MSc rotation

The Laufman lab studies the ways human RNA viruses interact with their host cells and transform them into viral manufactories using state-of-the-art microscopy, molecular and cell biology, genetic and biochemistry approaches. We tackle questions at the forefront of the exciting field of virology, and offer an exceptional scientific environment to develop your skills and career as a researcher. We are looking for talented and highly motivated rotation students to join our team.    

Study of intercellular mRNA transfer and its ability to complement genetic alterations in mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo using mouse models

Join the Zelzer Lab — MSc, PhD & Postdoc Positions

We’re recruiting motivated rotation students, master’s, PhD candidates, and postdocs to tackle fundamental and translational questions in musculoskeletal development, aging, and regeneration at the Weizmann Institute of Science.

What we study

• Proprioception & the muscle spindle: Development, regeneration, and aging of this mechanosensory organ; how spindle dysfunction contributes to musculoskeletal pathologies (e.g., scoliosis, hip dysplasia).

• Attachment between tendon and bone (enthesis): Rules that assemble graded interfaces and enable seamless load transfer across tissues.

• Bone shape (morphogenesis): How complex 3D bone geometries emerge and are maintained.

How we work

You’ll use a multi-resolution toolkit combining:

• Multi-omics: single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, ATAC-seq.

• High-resolution 3D imaging: tissue clearing, light-sheet/confocal, quantitative image analysis.

• Genetics & perturbations: mouse Cre/lox and CRISPR, reporter lines, in situ HCR.

• Mechanics & function: biomechanical assays, gait analysis, computational modeling.

What we offer

• A collaborative, mentoring-focused environment with access to world-class cores and facilities.

• Opportunities to lead projects, publish, and present at international meetings.

• Training tailored to your background—wet-lab, imaging, computation, or a mix.

You are

Curious, rigorous, and team-oriented. Backgrounds in molecular/cell/developmental biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, biomechanics, computer science, physics, or related fields are welcome. Prior mouse or imaging experience is a plus but not required.

How to apply

Email CV, a brief statement of interest (≤1 page), and contact info for 2–3 referees to [your email] with the subject line: “Application — Zelzer Lab (MSc/PhD/Postdoc)”. Please indicate your preferred start date and research interests.

Come help us uncover how the body’s skeleton, muscles, and connective tissues develop, adapt, and regenerate—and turn those insights into better ways to preserve and restore function.