Group Leader (Microbes and Food Safety)

We are looking for a highly motivated, proactive individual to lead a research programme contributing to our goals of reducing foodborne illness through improved food safety and reducing food waste due to microbial spoilage.

The post holder will join a vibrant cohort of world class scientists who collectively contribute to achieving the strategic aims of the ‘Microbes and Food Safety’ research programme. The priorities for this programme are to understand and develop interventions to reduce enduring and emerging threats to food safety and security. Our team have expertise that brings together excellence in imaging, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics and mathematical modelling in understanding how bacteria exist and thrive as communities across the food chain.

The Quadram Institute is a new, state-of-the-art facility based in Norwich that undertakes research in the study of key foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms, including Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella and Pseudomonas. We are now seeking to bring in a forward-thinking group leader capable of contributing to this existing body of work whilst also developing their own research programme, exploiting the considerable resources available and helping to consolidate the Quadram Institute as a world leader in food safety and food security research. We particularly encourage applications in the following key areas of interest:

1. Microbial imaging: championing the use of advanced microbial bioimaging / super-resolution microscopy to reveal insight on microbial communities, such as biofilms, in matrices relevant to food safety and spoilage; and/or
2. Multi ‘omics data integration and analysis: developing and applying cutting-edge informatics tools, such as machine learning and AI, to large-scale genomic/imaging/metagenomic/transcriptomic datasets to address relevant food safety and spoilage questions; and/or
3. Molecular biology/pathobiology of key foodborne pathogen or food spoilage microbes: utilising the latest molecular tools to understand the biology and/or genetics of relevant organisms of interest for food safety or spoilage, particularly in the wider community context in which microbial hazards exist across the food chain

Applicants should have experience and a track record in at least one of the key areas of interest above. Successful candidates will have a good publication record and obvious potential for attracting funding commensurate for their career stage, and most importantly, have a clear vision for collaborative research to reduce the burden of foodborne pathogens or spoilage organisms in the food chain. Collaboration is a core value at the Quadram Institute, and we encourage collaboration not only with other scientists in the institute and with other UK or global researchers, but also with food safety stakeholders in industry and government.

The post will be based at the £75m Quadram Institute, an interdisciplinary research institute at the forefront of a new era in food and health research. The institute provides outstanding and custom-built facilities which bring together medical and molecular microbiologists, epidemiologists, bioinformaticians and clinicians to deliver pioneering interdisciplinary research focused on microbes in the food chain.

The Quadram Institute supports flexible, innovative working that brings together our scientists with partners co-located on the renowned Norwich Research Park including the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory and the Earlham Institute. Our team are also members of the recently established Centre for Microbial Interactions, a virtual centre bringing together the more than 75 microbiology research groups working across the Park.

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. 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. Norwich, the City of Stories, is a magnificent medieval city that is rich in arts and sciences, while being a short distance from London (two hours by train).

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our web site https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004652.

At Quadram Institute Bioscience we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.  We value the diversity of our staff and are committed to creating a positive environment, one that is fair, welcoming and inclusive, and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 

In line with our QIB values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence, our vision is to deliver high quality science in an inspiring environment where everyone is welcome.  We encourage our people to develop, as individuals, to their highest potential in a respectful and inclusive organisation. 

Please follow this QIB Group Leader Recruitment Pack for further information regarding the role of Group Leader (Microbes and Food Safety). Applicants are encouraged to apply with a CV and covering letter explaining why you are suitable for the role.

Diversity is key to our success, and we work hard to make sure we’re inclusive. Please let us know if you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best.

For more details of our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, see our website: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - Quadram Institute

Closing Date: 5 June 2024