Main Purpose of the Job

The ability to maintain intestinal homeostasis depends on complex interactions between the gut microbiota, the intestinal epithelium, and the host immune system. Disruption of the gut barrier through diet, pathogens or drugs can cause severe intestinal inflammation which may ultimately trigger pathologic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, infection, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, or obesity.

Our approach uses recent scientific insights from the academic and industrial partners in the field of oligosaccharide research, gut microbiota-mucosa interactions and advanced in vitro models of the human gut to enable the selection of prebiotics to reduce inflammation by promoting gut barrier function.

The industrial partner will supply bespoke galactooligosaccharide (GOS) individually isolated structure blends, formulated using proprietary process to maximise gut and immune-modulating effects.

The aim of this work is to identify GOS structures that restore gut health by promoting gut barrier function to reduce inflammation. Our specific objectives are to:
1. Screen isolated GOS structures in high throughput fermentation models
2. Determine their effects on intestinal barrier function and inflammation

Overall, the project will deliver new mechanistic understanding and routes to develop prebiotic formulations reducing inflammation through i) rational selection of GOS and ii) effect on gut barrier function and immune response. In addition, this project will advance the development and application of human-based physiological models for functional foods, in line with the 3Rs, building capacity and partnerships between academia and industry.

Key Relationships

The post-holder will work in the Food, Microbiome and Health Institute Strategic Programme and will be line-managed by Prof Nathalie Juge.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

To carry out experimental work as described in the project

70

To liaise with industrial partner, support staff and external suppliers

10

To present work progress at internal and external meetings with stake holders

10

Contribute to the writing of scientific publications and reports

10

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD Biological Sciences

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Cell biology

Essential

Anaerobic microbiology

Essential

Microbiome

Desirable

Glycobiology

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Anaerobic fermentation models

Essential

In vitro intestinal epithelium models

Essential

Intestinal organoid cultures

Desirable

Metagenomics

Desirable

Metabolomics

Desirable

Immuno assays

Desirable

Confocal microscopy/flow cytometry

Desirable

Experience of handling human samples

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills with an ability to meet objectives and deadlines

Essential

Ability to collaborate with staff and external providers

Essential

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

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Essential

High degree of commitment and motivation

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

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

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars

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 Juge Group focuses on the glycobiology of host-microbe interaction in the gut. The Group comprises two research assistants, three PhD students, three post-doctoral scientists and regularly host undergraduate students and visiting scientists. The Group has extensive collaborations on the Norwich Research Park and internationally.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist with a background in gut microbiome and intestinal biology to join the Food, Microbiome and Health Institute Strategic Programme at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB, Norwich, UK) to work on an QIB-led INFORM hub project aiming to develop the next generation of novel prebiotic ingredients. This is funded by BBSRC IAA (Impact Acceleration Account) University of Reading Grant for ‘‘Investigating the role of Functional foods and beverages to improve health and recovery (INFORM)’’.

Background:

The ability to maintain intestinal homeostasis depends on complex interactions between the gut microbiota, the intestinal epithelium, and the host immune system. Disruption of the gut barrier through diet, pathogens or drugs can cause severe intestinal inflammation which may ultimately trigger pathologic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, infection, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, or obesity. Working with a leading innovator in the field of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) technology – Clasado Biosciences, this project will aim to identify specific GOS formulations that reduce inflammation through modulation of the gut microbiota and barrier function. This will be achieved using the cutting-edge model gut systems available at the Quadram Institute.

The role:

We are looking to hire an independent Research Scientist with a background in prebiotics, gut health or gut microbiology to work on an INFORM hub project aimed at  identifying prebiotic ingredients targeting the leaky gut. The candidate will be based at the Quadram Institute to carry out fermentation assays using high throughput in vitro colon models and analyse the effect of GOS supplementation on human gut metagenome and metabolome. The effect on fermented GOS on gut barrier function will be tested using intestinal epithelium organoid-based models. The candidate will work closely with the academic and industrial partners.

The ideal candidate:

A PhD in Biological Sciences, previous experience working with in vitro gut models, prebiotics 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 industry-partnered project. Experience of microbiome, host and carbohydrate interactions would be advantageous. The ideal candidate will have excellent organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to prioritise their workload and deliver work to deadlines. 

The successful candidate will benefit from a unique research environment and access to core facilities and expertise available at the QIB and opportunities for personal and career development.

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.

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 an 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/).

About the Clasado Biosciences:

Clasado is a leading biotechnology pioneer in the development of microbiome science, producing prebiotic ingredients and consumer products targeted at gastrointestinal health destined for the food and healthcare sectors.
The company is a leading innovator in the field of galactooligosaccaride (GOS) technology and is the exclusive manufacturer & supplier of the unique, patented Bimuno® - the world’s most advanced functional prebiotic ingredient, clinically proven to deliver a range of health benefits in the areas of digestive, travel and immune health. (www.clasado.com)

The closing date for applications will be 7 November 2024

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