Main Purpose of the Job

This post will contribute to two large research programmes within QIB; Food, Microbes and Health, and Delivering Sustainable Wheat, as well as the development of future research programs. The post holder will have responsibility for delivering scientific objectives within these two large, multidisciplinary research programmes.

This role will focus on the carbohydrates in maintaining gut health, with a particular focus on the gut microbiome. The post holder will use the range of advanced in vitro models, in conjunction with human clinical studies, to explore the impact of novel carbohydrate containing foods on the gut microbiome and on health. This will require experience of shotgun metagenomics approaches for studying the gut microbiome as well as microbial metabolite analysis, and the use of in vitro digestion and model colon systems. In addition to these duties, the post holder will be expected to play an active role in the preparation of manuscripts, supervision of students and in the general running of the lab (organising lab meetings etc.)

Key Relationships

The successful applicant will be directly managed by Assoc. Prof. Fred Warren in the Food Microbes and Health research programme at the Quadram Institute. They will work closely with other members of the group (postdoctoral researchers and PhD students). The applicant will also interact with collaborators from a range of institutions including The John Innes Centre, Rothamsted Research, Imperial College and University of Nottingham, as well as collaborators in the Food Microbes and Health and Delivering Sustainable Wheat programs

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Designing and carrying out experimental work.

60

Supervision and training of students

10

Preparation of manuscripts

10

Ensuring smooth running of the lab (ordering consumables, managing project budgets etc.)

5

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

Data analysis

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.

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in microbiology, nutrition, food science, biochemistry, or related area

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

DNA extraction and shotgun metagenomics analysis

Essential

Bioinformatic data analysis

Desirable

Metabolomics analysis by NMR or LC-MS

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience working with in vitro models of the human digestive tract

Essential

Willingness/experience handling human samples

Essential

Experience in carbohydrate analysis

Desirable

Experience with anaerobic culture

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Essential

Experience preparing scientific manuscripts for publication

Essential

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

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills with proven ability to meet deadlines

Essential

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

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

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

Essential

Ability to follow instructions / Standard Operating Procedures

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, Microbiome and Health

Group Details

The post will be based in the Warren group at Quadram. The Warren group focusses on understanding the impact of carbohydrate structure on digestion and the gut microbiome in health and disease. Based within the Food, Microbes and Health strategic programme at the Quadram Institute, the group aims to leverage expertise in physical chemistry of carbohydrates, advanced gut models and 'omics technology to develop innovative microbiome targeted foods. We aim to take a holistic approach with research spanning crop and agricultural science, food production, gut modelling and gut diseases.   

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Warren in the Food, Microbiome and Health and Delivering Sustainable Wheat programmes at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The post will be based in the Warren group at Quadram. The Warren group focusses on understanding the impact of carbohydrate structure on digestion and the gut microbiome in health and disease. Based within the Food, Microbes and Health strategic programme at the Quadram Institute, the group aims to leverage expertise in physical chemistry of carbohydrates, advanced gut models and 'omics technology to develop innovative microbiome targeted foods. We aim to take a holistic approach with research spanning crop and agricultural science, food production, gut modelling and gut diseases.   

The role:

The post holder will use the range of advanced in vitro models, in conjunction with human clinical studies, to explore the impact of novel carbohydrate containing foods on the gut microbiome and on health. This will require experience of shotgun metagenomics approaches for studying the gut microbiome as well as microbial metabolite analysis, and the use of in vitro digestion and model colon systems. 

The ideal candidate:

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic Research Scientist with a background in dietary fibre, gut health or gut microbiology to contribute to the scientific aims of two major research programmes: Food, Microbiome and Health and Delivering Sustainable Wheat. 

The post holder will have a PhD in microbiology, nutrition, food science, biochemistry, or related area. They will have experience of working with in vitro models of the human digestive tract and it is advantageous if they have knowledge in DNA extraction and shotgun metagenomics analysis.

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 30 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 1004987. 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.

Interviews will be held on 8 December 2025.

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 30 November 2025

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