Paleoproteomics for Reconstructing Individual and Population Health from Past to Present
Interdisciplinary PhD exploring ancient proteins to decode health, diet, and disease patterns in human populations.
Best for:Best for archaeology/anthropology graduates with a strong background in bioinformatics and a passion for interdisciplinary health research.
Overview
This PhD position at Université Paris-Saclay focuses on paleoproteomics—the study of ancient proteins—to reconstruct health, diet, and disease in past human populations. The project will analyse protein markers from bones, teeth, and dental calculus to compare ancient and modern health conditions, bridging archaeology, anthropology, and biomedicine. The successful candidate will contribute to understanding evolutionary health trends, host-pathogen interactions, and the origins of modern diseases. The research integrates cutting-edge proteomic techniques with paleopathology, offering insights into biological adaptations and disease ecology. The work is based at the Laboratoire Anthropologie Archéologie Biologie, under the supervision of Philippe Charlier.
What you'll do
- Analyse health-related protein markers in ancient human populations using proteomic techniques.
- Investigate proteomic evidence to compare health patterns between past and present populations.
- Evaluate biomolecular preservation in ancient human remains (bones, teeth, dental calculus).
- Explore the potential of dental calculus as a source of ancient protein information for dietary and disease reconstruction.
- Integrate theoretical and practical approaches in paleoproteomic research with paleopathology.
- Contribute to understanding the origins and evolution of modern diseases through ancient health data.
- Develop and apply advanced proteomic methods to study oral microbiome and periodontal disease in ancient populations.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to interpret health trends and biological adaptations over time.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (Master 2) in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field with knowledge in bioinformatics
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English: B2 (upper-intermediate); French: None (not required)
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in archaeology or anthropology with a focus on biomolecular analysis
- Strong background in bioinformatics and experience with proteomic techniques
- Familiarity with laboratory methods for ancient biomolecule extraction and analysis
- Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams (archaeologists, biologists, historians)
- Proficiency in handling and interpreting proteomic data
- Experience with statistical and computational tools for data analysis
- No nationality restrictions mentioned
- No residency requirements specified
- No age limits mentioned
- No prior experience caps beyond the Master’s degree requirement
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-01
Applicants must submit their application through the official Campus France portal for doctoral admissions. The application should include a detailed CV, a cover letter outlining research interests and relevance to the project, and academic transcripts. Additional documents may be requested based on the application review process.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts (Master’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (B2 level)
Contact
Philippe Charlier· Supervisor
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