PhD for: Metabolic MRI agents for cancer detection and treatment monitoring

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, a leading medical center. 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 Division of Imaging at Hadassah Medical Center focuses on developing medical imaging methods and contrast agents to improve diagnostic imaging and patient care.

About Our Research: This PhD position is part of an EC-funded project focused on developing MRI contrast agents that provide metabolic information. This work aims to improve the identification of cancers on MRI and to assist in early treatment monitoring in patients

Job Description: . The successful candidates will enjoy unlimited access to state-of-the-art magnetic resonance instrumentation (a dDNP Spin Polarizer, an NMR spectrometer for perfused tissues, and a clinical MRI scanner for X-nuclei) and to novel stable-isotope-labeled compounds and biological systems. The new MRI contrast agents under development include hyperpolarized substrates and deuterium-labeled compounds.

About Your Supervisor: Prof. Rachel Katz-Brull is a distinguished scientist at Hadassah Medical Organization and a Professor of Imaging at the Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine. She heads the Centre for MRI Metabolic Imaging, where her research focuses on developing advanced diagnostic agents using dissolution-dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP). Her pioneering work includes the creation of molecular imaging probes for C-13, P-31, and N-15hyperpolarized MRI, as well as the first glucose and choline imaging methods that do not require ionizing radiation.​

Funding: 2500-3,000 USD in monthly stipend

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

• MSc or BSc in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or equivalent. Candidates from other Exact sciences with experience in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are welcome as well.
• Background in metabolism and/or cancer metabolism is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

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 six campuses, including ~2,500 international studentsper year representing 90+ countries. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to engage with your peers here on equal grounds, in an environment that promotes equity and inclusion and celebrates the contributions of its talented members.

Application: Please submit your application with three separate PDFs, containing the following:

• Letter of motivation
• CV (including a list of publications)
• Copy of your original academic degree(s)

Application Deadline: March 312026

About Hebrew University:TheHebrew 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 six 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.