Main Purpose of the Job

This exciting project will combine functional genomics and bacteriophage (phage) biology to design combinations of phage to improve efficacy in killing of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains. This will form the basis for future development of a phage-based therapeutic for swine disease, in collaboration with an industry partner.
Your work will contribute to the understanding of the diversity of pathogenic E. coli strains affecting swine and identify variants of concern. You will isolate and genotypically characterise phages that kill swine-related pathogenic E. coli. You will also construct a transposon mutant library in E. coli to help the design of an efficacious phage cocktail against ETEC. You will receive supervision and training in microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics from Dr Hannah Pye, and will be integrated into two leading research groups focussed on bacteriophage biology and bacterial pathogen variation.

Key Relationships

You will work closely with Dr Evelien Adriaenssens and Prof. Rob Kingsley, who are both group leaders at the Quadram Institute Bioscience. The post holder will also work alongside other members of the Adriaenssens and Kingsley groups, who specialise in bacteriophages and bacterial pathogens, as well as other members of the Quadram Institute Bioscience. The Project Scientist will also be required to disseminate research findings to the industry partner.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Functional genomics to study phage-bacteria interaction

50

Establishment of a phage biobank against pathogenic E. coli strains

20

Genotypic characterisation of E. coli phages, including whole genome sequencing

15

Assessment of swine ETEC strain diversity

10

Report writing and dissemination of project outcomes

5

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in microbiology, or a related life sciences discipline

Essential

MSc or equivalent in microbiology, or a related life sciences discipline

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Microbiology techniques relating to bacterial culture

Essential

Ability to confidently conduct experiments independently once trained

Essential

Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory experiments and results

Essential

Knowledge of phage isolation techniques

Desirable

Knowledge of microbial sequencing methods

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Laboratory expertise in microbiology

Essential

Laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques, such as PCR and production of electrocompetent cells

Essential

Experience in bacterial/phage DNA extraction

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to work to deadlines

Essential

Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

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

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

Observe best practices in data management and research integrity

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 work outside standard working hours when required

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, Microbiome and Health

Group Details

Dr Hannah Pye is a Research Scientist within the Adriaenssens group at the Quadram Institute Bioscience with expertise in molecular microbiology and phage biology, with a focus on bacterial stress responses, antimicrobial resistance, and the molecular mechanisms of microbial survival across food and environmental systems. The Adriaenssens group research bacteriophages and their role in One Health. The group uses sequencing and computational methods to study the viral communities in the human gut and other environments, with the goal of understanding the use of phage for biocontrol, addressing antimicrobial resistance, and developing new therapies. The Kingsley group investigate the diversity of bacterial pathogens to understand how they interact with animal hosts, the environment and phage.
 

Living in Norfolk

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Project Scientist

Applications are invited for a Project Scientist to work with Dr Hannah Pye in the Food, Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

This exciting project will combine functional genomics and bacteriophage (phage) biology to design combinations of phage to improve efficacy in killing of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains. This will form the basis for future development of a phage-based therapeutic for swine disease, in collaboration with an industry partner.

The role:

We are recruiting a Project Scientist to work on a Phages against Enterotoxigenic E. coli in Swine (PEES) project. In this role, you will be working closely with Dr Hannah Pye and collaborating with members of the Adriaenssens and Kingsley Groups.

The post will suit a science graduate with experience of working in a microbiology laboratory and who is motivated to learn additional skills in phage and molecular biology, and bioinformatics. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to gain more experience prior to application for postgraduate studies or for experienced project scientists to join a motivated team addressing an important challenge. This project aims to improve the development of phage cocktails for animal therapeutics by incorporating functional genomics in the design of novel antimicrobials.

You will develop key skills in microbiology and molecular biology, in addition to skills in bioinformatic analysis.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should have a BSc in microbiology, or a related life sciences discipline, and previous experience working in a research laboratory would be an advantage. You will also use your communication skills that you will develop further through the dissemination of your research outcomes during regular meetings with project partners. Your work will help address the current antimicrobial resistance crisis by reducing the use of antibiotics in agriculture.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be £29,890 per annum. This is a full-time post for a contract of 12 months.

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 1004988.

This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship.  However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances.  If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 2112, which is on the immigration salary list.

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 16 November 2025

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