Dr. Bar-On works in the field of workers and work. Her doctoral study at the Department of Work Studies at Tel Aviv University encompasses the social history of workers in the town of Ofaqim, focusing on the workers' struggle against the closing of their factories. Additional research includes workers and work in the pre-independence period. In addition she has assisted at "Kav Laoved" (workers' hotline) association and today serves as the workers` representative at the regional work court at Beer Sheva.
Over the past decade, Dr. Bar-On has taught in the Sociology, Anthropology, and Politics and Governance departments at Ben-Gurion University of The Negev, and in the Work Studies department at Tel Aviv University. She has published several articles and has presented her research in conferences in Israel and worldwide. Shani returned to the Negev ten years ago and currently resides in Beer sheva.