Schewach Bodenheimer,
PhD student (The Hebrew University) [email protected] Cytonuclear inheritance of plasticity and productivity under changing environments 
Ayelet Kurtz,
PhD student (The Hebrew University) [email protected] > Wild alleles regulating source-sink relationship under drought > RECAS9: Genome editing based trait mapping 
Jozif Awad
PhD candidate (Tel-Aviv University; w/Prof Amir Sharon) [email protected] >Genetic basis of regeneration >RECAS9:Genome editing based trait mapping |
Open positions
🚀 Postdoctorate/Phd Position: AI & Genomics for Sustainable Agriculture (Project BarKaymAi)
Location: ARO Volcani Center, Israel (Plant Sciences & Agricultural Engineering Institutes) Partners: Montana State University (USA) & Hazera1939 Seeds (Industry Partner) Funding: NIFA-BARD-IIA (US-Israel Binational Agricultural Research & Development Fund)
The Project: "BarKaymAi"
We are looking for a talented researcher to join BarKaymAi, a cutting-edge tripartite project bridging academia and industry. The project’s mission is to upgrade the barley value chain by enabling a Circular Economy: transforming agricultural "waste" into high-value plant-based protein ingredients. To achieve this, we are developing a novel Machine Learning Toolbox that fuses two complex data streams:
Genomics: Advanced prediction models that account for nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions.
Phenomics: Non-destructive hyperspectral imaging technology.
The Research Challenge
As the lead PhD/postdoc researcher, you will sit at the intersection of biology, computer science, and engineering. You will move beyond standard data analysis to solve a complex "Missing Heritability" problem in agriculture.
Your core research focus will include:
Developing Hybrid ML Models: You will design and train models (e.g., CNNs, Bayesian networks) that integrate genomic marker data with hyperspectral images to predict grain quality and yield.
Pioneering a New Trait: You will be the first to model a novel trait that allows the industry to upcycle brewing by-products into food sources.
From Lab to Field: You will analyze real-world data from multi-environment field trials in the US and Israel, handling "noisy" biological datasets.
Algorithm Development: You will work toward creating a "Beta Version" ranking tool that the industry partner (Hazera Seeds) will use to select the next generation of super-crops.
Requirements
Academic Background: M.Sc. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Quantitative Genetics, or Agricultural Engineering or other Engineering track with relevant expertise.
Technical Stack: Proficiency in Python (PyTorch/TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) and/or R. Experience with image processing (Computer Vision) and/or image acquisition systems (RGB and/or spectral) is a significant advantage.
Scientific Curiosity: An interest in applying deep learning to biological problems (Genomic Prediction, GWAS).
Collaboration: High motovation to combine field and computer work with other group members and partners. High proficiency in English is required to collaborate with US partners at Montana State University.
What We Offer
Cross-Disciplinary Training: Master the fields of AI, spectral imaging, and advanced genetics simultaneously.
Industry Exposure: Direct collaboration with Hazera Seeds, a global leader in the seed industry, providing a pathway to future R&D careers in Agri-Tech.
Global Network: Opportunity to work with top researchers from the USDA-NIFA network and the Volcani Center.
Impact: Your code will directly contribute to sustainable food systems and the reduction of agricultural waste.
To Apply
Please send a CV, a short cover letter describing your interest in AI/Agri-Tech, and transcripts to:
Dr. Eyal Fridman (Plant Sciences Institute) [email protected]
Dr. Victor Alchanatis (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Institute) [email protected]
Location: ARO Volcani Center, Israel (Plant Sciences & Agricultural Engineering Institutes) Partners: Montana State University (USA) & Hazera1939 Seeds (Industry Partner) Funding: NIFA-BARD-IIA (US-Israel Binational Agricultural Research & Development Fund)
The Project: "BarKaymAi"
We are looking for a talented researcher to join BarKaymAi, a cutting-edge tripartite project bridging academia and industry. The project’s mission is to upgrade the barley value chain by enabling a Circular Economy: transforming agricultural "waste" into high-value plant-based protein ingredients. To achieve this, we are developing a novel Machine Learning Toolbox that fuses two complex data streams:
Genomics: Advanced prediction models that account for nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions.
Phenomics: Non-destructive hyperspectral imaging technology.
The Research Challenge
As the lead PhD/postdoc researcher, you will sit at the intersection of biology, computer science, and engineering. You will move beyond standard data analysis to solve a complex "Missing Heritability" problem in agriculture.
Your core research focus will include:
Developing Hybrid ML Models: You will design and train models (e.g., CNNs, Bayesian networks) that integrate genomic marker data with hyperspectral images to predict grain quality and yield.
Pioneering a New Trait: You will be the first to model a novel trait that allows the industry to upcycle brewing by-products into food sources.
From Lab to Field: You will analyze real-world data from multi-environment field trials in the US and Israel, handling "noisy" biological datasets.
Algorithm Development: You will work toward creating a "Beta Version" ranking tool that the industry partner (Hazera Seeds) will use to select the next generation of super-crops.
Requirements
Academic Background: M.Sc. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Quantitative Genetics, or Agricultural Engineering or other Engineering track with relevant expertise.
Technical Stack: Proficiency in Python (PyTorch/TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) and/or R. Experience with image processing (Computer Vision) and/or image acquisition systems (RGB and/or spectral) is a significant advantage.
Scientific Curiosity: An interest in applying deep learning to biological problems (Genomic Prediction, GWAS).
Collaboration: High motovation to combine field and computer work with other group members and partners. High proficiency in English is required to collaborate with US partners at Montana State University.
What We Offer
Cross-Disciplinary Training: Master the fields of AI, spectral imaging, and advanced genetics simultaneously.
Industry Exposure: Direct collaboration with Hazera Seeds, a global leader in the seed industry, providing a pathway to future R&D careers in Agri-Tech.
Global Network: Opportunity to work with top researchers from the USDA-NIFA network and the Volcani Center.
Impact: Your code will directly contribute to sustainable food systems and the reduction of agricultural waste.
To Apply
Please send a CV, a short cover letter describing your interest in AI/Agri-Tech, and transcripts to:
Dr. Eyal Fridman (Plant Sciences Institute) [email protected]
Dr. Victor Alchanatis (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Institute) [email protected]
Former members
Sariel Hubner, MSc student (2006-2008), now PI at Migal (http://www.migal.org.il/)
Keren Shemesh, MSc student (2006-2008), now lab manager in Hebrew University
Shachaf Ein-Gedi, MSc student (2007-2009)
Eyal Bdolach, MSc student (2006-2008), PhD (2017-22), now in ARO as Reserach associate
Dr. Silvia Shaked, postdoc (2008-2011), now in Evogene
Imri Ben-Israel, MSc and PhD student (2006-2008, 2009-14), now in Hazera genetics
Habte Nida, MSc student(2010-2012), now PhD student in Purdue
Ilana Glikaite, MSc student (2012-2014), now in ImmunArray Ltd.
Dr. Efrat Laiba, postdoc (2012-2014), now in Mol Oncology lab, Schneider Children's Medical Center
Dr. Lianne Merchuk-Ovnat, postdoc (2016-2017), now in HaZera genetics
Dhruv Srivastava, PhD student (2012-2017), now postdoc in HUJI
Khaled Bishara, MSc student (2016-2018), Now geneticist in CanBreed [http://www.can-breed.com/]
Shelly Lazar, MSc student (2017-2020). Now in US
Manas Prusty, Postdoc (2018-2022), Now in TAU, Israel
Lalit Dev Tiwari, Postdoc (2020-2023), Now in Urbana, IL
Keren Shemesh, MSc student (2006-2008), now lab manager in Hebrew University
Shachaf Ein-Gedi, MSc student (2007-2009)
Eyal Bdolach, MSc student (2006-2008), PhD (2017-22), now in ARO as Reserach associate
Dr. Silvia Shaked, postdoc (2008-2011), now in Evogene
Imri Ben-Israel, MSc and PhD student (2006-2008, 2009-14), now in Hazera genetics
Habte Nida, MSc student(2010-2012), now PhD student in Purdue
Ilana Glikaite, MSc student (2012-2014), now in ImmunArray Ltd.
Dr. Efrat Laiba, postdoc (2012-2014), now in Mol Oncology lab, Schneider Children's Medical Center
Dr. Lianne Merchuk-Ovnat, postdoc (2016-2017), now in HaZera genetics
Dhruv Srivastava, PhD student (2012-2017), now postdoc in HUJI
Khaled Bishara, MSc student (2016-2018), Now geneticist in CanBreed [http://www.can-breed.com/]
Shelly Lazar, MSc student (2017-2020). Now in US
Manas Prusty, Postdoc (2018-2022), Now in TAU, Israel
Lalit Dev Tiwari, Postdoc (2020-2023), Now in Urbana, IL