Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a FMT Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Prof Arjan Narbad in the Food Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Narbad group at QIB has a broad interest in microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and the role of the complex gut microbiome in health and disease. We are also investigating the application of competitive exclusion in humans to combat bacterial infections. We use a combination of techniques, including in vitro colon models, tissue culture, metagenomics and metabolomics to investigate the mechanism of bacteria host interactions to develop novel strategies to address gut microbiome associated disorders 

We work closely with the group of Dr Ngozi Elumogo, Consultant Microbiologist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to undertake human intervention and clinical trials of faecal microbiota transplant  to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infections.

The role:

We are seeking a Microbiologist/Molecular biologist with an interest in human studies to investigate the role of gut microbes and in particular the relevance of sulphate reducing bacteria in neurogenerative diseases. The applicant will also work closely with the team performing faecal microbiota transplant for treatment of disorders such as Parkinson's Disease.   

The teams at Quadram Institute Bioscience and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) have been using FMT to successfully treat patients with recurrent CDI and are planning to further expand the application of this technology.

The post holder will analyse the dynamics of the alteration in the structure and function of the microbiome at strain level resolution  in FMT treatment using high throughput metagenomics sequencing and metabolomics platforms. They will also lead the work to refine the protocols to optimise the delivery and efficacy of the procedures. They will work in close collaboration with QIB's human studies team and contribute to the preparation of applications for the ethical approval for FMT-related research using the IRAS system. This project presents an excellent opportunity to develop links with clinicians and gain transferable skills in NHS-related research.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should possess a PhD in Microbiology or Molecular Biology and have a strong background in bioinformatic related to the gut microbiome analysis. They should have a good understanding of research ethics and an awareness of the key principles of FMT. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential. 

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,720 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 48 months.

Candidates submitting a CV are requested to also provide a covering letter which clearly explains how you meet the criteria for the post. 

Interviews will be held w/c 7th October 2024.

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 1004720. 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.

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.  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. (https://quadram.ac.uk/).

The closing date for applications will be 22^nd September 2024

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