Post-Doc for Lifelong Learning and Memory in the Auditory System

About our Campus: Hebrew University’s Edmond J. Safra Campus is a vibrant hub of academic and research excellence nestled in the heart of Jerusalem. Our modern campus boasts state-of-the-art lab facilities, world-renowned faculty, and a stimulating environment that fosters scientific exploration, intellectual growth, and innovation.

About Our Department: The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, ELSC, is one of the world’s leading research centers in computational and systems neuroscience. The Center fosters deep collaboration between theoretical and experimental disciplines to uncover the principles of brain function. Researchers here explore brain activity from the level of individual neurons to complex behaviors, using pioneering technologies in imaging, data science, and neurophysiology. The Center nurtures a dynamic, international research community devoted to excellence and innovation.

About Our Research: The Nelken Lab focuses on the neural basis of auditory learning and memory, with a particular emphasis on sound-guided behavior. This ERC-funded project investigates how animals learn and store auditory information over time, aiming to define the limits of auditory memory and to understand the brain mechanisms supporting lifelong, continual learning. The project employs a suite of advanced tools, including calcium imaging with miniscopes, neuropixels electrophysiology in freely moving rodents, and intracellular/cell-attached recordings in head-fixed preparations.

Job Description: We are seeking a talented and curious post-doctoral researcher to join the Nelken Lab at ELSC. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of behavioral paradigms and neurophysiological experiments that explore memory capacity and flexible learning in the auditory system.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing and conducting experiments involving calcium imaging and/or electrophysiological recordings
• Performing behavioral training and testing of rodent models
• Analyzing large-scale neural data using computational tools
• Writing and presenting scientific findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, engineers, and theoreticians

About Your Supervisor:

Prof. Israel Nelken is a world-renowned expert in auditory neuroscience and cortical processing. His work bridges the experimental and theoretical domains of sensory research, with a long-standing focus on how the brain interprets and remembers sound. Prof. Nelken has pioneered techniques in neurophysiology and auditory modeling, and his lab is known for its rigorous, creative, and supportive environment.

Funding: 

A monthly stipend of up to $3,250 USD.

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

• A PhD in Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or related disciplines
• A strong interest in imaging, electrophysiology, or auditory neuroscience
• Experience with data analysis and signal processing (preferred)
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) are an advantage
• Excellent English proficiency
• A creative, collaborative, and independent approach to scientific inquiry

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.