Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a FMT Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Prof Arjan Narbad in the Food Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

The purpose of the role is to investigate human gut microbiome in gastrointestinal disorders and in gut-brain axis including the use of bacteriotherapy for treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD). This research will also focus on the development of defined consortia for treatment of specific gut microbiome related disorders.

The post holder will investigate the molecular mechanism involved in the colonisation and engraftment of specific bacteria during FMT treatment, impact of diet on the maintenance of new microbiome in the FMT recipients and exploring colonisation and the crosstalk between sulphate reducing bacteria and the brain function. The teams at Quadram Institute Bioscience and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital are already using FMT to successfully treat patients with recurrent CDI and are planning to further expand the application of this technology. The post holder will analyse the dynamics of the alteration in the structure and function of the microbiome in FMT treatment using high throughput metagenomics sequencing and metabolomics platforms to give an insight into strain level resolution during treatment.

Key Relationships

The successful candidate will be responsible for experimental research under the supervision of Prof Arjan Narbad and Dr Ngozi Elumogo. They will work closely with clinicians and hospital staff at NNUH for recruitment and collection of patient samples and with NNUH clinical research facility and with  QIB bioinformaticians.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Metagenomics and metabolomics analysis of complex microbial communities

30

Collection, recording, processing and storage of samples from study participants

25

Undertake comparative analysis of the structure and function of the gut microbiome during FMT clinical trials

15

Undertake bacteria- bacteria and bacteria-host interaction studies using in vitro colon model and tissue culture systems

15

Written communication of results and preparation of results for publication

10

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Molecular Biology or Microbiology

Essential

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Good understanding of faecal microbiota transplants

Essential

Metagenomics profiling of microbial communities

Essential

Metatranscriptoimics of gut microbiome

Essential

Good understanding of ethics in relation to clinical research

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Proven experience of conducting effective research

Essential

Practical experience of working with gut microbes

Essential

Experience of giving oral research presentations

Essential

Experience of conducting human studies

Desirable

Previous experience of supervising students

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Able to work effectively as part of a team

Essential

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

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Good written and verbal communication skills

Essential

Ability to effectively liaise with study participants, clinicians and researchers

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

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 embrace the expected values and behaviours of the Institute

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 Narbad group at QIB has broad interest in microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and the role of the complex gut microbiome in health and disease. We are also investigating the application of competitive exclusion in humans to combat bacterial infections. We use a combination of techniques, including in vitro colon models, tissue culture, metagenomics and metabolomics to investigate the mechanism of competitive exclusion, with the objective of designing probiotic strains with improved functionality. We work closely with the group of Dr Ngozi Elumogo, Consultant Microbiologist and Chief of Service, Laboratory Medicine and Eastern Pathology Alliance at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to undertake human intervention and clinical trials of bacteriotherapy to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infections.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a FMT Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Prof Arjan Narbad in the Food Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Narbad group at QIB has a broad interest in microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and the role of the complex gut microbiome in health and disease. We are also investigating the application of competitive exclusion in humans to combat bacterial infections. We use a combination of techniques, including in vitro colon models, tissue culture, metagenomics and metabolomics to investigate the mechanism of bacteria host interactions to develop novel strategies to address gut microbiome associated disorders 

We work closely with the group of Dr Ngozi Elumogo, Consultant Microbiologist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to undertake human intervention and clinical trials of faecal microbiota transplant  to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infections.

The role:

We are seeking a Microbiologist/Molecular biologist with an interest in human studies to investigate the role of gut microbes and in particular the relevance of sulphate reducing bacteria in neurogenerative diseases. The applicant will also work closely with the team performing faecal microbiota transplant for treatment of disorders such as Parkinson's Disease.   

The teams at Quadram Institute Bioscience and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) have been using FMT to successfully treat patients with recurrent CDI and are planning to further expand the application of this technology.

The post holder will analyse the dynamics of the alteration in the structure and function of the microbiome at strain level resolution  in FMT treatment using high throughput metagenomics sequencing and metabolomics platforms. They will also lead the work to refine the protocols to optimise the delivery and efficacy of the procedures. They will work in close collaboration with QIB's human studies team and contribute to the preparation of applications for the ethical approval for FMT-related research using the IRAS system. This project presents an excellent opportunity to develop links with clinicians and gain transferable skills in NHS-related research.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should possess a PhD in Microbiology or Molecular Biology and have a strong background in bioinformatic related to the gut microbiome analysis. They should have a good understanding of research ethics and an awareness of the key principles of FMT. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential. 

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,720 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 48 months.

Candidates submitting a CV are requested to also provide a covering letter which clearly explains how you meet the criteria for the post.

Interviews will be held w/c 7th October 2024.

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 22nd September 2024

The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.