Research Scientist (Data Science)

Microbial fermentation of plant-based foods is increasingly used to recreate the taste, texture, and nutritional qualities of meat, while improving environmental sustainability. Optimising the 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 are developing novel fermented plant-based foods. This 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 also be predicted from microbial fermentation consortia. Specifically, microbes will be identified that affect fermentation outcomes and machine learning tools will be developed to model microbial communities and their impact. In the longer term, this research will support the development of human‑centric fermented foods that are safe, appealing, and environmentally sustainable.

The successful applicant will work within the Hildebrand and Traka groups, integrated in the H2020 international FlavourFerm consortium. Professor Hildebrand studies the diversity, interactions, and evolution of microbial communities using high‑resolution metagenomics and custom software tools, and the group is jointly based at the Quadram Institute Bioscience and the Earlham Institute developing widely used bioinformatic 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. The project requires close collaborations across Europe; attendance at workshops and consortium meetings is required.

The ideal applicant holds a PhD (or equivalent) in biology, bioinformatics, computer science or a related discipline, and is experienced in bioinformatics, (meta)genomic 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.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006100.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. 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. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The Quadram Institute is located on the Norwich Research Park, one of Europe’s largest single‑site concentrations of research in food, genomics, and health. The Park hosts four BBSRC institutes (including Quadram), around 17,000 students, 3,000 researchers and clinicians, and more than 115 companies. Norwich is regularly ranked among the top UK cities to live in, known for its historic city centre and vibrant food and coffee culture. In 2026 it was named the “best UK city to live in”.

The closing date for applications will be 17 May 2026. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 1st June 2026.