Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Gemma Langridge in the Microbes and Food Safety programme at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

The purpose of the role is to investigate the genetic basis of virulence in the bovine pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin. This is a collaborative project with the University of Edinburgh (UoE), where in vitro and in vivo phenotyping will take place.

The post holder will perform long-read sequencing of S. Dublin isolates at the project outset and undertake genomic variation analysis to investigate virulence in bovine and human hosts. The post holder will also sequence isolates from in vitro and in vivo phenotyping at UoE and work collaboratively with a research scientist from UoE to link genotype to phenotype.

Key Relationships

The successful candidate will be responsible for genomics research under the supervision of Dr Gemma Langridge. They will work closely with the project research scientist in Dr Prerna Vohra's laboratory at University of Edinburgh, and with Langridge group members for genome sequencing and analysis.
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Genome sequencing and characterisation of isolate collection

30

Genotype-phenotype association analysis

25

Genome wide association study for markers of virulence and zoonosis

15

Sequencing and analysis of in vitro/in vivo phenotyping

15

Written communication of results and preparation for publication/presentation

10

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in relevant field (e.g. microbiology, bioinformatics)

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Bioinformatics for analysis of genomic data (e.g. pipelines, workflows)

Essential

Whole genome sequencing of bacteria

Essential

Long read sequencing of bacteria

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Proven experience of conducting effective research

Essential

Experience of giving oral research presentations

Essential

Experience using the command line

Desirable

Coding experience (e.g. python, R etc)

Desirable

Previous experience of supervising students

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Able to work effectively as part of a team (remote and in-person)

Essential

Good interpersonal skills

Essential

Good written and verbal communication skills

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

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

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside of standard working hours when required

Essential

Willingness to embrace 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

Microbes and Food Safety

Group Details

The Langridge group at QIB has a broad interest in bacterial diversity and metabolism, and the role that genetic variation plays in niche adaptation. By linking observed and engineered DNA mutations to their impact upon metabolic function, we gain insights into the biology of niche adapted bacteria. We use a range of experimental techniques, including whole genome and metagenomic sequencing, metabolic phenotyping and transcriptomics, and use bioinformatic workflows and bespoke scripts to analyse our data.

Living in Norfolk

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• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Gemma Langridge in the Microbes and Food Safety programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Langridge group at QIB has a broad interest in bacterial diversity and metabolism, and the role that genetic variation plays in niche adaptation. By linking observed and engineered DNA mutations to their impact upon metabolic function, we gain insights into the biology of niche adapted bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli. We use a range of experimental techniques, including whole genome and metagenomic sequencing, metabolic phenotyping and transcriptomics, and use bioinformatic workflows and bespoke scripts to analyse our data.

The role:

We are seeking a microbiologist with bioinformatics skills to investigate the genetic basis of virulence in the bovine pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin. This is a collaborative project with the University of Edinburgh (UoE), where in vitro and in vivo phenotyping will take place.

The applicant will perform long-read sequencing of S. Dublin isolates at the project outset and undertake genomic variation analysis to investigate virulence in bovine and human hosts. The applicant will also sequence isolates from in vitro and in vivo phenotyping at UoE and work collaboratively with a research scientist from UoE to link genotype to phenotype.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should hold a PhD in Microbiology or Bioinformatics or a related discipline and have a strong background in sequence analysis. They should have a good understanding of long and short read sequencing and an awareness of Salmonella zoonosis. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,720 to £39,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 36 months.

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 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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