Main Purpose of the Job

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Lab at the Quadram Institute. This Wellcome Trust funded project aims to identify novel RNA interference (RNAi) components in Candida albicans using a biochemical approach.

Based at the Quadram Institute, the post holder will work within the Buscaino Lab and collaborate closely with Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University).

The successful candidate will lead experimental work to isolate, purify and characterise RNAi associated protein complexes in C. albicans. Expertise in protein complex purification and characterisation is essential. Experience in genetics is highly desirable, and experience in fungal biology would be an advantage but is not essential.

Key Relationships

Internal:
The position will report to Prof Alessia Buscaino, who leads the project at the Quadram Institute. The post holder will work closely with other researchers in the Buscaino Lab. They will contribute to coordinating research activities, assist team members with data analysis, and help with the preparation of scientific papers and funding proposals.
External:
The post holder will collaborate with Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University), as well as other academic partners in the UK and overseas. They will present findings at national and international conferences and engage in public outreach and science communication to share the lab’s research with broader audiences.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Design and perform experiments to identify, purify and characterise novel RNAi‑associated protein complexes in Candida albicans using biochemical approaches.

15

Apply biochemical and molecular biology methods for protein‑complex isolation, purification and functional analysis.

10

Conduct genetic experiments to functionally characterise RNAi components.

10

Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure full reproducibility of experimental work.

10

Support team members by sharing protocols, offering technical guidance and assisting with troubleshooting.

10

Collaborate with internal and external partners, including Prof Foster and Prof Traven.

10

Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and other dissemination activities.

10

Interpret experimental data and integrate findings within the broader biological and mechanistic context.

10

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

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent understanding of protein biochemistry

Essential

Knowledge of RNA interference biology

Essential

Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA cloning

Essential

Good understanding of genetics

Essential

Knowledge in fungal biology

Desirable

Working knowledge of mass spectrometry–based proteomics

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Familiarity with mass spectrometry workflows (e.g., LC MS/MS)

Essential

Demonstrated ability to perform research

Essential

Demonstrated experience in isolating and purifying multi protein complexes using biochemical methods

Essential

Good publication record or close to publications for early-career researchers

Essential

Experience with mass spectrometry for protein identification and characterisation

Desirable

Experience in raising antibodies

Desirable

Experience in fungal genetics, including generating mutants and protein tagging

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Essential

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

Essential

An independent scientist who can develop their own biological questions

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 undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars

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

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

Our group investigates how fungal biology connects to gut health and sustainable food systems. We study fungi as key organisms that interact with both the microbiome and the food we eat, influencing human health and nutrition.
Our work has two main strands:
1. Fungi and the gut microbiome
We explore how commensal fungi – those that normally live harmlessly within the human body – such as Candida albicans, adapt to the gut environment and interact with both the human host and the bacterial microbiome. Our aim is to understand how these fungi contribute to maintaining health, as well as the mechanisms that allow them to switch to a harmful state and cause disease.
A major discovery from the lab is that Candida albicans possesses an active RNAi pathway, and we are working to understand how this regulatory system modulates C. albicans adaptation to the gut.
2. Fungi and future foods
We use filamentous fungi to develop new, nutritious, and sustainable foods. In parallel, we study how these fungal-based foods influence gut health, linking food innovation with microbiome research.
By combining fundamental fungal biology with food and microbiome science, our work seeks to uncover how fungi can support healthier people and more sustainable diets.

Living in Norfolk

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• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist - RNAi factors and mechanism in Candida albicans

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Lab at the Quadram Institute.

This Wellcome Trust–funded project aims to identify novel components of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway in Candida albicans using a biochemical approach. The postholder will be based at the Quadram Institute and will work closely with Prof Alessia Buscaino and members of her research group, as well as collaborating with two key external partners: Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University).

Background:

The successful candidate will lead experimental work to identify and characterise novel C. albicans RNAi components using biochemical approaches. This will include applying advanced biochemical and molecular biology techniques for multi‑protein complex purification, functional analysis and molecular characterisation.

The role:

The role will also involve conducting genetic experiments to support the functional investigation of RNAi components and integrating results within their biological and mechanistic context. Expertise in protein‑complex purification and strong experience in molecular biology are essential.

This position is highly collaborative, and the postholder will work closely with both internal team members and external collaborators to drive a multidisciplinary effort to uncover new RNAi mechanisms in fungal pathogens. The postholder will also contribute to scientific publications, prepare conference presentations, and present findings at national and international meetings.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated experimental scientist to work at the interface of fungal biology, RNAi mechanisms and biochemistry, within a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment at the Quadram Institute.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related discipline. They will have excellent understanding of protein biochemistry as well as expertise in protein‑complex purification.

Demonstrated experience in isolating and purifying multi-protein complexes using biochemical methods in addition to strong experience in molecular biology are essential.

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 24 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 10th February 2026.

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