University of Paris-Saclay GS Public Health in France offers a PhD research opportunity in palaeoproteomics and past population health, starting 1 October 2026. The project examines ancient proteins preserved in human remains to investigate health, disease, diet and biological adaptations. It combines bioarchaeology, proteomics and biomolecular research to examine health-related protein markers and ancient disease patterns.
The research will assess proteins preserved in bones, teeth and dental calculus as evidence for past health conditions. It will consider protein preservation, modern contamination and environmental degradation that can affect palaeoproteomic results. The project will also examine proteins associated with oral microbiota and periodontal disease, particularly through analysis of ancient dental calculus.
The doctoral work will investigate health-related protein markers in past human populations and examine evidence shared between past and present populations. It will also assess palaeoproteomics applications in bioarchaeological research, explore biomolecular preservation, and evaluate dental calculus as a source of ancient protein information. The research integrates theoretical and practical approaches.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, the project will contribute to research on ancient health, disease ecology and population health dynamics. It will also examine host-pathogen interactions and immunity-related proteins, areas identified as limited within current research. The position requires a Master 2 in archaeology or anthropology and knowledge of bioinformatics.
Programme Overview
- PhD Title: Palaeoproteomics for the Reconstruction of Individual and Population Health from the Past to the Present
- Institution: University of Paris-Saclay (Université Paris-Saclay), Graduate School of Public Health
- Location: Montigny-le-Bretonneux, Île-de-France, France
- Doctoral School: 570 Public Health
- Research Areas: Palaeoproteomics, bioarchaeology, palaeopathology and evolutionary medicine
- Research Focus: Ancient proteins, human health, dental calculus, oral microbiota, disease ecology and biomolecular preservation
- PhD Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Funding: Eiffel Programme for foreign doctoral students
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master 2 in archaeology or anthropology
Research Focus
- Palaeoproteomics and Ancient Proteins
- Bioarchaeology and Ancient Human Remains
- Past Population Health and Disease Ecology
- Dental Calculus and Oral Microbiota
- Host–Pathogen Interactions and Immune-Related Proteins
- Biomolecular Preservation
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Master 2 degree in Archaeology or Anthropology
- Knowledge of Bioinformatics
- Applicants should be eligible for doctoral study at Université Paris-Saclay Graduate School of Public Health.
- The funding is listed under the Eiffel Programme for foreign doctoral students.
Research Responsibilities
The doctoral researcher will investigate ancient proteins and their relevance to health, disease and biological conditions in past populations.
- Analyse health-related protein markers in past human populations.
- Examine proteomic evidence relating to past and present populations.
- Investigate palaeoproteomics applications in bioarchaeological research.
- Evaluate biomolecular preservation in ancient human remains.
- Explore dental calculus as a source of ancient protein information.
- Integrate theoretical and practical approaches in palaeoproteomics research.
Funding and Benefits
This PhD position is associated with the Eiffel Programme of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign doctoral students. The advert lists this programme under the funding details for the thesis.
The position is based at Université Paris-Saclay Graduate School of Public Health in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France, with the doctorate awarded through the same institution and Doctoral School 570 Public Health.
The advert does not specify the monthly stipend, salary, tuition-fee arrangements, accommodation support, travel allowance, health insurance, or other additional benefits. Applicants should therefore refer to the official Eiffel Programme conditions for the applicable funding provisions.
Application Process
Apply through the application procedure provided in the official vacancy listing by 1 November 2026. International applicants interested in Eiffel funding should coordinate with the university, which submits the Eiffel application.
Application Requirements
- Master 2 in Archaeology or Anthropology
- Knowledge of Bioinformatics
- Other application documents are not specified in the advert and should be checked with the university.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The project focuses on using ancient proteins to investigate health and disease across past populations. It examines evidence preserved in archaeological remains and applies biomolecular approaches to bioarchaeological research. Key research areas include:
- Reconstruction of health in past populations.
- Investigation of ancient disease patterns.
- Analysis of dental calculus as a biomolecular archive.
- Study of oral microbiota and periodontal disease.
- Investigation of host-pathogen interactions.
- Assessment of biomolecular preservation and contamination.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
Eligible candidates should review the official vacancy details through Apply Now and complete their application before the closing date.
Related Academic Opportunities
- International PhD Research Opportunities
- European Academic Research Positions
- Bioarchaeology Research Opportunities
- Ancient DNA Research Positions
- Academic Jobs in France
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PhD research topic?
The PhD focuses on palaeoproteomics for reconstructing individual and population health from the past to the present.
Where is the PhD position based?
The position is based at Université Paris-Saclay Graduate School of Public Health in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants need a Master 2 degree in Archaeology or Anthropology and knowledge of bioinformatics.
What are the main research areas?
The project covers palaeoproteomics, bioarchaeology, ancient proteins, past population health, dental calculus, oral microbiota, disease ecology and biomolecular preservation.
Is the PhD funded?
Yes. The position lists the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Eiffel Programme for foreign doctoral students as its funding source.
Institutional Overview
The University of Paris-Saclay is a major research university in France, bringing together academic schools, research units and doctoral programmes across many disciplines. Its research covers science, health, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The university supports doctoral research through specialised graduate schools and research teams. The Graduate School of Public Health hosts research in areas linked to health, biology and population studies. Researchers work across disciplines and use laboratory, field-based and analytical methods. The university also provides opportunities for doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers and academic staff. Its research environment supports projects that connect established knowledge with new evidence from diverse academic fields and research settings.
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