PhD in Neurodegenerative Diseases

About our Campus: The Ein Kerem campus of the Hebrew University, established in 1960, is in southwestern Jerusalem. This campus is home to the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Dentistry, located next to Hadassah Hospital, one of the city’s main medical centers. It also hosts 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 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Hebrew University conducts cutting-edge research through 25 research groups led by 12 faculty members and 13 emeritus professors. Utilizing biochemical, cellular, and molecular methods, the Department explores vital processes and develops therapeutic strategies for conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Emphasizing a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, the Department is committed to advancing both fundamental science and biomedical solutions for the medical challenges of the 21st century.

About Our Research:  The research at the Sharon lab focuses on mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and survival in Parkinson's disease and the related neurodegenerations. Our lab investigates how α-synuclein, a key protein in Parkinson’s disease, alters neuronal metabolism and drives toxic changes leading to degeneration. Using cell culture, mouse models, and human brain tissue, we aim to uncover early pathological events and develop strategies for disease modification and therapy.

Job Description: We are seeking motivated candidates to join our research on disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in Parkinson's, exploring topics such as:

• PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in neuronal survival
• The role of lipid metabolism in Parkinson’s disease
• Targeting metabolic pathways as a strategy for disease therapy
• Molecular mechanisms linking protein misfolding to metabolic dysregulation

About Your Supervisor: Dr. Ronit Sharon is a pioneering researcher in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. After earning her MSc at the Hebrew University and her PhD at the Weizmann Institute, she joined Harvard Medical School's Center for Neurologic Diseases, where she made significant early discoveries about the role of alpha-synuclein, a neuronal protein associated with brain lipids, in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Her work has illuminated how alpha-synuclein functions in synaptic activity and how its malfunction leads to neuronal degeneration. Now at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, IMRIC, Dr. Sharon’s research focuses on identifying therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for PD, building on her extensive work funded through grants on alpha-synuclein and its role in neurodegeneration.

Funding: 1900-2150 USD monthly.

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

• A background in life sciences, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Strong experimental skills in cell culture, molecular cloning, immunostaining, and imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy)—experience with animal models is a plus
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., ImageJ, GraphPad Prism, QuPath)
• A high level of attention to detail, strong documentation habits, and commitment to reproducible science
• Motivation to learn new techniques and engage deeply with the scientific questions
• The ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented lab environment

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly committed individual with a passion for learning and a strong work ethic. 

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 your application as three separate PDFs, each containing the following: 

• 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.