PhD Program – Faculty of Life Sciences | Bar-Ilan University

Pushing the Boundaries of Life Sciences: The Next Generation of Research Leaders!

The PhD program in Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University is designed for those who aspire to push boundaries, lead innovative research, and contribute to discoveries that impact health, the environment, and technology. Students benefit from personal mentorship by leading researchers, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and international collaboration across diverse fields—from genetics and biochemistry to neurobiology and ecology. Here, you’ll gain the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to transform your passion for science into groundbreaking achievements.

Graduates of the PhD program in Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University are at the forefront of cutting-edge research in academia, industry, and healthcare worldwide. They take on key roles as university faculty and researchers, R&D leaders in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and cleantech, consultants in regulatory and clinical trials, and project leaders in both the public and private sectors. The program equips students with advanced scientific skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to drive complex initiatives, enabling them to lead meaningful change in science, health, and technology.

Join a Faculty That Believes Research Changes Reality

• World-class minds by your side – Work with internationally renowned researchers who push the limits of knowledge.

• Advanced technology at your fingertips – Modern laboratories, cutting-edge equipment, and VR stations you won’t find elsewhere.

• Hands-on from day one – Learn, experiment, and engage in research from the very start.

• Real international connections – Collaborate with top researchers and clinicians around the globe.

• Stay at the forefront – Lectures and seminars that immerse you directly in leading scientific research.

• A supportive community – A professional, engaged community that will guide and mentor you throughout your journey.

• Genuine personal attention – Faculty who see and support you as a researcher, not just your grades.

If you’re here to innovate, research, and make an impact—this is where it begins. Bar-Ilan University. Life Sciences. The future starts here.

PhD Program Application

PhD Research Fields

PhD studies in the Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University place you at the heart of scientific discovery. You will have direct access to cutting-edge laboratories, personal mentorship from leading researchers, and the freedom to choose a research field that truly excites you. From biochemistry, genetics, neurobiology, and ecology to marine biology, vision science, and more—you can dive deep into your passion and contribute to knowledge that advances every day. PhD research requires full commitment to scientific work and study, along with continuous engagement with the latest scientific developments.

Students can specialize in one of the following research fields:

Immunology *  Biochemistry * Biotechnology (various topics) *  Environmental Biology (including hydrobiology and desert biology) * Cell Biology (including cancerous cells) *Clinical Biology * Molecular Biology *  Genetics and Genetic Engineering * General Microbiology * Medical Microbiology and Chemotherapeutics * Molecular Parasitology * Virology * Neurobiology * Animal Physiology * Plant Physiology (including plant diseases) * Botany * Zoology * Ecology * Marine Biology * Animal and Human Fertility * Computational Biology (Bioinformatics) * Systems Biology * Structural Biology * Pharmacology * Photobiology *Gerontology: The Science of Aging Vision Science and Optometry *

Research Fields  Research Groups

Combined Master’s-to-PhD Track

Students in the Combined Track begin in a Master’s program (regular or direct entry). Those who achieve outstanding academic performance—a grade average of 95+ and an excellent thesis—may submit a PhD research proposal. The proposal is evaluated like a Master’s thesis, and its grade serves as the final thesis grade.

Successful candidates can then transition directly into the PhD program, with the two years of Master’s study counting toward their doctoral degree. Students earn a Master’s degree after two years and the PhD upon completion of the program.

Admission Requirements for PhD Program

Minimum Requirements: A grade point average of at least 85 in Master’s coursework and 85 in the Master’s thesis.

Application Process:

1. Apply to the program through the university.

2. Attend a personal interview with the PhD Committee at Bar-Ilan University.

3. Select a research supervisor before or after the interview.

   The prospective supervisor may attend the interview as an observer only.

 

School of Graduate Studies – PhD Program

School of Graduate Studies Regulations

Program Structure – PhD in Life Sciences

Programs begin in Semester A, with research starting on October 1st each year.

Duration: 4 years

Total Credit Points (excluding foundational Jewish studies/general courses):
1 credit point (CP) = 1 semester-long course meeting 1 hour per week

Regular Track: 16 CP

Combined Track: 12 CP

The program includes a mix of core courses, electives, and seminars, as detailed below.

Mandatory annual registration (no credits):

• 809000 – Colloquium

• 80769 – PhD Dissertation

Regular Track

Combined Track

Three regular seminars from the faculty’s proposed list (In Hebrew) – one per year (total 3 CP) Fourth Seminar (1 CP) – presentation of the research project in the Doctoral Seminar during the fourth year (registration via the department: 80-900-03 or 80-900-04, depending on the semester). Biostatistics and Introduction to Clinical Trials (80534) – required starting from 2017-2018  academic bulletin (unless exempted based on prior studies). Elective Courses to Complete 16 CP – selected from the faculty’s proposed list (In Hebrew)  (9 CP, or 12 CP for students exempt from course 80534) Additional elective courses at the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat

One regular seminar from the faculty’s proposed list (In Hebrew) – one per year (total 3 CP) Fourth Seminar (1 CP) – presentation of the research project in the Doctoral Seminar during the fourth year (registration via the department: 80-900-03 or 80-900-04, depending on the semester). Elective Courses to Complete 16 CP – selected from the faculty’s proposed list (In Hebrew)  (9 CP, or 12 CP for students exempt from course 80534). Additional elective courses at the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat

Additional Information:

• Dates for consolidated laboratory sessions are announced via faculty notices.

• For courses outside the faculty, a request for inclusion in the program must be submitted.

• For courses from other institutions, a request for recognition as part of inter-institutional studies must be submitted (PhD Forms).
  *It is recommended to submit these requests in advance to avoid inconvenience in case the course is not approved.

• Complete Overview of Faculty Courses
• Basic Jewish Studies Requirements– PhD program
• Terms of Graduate studies
• Courses Search
• Academic Schedule  

 

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Doctoral Research Proposal

1. At the end of the first year, the student must submit a doctoral research proposal in accordance with the guidelines and requirements of the School of Graduate Studies.

   • The research proposal must include a Gantt chart outlining the projected timeline and major milestones of the research project.

   • Preliminary results obtained during the first year that support the proposal’s working hypotheses.

2. The student will then undergo an oral examination on the proposal and on relevant research areas. The examination will be conducted by a two-member Progress Monitoring Committee, appointed by the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee.

   • The oral exam evaluates the student’s knowledge of the scientific fields related to the proposed research and  familiarity with the research methods required for the project.

   • Based on the examination, the committee may require the student to complete additional coursework or training during the PhD.

3. Once the proposal is approved by the Progress Monitoring Committee, it will be forwarded to the PhD Committee for final approval.

   • A student who does not complete the oral examination by the end of the second year will have their studies terminated and will not be permitted to register for the third year.

 

 

PhD Progress Monitoring Committee

The Progress Monitoring Committee oversees the student’s advancement throughout their PhD studies.

1. The student must submit a periodic report, approved by their supervisor, once per year.

2. The committee will schedule meetings with the student to review progress and assess the pace of research.

3. Upon completion of the doctoral research, the student submits a final report to the committee.

4. After the committee’s approval, the student may proceed to writing the doctoral dissertation.

 

 

Submission of Article-Based Doctoral Dissertations

You must complete the required form and submit it to the Faculty Office for review by the PhD Committee.

Dissertation as a collection of articles

 

Doctoral Dissertation Submission Guidelines

Guidelines for Submitting a PhD Research Proposal and Thesis

It is essential to follow all instructions provided on the Library System website.
Submissions that do not meet these requirements will be returned to the department, which may result in delays and inconvenience for the student.

Contact Information

Vice Dean for Graduate Studies: Prof. Galit Shohat-Ophir

Academic Advisor for Graduate Degrees and Teaching Labs Coordinator: Dr. Hila Elifantz

Graduate Student Registrar: Ms. Shani Hazan

Scholarships and Digital Content Coordinator: Ms. Ortal Zach

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