Research and Innovation Fellow in Gut Microbiome Impact of Alternative Proteins (GutMAP)

We are looking for a Research and Innovation Fellow to join a project funded by the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). NAPIC is a £38m entity (including a £15m UKRI investment) to lead the UK’s alternative protein knowledge and Innovation ecosystem. NAPIC’s vision is to make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet. The centre is led by the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London and the James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with over 100 national and international partners. NAPIC is a cohesive pan-UK centre poised to revolutionise the UK’s agri-food sector by harnessing our world-leading science base through a co-created alternative protein strategy across the Discovery → Innovation → Commercialisation pipeline to support the transition to a sustainable, high growth, blended protein bioeconomy. NAPIC features four integrated activity streams: research to address innovation challenges; a national alternative protein knowledge base; workforce of the future; and accessible Innovation facilities.

This particular project will use a combination of in vitro models of the human colonic microbiota, small-scale human dietary interventions, analytical chemistry and both culture-based and culture-independent measurement of the gut microbiome to assess the impact of new and alternative proteins on gut health. Specifically, this project will measure the ability of new/alternative proteins to modify the composition of the gut microbiota, influence microbial production of beneficial metabolites (e.g. short chain fatty acids, amino acids and derivatives, bile acids, small phenolic acids) and improve markers human gut health (e.g. intestinal permeability and inflammation). 

This position will generate new data on the gut health properties of new and alternative proteins and in collaboration with other NAPIC researchers, generate an multi-functional database of new and alternative protein functional properties, which using AI/ML will then be used to develop predictive relationships between the fundamental properties of the individual proteins: amino acid sequence (e.g., from the Protein Data Bank); extent of digestion, production of beneficial metabolites, modulation of the gut microbiota and regulation of human gut health markers. The overall aim is to develop a model testing system to establish the ability of new and alternative proteins to support human gut health, and enable population based transition to a low animal protein diet by delivering nutritious, health promoting alternative protein foods. 

You will join a highly dynamic, interdisciplinary team focusing on the whole theme of alternative proteins, collaborating with a wide range of academics and industrial partners, helping to run workshops and outreach activities as well as conducting your own research program. 

You will have a PhD or near completion in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Biochemistry, or Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline together with a strong background in gut microbiome and functional foods. You will also have a positive attitude to collaborative research and the drive to make a significant contribution to making this ground-breaking project a success.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Kieran Tuohy, Chair of Energy Metabolism & Microbiome

Email: K.M.Tuohy@leeds.ac.uk 

Further Details:
Candidate Brief

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