Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to undertake research projects which advance our understanding of the microbiome-gut-brain axis and its role in ageing.

The successful candidate will establish gut-brain/gut-CNS microfluidic chip systems to enable the study of the role of microbial products in regulating gut-immune-CNS communication in human-relevant systems, paving the way to development of microbial therapeutics for clinical trials.

The post holder will also contribute to the wider research within the Food, Microbiome and Health Programme. This multidisciplinary programme aims to generate mechanistic insights into how food and microbiome changes affect host responses within and beyond the gastrointestinal tract, and to develop microbiome interventions designed to improve and maintain long-term health.

Key Relationships

The post holder will work closely with other researchers within the group and coordinate research with internal and external collaborators.
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Experimental work, developing gut-brain/gut-CNS microfluidic organ on chip models, isolating, characterising and testing microbial products, analysis of cellular responses. 

60

Data analysis

20

Collaborating with project partners, co-writing grant applications and preparing reports for funders.

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Biology/Molecular Cell biology/Immunology/Neurobiology or related area.

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Mammalian cell culture, ideally including experience with neuronal culture, iPSCs or multicellular systems

Essential

Microfluidic systems/organoids/organ-on-chip

Essential

Immunostaining/microscopy

Desirable

Microbial culture

Desirable

Immunoassays, ELISA, flow cytometry

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Data analysis, manuscript preparation and grant writing

Essential

Training and supervision of students or junior researchers

Essential

Molecular/Cell biology experience (e.g. RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, sequencing)

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Essential

Ability to follow instructions / Standard Operating Procedures.

Essential

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

Essential

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

Essential

Embrace working as part of a diverse and multi-disciplinary team.

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement.

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

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute.

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

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to undertake research projects which advance our understanding of the microbiome-gut-brain axis and its role in ageing. This role will be based in the group of Dr Aimee Parker in the Food, Microbiome and Health Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.

Background:

Communication between microbes, the gut, and the brain contributes to health across the life course. We have shown in a preclinical model that modifying the gut microbiota by faecal microbiota transfer (FMT) can protect against some of the inflammatory hallmarks of brain ageing in mice.

The role:

The successful candidate will establish gut-brain/gut-CNS microfluidic chip systems to enable the study of the role of microbial products in regulating gut-immune-CNS communication in human-relevant systems, paving the way to development of microbial therapeutics for clinical trials.

The post holder will also contribute to the wider research within the Food, Microbiome and Health Programme. This multidisciplinary programme aims to generate mechanistic insights into how food and microbiome changes affect host responses within and beyond the gastrointestinal tract, and to develop microbiome interventions designed to improve and maintain long-term health.

This role offers the opportunity to:
Conduct cutting-edge research at the interface of host-microbiome interactions in ageing.
Build a wide range of complementary skills and expertise.
Present and publish research findings, strengthening communication and presentation skills.
Supervise students and develop mentoring, leadership and project management skills.
Expand professional networks through interdisciplinary collaboration at national and international levels.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated scientist with an awarded, or soon to be awarded, PhD in Biology/Molecular Cell biology/Immunology/Neurobiology or a related discipline with evidenced experience in one or more of the following areas:
Mammalian cell culture, ideally including experience with neuronal culture, iPSCs or multicellular systems, Microfluidic systems, organoids, organ-on-chip, Immunostaining/microscopy, Microbial culture, Molecular/Cell biology (e.g. RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, sequencing), Immunoassays, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
The successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly. They will have strong organisation and problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

It is essential that the post holder has a proactive approach to developing new skills and advancing interdisciplinary research.

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 until a funding end date of April 2028.

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 Friday 28th November 2025

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