Research Scientist (Host–Microbiome Interactions and Microbial Metabolism)

The group will focus on sulphate and sulphite reducing bacteria, a key family of gut bacteria involved in sulfur and nitrogen cycling, and their interactions with the host and the wider gut microbiome. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to building a dynamic team at the interface of microbial physiology, metabolism, and host–microbe interactions. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated microbiologist to bridge in vitro microbiome models and in vivo systems, using functional assays, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to uncover how key members of the Desulfovibrionaceae influence metabolic outcomes.

We’re looking for someone with a PhD in microbiology or a related field, ideally with experience in molecular microbiology, microbial genomics, or microbiome analysis. Experience with bioinformatics or animal models would be a great advantage.

The post holder will work at the intersection of microbiology, molecular biology, and microbiome science to explore how sulfur- and nitrogen-transforming bacteria contribute to metabolic health outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Performing anaerobic culturing of gut bacteria, particularly within the Desulfovibrionaceae.
• Conducting gut model experiments to study microbiome–host interactions under different dietary conditions.
• Applying genetic engineering and functional genomics approaches to investigate key metabolic pathways.
• Performing microbiome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses to link microbial activity with metabolic phenotypes.
• Collaborating with internal and external partners within the Food, Microbiome and Health programme, and contributing to publications, presentations, and future grant proposals.

Key Relationships

The post holder will work closely with researchers within the Sayavedra Group and coordinate studies with internal and external collaborators, including the Narbad and Beraza groups, other human microbiome research teams and clinicians at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, such as Dr Emma Webb.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Design and conduct in vitro microbiome and bacterial functional assays to investigate sulfur and nitrogen metabolism 30%
• Integrate multi-omics datasets (metagenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) to identify metabolic pathways linked to health outcomes 20%
• Translate mechanistic insights from in vitro systems to in vivo models in collaboration with internal and external partners 20%
• Analyse, interpret, and present research findings; prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant applications 20%
• Ensure research, data management, and record-keeping comply with best scientific practice, ethics, and institutional policies 5%
• As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role 5%

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications Requirement: PhD in microbiology, molecular microbiology, or a related field. Essential.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Experienced with R — Essential
• Anaerobic microbiology — Essential
• Proven research experience in microbial physiology, metabolism, or molecular microbiology — Essential
• Experience with animal models / tissue culture — Essential
• Microbiome or metagenomic data analysis — Essential
• Functional genomics and pathway analysis — Essential
• Practical experience on microbial genetics — Essential
• Familiarity with metabolomics or transcriptomics — Desirable
• Track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals — Essential
• Experience of conducting human studies, including sample collection or human research governance — Desirable
• Experience with in vitro colonic models — Desirable
• Experience supervising students — Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral — Essential
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team — Essential
• Enthusiasm for contributing to a growing research group — Essential
• Experience in supervising and supporting the development of students — Essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work alone and as part of a team — Essential

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail — Essential
• Commitment to supporting a respectful, inclusive and collaborative workplace culture — Essential
• Promotes equality and values diversity — Essential
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required — Essential
• Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work — Essential
• Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute — Essential
• Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role — 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.

Additional information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time contract of 36 months with the possibility for extension. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options. Interviews will be held in late March / early April 2026.

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.

About the Quadram Institute

The Quadram Institute is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute.

Closing date for applications will be 22 March 2026. Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.