Group Leader in Functional Microbiome Research

Applications are invited for a Group Leader in Functional Microbiome Research to join the laboratory of Professor Daniel Figeys at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background: 

The Quadram Institute is a cutting-edge £75 million facility with strategic research programmes in Food, Microbiome and Health, and Microbes and Food Safety.   We bring together a diverse team of researchers, academics, and NHS clinicians to tackle pressing issues in human health, food, and disease. Our innovative approach bridges food science, gut biology, and human health, leveraging the world-class bioscience cluster at Norwich Research Park.  

The role: 

As part of our Food, Microbiome and Health research programme, focuses on the relationships between plant-based foods and human health, we are looking to bring in a forward-thinking and team-focused group leader to help us deliver world-class research on precision microbiome ex vivo assays and precision microbiome intervention trials. 

We particularly encourage applications in the following key areas of interest: 

1. Development of precision microbiome interventions focused on modulating specific microbiome metabolites important in health and diseases using prebiotics, FMT or other xenobiotics.
2. Development and application of functional microbiome high-throughput ex vivo assays combining different analytical read out including metagenomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics. 

The ideal candidate: 

Applicants should have experience in the utilisation of bioinformatic software to combine multi-omics data as well as research experience in the field of functional microbiome assays, clinical studies and/or clinical intervention trials. Experience in metaproteomics would be a strong asset. 

Applicants will have a clear vision for collaborative research and demonstrates potential for attracting funding. Collaboration is at our core, and we value partnerships with scientists within our institute, across the UK, and globally, as well as with industry and government. 

They will have an established record of postdoctoral research, collaborative research, effective management of projects and an excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career. 

Additional information:

The successful applicant will be offered an indefinite contract. Positions come with a significant support package, including a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, budget for consumables and other research expenses, and access to core services such as genome sequencing and advanced microbial bioimaging. 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.

Completed applications should be submitted on our website and must include:
• A description of (i) current research activities and (ii) short and longer-term research aims and potential strategic goals (each 2-3 pages);
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Covering letter outlining your motivation to apply for the Group Leader position.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website via the 'Apply' button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004895. 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 equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society.  The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects 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 28 May 2025. 

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