Main Purpose of the Job

To carry out experimental research and associated activities (including preparing reports, manuscripts and slide sets for oral presentations) necessary to achieve QIB's objectives in the Delivering Sustainable Wheat ISPG. The experimental work will largely be focussed on studies of (i) digestion and (ii) of bioavailability.

Digestion studies; for example using INFOGEST simulated human digestion protocols to evaluate the rate and extent of digestion of macronutriets such as starch, and the rate of release of micronutrients such as iron.

Bioavailability studies; for example, using Glahn CaCo2 models or similar to assess the extent of absorption of micronutrients such as iron. The postholder will also be expected to liaise with research groups withing the DSW ISP to ascertain which materials are to be analysed and to ensure that QIB knows when they will be delivered and that they are suitable samples for the experimental work to be undertaken at QIB.

Key Relationships

Paul Kroon - Line Manager and academic lead

Fred Warren - Co-signatory

Cathrina Edwards/Brittany Hazard - Group Leaders in QIB and QIB/JIC, respectively.

Postdocs in the Paul Kroon, Fred Warren and Cathrina Edwards groups.

Multiple researchers from multiple academic organisations involved in the multi-partner DSW ISP. 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

To undertake experimental research as required to complete QIB's objectives in the Delivering Sustainable Wheat ISP

65

To prepare written technical reports detailing progress with experimental work as required, and to prepare data for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

15

To assist with the training of staff and students in use of simulated human digestion models and in mammalian cell culture and their use in studies of micronutrient/phytochemical bioavailability

10

To keep an accurate and up to date lab notebook

5

To attend all mandatory training and complete other training required to undertake the job and to enhance the postholders skills in relevant techniques/skills

5

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in relevant subject (Nutritional Biochemistry or similar) or equivalent experience

Essential

BSC in relevant subject

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge of mammalian cell culture and use of cultured cells in experimental research

Essential

Knowledge of human digestion processes especially for starch and fibres

Desirable

Knowledge of simulated/in vitro human digestion models

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience in the maintenance and use of mammalian cell cultures

Essential

Experience in using cultured cell models (e.g., CoCo2) to assess absorption and transport of nutrients, in particular micronutrients

Desirable

Experience in using simulated/in vitro human digestion models

Desirable

Management and Leadership

Requirement

Importance

Experience of training others in the lab

Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent oral communication skills across a range of peer levels

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team

Essential

Excellent writing skills

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Quadram Institute Bioscience

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.

We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation.

The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

For more information about working at Quadram Institute Bioscience, please click here.

Department

Food, Microbiome and Health

Group Details

The postholder will be line managed by Dr Paul Kroon who leads the Polyphenols and Health Group and who also has an interest in micronutrient biofortification of plant foods. They will attend group P&H meetings. The group has expertise in dietary polyphenols, bioavailability of polyphenols and to some extent micronutrients, and interactions of polyphenols with the gut microbiota.

The post holder will have Professor Fred Warren as their co-signatory and will also be expected to attend Warren group meetings. Fred Warren is an expert in starch, fibre, starch digestion, and interactions of resistant starch and other fibres with the gut microbiota.

The postholder is also welcome to interact with the groups of Cathrina Edwards where there is expertise in type 1 resistant starch and other fibres in pulses, the interactions of cell-trapped macronutrients with digestion processes, gut hormone signalling and the gut microbiome.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Paul Kroon in the Food, Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work on the BBSRC-funded Delivering Sustainable Wheat Institute Strategic Programme (ISP) and will be the person largely responsible for carrying out the research objectives assigned to the Quadram Institute Bioscience in this large, multi-organisation collaborative research programme. You will collaborate with the QIB research groups of Professor Fred Warren and Dr Cathrina Edwards. You will develop skills in use of mammalian cultured cell models to investigate the absorption of micronutrients (particularly iron) from wheat/flour and also in the use of state-of-the-art simulated human digestion models such as INFOGEST protocols to study the digestion of macronutrient and release of micronutrients from flours of unique wheat lines developed by crop researchers at partner institutes including the John Innes Centre and Rothamsted Research.

The role:

The postholder will be required to carry out experimental research and associated activities (including preparing reports, manuscripts and oral presentations) necessary to achieve QIB's objectives in the Delivering Sustainable Wheat ISP.

The experimental work will largely be focussed on studies of (i) digestion and (ii) of bioavailability.

Digestion studies; for example using INFOGEST simulated human digestion protocols to evaluate the rate and extent of digestion of macronutrients such as starch, and the rate of release of micronutrients such as iron.

Bioavailability studies; for example, using Glahn CaCo2 models or similar to assess the extent of absorption of micronutrients such as iron.

The postholder will also be expected to liaise with research groups withing the Delivering Sustainable Wheat ISP to ascertain which materials are to be analysed and to ensure that QIB knows when they will be delivered and that they are suitable samples for the experimental work to be undertaken at QIB.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Nutritional Biochemistry or a related discipline and have knowledge of and previous experience in the use of mammalian cell culture models. They will have previous experience in using CaCo2 cell models, preferably to investigate absorption, and knowledge and experience in using simulated in vitro models of human digestion. Good communication and organisation skills with the ability to work independently as well as in teams are also required.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £35,300 to £43,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 24 months, with a possibility for further extension.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society.  The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects all employees to share and display these values.  To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

About the Quadram Institute:

The Quadram Institute is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute. (https://quadram.ac.uk/).

The closing date for applications will be 19 June 2024. We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close this advertisement early depending on the volume of applications received