Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to undertake collaborative research funded by The NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections. This role will be based in the group of Prof Arjan Narbad in Microbes and Food Safety Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.

Gastrointestinal illness continues to be a considerable cause of morbidity in the UK with estimated 17 million sporadic, community cases of IID and 1 million GP consultations annually. Current diagnostic strategies do not detect an aetiological agent in the majority of cases. Recent advances in next generation sequencing technologies provide a unique opportunity to assay the microbiome in an untargeted manner allowing us to explore GI diseases.

The main purpose of the post is to evaluate the use of metagenomic profiles of the microbiomes of patients with diarrhoea for detection of pathogens and identification of biomarkers of disease and explore alteration in the microbiome composition during infection. We are seeking a microbiologist/molecular biologist to join a team investigating the relationship between gut microbiome and gastrointestinal infections.

Key Relationships

The post holder will be responsible for experimental research under the supervision of Line Manager Professor Arjan Narbad. The post holder will work in close collaboration with clinicians Dr Alwin Ochieng  at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital as well as with Drs Clare Jenkins and  Marie Chattaway at UKHSA  in Colindale.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Metagenomics profiling  of gut bacteria

30

Metabolomics profiling using proton NMR and HPLC

20

Bioinformatics analysis and integration of 'Omics' data

20

In vitro colon model to study interaction between pathogens and the microbiome

10

Written communication of results and preparation of results for publication

10

Training and supervision of PhD students

5

Contribute to study ethical approval

5

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in PhD in Microbial Ecology, Microbiology or Molecular Biology

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge of molecular profiling of microbial communities

Essential

Knowledge of using next generation sequencing

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience in metagenomics data analysis

Essential

Experience of anaerobic microbiology

Essential

Ability to handle pathogens safely

Essential

Experience of using in vitro colon models

Desirable

Experience of conducting human studies

Desirable

Experience of metabolomics

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Good interpersonal skills, able to work effectively as part of a team

Essential

Able to communicate effectively with a team

Essential

Good written and verbal communication skills

Essential

Ability to effectively liaise with members HPRU consortium

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Ability to work independently

Essential

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 wor

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

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

Microbes and Food Safety

Group Details

The Narbad group at QIB has a broad interest in the microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and the role of the complex gut microbiome in health and disease. We are also investigating the application of competitive exclusion in humans to combat bacterial infections. We have interest in modulating the gut microbiome using a number of approaches including the application of probiotics, prebiotics and faecal microbiota transplants for the treatments of microbiome-associated disorders. We work closely with the Clinical Research Facility of the Norfolk and Norwich University hospital to undertake human intervention and clinical trials

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to undertake collaborative research funded by The NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, based in the group of Prof Arjan Narbad in Microbes and Food Safety Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.

The role:

Gastrointestinal illness continues to be a considerable cause of morbidity in the UK and estimates are   up to 17 million sporadic, community cases of IID and 1 million GP consultations annually. Recent advances in next generation sequencing technologies provides a unique opportunity to assay the microbiome in an untargeted manner allowing us to explore GI diseases with unknown aetiology.

The successful candidate will join a team working in the area gut commensal microbiota and the biocontrol of pathogens. The post holder will perform extensive analysis of gut microbiome using advanced sequencing methods and assess the metabolism of the gut microbiome using metabolomics platforms.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates will have PhD in Microbiology and have experience of using next generation sequencing platforms and the required bioinformatics to undertake metagenomics analysis. Experience of designing human studies and the ability to handle anaerobic gut bacteria would be desirable.

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 until the funding end date of 31 March 2030.

Applicants uploading a CV must provide a supporting cover letter in their application.

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 equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence are at the heart of all we do, and we expect 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 9 July 2025

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