Research Scientist

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

Background:

Warren’s research envelops areas of chemistry, biology and nutrition. His interests are firmly embedded in the biosynthesis and biology of the pigments of life, encompassing molecules such as vitamin B12. The group have worked on the biosynthesis of vitamin B12 and have developed methods to follow the trafficking of the molecule.

The aim of this project is to engineer the B12 pathway into systems that do not naturally produce the nutrient, building on years of experience since the pathway was first cloned into E. coli. The cloning strategy has also allowed for the production and isolation of a range of key intermediates, which will be critical to study successful heterologous enzyme production. Warren’s group has developed a range of analytical techniques and microbiological approaches that are essential for studying the metabolic engineering of the pathway and have helped in the development of a “metal calculator” for appropriate controlled delivery of cobalt.

The role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join an ambitious project focused on introducing and optimising vitamin B12 biosynthesis in organisms that naturally lack the ability to produce this essential nutrient. This is a pioneering and technically challenging endeavour requiring creativity, perseverance, and a strong foundation in recombinant DNA technology. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research with the potential to address global nutritional challenges. If you are an innovative scientist with a passion for pushing the boundaries of biotechnology, we encourage you to apply.

The ideal candidate:

The Research Scientist will have a PhD or equivalent in Biochemistry or a related discipline with knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology or synthetic biology. The successful candidate will play a key role in cloning, assembling, and expressing multi-gene pathways, optimising metabolic flux, and ensuring functional vitamin B12 production in novel biological systems. This work will involve advanced molecular biology techniques, synthetic biology approaches, and microbial/heterologous expression systems to reconstruct and regulate complex biochemical pathways.

We are looking for an individual with a strong background in genetic engineering, metabolic pathway reconstruction, and synthetic biology, alongside experience in molecular cloning, genome editing, and heterologous gene expression. The role will also involve analysing metabolic outputs, troubleshooting pathway inefficiencies, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to refine and enhance B12 production. It is essential that the post holder has experience of proven record in scientific writing and it is advantageous to have experience in preparing data / information for grant proposals.

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 36 months.

This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

For further information and details of how to apply, please click the 'Apply' button. 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 23 March 2025.

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