Main Purpose of the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist in Metaproteomics to join a collaborative team working on the development of next-generation computational methods for microbiome and metaproteomics data analysis. The ideal candidate will have expertise in metaproteomics, proteomics, or related omics data analysis, with a strong interest in understanding microbial community function through mass spectrometry-based approaches. This position focuses on developing and applying innovative computational workflows for metaproteomics and multi-omics integration to advance microbiome research.

This is primarily a computational role, centred on the analysis and interpretation of large-scale metaproteomics datasets and the development of analytical pipelines. The role involves close interaction with experimental researchers and requires a solid understanding of proteomics workflows, but does not involve routine laboratory work.

The post holder will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of researchers and have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure at the Quadram Institute, including metagenomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics facilities. The primary focus is to design, implement, and optimise computational pipelines and analytical strategies to interpret microbiome functions and their impact on host health, including the application of AI-assisted approaches for data analysis and modelling.

Key Relationships

The post holder will work closely with the Group Leader (Kai Cheng), other group members, and key collaborators at QIB. They will also engage with the Bioinformatics Team.
The role involves close collaboration with the group of Prof. Daniel Figeys, which leads experimental metaproteomics research at QIB. This provides a strong integration between computational and experimental approaches, enabling the development and application of analytical methods in close connection with wet-lab studies.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Develop, implement, and optimise computational pipelines for metaproteomics data analysis.

15

Integrate metaproteomics data with other omics (e.g., metagenomics, metabolomics) to generate biological insights into the microbiome.

15

Apply and adapt computational and AI-based methods for peptide/protein identification, quantification, functional annotation and biological discovery.

15

Perform large-scale data management, curation, and computational analyses using high-performance computing resources.

15

Prepare results, reports, and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and present findings at scientific meetings. Disseminate research findings through presentations at internal, national, and international meetings.

10

Assist in the preparation of research proposals and grant applications, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate.

10

Support the profile and reputation of the institute through engagement activities.

5

Ensure research is conducted in accordance with best practices, scientific integrity, and relevant policies.

5

Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including mentoring and training activities.

5

Any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, as agreed with the line manager.

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Strong understanding of proteomics or metaproteomics principles

Essential

Experience in metaproteomics or proteomics data analysis (DDA/DIA-MS)

Essential

Ability to interpret omics data in a biological context, particularly microbiome-related questions

Essential

Proficiency in programming/scripting (e.g. Python, R, or Java)

Essential

Experience with computational workflows for large-scale omics data

Essential

Knowledge of statistical methods for high-dimensional data

Essential

Experience with machine learning or AI approaches in biology

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret proteomics/metaproteomics data

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing and publication

Essential

Experience developing or applying computational workflows

Essential

Experience presenting research at scientific meetings

Essential

Contributions to collaborative or open-source projects

Desirable

Experience in multi-omics data integration

Desirable

Familiarity with microbiome or clinical datasets

Desirable

Experience supervising students or providing technical training

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Essential

Strong organisational and time management skills

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

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

Essential

Ability to work to deadlines

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Commitment to scientific integrity and best practices

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 undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and conferences

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 group focuses on advancing metaproteomics and microbiome systems biology through the development of computational methods, large-scale data resources, and AI-assisted analytical frameworks. By integrating metaproteomics with multi-omics data, the group aims to enable reproducible, large-scale analysis of microbiome function and to drive the transition from descriptive studies towards predictive, data-driven understanding of microbial communities and their role in human health.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist (Metaproteomics)

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist (Metaproteomics) to join the Laboratory of Dr Kai Cheng in the Food, Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:
Since joining the Quadram Institute in 2025 as a Group Leader, Dr Cheng has been leading the AI & Metaproteomics for Human Gut Health group. The group’s mission is to advance microbiome research by developing computational methods, large-scale data resources, and AI-assisted frameworks for understanding microbial function. Ultimately, the research aims to enable predictive and data-driven insights into microbiome systems and their role in human health.

The role:
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist with a strong interest in metaproteomics and microbiome research.

This position focuses on the development and application of computational and analytical methods for metaproteomics, including peptide and protein identification, taxonomic and functional profiling, and integration with other omics data. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team, applying computational approaches to large-scale microbiome datasets and contributing to research aimed at understanding microbial community function in health and disease.

This is primarily a computational (dry-lab) role, focused on analysing and interpreting metaproteomics data and developing analytical workflows. The position involves close collaboration with experimental researchers and requires a solid understanding of proteomics workflows, but does not involve routine laboratory work.

The role will also involve the use and development of AI-assisted approaches for scientific research, including data-driven modelling and the integration of modern AI tools into computational workflows.

You will have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and collaborate with leading researchers in microbiome science and proteomics. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while developing expertise in a rapidly growing field.

The ideal candidate:
Candidates should hold a PhD in Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.

They should demonstrate:
• A strong interest in proteomics/metaproteomics and microbiome research;
• Experience in analysing proteomics or metaproteomics data;
• Ability to interpret computational results in a meaningful biological context;
• Proficiency in programming/scripting (e.g. Python, Linux);
• While strong computational skills are important, this role places particular emphasis on domain knowledge and scientific understanding in metaproteomics.
• Applicants without direct experience in metaproteomics should clearly demonstrate their motivation and readiness to develop expertise in this field.
• Experience in multi-omics integration, machine learning, or microbiome data analysis will be considered advantageous.

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 29 April 2026.

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