Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Group Leader in Functional Microbiome Research to join the Laboratory of Professor Daniel Figeys at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB).

As part of our Food, Microbiome and Health research programme, focuses on the relationships between plant-based foods and human health, we are looking to bring in a forward-thinking and team-focused group leader to help us deliver world-class research on precision microbiome ex vivo assays and precision microbiome intervention trials.

We particularly encourage applications in the following key areas of interest:
1. Development of precision microbiome interventions focused on modulating specific microbiome metabolites important in health and diseases using prebiotics, FMT or other xenobiotics.
2. Development and application of functional microbiome high-throughput ex vivo assays combining different analytical read out such as metagenomics, metaproteomics, metabolomics, etc.

Key Relationships

Internal: All employees working at the Quadram Institute, including QIB, UEA and NHS colleagues. NBI Partnership.

External: UKRI, BBSRC, Norwich Research Park, other scientific institutions and educational bodies, industry, governmental organisations, general public.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Co-lead and manage high profile and innovative projects focused on the development and clinical applications of functional microbiome assays.

Participant in securing significant funding in accordance with the expectations of the discipline and level of the role.

Develop strong clinical collaborations with clinicians from various hospital.

Participate in leading and managing research teams, taking responsibility for the delivery of the research. This will include: supervising students and Post-Doctoral Research Assistants, supporting effective career development and maintaining high levels of performance representative of a world class institute.

Write and publish high quality and significant research papers

Promote a culture of world class science excellence, collaboration, and scientific integrity across the Institute

Disseminate research findings and consolidate the Institute’s international reputation through participation in international conference and exhibitions.

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in a relevant subject

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Experience in the utilisation of bioinformatic software to combine multi-omics data

Essential

Research experience in the field of functional microbiome assays and/or clinical intervention trials

Essential

Research experience in combining different omics dataset

Desirable

Ability to program in at least one programming language to an advanced level

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

A track record of research into subjects relevant to the key areas of interest

Essential

Extensive knowledge of microbes found in the gut

Essential

Substantial knowledge of and skills to utilise microbiome genomics, metaproteomics, and/or metabolomics; bioinformatics and machine learning

Essential

Established record of postdoctoral research, including effective management of projects

Essential

An excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career

Essential

Evidence of experience of – or potential for – attracting funding, commensurate with stage of career

Essential

Experience with metabolomic data

Desirable

Experience with post translational modifications analysis

Desirable

Management and Leadership

Requirement

Importance

Experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance

Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to create, build, strengthen and sustain highly effective relationships with key stakeholders

Essential

Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with all people at all levels both inside and outside the institute

Essential

Strong collaboration skills

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to travel nationally and internationally related to collaborations and/or seminars

Essential

Presents a positive image of self and the Institute, enhancing international reputation and promoting public engagement.

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

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

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Group Leader in Functional Microbiome Research

Applications are invited for a Group Leader in Functional Microbiome Research to join the Laboratory of Professor Daniel Figeys at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Quadram Institute is a cutting-edge £75 million facility with strategic research programmes in Food, Microbiome and Health, and Microbes and Food Safety.   We bring together a diverse team of researchers, academics, and NHS clinicians to tackle pressing issues in human health, food, and disease. Our innovative approach bridges food science, gut biology, and human health, leveraging the world-class bioscience cluster at Norwich Research Park. 

The role:

As part of our Food, Microbiome and Health research programme, focuses on the relationships between plant-based foods and human health, we are looking to bring in a forward-thinking and team-focused group leader to help us deliver world-class research on precision microbiome ex vivo assays and precision microbiome intervention trials.

We particularly encourage applications in the following key areas of interest:

1. Development of precision microbiome interventions focused on modulating specific microbiome metabolites important in health and diseases using prebiotics, FMT or other xenobiotics.

2. Development and application of functional microbiome high-throughput ex vivo assays combining different analytical read out including metagenomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics..

The ideal candidate:

Applicants should have experience in the utilisation of bioinformatic software to combine multi-omics data as well as research experience in the field of functional microbiome assays, clinical studies and/or clinical intervention trials. Experience in metaproteomics would be a strong asset.

Applicants will have a clear vision for collaborative research and demonstrates potential for attracting funding. Collaboration is at our core, and we value partnerships with scientists within our institute, across the UK, and globally, as well as with industry and government.

They will have an established record of postdoctoral research, collaborative research, effective management of projects and an excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.

Additional information:

The successful applicant will be offered an indefinite contract. Positions come with a significant support package, including a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, budget for consumables and other research expenses, and access to core services such as genome sequencing and advanced microbial bioimaging. We offer an exciting, innovative and supportive research environment, competitive salaries (depending on qualifications and experience) and a great place to live – a relocation package is available.

Completed applications should be submitted on our website and must include:
• A description of (i) current research activities and (ii) short and longer-term research aims and potential strategic goals (each 2-3 pages);
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Covering letter outlining your motivation to apply for the Group Leader position.

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.

The closing date for applications will be 28 May 2025. 

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