Main Purpose of the Job

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

The successful applicant will be offered either an indefinite contract or, for candidates with less experience, a five-year Career Track Group Leader position with tenure subject to review.

The role comes with a substantial support package valued at up to £500,000, including funding for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, a start-up package, consumables and other research costs, together with access to core facilities and services including next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, advanced bioimaging and Human Studies. We offer an exciting, innovative and supportive research environment, competitive salaries dependent on qualifications and experience, and relocation support for those joining us from further afield.

The successful candidate will build an independent research programme focused on developing innovative microbiome models, assays and analytical approaches to improve our mechanistic understanding of diet-microbiome-host interactions. Areas of 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 are seeking candidates who can combine technological innovation with biological insight through novel experimental systems, advanced molecular techniques, computational approaches or integrated multi-omics methodologies. Research should align with the Institute's strategic priorities in nutrition science, sustainable food systems and translational health research.

In addition to delivering high-quality research and contributing to the Institute's core objectives, the successful applicant will be expected to establish a strong external funding portfolio and develop collaborative projects with colleagues across the Institute, as well as partners in academia, industry and government.

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

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

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

Essential

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

Essential

Success in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations

Desirable

Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary research

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

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

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 – Food-Microbiome Modelling and Host-Microbe Interactions

About the Opportunity

The Quadram Institute invites applications for an ambitious and collaborative Group Leader (Professor or Associate Professor equivalent) or Career Track Group Leader (Assistant Professor equivalent) to establish an independent research programme focused on advancing our understanding of how food and food components influence the human gut microbiome and host health.

This strategic appointment will strengthen our Future Food research theme by developing new approaches, assays and model systems to investigate diet-microbiome-host interactions. The role offers an exceptional platform to build a world-leading research programme, supported by a substantial package with an equivalent value of up to £500,000, including postdoctoral research support, start-up funding, consumables, research expenses, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities.

Your Research Vision

You will develop an independent research programme focused on innovative microbiome models, assays and analytical approaches that provide new mechanistic insights into diet-microbiome-host interactions. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to:
• Advanced in vitro and ex vivo microbiome assays, including high-throughput, functional and mechanistic approaches to studying the impact of foods and food components on the microbiome.
• Diet-microbiome-health relationships and microbiome-driven mechanisms, including models of human digestion.
• Minimal, synthetic or engineered microbiome systems.
• Models and tools to investigate host-microbe metabolic interactions and microbial community dynamics, including organoid and organ-on-chip technologies.
• Development of enhanced, standardised or scalable microbiome assay platforms.

We welcome researchers who combine technological innovation with biological insight, whether through novel model systems, advanced molecular and analytical techniques, computational approaches, or integrated multi-omics methodologies. Your research should complement our strategic priorities in novel foods and nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and translational health research.

Alongside delivering against the Institute's research objectives, you will be expected to establish a strong and sustainable research funding portfolio, develop collaborative projects within the Institute and beyond, and engage with partners across industry and government.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds including microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, nutrition science, immunology, gastroenterology, analytical chemistry and bioengineering. What matters most is a clear and compelling vision for advancing microbiome science, a track record appropriate to your career stage, and a commitment to collaborative and translational research.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
• An excellent publication record.
• Success, or clear potential, in securing competitive research funding commensurate with career stage.
• Experience in establishing, leading or contributing to productive research teams.
• A clear vision for developing collaborative and impactful research programmes.

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 strategic objectives (2-3 pages each).
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Covering letter outlining your motivation for applying.

Successful applicants will be appointed either to an indefinite Group Leader position or, for candidates at an earlier stage of their independent research career, a Career Track Group Leader position on a five-year contract with tenure subject to review.

To support the successful development of your research programme, the role includes a significant support package with an equivalent value of up to £500,000, comprising:
• Postdoctoral research support.
• Start-up funding.
• Budget for consumables and other research expenses.
• Access to cutting-edge core services, including next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, advanced bioimaging, and Human Studies facilities.

You will join a collaborative and supportive research environment with competitive salary and benefits packages (dependent on qualifications and experience). Relocation support is also available.

This is an exciting opportunity to establish new capabilities in microbiome research and contribute to a deeper understanding of how food, diet and the gut microbiome influence human health.

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 6 December 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)<