Research Scientist – Fermented Foods & Nutrition

Are you passionate about nutrition science and the potential of fermented foods to transform plant-based diets? Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Maria Traka in the Food & Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

We're seeking a talented Research Scientist to join the FlavourFerm Horizon Europe project – an exciting initiative exploring how fermentation can unlock the nutritional potential of plant-based foods. Running from 2024–2028, this collaborative project will assess the healthiness of fermented food products by measuring nutritional quality and identifying their effects on gut microbiota. This role is vital in contributing to groundbreaking research shaping the future of sustainable nutrition.

The role:

You'll conduct comprehensive nutritional analysis of fermented foods, focusing on amino acid composition, vitamin B12 isoforms, and nutrient bioaccessibility. Using advanced techniques including LC-MS/MS and in vitro gastrointestinal models (INFOGEST protocols, batch colon models, SHIME), you'll evaluate how fermentation impacts nutritional value and gut health. You'll collaborate with the project team and international partners, disseminating findings through scientific publications and presentations.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Nutrition Sciences or related discipline, with strong knowledge of protein/amino acid composition, B12, and fermented food science. Experience with INFOGEST protocols and static in vitro models of gastrointestinal metabolism is essential.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 25 months.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and research interests (via the ‘Apply’ button above).

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website or contact the Human Resources team quoting reference 1004972.

Interviews are to be held on the 14 and 24 November 2025.

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 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.

About the Quadram Institute:

The Quadram Institute is a world-leading research Institute at the forefront of food and gut microbiome science. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute. (https://quadram.ac.uk/).

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

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