Research Scientist (Metagenomics)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the laboratory of Prof Falk Hildebrand at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.

Background:

The human microbiome is shared among family members in all life stages (doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.05.008). To investigate potential mechanisms and the impact on bacterial evolution, we created the PEARL-AGE cohort in Norwich (https://quadram.ac.uk/pearl-agestudy/), collecting samples from multi-generational families longitudinally, as well as biodata.

The role:

The project will investigate how bacterial genomes evolve in closely related family members. Specifically, adaptation to individuals through genetic mutation and DNA modification will be investigated, relying on 3rd generation DNA sequencing from hundreds of faecal metagenomes.

The project will investigate the following questions: Which gut microbes are most prone to colonise family members, and what are likely genetic determinants? How can some bacteria persist for decades in the same host? Are there unique genetic adaptations to each host or each host family?

The environment:

The Hildebrand group (https://falk.science) uses metagenomics to research the diversity, interactions, and evolution of microbial communities using custom software solutions. The group is jointly based at the Quadram Institute Bioscience and Earlham Institute, to bridge data and life science, developing software such as LotuS3 and MATAFILER and pushing the limits of high-resolution metagenomics (https://github.com/falklab).

The ideal candidate:

The ideal applicant holds a PhD (or equivalent) in biology, bioinformatics, computer science or a related discipline, with a background and/or interest in at least one of the following subjects:

• Microbiomes & biodiversity
• Metagenomics & patient cohorts
• Ecology & evolution

Experience in conducting scientific experiments independently, writing papers, scientific presentations is required.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £43,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 24 months.

For further information and details of how to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006099.

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.

About the Quadram Institute:

The Quadram Institute is located on the Norwich Research Park, one of Europe’s largest single-site concentrations of research in food, genomics, and health. The Park hosts four BBSRC institutes (including Quadram), around 17,000 students, 3,000 researchers and clinicians, and more than 115 companies. Its researchers are internationally recognized, with 10 scientists ranked among the top 1% of the world’s most highly cited, including Prof Hildebrand (2024 & 2025).

The closing date for applications will be 17 May 2026. Interviews are planned for week commencing 1 June 2026. 

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

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