Main Purpose of the Job

We are looking to hire a Research Scientist to work on a recently awarded BBSRC grant through the RIPEN hub (www.ripenhub.co.uk/) in collaboration with a food company, Fermenti Foods (www.fermenti.co.uk/). This exciting collaborative project will involve testing the pre-and probiotic potential of novel fermented food products developed by Fermenti foods in the advanced in vitro simulations of the human digestive tract and microbial environment available at Quadram.

The project aims to understand the survival of the probiotic bacteria in a food matrix through the GI tract, and the implications of these probiotics in combination with prebiotic fibres on the microbial community of the gut and metabolic consequences.

Key activities will involve testing novel fermented fibreformulations, in conjunction with the start-up company. This will involve carrying out in vitro digestions using INFOGEST 2.0 and model gut fermentations of the formulations and analysing the impact on the gut microbiome through metagenomic analysis of microbial communities, metabolomics and analysis of volatile metabolites.

The analysis will be supported by the sequencing, metabolomics and bioinformatics platforms available at Quadram Institute.

Key Relationships

The position will report to Dr Fred Warren who will be the project coordinator at Quadram. The post holder will also need to work closely with other researchers within the Warren Group, as well as other teams in the Institute including core sequencing, bioinformatics and metabolomics. Externally, the post holder will need to be in regular contact with representatives from the industrial partner, food technologists and the funder, RIPEN hub, to update on progress and coordinate research.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Experimental work
• INFOGEST digestions, model colon experiments, metagenomics, and metabolomics

60

Data analysis and bioinformatics

15

Collaborating with project partners, preparing reports for funders

10

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements

5

Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence

5

Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities

5

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition or related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Metabolomics analysis by NMR or LC-MS

Essential

Analysis of pre- or probiotics

Essential

DNA extraction and shotgun metagenomics analysis

Desirable

Experience with the INFOGEST procedure, or similar in vitro models

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience working with in vitro models of the human digestive tract

Essential

Willingness to / experience of handling human samples

Essential

Experience working with industrial partners

Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills with proven ability to meet deadlines

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Embrace working as part of a diverse and multi-disciplinary team

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

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

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

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

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 post will be based in the Warren group at Quadram. The Warren group focusses on understanding the impact of carbohydrate structure on digestion and the gut microbiome in health and disease. Based within the Food, Microbes and Health strategic programme at the Quadram Institute, the group aims to leverage expertise in physical chemistry of carbohydrates, advanced gut models and 'omics technology to develop innovative microbiome targeted foods. We aim to take a holistic approach with research spanning crop and agricultural science, food production, gut modelling and gut diseases.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist

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

Background:

The post will be based in the Warren Group at Quadram Institute. The Warren Group focusses on understanding the impact of carbohydrate structure on digestion and the gut microbiome in health and disease. Based within the Food, Microbes and Health strategic programme at the Quadram Institute, the group aims to leverage expertise in physical chemistry of carbohydrates, advanced gut models and 'omics technology to develop innovative microbiome targeted foods. We aim to take a holistic approach with research spanning crop and agricultural science, food production, gut modelling, and gut diseases.   

The role:

We are looking to hire an enthusiastic Research Scientist with a background in dietary fibre, gut health or gut microbiology to work on a dynamic RIPEN hub project aiming to develop the next generation of novel pro- and prebiotic ingredients. Working with a start-up company this project will aim to explore the survival of probiotics from innovative fermented food ingredients through a simulated GIT tract.

We will aim to explore the impact of formulations on gut microbiome composition, the abundance of beneficial microbes and microbial metabolites. This will be achieved using the cutting-edge model gut systems available at Quadram Institute, combined with cutting edge omics technologies.

There will be the potential to see discoveries rapidly translated into real world applications.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition, or a related discipline. Previous experience working with in vitro gut models, pre and probiotics and the gut microbiome is essential and experience working with industrial partners would be advantageous.

Strong organisational and communication skills and the ability to work independently will be essential for this fast-paced industry-partnered project.

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 6 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.

Interviews will be held on 1 November 2024.

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 24 October 2024

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