Dr. Samer Ayub

Where and when did you complete your degree?
I completed my Master’s and PhD studies in the Molecular Virology Laboratory, under the supervision of Prof. Meital Gal‑Tanamy, at the Faculty of Medicine of Bar‑Ilan University. I began my research journey at the Faculty in 2020, after working for two years as a medical laboratory technician. I completed my PhD in 2025.

Where are you today, and what are you working on?
I am currently at the beginning of my postdoctoral research at Princeton University, in the laboratory of Prof. Alexander Ploss. The lab focuses on the study of viruses from the Flaviviridae family, including the hepatitis C virus and yellow fever virus, with a primary focus on the hepatitis B virus.

The central challenge in developing a cure for chronic HBV patients lies in the species barrier: the virus naturally infects only humans and chimpanzees. My research in the lab uses genetic engineering approaches to develop a relevant animal model that can be infected with the virus. The development of such a model will enable us to characterize the immune response to the virus and advance the search for a cure that will lead to complete recovery for chronic patients.

Did and how did your advanced degree help you get to where you are?
The advanced degree I obtained opened many doors for me, both in academia and in industry, and provided me with tools for deeper and more professional thinking—not only in my direct field of expertise, but also in related areas. This training equipped me with the ability to analyze complex mechanisms and to distill my research findings into precise and focused insights. Thanks to these skills, I feel prepared not only to take on senior and meaningful roles, but also to integrate into an environment that allows me to pursue my passion for discovering new knowledge at the forefront of science.

What is your best advice for students?
My advice is simple: keep learning, or at least always strive to learn something new. Learning is an endless process, and it always leads to a sense of personal fulfillment. Ultimately, working in a field you love is what truly makes life interesting.

What meaningful experience from your studies would you like to share?
I was fortunate to choose the laboratory of Prof. Meital Gal‑Tanamy, where I experienced not only a supportive and cohesive student environment, but also exposure to science at the highest standards. Prof. Gal‑Tanamy’s scientific curiosity and passion were passed on to us as students, and she provided us with tools beyond research itself, such as proper time management and excellent interpersonal skills, which I believe are no less important than the science itself.

What would you like to do after your postdoctoral fellowship?
I aspire to return to Israel and integrate into an academic track, in order to continue advancing research on the Hepatitis B virus. Unless I manage to find the long‑awaited cure during my postdoctoral research, I aim to return with the new tools I am developing here and establish a laboratory that will continue to advance the forefront of research in this field and work toward finding a solution to the disease.