Main Purpose of the Job

We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join a collaborative team studying xenobiotics-gut microbiome interactions as well as developing precision microbiome intervention trials. The ideal candidates will have expertise in laboratory-based microbiome studies, intervention trials, and bioinformatics.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of researchers and have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to design, develop, and apply innovative approaches for microbiome research.

The main foci of this position are to advance precision prebiotic microbiome intervention trials aimed at promoting healthy aging and to study the interactions of prebiotics, drugs and other xenobiotics on the gut microbiome.

The post-holder will support the Group Leader with day-to-day running of the lab, including line management of staff, overseeing budgets, and leading the scientific direction.

Key Relationships

Internal: The post holder will work closely with other group members, the line manager Daniel Figeys and key collaborators. The applicant will also work closely with the Human Studies Team at the Quadram Institute. The applicant will have direct access to established metagenomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics facilities and the equipment at the QIB.

External: Collaborators
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

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

Line management of staff

Responsibility for overseeing and managing budgets

Responsibility for leading scientific direction

Prepare documentation for ethic approval

Prepare draft grant applications

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

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements

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

Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities

Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures, assisting colleagues with trouble-shooting as necessary

Run key items of equipment providing services and/or techniques, taking responsibility for purchases, maintenance and repairs

Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks

Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, encouraging scientific excellence and provide guidance and training on specialised items of equipment

Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse experiments as and when necessary, providing preliminary data

Design and supervise small research projects for students

Assist in the preparation of research proposals and manuscripts, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate

Disseminate research findings and establish reputation through participation in national conferences and exhibitions. Support the profile and reputation of the Institute by participating in relevant engagement activities (eg, school visits or open days)

Lead and manage high profile and innovative projects such as the advancement of precision prebiotic microbiome intervention trial aimed at promoting health ageing.  

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work on institute committees

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or relevant fields

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Experimental microbiology relevant to live microbiome studies

Essential

Bioinformatic analysis of data

Essential

Microbiome intervention trials

Essential

Metagenomics, metaproteomics, and/or metabolomics

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Preparing data / information and draft of grant proposals

Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research

Essential

Significant experience in microbiome laboratory experiments

Essential

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Experience with preparing documents for ethic approval

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Essential

Supervision of students, postdocs and visiting workers

Essential

Provided technical training

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group

Essential

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

Ability to follow and develop instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

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

Ability to work independently

Essential

Attention to detail

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

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

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

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Senior Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Prof Daniel Figeys in the Microbes and Food Safety programme 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:

We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join a collaborative team studying xenobiotics-gut microbiome interactions as well as developing precision microbiome intervention trials. The ideal candidates will have expertise in laboratory-based microbiome studies, intervention trials, and bioinformatics.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of researchers and have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to design, develop, and apply innovative approaches for microbiome research.

The main foci of this position are to advance precision prebiotic microbiome intervention trials aimed at promoting healthy aging and to study the interactions of prebiotics, drugs and other xenobiotics on the gut microbiome.

The post-holder will support the Group Leader with day-to-day running of the lab, including line management of staff, overseeing budgets, and leading the scientific direction.

The ideal candidate:

Applicants should have a PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or relevant fields. They should have knowledge of experimental microbiology relevant to live microbiome studies and bioinformatic analysis of data.

Significant previous experience in microbiome laboratory experiments is required as well as experience with preparing documents for ethic approval.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £45,450 to £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post available until 31 March 2028.

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.

The closing date for applications will be 2 October 2025. 

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