Main Purpose of the Job

Research Scientists work with limited supervision to carry out individual and collaborative research projects relevant to the overall needs of the research programme.

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. This project seeks (i) to understand why bacteria in the Bacteroides genus have evolved such an array of cell-surface proteins with extremely high affinity for vitamin B12 and also (ii) to develop ways to exploit this powerful characteristic for useful purposes. The research is underpinned by three overarching aims: Firstly, to determine the molecular basis of ligand tight binding to BtuG and other Btu family members: Secondly, to identify and characterise the full array of structurally-related B12 binding proteins in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt): Thirdly, to use genetic studies to investigate the physiological role of the B12-binding proteins. Finally, the potential commercial application of these tight binding proteins for biotechnological and biomedical purposes will be explored.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist (18 months; Biochemistry/molecular biology/microbiology)

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

Background:

The aim of this project is to elucidate the detailed molecular characteristics of a range of remarkable vitamin B12 binding proteins that are found in a common genus of gut bacteria, and to exploit this information for biotechnological and industrial processes. This project will provide both basic and fundamental insights into the acquisition and trafficking of B12 within a key component of the gut microbiome. It will provide essential molecular detail on a new class of vitamin B12 binding protein and generate new concepts on tight binding for salvaging purposes. It will allow exploitation of this remarkable binding capacity to address current real-world problems; in so doing, it will deliver a system that will have enormous benefit to both biotech and industry.

The role:

We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to investigate and characterize a diverse set of vitamin B12-binding proteins in a genus of gut-associated bacteria. The project aims to explore the hypothesis that this vitamin foraging system is more complex than previously recognized, involving additional components that not only facilitate B12 scavenging but also play a strategic role in restricting nutrient access to competing bacteria. The successful candidate will employ a multidisciplinary approach to uncover novel molecular mechanisms underpinning bacterial B12 acquisition and competition within the gut microbiome.

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Scientist with expertise in biochemistry or molecular biology, along with a strong background in microbiology. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of bacterial adaptation and function within the human gut microbiome. The ideal candidate should have proficiency in standard recombinant DNA techniques and protein purification, as well as experience with chemical approaches, including the analysis and application of synthetic molecules. The project will involve the use of fluorescent B12 analogues for imaging, requiring an ability to integrate biochemical and chemical methodologies. Candidates should have a strong track record in scientific writing, including peer-reviewed publications, and experience in delivering oral research presentations. Additionally, the role requires excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

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 16 March 2025.

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