Group Leader – Food-Microbiome Modelling and Host–Microbe Interactions in Norwich

We’re looking for an ambitious and collaborative Group Leader (Prof. or Assoc. Prof equivalent) or Career Track Group Leader (Assistant Prof. equivalent) to develop an independent research program pioneering next-generation microbiome assays and model systems to explore the impact of food and food components on the human gut microbiome. This strategic appointment joining our Future Food research theme will establish new capabilities for advancing our understanding of how novel foods and diet shape human health through the gut microbiome and interrogating host‑microbiome interactions, and beyond.

You will build an independent research program focused on developing innovative in vitro microbiome models, assays, or analytical approaches that advance our mechanistic understanding of diet‑microbiome‑host interactions. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• Cutting-edge in vitro and ex vivo microbiome assays, including high‑throughput, functional, and mechanistic assays of food and food components impact on the microbiome
• Diet‑microbiome‑health relationships and microbiome‑driven mechanisms, including models of human digestion
• Minimal, synthetic, or engineered microbiome models
• Tools to study host‑microbe metabolic interactions and microbial community dynamics including organ‑on‑chip and organoid models
• Development of enhanced, standardised, or scalable microbiome assay platforms

We seek candidates who can bridge technological innovation with biological insight, whether through novel in vitro systems, advanced molecular techniques, computational methods, or integrated multi‑omics approaches. Your research should align with our strategic priorities in novel foods and nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and translational health research.

In addition to delivering on Institute core research objectives, the successful applicant is expected to develop a broad research grant portfolio that includes collaborative projects with other scientists in the institute and beyond, and with stakeholders in industry and government.

We welcome applications from diverse disciplinary backgrounds including microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, nutrition science, immunology, gastroenterology, analytical chemistry, and bioengineering. What matters most is your vision for advancing microbiome science through innovative methodological approaches and your enthusiasm for collaborative, translational research. Successful candidates will have an excellent publication record and evidence of establishing and supporting a productive research group supported by national research council (e.g., UKRI or equivalent) grants at a level commensurate for their career stage. Candidates should also have a clear vision for collaborative research.

The successful applicant will be offered an indefinite contract, or for applicants with less experience, a Career Track Group Leader position (5‑year contract) with tenure subject to review. Positions come with a significant support package with an equivalent value up to £500,000, including a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, start‑up package, budget for consumables and other research expenses, and access to core services including next generation sequencing and bioinformatics, advanced bioimaging, and Human Studies.

We offer an exciting, innovative and supportive research environment, competitive salaries (depending on qualifications and experience) and a great place to live – a relocation package is available.

Join us in transforming our understanding of how food structure, composition, and the microbiome intersect to influence human health.

The closing date for applications will be 30 June 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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. We are a registered charity (No. 1058499) and an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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