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- Tasks: Investigate how fermented plant-based foods influence gut health using machine learning.
- Company: Join the innovative Quadram Institute Bioscience in Norwich, UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable nutrition and health with cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in biology, bioinformatics, or related field; experience in microbiology and data analysis.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams across Europe and excellent career development.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 43350 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scientist position in the Hildebrand group at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.
Microbial fermentation of plant‑based foods is increasingly used to recreate the taste, texture, and nutritional qualities of meat, while improving environmental sustainability. Optimising production of plant‑based foods and ensuring consumer acceptance remain important challenges, further complicated by new and diverse fermentation approaches.
In the FlavourFerm consortium, partners develop novel fermented plant‑based foods. This advertised research position will investigate how these foods influence the human gut microbiome and offer potential benefits to host health. Taste and texture of these foods will be predicted from microbial fermentation consortia. Specifically, microbes will be identified that affect fermentation outcomes. Building on previous work from the host group, we will develop machine learning tools to model microbial communities and their impact.
The successful applicant will work within the Hildebrand and Traka groups, integrated in the H2020 international FlavourFerm consortium. Prof Hildebrand studies the diversity, interactions, and evolution of microbial communities using high‑resolution metagenomics and custom software tools. The group is jointly based at the Quadram Institute Bioscience and the Earlham Institute, developing widely used bioinformatics tools. Dr Traka leads the UK national resource Food & Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure, focused on automated food categorisation using AI. FlavourFerm combines microbiologists, machine learning and food scientists, to develop the next generation of healthy and sustainable nutrition. Close collaborations across Europe, attendance and participation in workshops and consortium meetings is required.
The ideal applicant holds a PhD (or equivalent) in biology, bioinformatics, computer science or a related discipline, being experienced in bioinformatics, (meta)genomics data, and microbiology. Knowledge in AI, machine learning, microbial pathogens, microbiology of fermentation, comparative genomics and analysing microbial communities will be beneficial. Specialized skills will be taught and developed through mentorship and collaborations.
Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £43,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full‑time post until 30 April 2028.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects all employees to share and display these values. We have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
The closing date for applications is 17 May 2026. Interviews are planned for week commencing 1 June 2026.
Research Scientist (Data Science) in Norwich employer: QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE
Contact Detail:
QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist (Data Science) in Norwich
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to bioinformatics or machine learning. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions in your field and practising your responses. Be ready to discuss your past work and how it relates to the role at the Quadram Institute. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance of landing that Research Scientist position. It shows you’re serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist (Data Science) in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience in bioinformatics, machine learning, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in microbial fermentation and data analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about plant-based foods and how your background aligns with our work at the FlavourFerm consortium. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Showcase Relevant Skills: Don’t forget to mention any specialized skills you have in AI, (meta)genomics, or microbiology. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and the exciting challenges we face in optimising plant-based food production.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of microbial fermentation and its impact on plant-based foods. Familiarise yourself with the latest research in the field, especially anything related to the gut microbiome and machine learning applications in bioinformatics.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with (meta)genomics data and any relevant projects you've worked on. Be ready to explain how your background in biology, bioinformatics, or computer science makes you a great fit for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the FlavourFerm consortium's goals, the specific challenges they face in developing fermented foods, or how they integrate machine learning into their research.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The team at the Quadram Institute Bioscience values collaboration and diversity, so showing your enthusiasm and passion for the subject can really make you stand out.