Post Doc for Bacterial Multicellular Interactions and Development

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 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 Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of microbial life. Research within the Department spans microbial physiology, pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, host-pathogen interactions, and molecular genetics. Faculty members employ advanced imaging, genomics, and genetic engineering tools to understand microbial behavior and develop biomedical innovations.

About Our Research: This postdoctoral project in the Sigal Ben-Yehuda Lab (https://www.sigalbylab.com/) focuses on microbial cell biology, specifically bacterial development and intercellular interactions. The research will explore how bacteria interact with neighboring cells, how they form multicellular structures, and how these processes are influenced by bacteriophage infection. The lab has pioneered work on bacterial nanotubes and bacterial communication, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a highly innovative field.

Job Description: We are looking for a motivated Post-Doc to join our lab and conduct high-level research on bacterial multicellularity, phage-bacteria interactions, and the developmental pathway of sporulation. The candidate will be involved in designing and performing experiments using molecular biology, microbiology, and advanced imaging techniques. The position offers a stimulating research environment with close mentorship and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

About Your Supervisor: Prof. Sigal Ben-Yehuda is a leading researcher in the field of microbial cell biology at the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine. Her groundbreaking work has revealed novel mechanisms of bacterial development, including the discovery of bacterial nanotubes that mediate intercellular communication. Prof. Ben-Yehuda’s lab investigates how bacteria coordinate collective behaviors and how their structure and function evolve in the presence of external stressors such as phage infection. Her research has been published in top scientific journals and has significantly advanced the understanding of multicellular strategies in prokaryotic life. 

Funding: 

Monthly stipend of 8000 NIS (2,600 USD) for a period of 3-5 years. 

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

• PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related fields
• Strong interest in microbial systems, development, and cell biology, motivation, independence, and a deep curiosity about microbial life.
• Laboratory experience in molecular genetics, microbiology, or microscopy (an advantage) 

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.