Senior Research Associate in Functional Microbiome Research

Starting salary from £38,249 per annum with an annual increment up to £45,413 per annum

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join the Norwich Medical School to conduct studies on the functional role of the microbiome in Salmonella infections. Salmonellosis is a major foodborne infection in the EU and can lead to chronic inflammation and colon cancer. In addition, Salmonella infections of livestock, particularly chicken, represent an important source of transmission and result in considerable economic loss. In this project, we will explore the potential of the gut microbiome in protecting against Salmonella infections in humans and chickens. To this aim, we will establish physiologically relevant organoid models which allow co-culture of intestinal epithelia with oxygen-sensitive microbial consortia. We will subsequently apply these systems to identify anaerobic bacteria with antagonistic activities against salmonellae, and to characterize activities of specific gut commensals mediating protection against salmonellosis in humans and chickens. By combining competitive growth experiments, novel human and chicken intestinal organoid models, Omics approaches, and bioinformatic data integration, we will be able to determine functional Salmonella-microbiome-host interactions. This will inform strategies for targeted probiotic therapies which will benefit human and animal health and reduce the use of antibiotics.

The project will be carried out in the Schüller Lab based at the Norwich Medical School in collaboration with the team of Thilo Fuchs at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Jena, Germany. 

As a Senior Research Associate, you will have a PhD in microbiology, cell or molecular biology or similar. You will have experience of independent research, publications in respected journals within the field and be able to work in a proactive and results driven manner in a high paced environment. You will have some experience in working with bacterial pathogens and/or anaerobic gut commensals; culture of cell lines, primary cells or organoids; techniques to assess gene and protein expression (qPCR, RNA-seq, Western blotting) and cell imaging.

You will be able to analyse and interpret data, write up results and present information on research progress and outcomes. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to grant applications and may be involved in the supervision of researchers and teaching of students within the School.

You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills and work effectively as part of a team.

This full-time post is available from 1 July 2025 on a fixed term basis for 36 months.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days, can be found on our benefits page.

Closing date: 6 June 2025

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

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