Dr. Shira Weingarten Gabbay

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Shira Weingarten-Gabbay is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Harvard Medical School and an Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Her research focuses on uncovering global principles in virology by decoding viral genomes. She employs high-throughput methods to uncover hidden viral proteins and illuminate various aspects of viral life cycles and antiviral immunity. Key research areas include viral non-canonical Open Reading Frames, translational control, and genomic plasticity of arboviruses as they adapt to their host vectors. She completed her BSc in Medical Sciences at Hebrew University, an MSc in Molecular Genetics at the Weizmann Institute, and her PhD in Computer Science & Applied Mathematics at the Weizmann Institute as a Clore scholar. As part of her postdoctoral research under renowned scientists at the Broad Institute and Rockefeller University, she launched the Laboratory of Systems Virology in 2025. Dr. Weingarten-Gabbay has received multiple awards for her contributions to the field, including the Blavatnik Regional Award and RNA Society Award for Innovation in High-Throughput Biology. She co-founded the international Systems Virology Journal Club, fostering collaboration among virology researchers.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

Harvard Medical School • Boston, MA

Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology focusing on virology and high-throughput research methods.

Awards

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Blavatnik Regional Award

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RNA Society Award for Innovation in High-Throughput Biology

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Broad Ignite Award

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Eric S. Lander Prize for Scientific Excellence

Requirements for Harvard Medical School

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Undergraduate preparation in the sciences Biology Chemistry Physics
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Application fee ($105)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS). GRE is not required and will not be considered for BBS, Immunology, and Neuroscience.