Group Leader in Norwich

We are looking for an exceptional scientist with a research focus on nutrition- and microbiome-based interventions for the prevention and management of obesity. Driven by our vision to deliver healthier lives through multidisciplinary expertise and specialised core infrastructure, we are seeking an innovative group leader with a collaborative approach to advance transformative research on the interactions between foods, the gut microbiome, and the host, and their impact on preventing obesity and metabolic disease. In partnership with colleagues and stakeholders, the post holder will drive innovative research initiatives and programmes to tackle these critical questions.

Key Relationships

• Internal: All employees working at the Quadram Institute, including QIB, UEA and NHS colleagues. NBI Partnership.
• External: UKRI, BBSRC, Norwich Research Park, other scientific institutions and educational bodies, industry, governmental organisations, general public.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-profile and innovative projects aimed at advancing our understanding of diet-microbiome-host interactions and developing strategies to improve host health and resilience to obesity and metabolic disease.
• Secure significant funding in accordance with the expectations of the discipline and level of the role.
• Build and sustain strong collaborations and partnerships with researchers, institutions, industry, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead and manage research teams, taking responsibility for the delivery of the research. This will include supervising Post-Doctoral Research Assistants, supporting effective career development and maintaining high levels of performance representative of a world class institute.
• Write and publish high quality and significant research papers together with providing expert commentary in a variety of media.
• Promote a culture of world class science excellence, collaboration, and scientific integrity across the Institute.
• Develop pertinent research strategies for the Institute to deliver high social and economic impact.
• Promote our research and develop business opportunities for the Institute by liaising with and influencing government, industry and other external partners.
• Disseminate research findings and consolidate the Institute’s international reputation through participation in international conference and exhibitions.
• As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications Requirement: PhD in a relevant discipline such as obesity research, host pathophysiology (including the gut and associated metabolic organs), or microbial/molecular biology of the gut microbiota.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive knowledge of areas related to obesity, gut microbiome, and host-microbiome, metabolic and immune responses, and the development of nutrition- and microbiome-based interventions to tackle obesity.
• Substantial knowledge of and skills in a relevant area, such as mechanistic or proof-of-concept human studies, modelling obesity in preclinical models, microbiome profiling, dependent on the key area of interest.
• A track record of research into subjects relevant to the key areas of interest and the Food Microbiome and Health strategic interests.

Relevant Experience

• Experience in host-microbiome interactions during obesity.
• An excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• Established record of post-doctoral research, including effective management of projects.
• Evidence of experience of – or potential for – attracting funding, commensurate with stage of career.
• Experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance.
• Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary research.
• Success in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations.

Management and Leadership Requirement: Experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Strong collaboration skills.
• Ability to create, build, strengthen and sustain highly effective relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with all people at all levels both inside and outside the institute.

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail.
• Promotes equality and values diversity.
• Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work.
• Presents a positive image of self and the Institute, enhancing international reputation and promoting public engagement.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally related to collaborations and/or seminars.
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate.