Main Purpose of the Job

Research Scientist to work with limited supervision to carry out individual and collaborative research projects relevant to the overall needs of the research programme. This main aim is to develop and improve ways to detect and quantitate vitamin B12 in biological samples, including foods and human serum.

Key Relationships

This recruitment drive aims to further develop the Warren lab at QIB, with a focus of the role of vitamin B12 in diet, health and the microbiome. The appointee will work closely with other established researchers at QIB and help develop ways in which the basic findings of the research project can be exploited. The post-holder will therefore also be expected to work also with the business development team on the Norwich Research Park. The post-holder will be expected to help in the supervision of post-graduate students (MSc and PhD) and assist in their training.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project

70

Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media

5

Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings

5

Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications

5

Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders

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 the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD or equivalent in Biochemistry or a related discipline

Essential

BSc or equivalent in Molecular Bioscience (chemistry/biology related subjects)

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Biochemistry

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

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

Essential

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

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/SOP’s

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Desirable

Demonstrated creativity in developing new scientific ideas

Desirable

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

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

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

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

Desirable

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Desirable

Attention to detail

Desirable

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

Warren’s research envelops areas of chemistry, biology and nutrition. His interests are firmly embedded in the biosynthesis and biology of the pigments of life, encompassing molecules such as vitamin B12. The group have worked on the biosynthesis of vitamin B12 and have developed methods to follow the trafficking of the molecule. In so doing, they have developed a range of different ways to measure, monitor and image vitamin B12. They have also initiated a programme on the variability of vitamin B12 levels in different food types, and followed that with a study of the levels of B12 in human serum. As a consequence, there is now a need to validate the various tests that have been developed and to optimise them. The potential of these developments for commercial application and for biotechnological and biomedical purposes will be explored.

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Research Scientist (B12 Assay)

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

Background:

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a growing global health concern, affecting millions and leading to serious medical conditions, including anemia, neurological disorders, and impaired cognitive function. Despite its significant impact on quality of life, reliable and accessible diagnostic tools remain limited. This project aims to develop highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic tests for vitamin B12 deficiency, addressing a critical gap in early detection and intervention. As part of a broader global initiative, our goal is to identify individuals with insufficient or deficient B12 levels and facilitate appropriate supplementation or dietary interventions. By leveraging liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-affinity binding proteins, we seek to create robust, accurate, and efficient systems for measuring blood cobalamin levels. These advances will support improved clinical decision-making and public health strategies, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes worldwide.

The role:

This position involves optimizing and validating LC-MS methodologies for the precise quantification of vitamin B12 in blood serum, alongside the detection of key biomarkers linked to B12 deficiency. A key focus of the project will be refining extraction and purification techniques by leveraging high-affinity B12-binding proteins, with the aim of enhancing sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of improved diagnostic workflows, ensuring robust and reproducible methods for clinical and research applications. This work will play a vital role in advancing our understanding of B12 metabolism and deficiency detection, with the potential for significant global health impact.

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Scientist with expertise in biochemistry, analytical techniques, and binding assays, along with experience in protein purification. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in scientific research, demonstrated through high-quality publications, and experience in delivering oral presentations at scientific meetings. In addition to technical expertise, you should possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as this role will involve working closely with internal and external stakeholders. If you are a detail-oriented scientist with a passion for developing innovative diagnostic tools, we encourage you to apply.

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 18 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 15 March 2025.

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