I. Reconstructing Prehistoric Community Structure and Network Using Archaeogenomic Approaches
Doctoral School: Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
Thesis supervisor: Anna Szécsényi-Nagy, PhD
Location of studies: ELTE RCH Institute of Archaeogenomics (Budapest, 1097 Tóth Kálmán street 4.)
Application deadline: 15th May, 2026
The PhD project focuses on the genetic analysis of ancient human populations, combining classical population genetics with advanced archaeogenomic and kinship inference methods optimized for ancient DNA. The research is embedded in multiple NRDI Office–funded projects, where the Institute of Archaeogenomics is a key partner. The project aims to address fundamental archaeological and prehistoric questions through interdisciplinary approaches integrating genetics, archaeology, and computational analysis.
Required language skills: English
Further requirements: An MSc or BSc degree in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, or genetics, along with basic programming skills and familiarity with the Linux operating system. We are currently accepting applications from EU citizens only.
Number of potential candidates: 1
II. Development of Bioinformatic Methods for the Analysis of Ancient DNA
Doctoral School: Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
Thesis supervisor: Anna Szécsényi-Nagy, PhD
Location of studies: ELTE RCH Institute of Archaeogenomics (Budapest, 1097 Tóth Kálmán street 4.)
Application deadline: 15th May, 2026
Within archaeogenetics, bioinformatics is playing an increasingly central role, particularly in the development of computational pipelines and analytical methods for ancient genomic data. The research group at the Institute of Archaeogenomics has recently developed an integrated IT system for processing raw DNA sequencing data, together with associated tools for monitoring sample authenticity and contamination, as well as for identifying hereditary diseases and phenotype-associated genetic markers (Gerber et al. 2023). The primary objective of this PhD project is to test, refine, and further develop analytical methods that enable deeper and more comprehensive interpretation of ancient genomes. One potential research direction focuses on population genetic modelling, while another examines the prevalence of genetic diseases and signatures of selection in specific genomic regions of ancient populations. The doctoral candidate will investigate the applications of machine learning approaches in archaeogenetic research. This work requires a strong interest in computational methods and a solid background in statistics. Applicants are expected to have foundational knowledge of bioinformatics, familiarity with the Linux operating system, and basic programming skills in R and/or Python. The necessary computational and laboratory infrastructure is provided by the ELTE RCH Institute of Archaeogenomics.
Required language skills: English
Further requirements: Biologist, bioengineer, physicist, or biophysicist degree (MSc), basic knowledge of bioinformatics, knowledge of the Linux operating system, basic programming and biostatistics knowledge. We are currently accepting applications from EU citizens only.
Number of potential candidates: 2
We also welcome applications from BSc and MSc students who are interested in our topics, looking for a thesis topic or internship opportunities!
📩 Applications should be sent to the director of the institute, Anna Szécsényi-Nagy:
