Main Purpose of the Job

Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis threatening the utility of antibiotics for common and life-threatening infections and their ability to protect those with vulnerable immune systems (i.e., cancer and surgical patients). The threat is exacerbated by misconceptions surrounding antibiotic resistance which have led to consistently failing initiatives and little decline in global antibiotic resistance rates (Amábile-Cuevas, 2022). Our partners at the University of Essex have shown that educational material reduces inappropriate demand for antibiotics in clinical practice (Thorpe et al., 2021). Therefore, we want to use microscopy to tell the real story of how antibiotic resistance works. For this 5-week internship, we are looking for an individual to help shape the creative direction of the project and carry out advanced microscopy.

The Quadram Institute’s high-quality microscopy facilities offer the unique opportunity to video the explosive response of antibiotic susceptible bacteria challenged with antibiotics and contrast it with the resurgence of resistant bacteria. We want to assemble at least one educational video and believe that sharing it with schools, primary care providers, and on social media platforms will be a compelling means of educating how antibiotics work, that some bacteria are/become resistant, and why antibiotic stewardship is so important.

The post holder will be part of an Institute Development Grant funded project to generate microscopy footage of bacteria and their responses to antibiotics, visualising the explosive activity of some of the antibiotics being tested. From generating a library of video footage, the post holder will assemble a short-form video to effectively communicate antibiotic resistance. The post holder will receive training on microscopes and on working in a microbiology research laboratory.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

The post holder will be working alongside the supervisory team and collaborators to generate microscopy videos, grow bacterial cultures, and prepare stocks of antibiotics.

60

Developing ideas on style, story, and audio.

20

Communicate results with stakeholders through meetings and presentations.

10

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.

5

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Good standard of education with a minimum of 5 GCSE qualifications (or equivalent)

Essential

Further Education

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Content creation

Essential

Health & Safety awareness

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience with visual audio media content creation

Essential

Experience working with video editing software (i.e., Premire Pro, DaVinci Resolve) or image editing (i.e., Canva, Photoshop, Lightroom)

Essential

Experience with microscopy and/or camera lenses

Desirable

Experience working in a category 2 laboratory culturing bacteria

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Good ability to work independently

Essential

Ability to follow instructions / standard operating procedures

Essential

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

Essential

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

Essential

Good time management and organisational skills

Essential

Good record keeping

Essential

Strong storytelling skills

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Interest in science communication and outreach

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, the group, 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

Attention to detail

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

Bursting Bugs - Summer Internship

Applications are invited for a Summer Intern to join the Microbes and Food Safety programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Quadram Institute’s high-quality microscopy facilities offer the unique opportunity to video the explosive response of antibiotic susceptible bacteria challenged with antibiotics and contrast it with the resurgence of resistant bacteria.

We want to assemble educational media and believe that sharing it with schools, primary care providers, and on social media platforms will be a compelling means of educating how antibiotics work, that some bacteria are/become resistant, and why antibiotic stewardship is so important

The role:

Paid 5-week summer internship for a content creator to generate microscopy videos of bacteria bursting in response to administering antibiotics as part of a public education video on the uses of antibiotics and risks of misuse. We are looking for an individual to help shape the creative direction of the project and carry out advanced microscopy.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have a good standard of education with a minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent. Candidates must have experience in content creation, and interest in science communication. Experience with microscopy and/or camera lenses and experience working in a category 2 laboratory culturing bacteria is not essential but would be advantageous.

Good communication, interpersonal skills, and organisational skills are required.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be £23,493 per annum. This is a full-time post for a contract of 5 weeks.

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 5 January 2026

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