Post-Doctoral Fellow in Embryonic Development of the Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nervous System

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 Department of Medical Neurobiology at the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine conducts advanced research in molecular, cellular, and developmental neuroscience. The Department focuses on the mechanisms underlying the development and function of the nervous system. It collaborates closely with the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), which integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to brain research.

About Our Research: Our lab researches the generation of complexity during embryonic development with a particular focus on the nervous and skeletal systems. We explore how cells adopt their fates, segregate from each other, migrate, and reach their final destinations. A central theme of our research is understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that guide the development of the neural tube and neural crest—precursors to the central and peripheral nervous systems. Techniques employed include molecular biology, cell biology, imaging, bioinformatics, in ovo microsurgery, and gene manipulation.

Job Description: We are seeking a post-doctoral fellow to join a multidisciplinary team investigating key processes in embryonic development. The project focuses on the roles of signaling pathways (Wnt, BMP, retinoic acid, sonic hedgehog) in regulating cell fate decisions, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell migration. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute to publications, and participate in lab meetings and conferences.

About Your Supervisor: Prof. Chaya Kalcheim (https://elsc.huji.ac.il/people-directory/faculty-members/chaya-kalcheim), a distinguished professor at Hebrew University, leads the Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory within the Department of Medical Neurobiology. Her research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the embryonic development of the nervous and skeletal systems, with particular emphasis on neural crest cells and somite-derived structures. Prof. Kalcheim's laboratory utilizes avian models, employing techniques such as in ovo microsurgery, gene misexpression, in vitro explants, imaging, and RNA sequencing to investigate processes like epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, cell migration, and cell fate determination. Her contributions to developmental biology and neurobiology have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Prusiner-Abramsky Prize in Neurosciences and a Career Award from the Israeli Society for Developmental Biology.

Funding: Up to USD 40,000

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

• Knowledge and experience in molecular biology
• Background in developmental biology (preferred)
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics (an advantage)
• High motivation, curiosity, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively

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 will 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 your application as three separate PDFs: 

• 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.