Senior Research Scientist

Senior Research Scientist – Microbiome Assay and Metaproteomics

We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Prof Daniel Figeys in the Food Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

The role focuses on studying xenobiotics‑gut microbiome interactions and developing precision microbiome intervention trials aimed at promoting healthy aging. The ideal candidate has expertise in laboratory‑based microbiome studies, metaproteomics and bioinformatics, with a benefit for metagenomics and metabolomics experience.

Key Relationships

• Internal: work closely with other group members, line manager Daniel Figeys and key collaborators; collaborate with the Human Studies Team at the Quadram Institute; have direct access to established metagenomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics facilities and equipment at the QIB.
• External: collaborate with external partners.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet project objectives.
• Line‑manage staff and oversee budgets.
• Lead the scientific direction.
• Prepare documentation for ethics approval.
• Prepare draft grant applications.
• Produce high‑quality results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media.
• Ensure research and record keeping follows good practice, scientific integrity, local policies and legal requirements.
• Support smooth running of the group including effective use of resources, supervision of laboratory visitors, and training of others.
• Encourage scientific excellence, seek feedback and learning opportunities.
• Enhance research group output by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures.
• Assist colleagues with troubleshooting as necessary.
• Run key equipment, provide services and techniques, handle purchases, maintenance and repairs.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and stocks.
• Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, providing guidance and training on specialised equipment.
• Plan, perform, troubleshoot and analyse experiments, providing preliminary data.
• Design and supervise small research projects for students.
• Collaborate internally and externally to prepare research proposals and manuscripts.
• Disseminate research findings and promote the Institute’s reputation through national conferences and exhibitions.
• Support engagement activities (e.g., school visits or open days).
• Lead and manage high‑profile and innovative projects such as precision prebiotic microbiome intervention trials.
• Contribute to work on Institute committees as agreed with line manager.

Person Profile – Education & Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or relevant fields – essential.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Experimental microbiology relevant to live microbiome studies – essential.
• Bioinformatic analysis of data – essential.
• Microbiome intervention trials – essential.
• Metagenomics, metaproteomics and/or metabolomics – desirable.
• Preparing data/information and draft grant proposals – essential.
• Demonstrated research performance – essential.
• Significant experience in microbiome and metaproteomics laboratory experiments – essential.
• Oral research presentations – essential.
• Preparing documents for ethics approval – essential.
• Scientific writing record – essential.
• Supervision of students, postdocs and visiting workers – essential.
• Technical training – desirable.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Good interpersonal skills and teamwork – essential.
• Independent work, initiative, problem‑solving – essential.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills – essential.
• Prioritise to meet group demands – essential.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including presentation of complex information – essential.
• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders – essential.
• Follow and develop instructions / SOPs – essential.
• Promote continuous improvement – essential.

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail – essential.
• Equality and diversity promotion – essential.
• Embrace institute values and behaviours – essential.
• Independent work – essential.
• Confidentiality and information security – essential.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when required – essential.
• Occasional travel (national and international) – essential.

Who We Are – Quadram Institute Bioscience

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of the 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.

The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We foster international and European links and appoint staff from across the world. For information on immigration requirements, please contact the HR Team at +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

Salary and Terms

Salary: £45,450 to £56,750 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.

Full‑time post available until 31 March 2028.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values people‑centred impact, inclusive excellence, trusted integrity, collaborative spirit and agile innovation. We provide a range of family‑faith‑and‑diversity‑friendly working arrangements to support all staff. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 15 February 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert before the stated closing date if we receive a high volume of applications.

Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employee.