Main Purpose of the Job

The Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) is seeking a highly organised and scientifically proficient Upper-Gut Digestion Model Specialist to deliver and support the use of laboratory models of the upper-gastrointestinal tract. QIB’s laboratories host a suite of static and dynamic digestion models, as well as equipment for structural and biochemical analyses. In vitro digestion protocols such as INFOGEST and the Dynamic Gastric Model are regularly used to support strategically funded research programmes, as well as academic and commercial research projects into gastrointestinal behaviour of functional and novel foods.

This role is central to enabling high-quality, reproducible research, and delivering both internal and external projects. The post-holder will conduct in vitro digestion experiments and ensure the maintenance of the upper-gut digestion models. They will contribute to the design and optimisation of experimental protocols, and work closely with QIB Colon Model Facility team , QIB scientists, technical staff, and external partners to deliver impactful outcomes. They will be guided by leading scientific experts in digestion modelling and related fields to ensure that work is conducted to the highest quality standard.

The role will also support fee-for-service work through QIBExtra, helping to promote, scope, deliver, and manage digestion-related projects for external clients as part of the DigestQX platform.

Key Relationships

The post-holder will join the Science Operations Team and will be line managed by Dr Antonietta Hayhoe, with Dr Cathrina Edwards as a Co-signatory.
They will also work closely with Dr Natalia Perez-Moral, who will be the leading authority on the design, conduct and reporting of upper-gut digestion models at QIB, and will provide initial training and ongoing scientific oversight.
They will also work closely with QIBs Colon Model Facility, particularly with regard to planning and delivery of projects requiring integration between upper-gastrointestinal and colon models.
They will work closely with other QIB scientists to scope out projects and co-ordinate work, for example liaising with other core facilities or scientist, for example to arrange or undertake sample analyses that is ancillary to digestion model use.
They will scope out and deliver projects for QIBExtra, which is under the management of Dr Alan Brailsford.
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Conduct laboratory work involving upper-gut in vitro digestion models (e.g. INFOGEST, DGM) according to project requirements, ensuring protocols are executed accurately and efficiently.

30

Support and deliver fee-for-service projects through QIBExtra, including client liaison, proposal input, experimental design, and timely delivery of project milestones. When required, ensure work is conducted to regulatory or quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001), and maintain detailed documentation.

15

Act as the primary point of contact for in vitro digestion platform enquiries from QIB or QIBExtra, scoping new projects and assessing resource and time requirements. Coordinate activities with the QIB Colon Model Facility team to design and execute experiments using both upper-gut digestion and colon models.

15

Draft protocols and SOPs for upper-gut digestion experiments and/or operation of digestion models. Ensure high standards of quality control, health and safety, and compliance with institutional and legal guidelines.

10

Analyse and interpret experimental data; lead or contribute to the preparation of technical reports, client summaries, grant proposals, and scientific publications.

10

Manage lab scheduling and ensure optimal use of the platform by QIB researchers and external clients. Train new users when required.

10

Collaborate with QIBExtra to develop a robust operational and business framework for the DigestQX platform, including costing models and project decision-trees.

5

Promote awareness of the digestion platform and its capabilities within academic and commercial networks.

5

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

MSc or PhD in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, or a related life science discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

In-depth knowledge of human digestive physiology and nutritional biochemistry

Essential

Proficiency in biochemical methods (enzyme activities, macronutrient quantification, micronutrient analysis), and analytical techniques such as microscopy, particle sizing, SDS-PAGE, HPLC, LC-MS, ELISA, or microbiome sequencing

Essential

Experience in physico-chemical characterisation of food matrices

Desirable

Experience using in vitro digestion models for applications such as studying nutrient bioaccessibility, pharmaceutical release, digestion of proteins, survival of pro-biotics in the human upper-gastrointestinal tract

Desirable

Familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001, EFSA, UK FSA) and health claim substantiation processes

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Practical experience using in vitro upper-gut digestion models and their application to study bioaccessibility and/or digestibility

Essential

Experience in writing SOPs, risk assessments, and scientific reports

Essential

Proven ability to deliver research projects in a timely manner and to a high scientific quality

Essential

Strong project management, communication, and documentation skills

Essential

Experience managing a research facility or laboratory operations

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively

Essential

Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset

Essential

Ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Essential

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

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Essential

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

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

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

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

Science Operations

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Upper-Gut Digestion Model Specialist (part-time, 12 months)

Applications are invited for a Digestion Model Specialist to join the Science Operations Team at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

The role:

The Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) is seeking a highly organised and scientifically proficient Upper-Gut Digestion Model Specialist to deliver and support the use of laboratory models of the upper-gastrointestinal tract.

QIB’s laboratories host a suite of static and dynamic digestion models, as well as equipment for structural and biochemical analyses. In vitro digestion protocols such as INFOGEST and the Dynamic Gastric Model are regularly used to support strategically funded research programmes, as well as academic and commercial research projects into gastrointestinal behaviour of functional and novel foods.

This role is central to enabling high-quality, reproducible research, and delivering both internal and external projects. The post-holder will conduct in vitro digestion experiments and ensure the maintenance of the upper-gut digestion models. They will contribute to the design and optimisation of experimental protocols, and work closely with QIB Colon Model Facility team, QIB scientists, technical staff, and external partners to deliver impactful outcomes. They will be guided by leading scientific experts in digestion modelling and related fields to ensure that work is conducted to the highest quality standard.

The role will also support fee-for-service work through QIBExtra, helping to promote, scope, deliver, and manage digestion-related projects for external clients as part of the DigestQX platform.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates must have an MSc or PhD in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, or a related life science discipline with previous practical experience using upper-gut digestion models. The candidate should be able to work independently to deliver projects accurately and efficiently. Good communication and record-keeping skills is also required.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £40,600 pro-rata, per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a part-time post of 15 hours per week for a contract of 12 months.

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 Sunday 9th November 2025.

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