Main Purpose of the Job

The Quadram Institute invites applications for an ambitious and collaborative Group Leader or Career Track Group Leader to pioneer the development of next-generation microbiome assays and model systems. This strategic appointment joining our Food, Microbiome and Health research theme will establish new capabilities for interrogating host-microbiome interactions, advancing our understanding of how diet shapes human health through the gut microbiome and beyond.

Your Research Vision

You will build an independent research program focused on developing innovative microbiome models, assays, or analytical approaches that advance our mechanistic understanding of diet-microbiome-host interactions. Areas of particular interest include:

• Minimal, synthetic, or engineered microbiome models
• Cutting-edge in vitro and ex vivo microbiome assays, including high-throughput, functional, and mechanistic assays
• Tools to study host–microbe metabolic interactions and microbial community dynamics include organ-on-chip and organoid models
• Diet–microbiome–health relationships and microbiome-driven mechanisms, including models of human digestion
• Development of enhanced, standardised, or scalable microbiome assay platforms

We seek candidates who can bridge technological innovation with biological insight, whether through novel in vitro systems, advanced molecular techniques, computational methods, or integrated multi-omics approaches. Your research should align with our strategic priorities in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and translational health research.

In addition to delivering on Institute core research objectives, the successful applicant is expected to develop a broad research grant portfolio that includes collaborative projects with other scientists in the institute and beyond, and with stakeholders in industry and government.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from diverse disciplinary backgrounds including microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, nutrition science, immunology, gastroenterology, analytical chemistry, and bioengineering. What matters most is your vision for advancing microbiome science through innovative methodological approaches and your enthusiasm for collaborative, translational research.

Completed applications should include:

• A description of (i) current research activities and (ii) short and longer-term research aims and potential strategic goals (each 2-3 pages);
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Covering letter outlining your motivation to apply for the Group Leader position.

Join us in transforming our understanding of how food structure, composition, and the microbiome intersect to influence human health.

Key Relationships

Internal: All employees working at the Quadram Institute, including QIB, UEA and NHS colleagues. NBI Partnership.

External: UKRI, BBSRC, Norwich Research Park, other scientific institutions and educational bodies, industry, governmental organisations, general public.
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Secure significant funding in accordance with the expectations of the discipline and level of the role.

20

Lead and manage research teams, taking responsibility for the delivery of the research. This will include supervising Post-Doctoral Research Assistants, supporting effective career development and maintaining high levels of performance representative of a world class institute.

20

Write and publish high quality and significant research papers together with providing expert commentary in a variety of media.

20

Promote a culture of world class science excellence, collaboration, and scientific integrity across the Institute.

10

Develop pertinent research strategies for the QI to deliver high social and economic impact.

10

Promote our research and develop business opportunities for the Institute by liaising with and influencing government, industry and other external partners.

10

Disseminate research findings and consolidate the Institute’s international reputation through participation in international conference and exhibitions.

5

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

5

Lead and manage high profile and innovative projects focused on a relevant science – as self-contained projects or as part of broader institutional strategic programmes.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in relevant scientific area

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Experience with modern approaches to understand the form and function of the gut microbiome and its response to nutrients, xenobiotics, drugs etc.

Essential

A track record of research into subjects relevant to the key areas of interest and the Food, Microbiome and Health program

Essential

Experience integrating microbiome research with nutrition, food science, or clinical contexts

Desirable

Proven expertise in developing, validating, or applying microbiome-relevant experimental models, assays, or analytical methods

Desirable

Expertise in organ-on-chip and/or digestion models and their integration with gut microbiome assays

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Evidence of experience of – or potential for – attracting funding, commensurate with stage of career.

Essential

An excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career

Essential

Established record of post-doctoral research, including effective management of projects

Essential

Experience of promoting a positive research culture and well-being within a research environment.

Essential

Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary research

Desirable

Success in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations

Desirable

Management and Leadership

Requirement

Importance

Experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance

Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Strong collaboration skills

Essential

Ability to create, build, strengthen and sustain highly effective relationships with key stakeholders

Essential

Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with all people at all levels both inside and outside the institute.

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

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

Essential

Presents a positive image of self and the Institute, enhancing international reputation and promoting public engagement.

Essential

Ability to travel nationally and internationally related to collaborations and/or seminars

Essential

Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

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

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Group Leader – Microbiome Modelling and Host–Microbe Interactions

About the Opportunity

The Quadram Institute invites applications for an ambitious and collaborative Group Leader or Career Track Group Leader to pioneer the development of next-generation microbiome assays and model systems. This strategic appointment joining our Future Food research theme will establish new capabilities for interrogating host-microbiome interactions, advancing our understanding of how diet shapes human health through the gut microbiome and beyond.

Your Research Vision

You will build an independent research program focused on developing innovative microbiome models, assays, or analytical approaches that advance our mechanistic understanding of diet-microbiome-host interactions. Areas of particular interest include:

• Minimal, synthetic, or engineered microbiome models
• Cutting-edge in vitro and ex vivo microbiome assays, including high-throughput, functional, and mechanistic assays
• Tools to study host–microbe metabolic interactions and microbial community dynamics include organ-on-chip and organoid models
• Diet–microbiome–health relationships and microbiome-driven mechanisms, including models of human digestion
• Development of enhanced, standardised, or scalable microbiome assay platforms

We seek candidates who can bridge technological innovation with biological insight, whether through novel in vitro systems, advanced molecular techniques, computational methods, or integrated multi-omics approaches. Your research should align with our strategic priorities in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and translational health research.

In addition to delivering on Institute core research objectives, the successful applicant is expected to develop a broad research grant portfolio that includes collaborative projects with other scientists in the institute and beyond, and with stakeholders in industry and government.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from diverse disciplinary backgrounds including microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, nutrition science, immunology, gastroenterology, analytical chemistry, and bioengineering. What matters most is your vision for advancing microbiome science through innovative methodological approaches and your enthusiasm for collaborative, translational research.

Successful candidates will have an excellent publication record and evidence of establishing and supporting a productive research group supported by national research council (e.g., UKRI or equivalent) grants at a level commensurate for their career stage. Candidates should also have a clear vision for collaborative research.

In addition to delivering on Institute core research objectives, the successful applicant is expected to develop a broad research grant portfolio that includes collaborative projects with other scientists in the institute and beyond, and with stakeholders in industry and government.

More information about the role can be found in the Group Leader Recruitment Pack (PDF).

Completed applications should include:

• A description of (i) current research activities and (ii) short and longer-term research aims and potential strategic goals (each 2-3 pages);
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Covering letter outlining your motivation to apply for the Group Leader position.

The successful applicant will be offered an indefinite contract, or for applicants with less experience, a Career Track Group Leader position (5-year contract) with tenure subject to review. Positions come with a significant support package with an equivalent value up to £500,000, including a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, start-up package, budget for consumables and other research expenses, and access to core services including next generation sequencing and bioinformatics, advanced bioimaging, and Human Studies. We offer an exciting, innovative and supportive research environment, competitive salaries (depending on qualifications and experience) and a great place to live – a relocation package is available.  

Join us in transforming our understanding of how food structure, composition, and the microbiome intersect to influence human health.

Interviews will be held on 16th March 2026.

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.

The closing date for applications will be 15th February 2026.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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