Digestion Model Specialist

Quadram Institute; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK is seeking an Upper-Gut Digestion Model Specialist to conduct in vitro digestion experiments and manage laboratory models. Ideal candidates should have an MSc or PhD in a relevant field along with practical experience. The position offers a part-time contract for 15 hours per week, with a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to conduct in vitro digestion experiments.
• Experience with in vitro digestion models is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory work involving upper-gut in vitro digestion models.
• Support fee-for-service projects through QIBExtra.
• Ensure work is conducted to regulatory standards.
• Draft protocols for upper-gut digestion experiments.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.

Skills

Knowledge of human digestive physiology

Biochemical methods proficiency

Experience in project management

Strong communication skills

Education

MSc or PhD in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology

Tools

SDS-PAGE

HPLC

LC-MS

Job description

The Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) is seeking a highly organised and scientifically proficient Upper‑Gut Digestion Model Specialist to deliver and support the use of laboratory models of the upper‑gastrointestinal tract. QIB’s laboratories host a suite of static and dynamic digestion models, as well as equipment for structural and biochemical analyses. In vitro digestion protocols such as INFOGEST and the Dynamic Gastric Model are regularly used to support strategically funded research programmes, as well as academic and commercial research projects into gastrointestinal behaviour of functional and novel foods.

This role is central to enabling high‑quality, reproducible research, and delivering both internal and external projects. The post‑holder will conduct in vitro digestion experiments and ensure the maintenance of the upper‑gut digestion models. They will contribute to the design and optimisation of experimental protocols, and work closely with QIB Colon Model Facility team, QIB scientists, technical staff and external partners to deliver impactful outcomes. They will be guided by leading scientific experts in digestion modelling and related fields to ensure that work is conducted to the highest quality standard.

The role will also support fee‑for‑service work through QIBExtra, helping to promote, scope, deliver and manage digestion‑related projects for external clients as part of the DigestQX platform.

Key Relationships

The post‑holder will join the Science Operations Team and will be line managed by Dr Antonietta Hayhoe, with Dr Cathrina Edwards as a co‑signatory. They will also work closely with Dr Natalia Perez‑Moral, who will be the leading authority on the design, conduct and reporting of upper‑gut digestion models at QIB, and will provide initial training and ongoing scientific oversight. They will also work closely with QIB’s Colon Model Facility, particularly with regard to planning and delivery of projects requiring integration between upper‑gastrointestinal and colon models. They will work closely with other QIB scientists to scope out projects and coordinate work, for example liaising with other core facilities or scientists, to arrange or undertake sample analyses ancillary to digestion model use. They will scope out and deliver projects for QIBExtra, which is under the management of Dr Alan Brailsford.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory work involving upper‑gut in‑vitro digestion models (e.g. INFOGEST, DGM) according to project requirements, ensuring protocols are executed accurately and efficiently.
• Support and deliver fee‑for‑service projects through QIBExtra, including client liaison, proposal input, experimental design and timely delivery of project milestones.
• Ensure work is conducted to regulatory or quality standards (e.g. ISO 9001) and maintain detailed documentation.
• Act as the primary point of contact for in‑vitro digestion platform enquiries from QIB or QIBExtra, scoping new projects and assessing resource and time requirements.
• Coordinate activities with the QIB Colon Model Facility team to design and execute experiments using both upper‑gut digestion and colon models.
• Draft protocols and SOPs for upper‑gut digestion experiments and/or operation of digestion models, ensuring high standards of quality control, health and safety and compliance with institutional and legal guidelines.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data; lead or contribute to the preparation of technical reports, client summaries, grant proposals and scientific publications.
• Manage lab scheduling and ensure optimal use of the platform by QIB researchers and external clients, and train new users when required.
• Collaborate with QIBExtra to develop a robust operational and business framework for the DigestQX platform, including costing models and project decision‑trees.
• Promote awareness of the digestion platform and its capabilities within academic and commercial networks.
• As agreed with the line manager, perform any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Person Profile

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Education & Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, or a related life science discipline (essential).
• Previous practical experience using upper‑gut digestion models (essential).

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• In‑depth knowledge of human digestive physiology and nutritional biochemistry (essential).
• Proficiency in biochemical methods (enzyme activities, macronutrient quantification, micronutrient analysis), and analytical techniques such as microscopy, particle sizing, SDS‑PAGE, HPLC, LC‑MS, ELISA, or microbiome sequencing (essential).
• Experience in physico‑chemical characterisation of food matrices (essential).
• Experience using in‑vitro digestion models for applications such as studying nutrient bioaccessibility, pharmaceutical release, digestion of proteins, survival of probiotics in the human upper‑gastrointestinal tract (desirable).
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. ISO 9001, EFSA, UK FSA) and health claim substantiation processes (desirable).
• Practical experience using in‑vitro upper‑gut digestion models and their application to study bioaccessibility and/or digestibility (essential).
• Experience writing SOPs, risk assessments and scientific reports (essential).
• Proven ability to deliver research projects in a timely manner and to a high scientific quality (essential).
• Strong project management, communication and documentation skills (essential).
• Experience managing a research facility or laboratory operations (desirable).

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively (essential).
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions‑oriented mindset (essential).
• Ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences (essential).
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team (essential).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (essential).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem‑solving skills (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 maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate (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 embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work (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.

Quadram Institute Bioscience

The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on [phone] or [e-mail].

Upper‑Gut Digestion Model Specialist (part‑time, 12 months)

Applications are invited for a Digestion Model Specialist to join the Science Operations Team at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK. The role will deliver and support the use of laboratory models of the upper‑gastrointestinal tract. QIB’s laboratories host a suite of static and dynamic digestion models, as well as equipment for structural and biochemical analyses. In‑vitro digestion protocols such as INFOGEST and the Dynamic Gastric Model are regularly used to support strategically funded research programmes, as well as academic and commercial research projects into gastrointestinal behaviour of functional and novel foods.

The ideal candidate will have an MSc or PhD in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, or a related life science discipline with previous practical experience using upper‑gut digestion models. The candidate should be able to work independently to deliver projects accurately and efficiently. Good communication and record‑keeping skills are also required.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £40,600 pro‑rata, per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a part‑time post of 15 hours per week for a contract of 12 months.

The closing date for applications will be Sunday 9th November 2025.

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