Main Purpose of the Job

The primary purpose of this role is to conduct comprehensive nutritional and biochemical analysis of fermented plant-based foods as part of the FlavourFerm Horizon Europe project. The post holder will assess the nutritional quality of selected fermented foods, with particular focus on amino acid composition, vitamin B12 isoforms, and nutrient bioaccessibility, whilst evaluating their effects on gut microbiota function using in vitro gastrointestinal models. This research will directly contribute to understanding how fermentation can enhance the nutritional value and health benefits of plant-based foods, supporting EU's strategic goals in nutrition, health, and sustainable food systems. The role involves close collaboration with internal and external partners, dissemination of findings to the scientific community, and regular reporting to project coordinators and funders.

Key Relationships

The post holder will work closely with Dr Maria Traka on delivery of the project as well as other internal and external colleagues.

Internal: other members of the team around food composition data and the post-doctoral bioinformatician on the project; other QIB Research scientists on amino acids, B12 and analytical platforms; QIB Communications to ensure project outputs are communicated externally

External: other project partners; scientific community to disseminate output; funders
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Assess nutrient bioaccessibility (incl amino acids, small peptides, B12 isoforms) from fermented foods using the INFOGEST protocols

20

Quantify the effect of selected fermented foods on short-chain fatty acid production (SCFA) using in vitro batch colon models by LC-MS

20

Undertake experiments using the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) model to quantify small intestinal amino acid absorption and collect DNA for further analysis by the QIB team

20

Undertake comprehensive nutrition analysis of selected fermented foods using established protocols compatible with national food composition tables

10

Quantify amino acid composition and B12 isoforms using in house LC-MS/MS methods

10

Coordinate scientific publication and other activities to disseminate results to the scientific community

10

Report project progress to project coordinators and funders as per project requirements, through presentations and report submission

5

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Biology, Nutrition, Food Science or related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge of nutrition and health, in particular protein/AA composition and B12 and their contribution to healthy and sustainable diets

Essential

Knowledge of fermented food science, in particular around plant-based fermentation and potential nutritional benefits

Essential

Knowledge of gastrointestinal digestion

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Research experience and track record of scientific publications related to nutrition and health

Essential

Experience in working with static in vitro models of gastrointestinal metabolism

Essential

Experience of using INFOGEST protocols for assessing bioaccessibility of nutrients

Essential

Experience in working with dynamic models of gastrointestinal metabolism (eg SHIME)

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to work independently to tight deadlines

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

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

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 and Nutrition - NBRI

Group Details

The Food & Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (F&N-NBRI) is a national coordinating ‘hub’ in nutrition and health and the leading national provider of new and continuously updated data, tools and services vital for UK public health, research and innovation. It is ideally positioned within Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), in its National Capability role, to acquire unique understanding of the research needs around data and tools focusing on food, gut microbes and health, that can benefit the wider research community (academia, industry, users). F&N-NBRI resources relating to food composition, intake and food systems demonstrate effective uptake in four areas: research and innovation, healthcare and consumers, policy and industry.

F&N-NBRI enables the UK to deliver nutritional policy and world-leading science in support of current and emerging national strategic needs in nutrition (food composition and intake), health (e.g., obesity, healthy ageing) and sustainability (environment, food security). It continues to add new food data and tools to meet the needs of researchers within QIB and more widely across food biosciences in the UK. It provides training and capacity development for key users in food and public health, and regularly engages with end-users, stakeholders and other potential beneficiaries to ensure knowledge exchange.

We have recently been successful in securing funds from Horizon Europe to assess the healthiness of fermented food products by measuring nutritional quality and identifying their effects on gut microbiota function and composition.
 The project is FlavourFerm ‘Unleashing the flavour potential of plant-based foods via fermentation’ and is running from 2024-2028.
 

Living in Norfolk

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Research Scientist – Fermented Foods & Nutrition

Are you passionate about nutrition science and the potential of fermented foods to transform plant-based diets? Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Maria Traka in the Food & Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

We're seeking a talented Research Scientist to join the FlavourFerm Horizon Europe project – an exciting initiative exploring how fermentation can unlock the nutritional potential of plant-based foods. Running from 2024-2028, this collaborative project will assess the healthiness of fermented food products by measuring nutritional quality and identifying their effects on gut microbiota. This role is vital in contributing to ground breaking research that will shape the future of sustainable nutrition.

The role:

You'll conduct comprehensive nutritional analysis of fermented foods, focusing on amino acid composition, vitamin B12 isoforms, and nutrient bioaccessibility. Using advanced techniques including LC-MS/MS and in vitro gastrointestinal models (INFOGEST protocols, batch colon models, and SHIME), you'll evaluate how fermentation impacts nutritional value and gut health. You'll work closely with the project team and collaborate with international partners, disseminating your findings through scientific publications and presentations.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Nutrition Sciences or related discipline, with strong knowledge of protein/amino acid composition, B12, and fermented food science. Experience with INFOGEST protocols and static in vitro models of gastrointestinal metabolism is essential. You'll be an excellent communicator with a proven research track record and the ability to work independently to tight deadlines.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 25 months.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and research interests.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004972.

Interviews are to be held on the 14 November and 24 November 2025.

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 world-leading research Institute at the forefront of food and gut microbiome science. 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 6 November 2025

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