PhD for translational Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience of Pain and Emotions

About our Campus: The Ein Kerem campus of the Hebrew University, established in 1960, is in southwestern Jerusalem. This campus hosts the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Dentistry, located next to Hadassah Hospital, one of the city’s main medical centers. It also is also home to other healthcare programs, including the School of Pharmacology, the School of Nursing, the School of Occupational Therapy, and the School of Public Health. The Ein Kerem campus is a central hub for medical and health-related education and research at the University.

About Our Department: The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, housed within the Faculty of Dental Medicine, stands at the forefront of translational science. Our department fosters collaborative research that spans from basic science to clinical applications. By integrating expertise from pharmacology, cognitive neuroscience, and health informatics, we strive to transform innovative ideas into tangible solutions for complex biomedical challenges.

About Our Research: The translational Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience (tSCAN) lab is dedicated to unraveling the bio-psycho-social mechanisms underlying affective states in the context of psychopathology and chronic pain conditions. Our research encompasses the dynamic relationship between pain and emotions, interoception, chronic pain comorbidities such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the societal dimensions of health-related injustice and empathy. By combining cognitive neuroscience methods, experimental psychology, and advanced neurophysiological technologies (including fMRI and EEG), our team develops computational models and data-driven insights aimed at improving patient outcomes. Visit Prof. Gilam’s Personal Page: https://www.gadigilam.net/.

Job Description: We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join the tSCAN lab under the guidance of Prof. Gadi Gilam. The selected candidate will engage in cutting-edge research projects, with responsibilities including:

• Working with clinical populations using advanced neurophysiological tools
• Analyzing data using computational and statistical software (R, Python, MATLAB)
• Contributing to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Participating in a multicultural, multidisciplinary academic environment
• Engaging in personal and professional development activities

This is a full-time research-intensive position with strong emphasis on scientific independence and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

About Your Supervisor: Prof. Gadi Gilam is a distinguished researcher and the driving force behind the tSCAN lab. His work in social, cognitive, and affective neuroscience has significantly advanced our understanding of how pain and emotions interact within clinical populations. With extensive expertise in neuroimaging, psychophysiology, and computational approaches, Prof. Gilam is renowned for his collaborative leadership and commitment to mentoring emerging scientists in a rigorous and supportive environment.

Funding:

TBD

Your Profile (To excel in this role, we seek candidates with):

• A previous degree (B.A. or M.A.) in Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, Neuroscience, Computational Sciences, or related fields
• Strong organizational and communication skills (written and oral)
• Demonstrable academic excellence (e.g., publications or research outputs)
• Full English proficiency
• Experience working with human participants (advantageous)
• Familiarity with programming and data analysis tools (R, MATLAB, Python)
• Exposure to neuroimaging or psychophysiology (fMRI, EEG) is highly desirable

Embracing Diversity: At Hebrew University we believe that diversity inspires creativity, fosters curiosity, and enriches our ecosystem through academic collaboration and cultural exchange. We consider every member of our community an integral part, irrespective of their religion, gender, or ethnic origin.

The University is home to nearly 25,000 students across our 6 campuses, including ~2,500 international students per year representing 90+ countries. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to engage with your peers here on equal ground, in an environment that promotes equity and inclusion, and celebrates the contribution of its talented members. 

Application: Please submit the following documentation as three separate PDF files: 

• Letter of motivation
• CV (including a list of publications)
• Copy of your original academic degree(s)

Application Deadline: See details below.

About Hebrew University: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) is one of the world's leading research institutions, consistently ranked as a global top 100 university. Established by luminaries such as Albert Einstein, the University is at the forefront of groundbreaking research, entrepreneurship, and innovation across various domains, including brain sciences, medicine, biomedicine, life sciences, mathematics, agriculture, and more. Our 6 campuses house 100+ research centers, with ~4,000 research projects underway year-round. 

About Jerusalem: Hebrew University is an integral part of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and one of the most fascinating, diverse cities on earth. Thousands of students from across the globe live in Jerusalem, immersing themselves in its vibrant cultural and culinary scenes, while marveling at the juxtaposition of its 3,000-year-old history and cutting-edge modernity. Students make the most of their spare time by enjoying Jerusalem’s myriad attractions, from restaurants, cafes and pubs, to dance clubs, museums, theaters, and year-round festivals.