Main Purpose of the Job

The Metaproteomics / Proteomics Mass Spectrometrist will support the operation, development and application of high‑resolution LC‑MS/MS technologies for metaproteomics and proteomics research at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB).

The role will shape and advance the proteomics capability at QIB, ensuring delivery of high-quality, reproducible and biologically meaningful datasets that underpin research in microbiome, nutrition and food systems.

This post is available initially at an SC6 level, however, candidates with demonstrable ability on indicated criteria will be considered at an SC5 level.

The SC6 role will involved operation of advance mass spectrometers such as the Orbitrap Astral Zoom and the development of analytical workflows for complex biological samples. The postholder will contribute to microbiome, nutrition and food systems research by generating high-quality metaproteomics and proteomics datasets and supporting experimental design, method development and data analysis.

At an SC5 level, candidates will be expected to lead, develop and deliver high‑resolution LC‑MS/MS technologies for metaproteomics and proteomics research. The post holder will establish, manage and drive proteomics activities within the Meta-Omics Platform, operating with a high degree of independence and scientific authority.

They will take responsibility for the strategic and operational oversight of proteomics workflows, including the use of advanced mass spectrometer such as the Orbitrap Astral Zoom, and will lead the development and optimisation of experimental and computational workflows. This includes method development, implementation of advanced acquisition strategies, and integration of proteomics data with other multi-omics datasets.

The post holder will act as a scientific lead for proteomics within the institute, working closely with metabolomics mass spectrometry colleagues, providing expert guidance to users, mentoring researchers, and contributing to grant applications, publications and external collaborations.

Key Relationships

Internal: All employees working at the Quadram Institute, including QIB, UEA and NHS colleagues. NBI Partnership. Regular interaction with QIB research groups, bioinformatics teams and platform staff.

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

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

• Operate and maintain LC-MS/MS instrumentation used for metaproteomics and proteomics research (SC6).
• Lead the operation, optimisation and long-term development of LC-MS/MS proteomics and metaproteomics protocols, including responsibility for instrument performance, troubleshooting and upgrades (SC5).

25

• Develop and implement workflows for analysing complex biological and microbiome samples. Optimise sample preparation protocols, chromatographic separations and acquisition methods. Process and analyse mass spectrometry data using appropriate software and computational workflows. (SC6)
• Develop, implement and continuously improve advanced workflows for analysing complex biological and microbiome samples including sample preparation protocols, chromatographic separations and acquisition methods. (SC5)

25

• Collaborate on experimental design, data/data set interpretation, and support integration with other omics data (SC6).
• Independently analyse, interpret and integrate proteomics datasets, including multi-omics integration in collaboration with bioinformatics teams, provide scientific leadership, advise on experimental design, feasibility, and best practice across projects ensuring state-of-the-art capability. (SC5). 

15

Drive the strategic development of proteomics within the Quadram Meta-Omics Platform, identifying new technologies, capabilities and funding opportunities. (SC5)

10

• Remain informed about developments in mass spectrometry technologies, maintain documentation, SOPs, and quality control procedures (SC6).
• Maintain and implement documentation, SOPs, QC frameworks and data management standards to ensure reproducibility and compliance (SC5). 

10

Contribute to collaborative projects, peer-reviewed publications (SC6) and grant applications (SC5).

10

• Train, and support researchers and platform users (SC6).
• Provide mentoring and foster best practice and capability development across the institute (SC5). 

5

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

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, metaproteomics, proteomics, microbiology, biochemistry or related discipline, or equivalent experience

Essential

Additional training in omics technologies, microbiome science or computational proteomics

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Experience with LCMS instrumentation and metaproteomics/proteomics workflows (significant demonstrable experience required for SC5)

Essential

Strong theoretical understanding of mass spectrometry and chromatographic techniques

Essential

Knowledge of biological sample preparation and data analysis software (substantial knowledge required for SC5)

Essential

Experience with metaproteomics, microbiome datasets, high resolution Orbitrap instruments and advanced acquisition methods such as DIA

Desirable

Demonstrated ability to independently develop and lead proteomics/metaproteomics workflows from concept to delivery (essential for SC5)

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience analysing biological samples and interpreting metaproteomics/proteomics datasets

Essential

Hands on experience operating and troubleshooting LCMS systems

Essential

Strong understanding of scientific integrity and research best practice, including reproducibility, transparent reporting, data management, and adherence to institutional and funder guidelines

Desirable

Budget management (essential for SC5)

Desirable

Experience working in a shared research platform or facility and analysing complex microbiome or environmental samples

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Ability to communicate complex analytical concepts to non‑specialists

Essential

Track record of peer-reviewed publications and/or contribution to grant funding

Essential

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

Essential

Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

High degree of scientific judgement, autonomy, and technical leadership (essential for SC5)

Desirable

Experience providing training or mentoring to students or researchers (essential for SC5)

Desirable

Experience managing or contributing to a research facility, platform, or core service (essential for SC5)

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Accurate working and record keeping

Essential

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

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, enhancing international reputation and promoting public engagement

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to act as a point of expertise and leadership for proteomics across multidisciplinary teams (applicable for SC5)

Desirable

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

Science Operations

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Metaproteomics/Proteomics Mass Spectrometrist

Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) is seeking a highly motivated and passionate Metaproteomics / Proteomics LC–MS Specialist to support our growing Meta-Omics capability. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of microbiome, health and nutrition research, developing the Quadram Meta-Omics Platform (Q-MOP).

Background:

QIB’s research is highly multidisciplinary, bringing together expertise in food science, microbiology, bioinformatics, clinical research and advanced analytics within a state-of-the-art research environment on the Norwich Research Park. Recent advances in microbiome science increasingly require a transition from identifying which microbes are present towards understanding their biological activity and functional impact on host health. To remain internationally competitive, QIB must adopt advanced LC–MS technologies capable of rapid, reproducible and ultra-sensitive data-independent acquisition (DIA) across large and complex sample cohorts.

QIB has recently procured a next-generation LC–MS system, the Orbitrap Astral Zoom, capable of delivering high-throughput, high-sensitivity metaproteomics and untargeted metabolomics. The system will form a core component of the Quadram Meta-Omics Platform (Q-MOP), supporting internal research programmes as well as providing national capability for academic, clinical, and industry users.

The role:

You will play a key role in delivering high-throughput, high-sensitivity metaproteomics and proteomics using next-generation LC–MS/MS technologies. Working with advanced instrumentation, you will develop and apply analytical workflows for complex biological samples, contributing to cutting-edge research in functional microbiomics, precision nutrition, and clinical translation.
This post is available at an SC6 level, however candidates with demonstrable knowledge and experience of the requirements indicated at an SC5 level will also be considered. 

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for someone with hands-on experience in LC–MS/MS, a strong understanding of mass spectrometry and data analysis, and a commitment to scientific integrity, reproducibility, and high-quality data generation. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across QIB and the Norwich Research Park, supporting experimental design, data interpretation, and training of researchers.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a step-change in national capability in meta-omics and to be part of a collaborative and innovative research environment.
Essential requirements include:
PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
Experience with LC–MS/MS instrumentation and proteomics workflows
Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
If you are passionate about advancing proteomics and metaproteomics in a world-leading research environment, we would love to hear from you.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC6 level post, and £45,450 to £56,750 per annum for candidates who meet the SC5 level criteria. This is a full-time permanent position.

Please include a covering letter with your application.

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:

Y:\Recruitment\Recruitment QIB\Metaproteomics - proteomics 2026\Recruitment Pack - Metaproteomics Proteomics Mass Spectrometrist March 2026.docx

The Quadram Institute is a 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 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 7 June 2026.

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