Group Leader

We are looking for an exceptional scientist with a research focus on nutrition- and microbiome-based interventions for the prevention and management of obesity. For more information, please click here. 

You will join other world class Principal Investigators and research scientists within the ‘Food, Microbiome and Health’ research programme at the Quadram Institute. The priorities for this programme are to improve our understanding of how novel foods influence nutrient bioavailability and the gut microbiome to promote lifelong health and prevent disease. We conduct trials of novel foods as well as mechanistic studies to understand how diet-microbiome interactions shape the host’s metabolic, physical, and mental health, with the goal of developing innovative food- and microbiome-based approaches that reduce the burden of obesity and related metabolic conditions. Our team have established knowledge and expertise that brings together excellence in food science and structure, gut microbiome and host function. Our science is underpinned by expertise and capability in (bio)imaging, multi-omics and bioinformatics, microbiology, integrated digestion and fermentation models of the human gut, in vitro systems including organ-on-chip, in vivo preclinical models as well as human interventions.

At the Quadram Institute, a state-of-the-art facility based in Norwich, we are pursuing a forward-looking strategy to advance healthy living through evidence-based precision nutrition and microbiome-targeted interventions aimed at preventing metabolic diseases, including malnutrition and obesity.

We are seeking outstanding scientists who combine scientific excellence with a clear vision for advancing innovative research at the Quadram Institute, leveraging our substantial capabilities and expertise to help consolidate the Institute as a global leader in food–microbiome research for life-long health. 

Applicants should have an excellent track record in an area of research that can address the strategic aims of the programme, particularly diet-microbiome-host interactions and their contribution to metabolic health and disease that will underpin new microbiome-based strategies to prevent obesity. Successful candidates will have an excellent publication record and evidence of establishing and supporting a productive research group supported by national research council (e.g., UKRI or equivalent) grants at a level commensurate for their career stage. Candidates should also have a clear vision for collaborative research.

In addition to delivering on Institute core research objectives, the successful applicant is expected to develop a broad research grant portfolio that includes collaborative projects with other scientists in the institute and beyond, and with 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.

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 100 microbiology research groups working across the Park. 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).

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 with an equivalent value up to £500,000, including a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, start-up package, budget for consumables and other research expenses, and access to core services including next generation sequencing and bioinformatics, advanced bioimaging, and Human Studies. 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. 

Please apply via the 'Apply' button above.

Completed applications should 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.

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. 

Closing date for applications is 18 January 2026.

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