Boning up on a career in vertebrate paleontology

In Egypt’s vast deserts, a new generation of researchers are moving from one fossil-rich site to another to reshape vertebrate paleontology in the region. Having long been dominated by foreign expeditions, local researchers are now making their mark across the Arab region. However, they face persistent challenges, from developing skills, to conducting fieldwork, and networking with the global community. So, what does it take to become a successful paleontologist?

Nature Middle East spoke to the team behind Sallam Lab, Egypt’s first vertebrate paleontology research group, founded by Hesham Sallam, a vertebrate paleontologist at Mansoura University and the American University in Cairo (AUC).

Alone with sand and bones

Vertebrate paleontology opens a window on to Earth’s natural history and provides an essential framework for tracing the origins of life.

As well unearthing fossils, the discipline involves analysing ancient environments, understanding the evolution of organisms, and exploring the reasons behind their emergence and extinction.

It takes more than a university degree to become a vertebrate paleontologist, Sallam says. A scientific background, along with curiosity and critical thinking, is what shapes a researcher equipped to carry on.

To Sallam, a good researcher upholds scientific thinking, while maintaining a solid grasp of the fundamentals of biology, comparative anatomy, and geology. “This forms the essential framework for interpreting fossils and placing them in their evolutionary and environmental context,” he adds.

Tough but Fun

Much of a vertebrate paleontologist’s time is for desert fieldwork, where discoveries are the outcome of careful preparation and planning. A discovery is made as a result of meticulous, robust research. “We know where to look, and which rocks are likely to contain valuable fossils,” says Sallam.

“Going to the desert is not a picnic,” says Shorouk Al-Ashkar, a researcher at Sallam Lab. “It is a demanding mission; advance planning is the cornerstone of fieldwork. This involves meticulous preparations that include tents and tools that help us withstand the desert’s blazing heat, in addition to research equipment such as brushes, plaster, and documentation instruments.”

Al-Ashkar underscores the importance of building a solid knowledge about the site to be excavated. A researcher needs to be “well-informed about the site’s history, topography and geological formation, besides preparing the maps and updated satellite imagery.”

Fieldwork is perhaps the most exhausting part of the job, requiring a high level of adaptability to harsh conditions. “But it’s worth it,” says Al-Ashkar. “The moment you uncover a fossil, all the exhaustion fades away, and the fatigue turns into a surge of energy and excitement.”

Nuanced process

Al-Ashkar explains, “the desert is not the place for improvisation,” so the team members work together to preserve specimens once uncovered. “No fossil is removed until it has been carefully fixed using a special type of adhesive material suited to its structure,” Al-Ashkar says. “And every specimen is documented using an identification label including the exact location, the date of excavation, and an initial description. A fossil without data holds no scientific value.”

After that, the specimen is jacketed with a layer of plaster; a universally recognized method for ensuring fossil safety during transport, especially across rough terrain. The jacketing process is precise, including horizontal and then vertical carving around the specimen, followed by securing it with layers of burlap before flipping and transporting it.

The team document every step with precision: from the instant a fossil is spotted, through extraction and jacketing, all the way to its arrival in the laboratory.

Data is documented through photographs, videos, and written observations, and is then archived both digitally and physically, offering a reliable point of reference for revisiting findings or planning future expeditions. The system keeps records of events in chronological order and ensures transparency and robustness of the resulting publications.

Paleontologist’s toolkit

 Success in vertebrate paleontology relies on solid theory and field expertise, and fluency with cutting-edge digital tools. “It is a field that requires constant learning,” Al-Ashkar says. “We use advanced software, keep up with the latest research, and treat every day as an opportunity to gain a new skill.”

Digital fluency now underpins research quality, Al-Ashkar says. After scanning specimens with high-tech radiology equipment, the team uses 3D visualization and analysis software such as Amira and Avizo to convert slides into accurate models of a fossil’s anatomy. And to examine evolutionary relationships and reconstruct the fossil’s phylogenetic tree, a tool such as Mesquite is used to record traits and compare them across species. Tools like TNT and MrBayes are then used to create potential models for relationships between extinct organisms.

The team also relies on R, a software for statistical analysis and generating charts that illustrate how anatomical features are correlated to such variables as body size or ecosystem. And when it’s time to create visuals, design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator are indispensable.

Al-Ashkar urges young researchers to master such tools early on, as they can elevate research quality, and boost the paper’s chances of publication in prestigious, specialized journals.

Both Sallam and Al-Ashkar encourage early-career researchers to read constantly and keep abreast of the latest research. Al-Ashkar recommends reading Vertebrate Palaeontology, by Michael Benton, which she calls an indispensable reference. She also advises keeping an eye on the papers published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Facing reality

Passion may ignite a career, but perseverance keeps it alive. Al-Ashkar recalls entering a male-dominated field as a young researcher: “It wasn’t easy,” she says. “Yet, as colleagues saw the results of my work, recognition followed.” Sallam points to an equally pressing challenge: “We graduate world-class talent, but real jobs in this specialty are scarce. Without sustained institutional backing, the discipline cannot thrive.”

Besides the social challenges, funding remains a significant issue, especially when it comes to organizing resource-intensive expeditions. That said, Sallam remains hopeful: “Universities and funders are well aware of the value of paleontology in Egypt, and international partnerships are on the rise.”

Where to start

If you aspire to unearth the next great dinosaur discovery, start now. Build a solid foundation in biology, anatomy, and geology. Master specialized scientific software and engage in fieldwork whenever the opportunity arises. Seek mentors who believe in your potential and be prepared to work hard long before the rewards appear. As Sallam puts it: “Find what fires your curiosity, sharpen your skills and never stop learning. We’re counting on you to carry the torch forward.”

_{This article is translation from the Arabic version published on 9 July 2025}

Sign-up to receive our e-alert update every two weeks to keep up with everything new on the portal.