Naama Hirsch

Molecular biologist with over 10 years of experience in chromatin regulation, transcriptional dynamics, and epigenetics. Skilled in mammalian cell culture, RNA biology, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies. Strong interdisciplinary collaborator with extensive experience working with bioinformaticians to analyze transcriptomic and epigenomic data. Proven ability to lead projects, mentor students, and drive research initiatives. Looking to apply expertise in RNA regulation and functional genomics in an industry setting, with a keen interest in expanding into siRNA-based therapeutics.

• Hirsch N., Akhtar A. Characterizing the regulatory mechanisms underlying MSL3 syndrome. 6th Epigenetics Meeting, Freiburg, Germany (2022).
• Hirsch N., Birnbaum RY. Deletion of HDAC9 protein coding exons and its impact on TWIST1 regulation. Keystone Symposia, Denver, USA (2020).
• Hirsch N., Birnbaum RY. Unraveling the transcriptional regulation of TWIST1 in limb development. 42nd FEBS Conference, Jerusalem, Israel (2017).

• Career Building Program - Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany (2024)
• FELASA Laboratory Animal Course - Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany (2021)
• Academic Teaching Workshop - Ben-Gurion University, Israel (2014)

• EMBO Fellowship Certificate - Acknowledgement of excellence (2021)
• National Fellowship (Israel) for ESHG Conference (2021)
• Best Talk Award - GRC Graduate Students Seminar, Hong Kong (2019)
• Zin Negev Mid-way Scholarship for Outstanding Doctoral Students (2019)
• Best Poster Award - Ageing and Epigenetics Meeting (2018)
• High-Tech, Bio-Tech, and Chemo-Tech Scholarship (2016)

• Foertsch A., Hirsch N., et al. Stage-specific epigenetic gene priming by the MSL complex orchestrates neurogenesis. In preparation.
• Sun Y., (…), Hirsch N., (…) et al. MSL2 ensures biallelic gene expression in mammals. Nature 624, 173-181 (2023).
• Hirsch N., et al. HDAC9 structural variants disrupting TWIST1 transcriptional regulation lead to craniofacial and limb malformations. Genome Res. 32(7):1242-1253 (2022).
• Hirsch N., et al. Unraveling the transcriptional regulation of TWIST1 in limb development. PLoS Genetics 14(10): e1007738 (2018).
• Hirsch N., Birnbaum RY. Dual function of DNA sequences: Protein-coding sequences function as transcriptional enhancers. Perspect Biol Med. 58(2):182-95 (2015).

• Supervised and trained Bachelor's and Master's students in molecular biology, genomics, and experimental design.
• Led collaborative projects bridging wet-lab research and computational analysis.
• Experienced in managing research teams and coordinating interdisciplinary projects.