Research Scientist (Soil Metagenomics)

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Hildebrand at Quadram Institute, Norwich, UK.

Background: This post is part of the NERC project “Identifying novel microbial drivers to mitigate atmospheric methane emission”. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, and we aim to reveal the role of ammonia oxidizing Archaea in methane oxidation in the environment. The project will determine how methane affects soil microbial communities, and how specific soil microorganisms respond to methane and metabolise it.

The role: The project holder will use metagenomics to profile both taxonomic and functional compositions of for SIP-enriched metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing and functional-targeted amplicon sequencing data, interpreting experiments conducted in the laboratory of Prof Laura Lehtovirta-Morley. The bioinformatic tools will be developed to analyse and correct these data types, the statistical workflows established to interpret and understand how microorganisms respond to methane in both pristine and laboratory-based soil communities, building on tools available in the Hildebrand group.

The ideal candidate: The applicant needs to hold 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

The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in soil microbiology and biogeochemical cycling, and experience in conducting scientific experiments independently. Basic statistics and programming skills (either R, python, Perl, C++, or equivalent) is expected. Specialized skills will be taught and developed through mentorship and collaborations.

Additional information: Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,720 to £42,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 9 months, potentially extensible for a further 9 months. For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website (reference 1004912). This role meets the criteria for a visa application and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

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 new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. 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.

The closing date for applications will be 8 July 2025. The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.