Research Scientist in RNAi Epigenetics

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Lab at the Quadram Institute. This Wellcome Trust–funded project investigates how RNA interference (RNAi) regulates Candida albicans adaptation to host environments and contributes to the commensal‑to‑pathogen transition. Based at the Quadram Institute, the post holder will work within the Buscaino Lab and collaborate closely with Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University). The successful candidate will integrate (epi)genomics and genetic approaches to uncover how RNAi shapes genome organisation and interacts with other epigenetic processes to facilitate adaptation. They will lead experimental work aimed at dissecting the molecular mechanisms by which RNAi regulates chromatin structure, genome stability and transcriptional responses to host‑associated cues. Strong experience in molecular biology and genetics is essential, and expertise in fungal biology or epigenetics would be an advantage.

Key Relationships

• The position will report to Prof Alessia Buscaino, who leads the project at the Quadram Institute.
• The post holder will work closely with other researchers in the Buscaino Lab, contribute to coordinating research activities, assist team members, and help with the preparation of scientific papers and funding proposals.
• The post holder will collaborate with Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University), as well as other academic partners in the UK and overseas.
• They will present findings at national and international conferences and engage in public outreach and science communication to share the lab’s research with broader audiences.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments to investigate how RNAi regulates Candida albicans adaptation to host‑relevant gut environments, focusing on its role as an epigenetic regulator of genome organisation and gene expression.
• Conduct chromatin‑profiling experiments (ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq) and Hi‑C analysis in wild‑type and RNA‑i‑mutant strains grown under different host‑associated conditions to determine how RNAi shapes 3D genome architecture.
• Apply molecular biology and (epi)genomic methods to dissect how RNAi contributes to reversible, non‑DNA‑encoded regulation of gene expression during the commensal‑to‑pathogen transition.
• Use genetics approaches to generate and analyse RNAi‑defective strains to functionally characterise RNAi components and their interactions with other epigenetic pathways.
• Work alongside the bioinformatician in the team to design the most appropriate genomics and epigenomics approaches, ensuring optimal integration between experimental and computational workflows.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure full reproducibility of experimental work across genomic, epigenomic and genetic analyses.
• Support team members by sharing protocols, offering technical guidance and assisting with experimental troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners, including Prof Foster and Prof Traven.
• As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

Education & Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology or related disciplines – Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of RNAi biology – Essential
• Excellent understanding of epigenetics – Essential
• Knowledge of fungal genetics – Essential
• Molecular biology – Essential
• Good understanding of fungal pathogenicity – Essential
• Understanding of genomic bioinformatics – Essential
• Proficiency in molecular biology and DNA cloning – Essential
• Good publication record or close to publications for early‑career researchers – Essential
• Practical experience with genetic manipulation, including generating mutants and conducting functional assays – Essential
• Demonstrated experience in (epi)genetics – Desirable
• Experience working with human fungal pathogens – Desirable
• Experience in ChIP‑seq and ATAC‑seq – Desirable
• Experience in fungal biology – Desirable
• Experience in imaging approaches to complement epigenomic and genetic analyses – Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• An independent scientist who can develop their own biological questions – Essential
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral – Essential
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team – Essential

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail – Essential
• Promotes equality and values diversity – Essential
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required – Essential
• Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars – 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

Our Group

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. Our group investigates how fungal biology connects to gut health and sustainable food systems. We study fungi as key organisms that interact with both the microbiome and the food we eat, influencing human health and nutrition. Our work has two main strands:

• Fungi and the gut microbiome – We explore how commensal fungi such as Candida albicans adapt to the gut environment and interact with both the human host and the bacterial microbiome, aiming to understand how these fungi contribute to maintaining health and how they switch to a harmful state.
• Fungi and future foods – We use filamentous fungi to develop new, nutritious, and sustainable foods and study how these fungal‑based foods influence gut health, linking food innovation with microbiome research.

By combining fundamental fungal biology with food and microbiome science, our work seeks to uncover how fungi can support healthier people and more sustainable diets.

Salary & Terms

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 post for a contract of 24 months. The closing date for applications will be 12th February 2026. 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.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

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.