PhD in Molecular Anthropology of Traditional Food Preservation

Submitted: 03/14/2026
Submitted By: Joseph Orkin
Department: Anthropology
Institution: Université de Montréal
Job type: Full time
Apply by: 03/25/2026
Application Email:
Application URL: https://forms.gle/HHv4zcigNiQ4mSi87

The Multiomic Anthropology and Primatology Laboratory for Evolution (MAPLE) at the Université de Montréal (bioanth.ca), led by Dr. Joseph Orkin, invites applications for a funded PhD position in the multiomic anthropology of food. The lab integrates genomics, proteomics, and microbiome research to study the evolution, adaptation, and diet of humans and other primates. Ongoing research in the lab focusses on traditionally fermented foods and smoked salmon.

Application deadline March 25, 2026, for a start date in Fall 2026. Apply here: https://forms.gle/HHv4zcigNiQ4mSi87

Project Description

This PhD project is situated at the intersection of anthropology, food science, and multiomic research on traditional food preservation. It investigates how traditional food preservation practices such as fermentation, salting, and smoking shape the molecular, microbial, and biochemical properties of foods in culturally specific ways. The student will combine molecular approaches—including microbiome analysis, proteomics, and lipidomics—with anthropological perspectives on food traditions to examine how cultural knowledge and practice influence processes of food transformation, preservation, and meaning.

The student will receive training in molecular laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, statistics, and ethnographic research.

Applicant Profile

The successful applicant will have a degree in biological anthropology, biology, food science, or a related field, and some experience working with microbiome, proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, or related molecular data. Candidates with either a master’s degree or a strong undergraduate degree with research experience are encouraged to apply.

Excellent written and spoken English is required (minimum C1 level). French language ability is preferred but not required at the time of application.

Both Canadian and international candidates are encouraged to apply.

Environment and Language

The Université de Montréal is one of Canada’s leading research universities and is located in Montréal, a vibrant and affordable city with a strong international research community. Although the Université de Montréal is a French-language university, knowledge of French is not required at the time of application but is advantageous. Language training is available, and many international students develop proficiency during their PhD.

Multi-year funding is available through research assistantships and fellowships. Students will also be encouraged and supported in applying for external scholarships (e.g., NSERC, SSHRC, FRQ, Vanier, etc.).