Main Purpose of the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist in Bioinformatics to join a collaborative team working on the development of next-generation computational methods for microbiome and metaproteomics data analysis.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in computational biology, bioinformatics, and AI-driven data analysis, with applications to large-scale omics datasets. This position focuses on developing and applying innovative workflows for metaproteomics and multi-omics integration to advance precision microbiome research and intervention strategies.

The post holder will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of researchers and have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure at the Quadram Institute, including metagenomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics facilities. The primary focus is to design, implement, and optimise computational pipelines and machine learning models to interpret microbiome functions and their impact on host health, with applications in precision nutrition and medicine.

Key Relationships

The post holder will work closely with the Group Leader (Kai Cheng), other group members, and key collaborators at QIB. They will also engage with the Bioinformatics Team.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Develop, implement, and optimise bioinformatics pipelines for metaproteomics and multi-omics data analysis.

15

Integrate metaproteomics data with other omics (e.g., metagenomics, metabolomics) to generate biological insights into the human microbiome.

15

Apply and adapt machine learning/AI methods for peptide/protein identification, quantification, and functional annotation.

15

Perform large-scale data management, curation, and computational analyses using high-performance computing resources.

15

Prepare results, reports, and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media. Disseminate research findings through presentations at internal, national, and international meetings.

10

Assist in the preparation of research proposals and grant applications, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate.

10

Support the profile and reputation of the Institute by participating in relevant engagement activities (e.g., conferences, outreach).

5

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity, and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.

5

Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including mentoring less experienced researchers and assisting with training in bioinformatics workflows.

5

Any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, as agreed with the line manager.

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a relevant field

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Strong background in bioinformatics for omics data analysis

Essential

Experience in proteomics/metaproteomics data analysis (DDA/DIA-MS)

Essential

Proficiency in programming/scripting (e.g., Python, Linux)

Essential

Experience with machine learning or AI approaches in biology

Essential

Knowledge of statistical methods for high-dimensional data

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Proven record in scientific writing and publication

Essential

Experience presenting research at scientific meetings

Essential

Demonstrated ability to develop and apply computational workflows

Essential

Experience supervising students or providing technical training

Essential

Experience in multi-omics data integration, familiarity with microbiome or clinical datasets

Desirable

Contributions to collaborative or open-source bioinformatics projects

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Essential

Strong organisational and time management skills

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

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

Essential

Ability to work to deadlines

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Commitment to scientific integrity and best practices

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

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 undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and conferences

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

Living in Norfolk

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Research Scientist (Bioinformatics)

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist (Bioinformatics) to join the Laboratory of Dr Kai Cheng in the Food, Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

Since joining the Quadram Institute in 2025 as a Group Leader, Dr Cheng has been leading the AI & Metaproteomics for Human Gut Health group. The groups mission is to transform personalised medicine and nutrition by developing centralised multi-omics repositories and cutting-edge AI frameworks. Ultimately, they aim to create Artificial Intelligence Virtual Cells (AIVCs) which offer a revolutionary way to simulate gut microbial ecosystems and understand their vital role in human wellbeing.

The role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist in Bioinformatics to join the Quadram Institute Bioscience. This exciting position focuses on the development and application of computational methods for metaproteomics and multi-omics integration to advance precision microbiome research.

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team, applying bioinformatics, machine learning, and AI-driven approaches to analyse large-scale datasets from microbiome studies. The role will involve developing and optimising pipelines for peptide/protein identification, quantification, and functional annotation, and integrating these with metagenomics and metabolomics data to reveal insights into the role of the microbiome in human health.

You will have access to state-of-the-art high-performance computing resources and work closely with leading researchers in microbiome science, precision nutrition, and personalised medicine. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge computational biology while building a strong research profile through publications and collaborations.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should hold a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related discipline, with strong expertise in omics data analysis, particularly proteomics or metaproteomics (DDA/DIA-MS). They should demonstrate proficiency in programming and scripting (e.g. Python, Linux) and experience applying machine learning or artificial intelligence methods to biological data. Excellent communication, organisational, and teamwork skills are essential, together with the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research environments. Experience in multi-omics data integration, familiarity with microbiome or clinical datasets, and contributions to collaborative or open-source bioinformatics projects will be considered advantageous.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £41,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of two years.

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 November 2025. 

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