Reprogramming Glioblastoma via Viral Delivery Across the Blood–Brain Barrier

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

The Berlin laboratory at the Technion (Israel) is seeking a talented PhD candidate to contribute to the development and application of advanced multimodal imaging and molecular tools for studying and optimizing brain-targeted therapies for glioblastoma. The project will focus on tracking the biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy of viral-based treatments in both in vitro and in vivo models. In parallel, the research aims to modulate glioblastoma cell proliferation and their interactions with neuronal circuits using optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches. The candidate will be involved in engineering and validating imaging-compatible viral systems, as well as in the quantitative analysis of treatment responses.

As part of the INTRABRAIN Doctoral Network, the successful candidate will participate in a structured international training program, including three lab exchanges at leading academic, clinical, and industrial partner institutions across Europe. These placements provide hands-on experience in complementary disciplines and sectors, fostering interdisciplinary and translational research skills. This position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of cutting-edge imaging technologies and translational neuroscience, contributing to the development of next-generation immunotherapies for brain tumors within a highly collaborative international environment.

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Research Field: Molecular neuroscience, genetic engineering, optogenetics, Novel viral vectors.

Position

Positions: PhD Position

Contract details and dates:

Shai Berlin PhD- Associate Professor
Fellow, Young Academy of Europe (YAE)
Dept. of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine
Technion- Israel Institute of Technology
1 Efron Bat Galim, Haifa,
3525433, Israel
Phone: (+972)-77-887-1123/4
Web: https://shaiberlin.net.technion.ac.il
FYAE: http://yacadeuro.org/berlin

Type of Contract: Temporary (up to 3 years)
Job Status: Full Time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer Starting Date: December 2026
Application Deadline: June (5th) 2026

Job funding information

The position is funded through the EU Research Framework Programme: Horizon Europe – MSCA

Compensation: The salary is competitive and complies with the MSCA Work Programme (Living and Mobility allowance)

How to apply: Email; shai.berlin@technion.ac.il

The application must contain the following documents AS A SINGLE PDF FILE (all provided in English language):

• INTRABRAIN DC application form (download template here: https://www.intrabrain.eu/s/INTRABRAIN_DC_application-form_final.docx)
• Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
• Cover letter (max 1 page): Indicate your motivation to apply for these specific DC position and your skills that are specifically adapted to the chosen topic, providing support evidence to your arguments.
• Certificate of Master’s Degree or equivalent (if available) and transcript of records.
• Proof of English proficiency
• Contact details of 2 previous supervisors or employers who can give recommendation letters
• List of publications, if applicable.
• Manuscript of listed publication, if applicable.
• Work/research experience certificates, if applicable.

All official certificates should be provided in their original European language or associated official English translation for non-European documents. If you are applying for a country different from your native country, an English supplement of the certificates with transcripts should also be provided.”

Hiring Organisation & Offer Posting Contact Details

Organisation: Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
Department: Neuroscience
Country: Israel
Organisation Type: University (Academic)
City: Haifa
Postcode: 320004
Street: Technion City
Email: shai.berlin@technion.ac.il
Phone: (+972)-77-887-1123/4

Work Locations

Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Dept. of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine; Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.
Country: Israel
City: Haifa
Postcode: 3525433
Street: 1 Efron Bat Galim, Haifa

Required Education Level

Research Field: Biology, Medicine, Biotechnology, Chemistry
Education Level – holds a Master’s Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications (Free Text)

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative candidate with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of neuroscience, molecular biology, and biomedical imaging. The ideal candidate should hold a Master’s degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, or a related field. Prior experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: molecular and cellular biology, viral vector design (e.g., AAV/adenovirus), imaging techniques (fluorescence microscopy, MRI), in vivo models, or neurobiology. Experience with optogenetics, chemogenetics, or data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is an advantage.

The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) are required.

Specific Requirements (Free Text)

The position is offered within the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rule (MSCA) Doctoral Network INTRABRAIN. The successful candidate will be enrolled in a PhD program and is expected to actively participate in the network’s training activities, including three mandatory international lab exchanges at partner institutions (academic, clinical, and/or industrial). Willingness to travel and work in different research environments is essential.

Candidates should show a strong interest in translational research and be motivated to contribute to collaborative, interdisciplinary projects aimed at developing novel therapeutic strategies for brain diseases. Experience with animal work or willingness to obtain certification for in vivo experimentation is highly desirable.

Required Languages: English

Required Research Experience — Research Field: Biology/Medicine/Biological engineering. Years of Research Experience: None; 1 – 4; 4 – 10; More than 10

Website for additional job details: https://www.intrabrain.eu/

Benefits: (Free Text)

The successful candidates will receive an attractive salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations. The exact salary is dependent on the country correction factor (to allow for the difference in cost of living in different EU Member States). The salary includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance and a family allowance (if applicable, depending on family status). The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months (i.e., EC funding, additional funding might be possible, depending on local supervisor). The successful candidates also benefit from paid leave, options for remote work (in accordance with institutional regulations) and access to national social security schemes. In addition to their individual scientific projects, all doctoral candidates will benefit from further education which includes secondments, a variety of training modules as well as transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops and conferences.

Eligibility criteria: (Free Text)

• Doctoral Candidate requirement: The applicant must not be in possession of a doctoral degree at the first day of the employment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet been awarded the doctoral degree are not eligible.
• Mobility rule: At the time of recruitment by the recruiting beneficiary, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work and studies) in the country of their recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to their recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.
• English language: Network fellows (DCs) must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training.
• In addition to the general eligibility criteria, candidates need to fulfill the eligibility criteria of their recruiting beneficiary and their doctoral programme.

Selection process: (Free Text)

To guarantee an impartial, transparent, merit-based and consistent selection process (eligibility check, assessment of candidatures and online interview), the INTRABRAIN recruitment committee monitors the fairness and transparency of the selection process. The recruitment process will be implemented in accordance with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Where to apply

E-mail: shai.berlin@technion.ac.il

Requirements

Research Field: Neurosciences » Neurobiology
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Technion
Country: Israel

Contact

State/Province: North
City: Haifa
Website: https://www.technion.ac.il/en/
Street: Technion City
Postal Code: 3200003