accurate and specific responses.

The project idea is to translate the genomic data into a three dimensional structure to enable a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms, and then to control it with a specific and precise drug-targeting therapy based on the SNP mutation.

Aberrant Protein Kinase A (PKA) localization has been linked to a Parkinson disease. The diagnosed patients have Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PKA_ RIβ gene. The lab is integrating various methods including X-ray crystallography and advanced microscopy techniques as well as molecular biology, biochemistry and signal transduction.

Elucidating the cellular and the molecular interactions that are properly controlled by PKA signaling and are dysregulated in the neurodegenerative disease will help discover opportunities and challenges toward personalized medicine.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Ronit Ilouz at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

The Ilouz Lab: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Regulated by Kinases in Health and Disease

 

Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Moshe Dessau

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

In the Dessau Lab, we use structural and biophysical approaches for studying the organization and dynamics of macromolecular assemblies. Our research focuses on determining how protein structure and interactions guide the principles and mechanisms of viral and parasitic infection.

Our main emphasis is on third-world and poverty-related emerging pathogens. These neglected diseases are a growing concern in many developing countries as well as in the rest of the world. Nevertheless, their prevalence throughout the world is yet to be reflected in research agenda and resources allocation. Thus, developing communities face vast obstacles in fighting these pathogens that induce illnesses with high mortality rates.

We generally interested in two different systems.

(1) How do viruses assemble and how do they enter the cells they infect? Can we exploit our structural understanding of viral entry with progressive methods in biophysics and cell biology to develop novel strategies for vaccine design?

(2) What are the unique structural features of eukaryotic parasites? How can we exploit structural investigation of unique biological processes in eukaryotic parasites to design novel therapeutics?

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Moshe Dessau at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

The Dessau Lab: Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases

Chromosome Instability and Dynamics
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Itay Onn

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

Three dimensional organizations have been identified as a highly important property of chromatin that ensures genome dynamics and integrity. Chromatin organization largely depends on protein complexes of the Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) family.

However, the molecular basis of their activity is still elusive. In order to elucidate the mechanism by which SMC complexes organize chromatin, we use yeast as a model system and apply a multidisciplinary experimental approach that includes genetics, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, as well as advanced microscopy techniques.

Research in the Chromosome Instability and Dynamics Lab provides new insights into some of the most fundamental processes in cells and elucidates the impact of SMC complexes on human health.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Itay Onn at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Chromosome Instability and Dynamics

Genomic Instability and Cancer
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Kobi Maman

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

The Genomic Instability and Cancer Lab combines sensitive, high-throughput, genomic assays, and computational modeling in order to crack the genomic code that drives genome instability in different cell-types, pathologies, and conditions, and to grasp the landscape of DNA lesions in cancer.

We are particularly interested in the “double-edged swords” of the genome – physiological mechanisms that impose a threat on genome integrity, such as those that involve in the formation of the immune repertoire or the relief of DNA torsional stress.

We investigate how these processes are targeted across the genome, how they are controlled, and what makes certain genomic sites more vulnerable than others to the “off-target” activity of these processes.

Understanding this natural fragility of the genome will enable us to predict oncogenic events and to mark targets for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Kobi Maman at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Genomic Instability and Cancer Lab

Nuclear Structure, Function, & Disease: Nuclear Transport and Neurodegeneration
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Amnon Harel

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

The Nuclear Structure, Function, & Disease Lab is seeking highly motivated and dedicated PhD students and postdocs, who are interested in the structure and function of the cell nucleus in health and disease – and who are able to work in a team and learn new techniques.

Our research projects combine confocal, super resolution, and electron microscopy with genetic and biochemical techniques, cell culture, FACS, single-cell tracking, and biophysical methods. Our latest projects involve patient cells and stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models pertaining to rare neurodegenerative disorders.

Nuclear Transport and Neurodegeneration

We study the molecular mechanisms underlying human neurodegenerative diseases involving drastic damage to the central nervous system.

We identified novel disease-causing mutations in nuclear pore and nuclear envelope components. Patient cells and stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular models are being used to link the clinical symptoms in patients with specific nuclear functions.

We combine super resolution and electron microscopy with biochemical and genetic methods to study these topics.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. Amnon Harel at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Harel Lab: Nuclear Structure, Function, & Disease

Genetics of Musculoskeletal Disease
Position/s

Doctoral position in the field of bone-muscle molecular interactions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. David Karasik

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

The Genetics of Musculoskeletal Disease Lab’s research focuses on the heritable musculoskeletal disorders of aging, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, kidney failure, muscle loss (sarcopenia), and fatty infiltration of muscle and liver.

Our search for genes underlying variation in risk of these common diseases, which began with the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in human populations, is reinforced by validation using functional experiments in animal models (zebrafish) and mammal cells, based on homology between the species and evolutionary theory.

We use bioinformatics tools and CRISPR-Cas9 technology for gene modifications and histology, RNA-Seq, western blot for protein and microCT imaging for musculoskeletal phenotyping.

We are looking for a doctoral student in the field of bone-muscle molecular interactions for an exciting and unique study, recently funded by the Israel-China collaboration grant.

We aim to produce gene targets for pharmacological treatments for human disease. In particular, we will explore the evolutionary conserved genetic aspects of bone-muscle interactions in vertebrates, by in-vitro and in-vivo experiments in the Zebrafish model.

In particular, the student will be responsible for the design of the experiments and will be the main author on the papers published from this project.

The student will:

  • Detect effects of the genes newly identified by association study on the musculoskeletal system by tracing expression levels in bone and muscle cells in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).
  • Estimate effects of silencing and knocking-out potentially pleiotropic genes in Zebrafish, by generation of CRISPR/Cas9 mutant fish.

 

Characterization of muscle and bone phenotypes will be performed by histology staining and advanced imaging techniques (microCT, fluorescent microscopy etc.).

The research is performed in collaboration with the EU and US-based colleagues.

There is a possibility that some of the training will take place in China.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

The doctoral position is for 4 years, with an option for an extended year.

The annual stipend is very competitive.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • Experience in general molecular biology protocols.
  • An MSc with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. David Karasik at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Genetics of Musculoskeletal Disease Lab

Regenerative Medicine and Diabetes
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Ron Piran

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

The Regenerative Medicine and Diabetes Lab is developing methods for pancreatic beta-cell regeneration as an approach to treat diabetes. Our goal is to replenish the beta-cell population in diabetic patients. Our strategy is to use drugs to convert neighboring alpha-cells into beta-cells in order to step up insulin production.

We were successful using this approach in mice. Our efforts are directed towards increasing the conversion rate from alpha- to beta-cells in different diabetic models, with our growing knowledge of how the PAR2 receptor mediates this process. We are also attempting to stabilize the newly formed beta-cells by preventing their continued trans-differentiation into delta-cells.

Regenerative medicine is not limited to beta-cells and our findings are therefore relevant to other fields where regeneration therapy is needed. So far, our discoveries have been shown to have implications for the treatment of hepatitis and limb amputations.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Ron Piran at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Regenerative Medicine and Diabetes Lab

Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Evan Elliott

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

The Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab uses state-of-the-art techniques to study neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders. Our main aims are to understand the biological mechanisms involved in autism spectrum disorders, and to understand how epigenetic mechanisms affect behavior and neurodevelopment.

Multiple techniques are used, including molecular techniques, whole throughput sequencing, and animal behavioral phenotyping. We also use human tissue samples, including brain samples, to compare to our findings in animal models of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Qualifications/Required Background

Qualified candidates should have:

  • An MSc (PhD students) with a CGPA score of 85 and above (out of 100).
  • A PhD (postdoc researchers).
  • Fluent English (writing and speaking).

 

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. Evan Elliott at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience

 

Microbiome in Health and Disease

Position/s

Doctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Omry Koren

Discipline

Medicine: Microbiology

Description of the Position/s

Research in the Koren Lab focuses on the microbiome, studying the roles of the trillions of bacteria that reside within each individual. We have a wide variety of research interests including interactions between microbiota and the host endocrine system, host behavior, and host development, in health and in disease states.  Research in our lab falls into two main categories – the microbiota in the first 1,000 days of life and the microbiota-gut-brain axis – and we are particularly interested in the intersection of these two areas of study, studying how microbiota perturbation in gestation and early life effect neurodevelopment and behavior through childhood and onwards.

Research involves a blend of in vitro and in vivo methods, and we employ shotgun sequencing technologies, metabolomics, and metatranscriptomics. Bioinformatics and downstream analyses (using the BioBakery, MetabAnalyst, R, and GraphPad Prism) are done mostly in-house.

Benefits of joining us

  • Freedom to develop and lead projects in line with the lab’s main focus areas.
  • Participation in leading research with top collaborators.
  • Working in a fully equipped, funded lab.
  • Being a part of a large, dynamic, supportive team – with outings, birthday celebrations, journal club, and more.

We are recruiting curious PhD students for a range of bioinformatics-centered projects.

We are interested in further incorporating metabolomics studies and (meta)transcriptomics data into our research and are looking for PhD students to lead multi-omics integration. Specific research directions will be developed together with the candidate. Ideal candidates will have experience analyzing targeted and untargeted metabolomics data or RNAseq data and incorporating them with metagenomics data. A background in R or python and experience with bioinformatics is required.

Expectations

  • PhD students will implement a multi-omics analysis as part of their own multi-omics research project.
  • They will develop lab-wide analysis protocols (metagenomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, integration) that other students can also use to analyze their data.

Qualifications/Required Background

  • Proficiency in R, Linux, python, or another coding language.
  • Excellent ability to communicate in English.
  • Familiarity with 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics analyses.
  • Ability to work with animal models, human cohorts, and/or in vitro set-ups (as a means of generating the data upon which bioinformatics will be based).

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Prof. Omry Koren at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

The Koren Lab: Microbiome Research (korenlab.com)

Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Regulation
Position/s

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions available

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. David Enshell-Seijffers

Discipline

Medicine

Description of the Position/s

Stem cell therapy is considered to be the leading potential methodology to cure a variety of devastating diseases currently lacking treatment. However, while the intrinsic properties of stem cells are under intensive study, the comparatively rudimentary understanding of the role of the niche in regulating stem cell behavior has been an impediment to effectively integrating in vivo and in vitro studies to exploit the therapeutic potential of adult stem cells.

Our research in the Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Regulation Lab uses the hair follicle as a model system to study the molecular interactions between stem cells and their niche in the context of cycling regression and regeneration (Avigad Laron et al., Cell Reports 2018; Harshuk-Shabso et al., Nature Communications 2020; Aamar at al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2021).

The same model is currently being used to explore these interactions during wound healing and genotoxic stress such as chemotherapy. The lab employs state-of-the-art technologies that include genetic manipulations in mice, molecular biology, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, microscopy, and histology.

Qualifications/Required Background

Highly motivated individuals with a strong interest in basic and translational research, who seek to broaden their understanding in developmental biology and stem cell regulation, are encouraged to apply.

  • Candidates must hold an MSc (for PhD students) or a PhD (for postdoc researchers) in biology, biochemistry, or related fields.
  • Expertise in molecular biology techniques and mouse genetics are desired, but not required.
  • Candidates must have excellent English.
Salary/Funding/Scholarships

The positions are funded for 4-5 years.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV (including list of publications and previous experience), and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please email Dr. David Enshell-Seijffers at [email protected] for further information or to apply.

Lab’s Website

David Enshell-Seijffers’ Lab: Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Regulation

The Social Psychology of Health and Well-being
Position

Doctoral position in the Social Psychology of Health and Well-Being Lab at BIU’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Tsfat (Safed)

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Rotem Kahalon

Discipline

Psychology/Medicine

Description of the Position

The Social Psychology of Health and Well-Being Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Tsfat (Safed) is seeking a highly motivated doctoral student to lead research on the social-psychological mechanisms that help maintain intergroup inequality and how they contribute to disparities in health, mental health, and well-being.

The lab focuses on three main lines of research:

  • The social psychological processes involved in creating and maintaining health inequalities and disparities.
  • The role of sex, gender, and sexual orientation in health and mental health.
  • The effects of dehumanization and objectification on people’s mental, physical, and sexual health.
Qualifications/Required Background

The successful candidate will have:

  • A Master’s degree in the following or related fields: social psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, social work, or related fields.
  • Experience with quantitative research methods.
Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point). Emails should be sent directly to Dr. Rotem Kahalon at [email protected].

Lab’s Website

Social Psychology of Health and Well-Being Lab

Organs-on-chips, advanced in vitro models

Organs-on-chips, advanced in vitro models for human physiology and disease states.

Extracellular vesicles in the cardiovascular system

Cardiometabolism

Cardiac and muscle disease models

Tissue engineering

Regenerative medicine

Looking for PhD students from bioengineering, material engineering, biochemistry, and biological sciences.

Full allowance / scholarship is offered

www.yadidlab.com

Curbing Infectious Diseases

I study the fascinating world of infectious disease control. I investigate the spatial dynamics of infectious diseases and develop cutting-edge pooling methods to enhance screening accuracy. I combine mathematical modelling and computational techniques, including differential equations, state-space reconstruction, Bayesian analysis, machine learning algorithms and causal detection methods.

Point of Contact: Dr. Yair Daon

Connect with me to discuss your interests and learn more about potential research opportunities: [email protected].

PhD and Postdoc Positions: Open for Applications and tailored to Your Interests

I welcome applications for both PhD and postdoc positions. As a PhD and a postdoc, you will have the freedom to choose a research project aligned with your interests and background. Whether you are passionate about modeling disease spread along with the spread of an anti-vaccine sentiment, developing innovative screening methods, or studying causal relations between childhood infections — there’s a project for you.

Options for support: Full Fellowships Available

You will benefit from full PhD or postdoc fellowships in line with Bar-Ilan University’s guidelines so you can focus on your research without financial concerns.

Biochemistry of the Cilia and Ciliopathies

Interest Area/Research Scope:
Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern ciliary organization and function, particularly the interactions between microtubule-associated proteins and the ciliary cytoskeleton. Cilia are essential for cellular motility, signaling, and sensory functions, and their dysfunction is associated with various diseases, known as ciliopathies. Using advanced fluorescence and electron microscopy techniques, we study how proteins interact with the microtubule lattice to maintain ciliary structure and stability. This research aims to uncover the fundamental processes involved in ciliary assembly, maintenance, and function, offering insights into both basic biology and potential therapeutic targets for ciliary-related diseases.
Students in our lab will gain valuable hands-on experience in an interdisciplinary and supportive research environment, where collaboration is key. They will gain proficiency in advanced fluorescence and electron microscopies. By working alongside researchers from diverse fields, students will develop a broad understanding of experimental approaches and techniques, enhancing their problem-solving and data analysis skills. The collaborative and mentoring-focused environment will prepare students for successful careers in academia, industry, or biotechnology, equipping them with a strong skillset in biochemistry, cell biology, microscopy, and collaborative research.

Point of Contact:
Dr. Ron Orbach
The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed Campus
Email: [email protected]

PhD and Postdoc Positions:
We offer PhD and Postdoctoral opportunities for motivated individuals interested in pursuing research in cilia biology, particularly in the areas of ciliary protein interactions, microtubule dynamics, and their role in cellular processes.

Options of Support:
Fully funded PhD and Postdoctoral positions are available. Students and researchers will also have access to cutting-edge facilities and the opportunity to participate in national and international collaborations.

Link to Website:
http://www.orbachlab.com/

 

Position/s

Doctoral positions

Discipline

Law

Contact details/How to apply

Please email Adv. Ravit Engelsman in the Postgraduate Research Department to find out if any positions are available and for further information: [email protected]

Areas of Opportunity

Smart City Development
Position/s

Doctoral positions with the Bar-Ilan Center for Smart Cities

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Eyal Yaniv

Discipline

Business (under the auspices of BIU’s Graduate School of Business)

Description of the Position/s

The Bar-Ilan Center for Smart Cities operates in a unique model in which there is room for the three key elements needed to promote smart cities:

  • Municipalities
  • Technology companies
  • Researchers

 

We work tirelessly to create joint research with these three elements.

The Center for Smart Cities’ approach focuses on the goal of creating smart cities that improve the quality of life of the city’s residents and looks into proving that simply installing sensors and technologies doesn’t turn a city into a smart city. What makes a city smart is the use of data and technology in improving the present and future quality of life of the residents.

The center operates in all aspects of smart city, from precision irrigation to autonomous vehicles, lighting, air quality control, and monitoring systems.

Qualifications/Required Background

Doctoral students can come from all fields of study including: technology, engineering, transportation, consumer behavior, economics, business administration, environment, and water, among others. The main thing is that students are interested in smart cities from the angle that interests them and their area of expertise.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Funding, fellowships, and scholarships are available for outstanding students. Find out more information here.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Candidates can apply via email to Dr. Eyal Yaniv at [email protected].

Lab’s Website

Bar-Ilan Center for Smart Cities

 

Position

PhD student in the Zalman Shamir Department of Bible

Researcher/Supervisor

The researcher/supervisor will depend on the area of study.

Applicants usually meet with the head of the department to determine the relevant instructor suited to their research. The department’s head will offer several possibilities and the student then contacts the relevant faculty member.

The format is different from that of the US in that students who have achieved their BA and MA degrees in Biblical Studies are usually trained to write their PhD dissertations.

Discipline

Biblical Studies

Description of the Position/s

Biblical Studies includes a wide variety of subjects from which to choose. Among the topics explored in our department are:

  • Biblical Hebrew.
  • Literary Analysis of the Bible.
  • Biblical Law.
  • Biblical Historiography and Prophecy.
  • Wisdom Literature.
  • Feminist Approach to the Hebrew Bible.
  • Jewish Interpretation of the Bible Through the Ages (Josephus, Qumran, Jewish Medieval Interpretation).
  • Ancient Translations of the Hebrew Bible.
  • The Bible and the Ancient Near East.

We are also happy to support students who wish to do multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary research and therefore, we cooperate with various departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies or other faculties at Bar-Ilan University.

Course Requirements

Students should register for a course in an ancient language (e.g. Greek, Akkadian, Latin – if not already taken during their MA studies) and a modern language other than English (e.g. German, French, Italian, etc.).

The majority of a student’s time in the PhD program is invested in preparing a proposal and the thesis itself. PhD students should also take one course per year during their studies in addition to participating in the departmental seminars.

International students are not required to study modern Hebrew.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have:

  • A Master’s with a thesis in Biblical Studies from an accredited institution.
  • A grade for the thesis of at least 85 (in 1-100 scale).
  • A CV.
  • Fluency in Hebrew or English.
Salary/Funding/Scholarships

There are a few options for PhD students in the Biblical Studies field. They include:

  • BIU President’s Scholarship. This is a very competitive scholarship. Students with exceptionally high average grades may apply for this scholarship. Before applying, students should first find a potential supervisor, who will be able to help them.
  • Sandwich Scholarship.
  • Fullbright Fellowship for US citizens.

The Bible Department also gives a few scholarships to students in all degrees depending on its available resources.

Find out more information here.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Please contact Prof. Michael Avioz at [email protected] who will help you find a supervisor and offer advice about the PhD.

If you would like further information, please visit the Department of the Bible and the Faculty of Jewish Studies.

 

Position

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

The researcher/supervisor will depend on the area of study.

Discipline

Classical Studies

Description of the Position/s

The faculty members of the Department of Classical Studies are internationally renowned in the various branches of classical scholarship. They welcome doctoral and postdoctoral candidates in the fields of Classical Literature, Ancient Drama, Ancient History, Ancient Philosophy, and Classical Reception.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have:

  • A Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution (for PhD candidates)
  • A PhD from an accredited academic institution (for postdoc candidates)
  • A basic proficiency in Latin and Ancient Greek.
  • Fluency in Hebrew or English.

 

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

The president’s scholarship is available for outstanding candidates.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the field and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

Candidates can apply via email to [email protected].

If you would like further information, please visit the Department of Classical Studies’ website.

General: Research & Laboratories

The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center at Bar-Ilan University brings together researchers in a variety of fields that are essential to understanding the brain, including psychology, physics, linguistics, computing, and biology.

Research at the Gonda Center studies the brain at all levels – from behavior and cognitive processing through detailed mechanisms of information processing in neural circuits, to the analysis of vital molecules within nerve cells.

Research approaches cover all techniques from personal interviews through electrophysiology and from molecular biology to abstract mathematical modeling.

The Gonda Center attracts new, top-flight researchers from Israel and around the world.

The center has been headed by Prof. Alon Korngreen since 2019.

Find out more about our faculty members here.

Areas of Opportunity

Human Brain & Cognition Lab

Position/s

PhD positions are available

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Vadim Axelrod

Discipline

Brain Science

Description of the Position/s

The lab focuses on understanding cognitive and neural mechanisms of high-level cognition. The particular research fields include:

  • Consciousness and awareness
  • Spontaneous activity, brain networks and internal-directed cognition (e.g. mind-wandering)
  • Visual and face processing

The lab uses a variety of methods including fMRI (3T and 7T), human intracranial recording and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Qualifications/Required Background

Candidates with various combinations of the skills below will be considered.

  • A background in cognitive neuroscience and brain-related fields.
  • Programming experience  (e.g., Matlab, Python).
  • A good background in the exact sciences (mathematics, physics, engineering).

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Fellowship possibilities are available for suitable candidates.

Contact details/How to apply

Candidates can email Dr. Vadim Axelrod at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Human Brain & Cognition Lab

 

Neural Interfaces
Position/s

PhD and postdoc positions are available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Izhar Bar-Gad

Discipline

Brain Science

Description of the Position/s

In the Neural Interface (NeurInt) Lab, we investigate the bidirectional interaction between computerized systems and the central nervous system using a combination of experimental animal models and computational models.

The lab focuses on the neurophysiology underlying disorders associated with basal ganglia malfunction such as Parkinson’s Disease, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Tourette Syndrome (TS).

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have a strong academic background in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, biology, life science, and psychology.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Highly competitive stipends are available for suitable candidates.

Contact details/How to apply

Candidates can email Prof. Izhar Bar-Gad at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Neural Interfaces

 

 

Neural Cognition

Dana Cohen – The electrophysiology of learning and behavior lab

Position/s

PhD and postdoc positions are available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Dana Cohen

Discipline

Neuroscience

Description of the Position/s

The lab aims to understand how brain activity in small and distant neuronal networks, endowed with a variety of physiological properties, work in cooperation to generate natural behaviors, and to understand how these networks change with learning by trial and error. The research is performed in controls and in animal models of various neurodegenerative diseases.

Research methods used include Animal models, Brain stimulation techniques, Extracellular recordings and virtual reality.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful PhD candidates have a strong academic background in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics and neuroscience.

Postdoctoral students with experience in electrophysiology in behaving animals and/or with a strong background in data analysis that wish to transition into experimental neuroscience.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Funding opportunities are available for suitable candidates

Contact details/How to apply

Candidates can email Prof. Dana Cohen at [email protected] for further information.

 

 

 

Neuronal Imaging
Position/s

PhD and postdoc positions are available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Hamutal Slovin

Discipline

Brain Science

Description of the Position/s

Our research is dedicated to the study of visual processing and perception, decoding and reconstruction of visual content from brain activity, and artificial vision.

Our long term goals are to provide novel insights into perceptually guided behavior, facilitate the development of a useful cortical visual neuro-prosthesis, and improve treatment of visually impaired subjects.

To achieve our goals, we work with behaving monkeys and perform long-term voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDI) and optical imaging of intrinsic signals from the visual cortices while the animals perform demanding visual tasks. We combine VSDI with electrical micro-stimulation, electrophysiological recordings, and optical genetics tools for opto-stimulation.

The lab is highly multi-disciplinary and combines both advanced neural computation and machine learning approaches with cutting edge biological aspects.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have a strong academic background in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, biology, life science, and psychology.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Scholarships for MSc, PhD, and postdocs are available.

Contact details/How to apply

Candidates can email Prof. Hamutal Slovin at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Neuronal Imaging

 

Neurogenetics of Social Behavior
Position/s

PhD and postdoc positions are available

Researcher/Supervisor

Prof. Galit Shohat-Ophir

Discipline

Brain Science

Description of the Position/s

“How not to end up with a shopping cart full of Doritos when shopping on an empty stomach.”

Studying neural mechanisms underlying the formation of gradual motivation

Motivation is a neuronal representation of physiological need states, like hunger, thirst, and sex drive, that promote goal-directed behaviors aimed at obtaining food, water, and successful mating. The role of motivation is not simply to control what we do, but to determine when, how much, and for how long we perform actions.

Most studies in the field have focused on binary states, as if motivation is a black-and-white process, but our lives happen in the gray area where motivation accumulates to generate gradual responses. So practically, although gradients are an essential feature of motivation, very little is known about the neurobiology behind them.

Our studies aim to fill this gap by systematically studying mechanisms underlying the formation of gradual hunger, thirst, and sex drive. This will be achieved using state-of-the-art technologies: automated and AI-based behavior analysis, optogenetics, tissue-specific genomic editing, single-cell RNAseq, nano-scale resolution RNAseq within intact brain tissue, proteomics, and computational analysis.

Our work will fundamentally change how we view motivation and behavior. It will impact our understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders, where there is an uncoupling of the precise need and resulting actions, as in eating disorders or addiction. Besides its relevance for human pathologies, our studies also explain the tremendous natural variation in so-called “normal” human behavior, from altering one’s metabolic set point to dialing up and down the dynamic range of emotional responses.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have a strong academic background in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, biology, life science, and psychology.

Salary/Funding/Scholarships

Scholarships for MSc, PhD, and postdocs are available.

Contact details/How to apply

Candidates can email Prof. Galit Shohat-Ophir at [email protected] for further information.

Lab’s Website

Neurogenetics of Social Behavior

 

Human Neural Dynamics

Our lab seeks to understand how the brain encodes and prioritizes information in dynamic, multisensory, real-world environments. We focus on neural mechanisms that process natural continuous stimuli, such as speech and music.

Our research utilizes various brain imaging techniques, including EEG, MEG, and mobile imaging technology as well as advanced psychophysical tools such as eye tracking, virtual reality, skin-conductance, and psychoacoustics. This rich methodological repertoire allows us to study the system at multiple levels in the lab and real-life settings and gain a comprehensive perspective on the link between the brain and behavior.

Point of contact:

Candidates should email Prof. Elana Zion Golumbic at [email protected]. Please provide your most current CV and a statement of research interests.

PhD and Postdoc Positions:

Postdoc positions are available. Candidates should have experience in collecting and analyzing human neuroelectrophysiology (EEG/MEG), good programming skills and a solid background in neuroscience or cognitive psychology.

Options of Support:

Funding opportunities are available for suitable candidates.

Link to a website:

www.golumbiclab.org

 

Position

PhD in Translation Studies

Researcher/Supervisor

The researcher/supervisor will depend on the area of study.

Discipline

Translation and Interpreting Studies

Description of the Position/s

The Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies at Bar-Ilan University welcomes MA graduates from any area interested in a fascinating field of study to its PhD program. We offer courses taught in Hebrew and English as well as personal tutoring.

The faculty members are internationally renowned scholars whose diverse areas of teaching and research include pragmatic approaches to translation; the translation of humor and irony; translation, ideology, and religions; literary translation; translation for the electronic media; translation and multimodality; translation and adaptation; and more.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have:

  • An average MA grade of 85 or higher.
  • Candidates who have not written a thesis are required to submit a thesis equivalent.

 

Course Requirements

During their studies, students are required to take four theoretical courses and two seminars. Some of the courses can be taken in other departments as long as they are in keeping with the students’ research topics and in consultation with their advisors and the heads of department.

Contact details/How to apply

If you would like further information, please visit the Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies’ website. You can also email [email protected] or phone +972-3-531-8227.

Position

Doctoral and postdoctoral positions

Researcher/Supervisor

The researcher/supervisor will depend on the area of study.

Discipline

Jewish Art and Visual Culture

Description of the Position/s

The faculty members of BIU’s Department of Jewish Art are internationally renowned and specialize in a number of fields dealing with Jewish Art and Visual Culture. They offer guidance in a variety of topics including, but not limited to, those mentioned below. If you have other areas of interest, please reach out to us.

Synagogual Art and Architecture; Jewish Tradition and Visual Expression
Point of contact – Prof. Ilia Rodov
Email: [email protected]
Website

East, Central, and Southeast European Jewish Societies and Arts; Jewish Identity in Modern Visual Art and Culture
Point of contact – Prof. Mirjam Rajner
Email: [email protected]
Website

Holocaust Art; Feminism and Women Artists of Jewish Origin
Point of contact – Dr. Mor Presiado
Email: [email protected]
Website

Synagogue Art/Early Modern Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts/Traditional Jewish Artist at Work/Semiotics of Jewish Art and Ritual Objects/Jewish Museums
Point of contact – Dr. Zvi Orgad
Email: [email protected]
Website

We are also open to interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary research and therefore, we cooperate with other departments in the Faculty of Jewish Studies or other faculties at Bar-Ilan University.

Qualifications/Required Background

Successful candidates will have:

  • A Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution (for PhD candidates)
  • A PhD from an accredited academic institution (for postdoc candidates)
  • A background in History of Art, and/or Jewish History, and/or Jewish Studies.
  • Minimum grade: 85 (out of 100).
Salary/Funding/Scholarships

The university president’s scholarship is available for outstanding candidates.

Closing Date for Applications

Applications are not limited to a specific date. Candidates can apply at any time.

Starting Date for Position

The starting date will be determined by the researcher once the candidate has been accepted.

Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should be forwarded to the relevant person in your chosen area and should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point).

For additional information, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

Areas of Opportunity

Social Psychology of Health and Well-Being
Position

Doctoral position in the Social Psychology of Health and Well-Being Lab at BIU’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Tsfat (Safed)

Researcher/Supervisor

Dr. Rotem Kahalon

Discipline

Psychology/Medicine

Description of the Position

The Social Psychology of Health and Well-Being Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Tsfat (Safed) is seeking a highly motivated doctoral student to lead research on the social-psychological mechanisms that help maintain intergroup inequality and how they contribute to disparities in health, mental health, and well-being.

The lab focuses on three main lines of research:

  • The social psychological processes involved in creating and maintaining health inequalities and disparities.
  • The role of sex, gender, and sexual orientation in health and mental health.
  • The effects of dehumanization and objectification on people’s mental, physical, and sexual health.
Qualifications/Required Background

The successful candidate will have:

  • A Master’s degree in the following or related fields: social psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, social work, or related fields.
  • Experience with quantitative research methods.
Contact details/How to apply

Applications (in PDF format) should include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the project and summarizing your qualifications as well as a CV and the names of three potential references (letters not required at this point). Emails should be sent directly to Dr. Rotem Kahalon at [email protected].

Lab’s Website

Social Psychology of Health and Well-Being Lab

Cognitive Neuroscience

About the Lab

The Sharp Lab at Bar-Ilan University, led by Dr. Paul B. Sharp, is seeking a dedicated postdoctoral researcher. Our
research focuses on learning, planning, decision-making, and anxiety, using cutting-edge approaches to uncover
the basic mechanisms and disruptions within these areas. We operate within the exciting field of computational
psychiatry, integrating computational neuroscience and clinical psychology to advance our understanding.

Why Join Us?

– Resources: Bar-Ilan University offers unparalleled resources, including the only MEG scanner in Israel and a
recent $260 million donation to fund AI research.
– Interdisciplinary Approach: Benefit from a fusion of computational and clinical research.
– Supportive Environment: Dr. Paul B. Sharp, an American from Philadelphia, ensures a seamless transition for
researchers from English-speaking countries. We welcome applicants from clinical psychology, cognitive
psychology, and related fields, even if your computational experience is limited.

Dr. Paul B. Sharp, Bar-Ilan University
Email: [email protected]

Ideal Candidates:

We are looking for individuals with a PhD in psychology or neuroscience who are passionate about advancing
research in learning, planning, decision-making, or anxiety.
Application Process:
If you are interested, please reach out to Dr. Paul B. Sharp via email at [email protected]. Feel free to
share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested.

Explore more about our lab and research at Sharp Lab Website: http://sharplabbiu.github.io/

Apply by September 16, 2024 for Fulbright funding:

• Stipend: $95,000 ($47,500 per academic year for two years)
• Reimbursement of up to $1,700 for airfare expenses for Fulbright fellows (and spouses)
• Partial reimbursement of children’s education expenses and fees
• Relocation support of up to $9,000 provided by Bar-Ilan University
For More information: [email protected]

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