At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a collaborative team to explore RNAi's role in fungal adaptation and gene regulation.
- Company: Quadram Institute, a leading research hub focused on gut health and microbiology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research that promotes health and prevents disease.
- Qualifications: PhD in Genetics or Molecular Biology with hands-on experience in genetic manipulation.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 45350 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Laboratory at the Quadram Institute. This Wellcome Trust–funded project investigates how RNA interference (RNAi) regulates Candida albicans adaptation to host environments and contributes to the commensal to pathogen transition. This position is highly collaborative and contributes to a multidisciplinary effort to uncover how RNAi coordinates chromatin structure, genome stability and transcriptional responses during adaptation.
The post holder will support other lab members, troubleshoot and contribute to collaborative data interpretation, and participate in scientific publications and conference presentations. The post holder will be based at the Quadram Institute and will work closely with Prof Alessia Buscaino and members of her research group, as well as collaborating with two external partners: Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University).
The role
- Lead experimental work integrating (epi)genomics and genetics approaches to determine how RNAi shapes genome organization and interacts with other epigenetic processes to facilitate fungal adaptation.
- Conduct chromatin profiling experiments (e.g., ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq) and Hi-C analysis in wild-type and RNAi-defective strains under different host-relevant gut conditions.
- Investigate how RNAi contributes to reversible, non-DNA-encoded regulation of gene expression.
- Generate and analyze RNAi mutants using molecular genetics; collaborate with the team’s bioinformatician to design robust genomics and epigenomics strategies.
- Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and the dissemination of findings at national and international meetings.
The ideal candidate
- PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology or related disciplines.
- Strong understanding of RNAi biology coupled with a solid foundation in epigenetics.
- Practical experience with genetic manipulation, including generating mutants and conducting functional assays.
Additional information
- Salary on appointment within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
- Full-time post for a contract of 24 months.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit the Quadram Institute Jobs site or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or email, quoting reference 1006027. This role meets the criteria for a visa application; qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. If you have questions regarding your application or visa options, please contact the Human Resources Team.
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. We offer family, religious and diversity-friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their 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 is 12 February 2026. The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Research Scientist (RNAi Epigenetics) employer: Findauniversity Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Findauniversity Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist (RNAi Epigenetics)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the field! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meet-ups related to RNAi and epigenetics. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with genetic manipulation and functional assays. We want to see you shine and demonstrate how your skills align perfectly with the role!
✨Be Ready for Collaboration
Since this role is all about teamwork, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in past projects. We love seeing candidates who can work well with others, especially in multidisciplinary settings like the Quadram Institute.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through the Quadram Institute Jobs site! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re all about making the process as smooth as possible for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist (RNAi Epigenetics)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Scientist role. Highlight your PhD and any relevant experience in RNAi biology and epigenetics. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're excited about this position and how you can contribute to our team. Be enthusiastic and show us your passion for research and collaboration!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t forget to include specific examples of your practical experience with genetic manipulation and any relevant projects you've worked on. We love seeing how you've applied your knowledge in real-world scenarios!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through the Quadram Institute Jobs site. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Findauniversity Ltd.
✨Know Your RNAi Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of RNA interference and its role in epigenetics. Be prepared to discuss how RNAi regulates gene expression and its implications in fungal adaptation, as this will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since the role involves hands-on experimental work, be ready to talk about your experience with techniques like ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and Hi-C analysis. Bring examples of past projects where you successfully used these methods to demonstrate your practical expertise.
✨Collaboration is Key
This position is highly collaborative, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share specific examples of how you've worked with others in a lab setting, especially in troubleshooting or data interpretation, to show that you're a team player who can contribute effectively.
✨Prepare for Scientific Discussions
Expect to discuss your previous research and how it relates to the work at the Quadram Institute. Be ready to explain your findings clearly and how they could contribute to the ongoing projects in the Buscaino Laboratory, as well as your interest in scientific publications and presentations.