Paleoproteomics for Reconstructing Individual and Population Health from Past to Present

This doctoral position at Université Paris-Saclay's Graduate School of Public Health investigates how paleoproteomics—the study of ancient proteins preserved in biological remains—can be used to reconstruct the health status of past human populations. Because proteins are more stable biomarkers than ancient DNA, they offer unique insights into historical diseases, dietary habits, immune responses, and biological adaptations. The project will focus particularly on dental calculus as a biomolecular archive, extracting proteomic data from bones, teeth, and preserved tissues to understand host-pathogen interactions and population health dynamics over time. The successful candidate will integrate biomolecular analyses with paleopathological frameworks, bridging archaeology, bioinformatics, and public health to shed light on the origins and progression of modern diseases.

• Analyse health-related protein markers extracted from ancient human remains to reconstruct past population health.
• Examine and compare proteomic evidence between past and present populations to identify shared and divergent protein profiles.
• Evaluate how paleoproteomic findings contribute to understanding the origins and progression of modern health issues.
• Investigate the application of paleoproteomics within broader bioarchaeological research frameworks.
• Assess biomolecular preservation quality in ancient human remains, accounting for environmental degradation and contamination risks.
• Explore dental calculus as a primary source of ancient protein information related to diet, oral microbiome, and disease.
• Integrate theoretical and practical approaches in paleoproteomic research, combining wet-lab proteomics with computational analysis.
• Collaborate across disciplines including archaeology, bioinformatics, and public health to contextualise biomolecular findings.