Main Purpose of the Job

Quadram Institute Bioscience is seeking applications for a Trustee Director position from professionals who have director level or equivalent expertise and are interested in supporting its research and role in improving human health.

This role is an exciting opportunity to have significant impact on an organisation in a unique partnership between science, academia and health research, as the Institute enters a phase of significant growth and increased global impact.

Trustees are collectively responsible for ensuring the effective governance and long-term sustainability of Quadram Institute Bioscience.

Key Relationships

Working directly with clinicians in a new state-of-the-art building (which houses both the Institute and the Gastroenterology unit of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and academics from the University of East Anglia) QIB scientists have expertise across food science, microbiology, the microbiome, biomathematics and clinical research. 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Contributing to the development and oversight of the Institute's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with its mission, values and charitable objectives.

Providing independent judgement, constructive challenge and strategic advice to support effective decision-making by the Board and Executive.

Acting in the best interests of the Institute at all times and upholding the duties and responsibilities of a company director and charity trustee

Taking collective responsibility for ensuring the probity, financial sustainability and good governance of the Institute and, where necessary, accountability to the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies.

Preparing for and attending Board meetings and other governance meetings, committing approximately 10-12 days per annum to the role. Trustees are expected to maintain regular attendance and active participation in Board business.

Serving on Board committees or working groups as required and contributing expertise to support their effectiveness.

Acting as an ambassador for the Institute, promoting its interests and enhancing its reputation nationally and internationally.

Supporting the Institute's engagement with key stakeholders, including government, UKRI, industry partners, funders and the wider research community.

Demonstrating a commitment to the Institute's values, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Holds a degree either in a scientific subject related to the work of QIB or relating to an area of specialism the Institute is currently seeking to add to the board

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Senior scientific and leadership role within a Research Organisation

Essential

Senior level experience in the UK research funding environment

Essential

Senior experience in knowledge transfer and translation, (commercial or public benefit)

Essential

Significant recent experience of working at a Senior level in a complex multi-stakeholder environment

Essential

Significant recent experience of managing staff and resources (£5m +) in a Director level, or equivalent senior role

Essential

Experience of strategic leadership in a research or academic environment

Essential

Significant experience of leading committees as a non-executive director or Trustee Director

Essential

Ideally have experience of effective interactions with government departments and senior representatives including other professional established networks

Essential

Experience in a research or academic environment is desirable, but not essential

Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to express complex information in a concise and straightforward manner

Essential

Proven ability to build and maintain constructive professional relationships and able to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences

Essential

Clear strategic thinking, with the ability to analyse complex information, demonstrate clear analytical intellect and guide rational decision making

Essential

Work collaboratively, building consensus in decision making

Essential

Ability to assess risk and promote risk awareness without being risk averse

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Experience of following the ‘Charity Governance Code’ and other good governance guidance

Essential

Enthusiastic about the mission of Quadram Institute Bioscience

Essential

An understanding and experience of commercial research

Essential

Experience of working with funding agencies

Essential

Sufficient time to undertake the role of Trustee Director and to travel to meetings as required (most meetings are held in Norwich, Norfolk, though occasional travel to London may also be required)

Essential

Not disqualified from being a company director

Essential

No conflict of interest with the business of the Institute (e.g. CEO of company tendering to supply the Institute; or with which the Institute has significant financial dealings; or with which/whom the Institute is in direct competition)

Essential

Able to build open and effective relationships

Essential

Sympathy with the work of the Institute, recognising this requires work with animals

Essential

A good understanding of and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

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

Directorate

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Trustee Director of the Quadram Institute Bioscience

Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) is at the forefront of the new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.

QIB is strategically supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) of UK Research and Innovation. Through partnership with the BBSRC, the University of East Anglia (UEA), and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), the aim of the Quadram Institute is to deliver world-leading expertise in food science, microbiology, bioinformatics, and clinical research.

Located on the Norwich Research Park, the Quadram Institute combines excellent patient care and clinical research from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital alongside QIB’s scientific expertise in food, nutrition and health.

This Trustee Director role is an exciting opportunity to have significant impact on an organisation in a unique partnership between science, academia and health research, as the Institute enters a phase of significant growth and increased global impact.

What we are looking for:

Quadram Institute Bioscience is seeking applications for a Trustee Director position from professionals who have director level or equivalent expertise and are interested in supporting its research and role in improving human health.

Trustees are collectively responsible for ensuring the effective governance and long-term sustainability of QIB.  Key responsibilities include:
• Contributing to the development and oversight of the Institute's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with its mission, values and charitable objectives.
• Providing independent judgement, constructive challenge and strategic advice to support effective decision-making by the Board and Executive.
• Acting in the best interests of the Institute at all times and upholding the duties and responsibilities of a company director and charity trustee.
• Taking collective responsibility for ensuring the probity, financial sustainability and good governance of the Institute and, where necessary, accountability to the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies.
• Preparing for and attending Board meetings and other governance meetings, committing approximately 10-12 days per annum to the role. Trustees are expected to maintain regular attendance and active participation in Board business.
• Serving on Board committees or working groups as required and contributing expertise to support their effectiveness.
• Acting as an ambassador for the Institute, promoting its interests and enhancing its reputation nationally and internationally.
• Supporting the Institute's engagement with key stakeholders, including government, UKRI, industry partners, funders and the wider research community.
• Demonstrating a commitment to the Institute's values, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.

Trustees will bring substantial leadership experience together with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Scientific research and innovation
• Commercialisation, knowledge exchange and translation of research into impact
• Business leadership, entrepreneurship or organisational growth
• Industry engagement and strategic partnerships
• Public policy, government relations and stakeholder engagement

More information about the role can be found in the QIB Trustee Recruitment Pack.

How to apply

Interested applicants are invited to apply online by submitting a CV and a cover letter stating what motivates them to apply for a Trustee Director position at QIB.

Closing Date for applications is 31st August 2026

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