Postdoctoral Eligibility

In order to qualify for appointment as a postdoctoral scholar at Hebrew University, you must:

• Provide proof of a doctoral degree from a recognized institution of higher education, received within the last 5 years. (A period of one year for each child born to the candidate during the relevant period will not be counted).
• If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, provide proof of submission of a doctoral dissertation for evaluation. This will secure eligibility for a post-doctoral fellowship for a period of up to six months prior to approval of the doctoral dissertation. (Extension may be possible in special cases, following consideration by the Dean). 
• Secure a postdoctoral research supervisor from within the university. The supervisor must be a faculty member in the regular academic track, either in active employment or a pensioner.

Additional detailed regulations regarding postdoctoral research can be found here.

Securing a Postdoctoral Research Opportunity

The majority of our postdoctoral candidates are already in communication with a specific researcher when approaching Hebrew University, but if you find yourself interested in our institution and not yet connected with a faculty member in your field, the following are some guidelines for conducting your search: 

1. To begin with, you can search for existing postdoctoral research opportunities via our Research Opportunities Database.
2. If you don’t find a relevant opportunity via our database, your next step is to explore our comprehensive list of faculties and schools.
3. From there, you can narrow your search to a specific department or institute, and identify a faculty member whose field of expertise best aligns with your research and training goals.
4. When you’ve identified such a researcher, you are encouraged to reach out and inquire directly regarding your eligibility, postdoc openings, potential funding, and preferred timeline. 
5. Once a successful match has been made and you’ve been extended an unofficial offer, your supervisor will take care of registering you as a postdoctoral researcher through the Department of Student Administration. Your official appointment as an international postdoc will enable you to conduct research for a designated time period, and will not carry teaching duties.

Postdoctoral Fellowships at HUJI

While many of our postdocs receive funding through the research budgets of their supervisors, most will seek out additional funding to support their research. Hebrew University collaborates with a range of external funding bodies that offer postdoctoral fellowships. You can learn more about these funding opportunities through Hebrew University’s Scholarship Portal, or through the Academic Secretary’s listing of postdoctoral fellowships.

Tips for Applying for a Postdoctoral Fellowship

The application process for postdoctoral funding requires the development of a solid research proposal. Moreover, applying takes commitment and time, so be sure to allow yourself several months to develop a persuasive, engaging and feasible proposal. When considering fellowship options, note the eligibility guidelines, application deadlines, funding limits, award start/end dates, and the terms and conditions of the award. In addition, here are some tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the mission and priorities of the sponsoring fund, and confirm that your proposed research meets their stated goals. 
• The funding landscape is often competitive, and rejections and resubmissions are part of the process. Remember that, even in such cases, the experience will strengthen your grant-writing skills and your future proposals. 
• Confirm from the start whether a specific funding opportunity fits your timeline. Carefully review what steps are required as part of the process, keeping in mind that approvals, signatures and letters of support from within the university are often required as part of your application, and these things may take time. 
• Be certain to apply for such opportunities only after confirming a match with a research supervisor.

Support and Services

There are a number of offices within the university dedicated to offering ongoing support for our researchers and their families, in matters pertaining to visas, housing, health insurance, social activities, family services, professional development, and more. We recommend that you start here for useful information to help you navigate your research experience at Hebrew University.