Group Leader – Microbiome Modelling and Host–Microbe Interactions

The Quadram Institute invites applications for an ambitious and collaborative Group Leader or Career Track Group Leader to pioneer the development of next-generation microbiome assays and model systems. This strategic appointment joining our Food, Microbiome and Health research theme will establish new capabilities for interrogating host–microbiome interactions and advance understanding of how diet shapes human health through the gut microbiome and beyond.

Your Research Vision

You will build an independent research program focused on developing innovative microbiome models, assays, or analytical approaches that advance mechanistic understanding of diet–microbiome–host interactions. Areas of particular interest include:

• Minimal, synthetic, or engineered microbiome models
• Cutting-edge in vitro and ex vivo microbiome assays, including high-throughput, functional, and mechanistic assays
• Tools to study host–microbe metabolic interactions and microbial community dynamics, including organ-on-chip and organoid models
• Diet–microbiome–health relationships and microbiome-driven mechanisms, including models of human digestion
• 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 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.

Who Should Apply

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.

Completed applications should include:

• A description of (i) current research activities and (ii) short and longer-term research aims and potential strategic goals (each 2–3 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Covering letter outlining your motivation to apply for the Group Leader position

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

Key Relationships

Internal: All employees working at the Quadram Institute, including QIB, UEA and NHS colleagues.

External: UKRI, BBSRC, Norwich Research Park, other scientific institutions and educational bodies, industry, governmental organisations, general public.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Secure significant funding in accordance with the expectations of the discipline and level of the role.
• Lead and manage research teams, 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 and provide 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 by liaising with and influencing government, industry and external partners.
• Disseminate research findings and consolidate the Institute’s international reputation through participation in international conferences and exhibitions.
• As agreed with line manager, perform other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.
• Lead and manage high profile and innovative projects focused on relevant science, as self-contained projects or part of broader institutional programmes.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

• PhD in relevant scientific area - Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with modern approaches to understand the form and function of the gut microbiome and its response to nutrients, xenobiotics, drugs, etc. - Essential
• A track record of research into subjects relevant to the key areas of interest and the Food, Microbiome and Health program - Essential
• Experience integrating microbiome research with nutrition, food science, or clinical contexts - Desirable
• Proven expertise in developing, validating, or applying microbiome-relevant experimental models, assays, or analytical methods - Desirable
• Expertise in organ-on-chip and/or digestion models and their integration with gut microbiome assays - Desirable

Requirement Importance

• Evidence of experience of – or potential for – attracting funding, commensurate with stage of career - Essential
• An excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career - Essential
• Established record of post-doctoral research, including effective management of projects - Essential
• Experience of promoting a positive research culture and well-being within a research environment - Essential
• Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary research - Desirable
• Success in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations - Desirable

Management and Leadership

• Experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance - Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

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

Additional Requirements

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

Who We Are

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health. We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation. The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. The closing date for applications will be 15th February 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. The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.