Main Purpose of the Job

Research at the Quadram Institute focuses on major challenges in disease, food innovation, healthy ageing, and the understanding of the microbiome. This research is currently organised into two strategic research programmes globally covering the following areas:

• Food, Microbiome and Health: This research focuses on the relationships between plant-based foods and human health, through the integration of nutrition and agri-food science, and understanding the microbiome within and beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
• Microbes and Food Safety: This research aims to reduce human foodborne illness through improved food safety and reduce food waste due to microbial spoilage.

We are looking for dynamic and proactive scientists to these lead research programmes that advance our mission of improving lives through cutting-edge research in gut health, microbiology, and food science.

Ideal candidates will have a strong publication record, experience relevant to our scientific focus, and a clear vision for collaborative research. You should demonstrate potential for attracting funding and be committed to addressing key issues in microbiology, human microbiome, food health and safety, nutrition, and sustainable diets. Collaboration is at our core, and we value partnerships with scientists within our institute, across the UK, and globally, as well as with industry and government.

Applications are invited from microbiologists, biochemists, data scientists, bioinformaticians, nutritionists, immunologists, gastroenterologists and other areas of clinical sciences to join a vibrant community dedicated to advancing science and improving health worldwide!

Key Relationships

Internal: All employees working at the Quadram Institute, including QIB, UEA and NHS colleagues. NBI Partnership.

External: UKRI, BBSRC, Norwich Research Park, other scientific institutions and educational bodies, industry, governmental organisations, general public.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Lead and manage high profile and innovative projects focused on a relevant science – as self-contained projects or as part of broader institutional strategic programmes.

Secure significant funding in accordance with the expectations of the discipline and level of the role.

Lead and manage research teams, taking responsibility for the delivery of the research. This will include supervising Post-Doctoral Research Assistants, supporting effective career development and maintaining high levels of performance representative of a world class institute.

Write and publish high quality and significant research papers together with providing expert commentary in a variety of media.

Promote a culture of world class science excellence, collaboration, and scientific integrity across the Institute.

Develop pertinent research strategies for the QI to deliver high social and economic impact.

Promote our research and develop business opportunities for the Institute by liaising with and influencing government, industry and other external partners.

Disseminate research findings and consolidate the Institute’s international reputation through participation in international conference and exhibitions.

Other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in a relevant scientific area

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

A track record of research into subjects relevant to the key areas of interest and the Food, Microbiome and Health / Microbes and Food Safety strategic interests

Essential

Background relevant to the research areas of the Institute

Essential

Experience with modern approaches to understand the form and function of the gut microbiome and its response to nutrients

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

An excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career

Essential

Established record of post-doctoral research, including effective management of projects

Essential

Evidence of experience of – or potential for – attracting funding, commensurate with stage of career

Essential

Experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance

Essential

Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary research

Desirable

Success in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations

Desirable

Experience of promoting a positive research culture and well-being within a research environment.

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with all people at all levels both inside and outside the institute

Essential

Ability to create, build, strengthen and sustain highly effective relationships with key stakeholders

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Essential

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

Essential

Strong collaboration skills

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Ability to travel nationally and internationally related to collaborations and/or seminars

Essential

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

Presents a positive image of self and the Institute, enhancing international reputation and promoting public engagement.

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity at all levels both inside and outside 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

Microbes and Food Safety

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Group Leaders (Senior and Early Career)

The Quadram Institute is investing in its world-leading research through the creation of new Group Leader positions. Full or Part Time.

Background:

The Quadram Institute is a cutting-edge £75 million facility with strategic research programmes in Food, Microbiome and Health, and Microbes and Food Safety.   We bring together a diverse team of researchers, academics, and NHS clinicians to tackle pressing issues in human health, food, and disease. Our innovative approach bridges food science, gut biology, and human health, leveraging the world-class bioscience cluster at Norwich Research Park.  The Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) has vacancies for both established and early-career scientists who want to make a significant impact on global health challenges!

We are looking for dynamic and proactive scientists to lead research programmes that advance our mission of improving lives through cutting-edge research in gut health, microbiology, and food science.

Ideal candidates:

Ideal candidates will have a strong publication record, experience relevant to our scientific focus, and a clear vision for collaborative research. You should demonstrate potential for attracting funding and be committed to addressing key issues in microbiology, human microbiome, food health and safety, nutrition, and sustainable diets. Collaboration is at our core, and we value partnerships with scientists within our institute, across the UK, and globally, as well as with industry and government.

Candidates will be considered for a Career Track Group Leader position of 5 years or an indefinite contract, along with a support package that includes both setup funding and scientific support.

Applications are invited from microbiologists, biochemists, data scientists, bioinformaticians, nutritionists, immunologists, gastroenterologists and other areas of clinical sciences to join a vibrant community dedicated to advancing science and improving health worldwide!

At QIB we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.  We value the diversity of our staff and are committed to creating a positive environment, one that is fair, welcoming and inclusive, and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 

How to apply:

Please follow this QIB Group Leader Recruitment Pack for further information about how to apply.

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2024.