Dr. Viviane Slon
Medicine
Postdoc Research:
Examining Our History Through the Lens of Ancient Sedimentary DNA
Embark on a groundbreaking exploration of our genetic past with our cutting-edge research project! Traditional approaches to ancient human DNA analysis have relied on genetic data derived from skeletal human remains, a limited and often scarce resource. Recognizing the need for a transformative shift, we are now increasingly relying on a more abundant, yet technically challenging, resource: utilizing sediments (dirt) as a rich source material for ancient human DNA.
In this exciting venture, our team is dedicated to advancing analytical approaches to DNA study. Through the development of innovative methods, we examine sediment samples to address and answer crucial evolutionary questions, offering a unique perspective that transcends the limitations of conventional techniques. Join us in reshaping the genetic research landscape and uncovering the mysteries of our shared history.
This post-doctoral position is fully funded for a minimum of two years, to begin immediately upon selection. The successful candidate will be appointed under the auspices of the respective labs of Professor Muli Safra and Dr. Viviane Slon at Tel Aviv University in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Medicine
- School of Medicine
Algorithm Development for Sequencing Data:
- Develop cutting-edge algorithms tailored for the analysis of sequencing data, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Ancient DNA Analysis:
- Analyze datasets containing ancient DNA, addressing challenges unique to historical samples.
- Develop methodologies for quality assessment and data validation specific to ancient DNA.
Data Integration:
- Integrate sequencing algorithms with other bioinformatics tools for a comprehensive analysis.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Collaborate with geneticists, archaeologists, computational biologists, computer scientists, and programmers on joint research projects.
- Contribute to a joint research project aiming to unravel historical and biological insights.
Conference Attendance:
- Attend international conferences, providing opportunities to present research findings and connect with global experts.
International Science Exchanges:
- Participate in international science exchanges, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing with researchers from different disciplines.
- Gain exposure to diverse perspectives and methodologies.
Networking:
- Build a professional network within the global scientific community, encompassing geneticists, archaeologists, computational biologists, computer scientists, and programmers.
Professional Development:
- Enhance expertise in ancient DNA analysis, bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, and programming.
- Access interdisciplinary training and workshops to facilitate cross-disciplinary understanding.
Publication Record:
- Contribute to academic publications, strengthening the candidate's publication record.
- Publish findings that bridge the gap between genetics, archaeology, bioinformatics, computer science, and programming.
Career Advancement:
- Acquire valuable skills and experience that can lead to career advancement within academia, research institutions, or industry.
- PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Sciences, Computational Biology, or a related field
- Experience with programming (C, Python, R, or another language)
- Experience with data analysis - required
- Experience with genetic data or ancient DNA data specifically - advantage
- Proven academic excellence
- Good scientific communication skills (publications, presentations)
- Proficiency in English, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information
We are especially interested in candidates with a robust foundation in mathematics who aspire to contribute their expertise to the field of biology
Applicants must submit CV, letter of motivation, and contact details for three references to safra.off@gmail.com and viviane@tauex.tau.ac.il.
In this project, the PhD student will leverage state-of-the-art techniques to recover ancient DNA from archaeological sediments. Sedimentary ancient DNA analyses will be aimed at reconstructing the faunal and floral taxonomic assemblages at three archaeological sites. These data will then be integrated with chronological and archaeological information to learn about the behavior of prehistoric humans in regards to the environment.
This research project includes the following:
- fieldwork for sample collection at archaeological sites;
- wet lab work in a specialized ancient DNA clean room, using tailored protocols to recover ancient DNA fragments from sediment samples and prepare them for sequencing;
- sequencing data analysis focused on addressing the challenges of working with ancient DNA from sediments.
The PhD position is for a duration of four years, during which the student will receive a scholarship.
MSc in biology, archaeological sciences, genomics, computational sciences, or a related field
Applicants must submit CV, letter of motivation, and contact details for three references to safra.off@gmail.com and viviane@tauex.tau.ac.il.
