Job offer Research Scientist: Horizontal gene transfer in the gut microbiome

Quadram Institute Bioscience; Norwich; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Norwich is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop novel experimental methods to understand horizontal gene transfer in the gut microbiome. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in molecular biology or microbiology and essential experience in 'omics data generation. This full-time position offers a salary between £37,500 and £45,350 per annum, extending until March 2028.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant area of molecular biology or microbiology, plus a first degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Experience of 'omics data generation and DNA extraction is essential.
• Experience of working with microbiome samples, long-read sequencing, library preparation and/or culturing microbes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel experimental methods to understand horizontal gene transfer.
• Work with both human in vivo data and mouse experiments.
• Use cutting-edge technologies such as long reads and single-cell sequencing.

Skills

Experience of 'omics data generation and DNA extraction

Experience of working with microbiome samples

Strong publication track record

Long-read sequencing

Library preparation

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in a relevant area of molecular biology or microbiology

First degree in a relevant scientific field

Job description

This postdoctoral position at the Quadram Institute Bioscience focuses on the development of novel experimental methods to better understand horizontal gene transfer in the gut microbiome using both human in vivo data and mouse experiments.

The position will be associated with Dr Quince's High‑resolution Microbiomics group, jointly at Quadram Institute Bioscience and the Earlham Institute. The research programme will be developed by the applicant in conjunction with Dr Quince, but the principal aim will be to develop cutting‑edge technologies including long reads, single‑cell sequencing, and novel Hi‑C library preparation to enable HGT to be tracked in situ in microbiomes. These will then be used to understand microbiome evolutionary dynamics at high‑resolution in response to perturbations such as diet and antibiotics. Samples will be obtained from mouse experiments and potentially human clinical trials. We will also explore the consequences to the host of these microbiome changes for instance through interaction with the immune system.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in a relevant area of molecular biology or microbiology, plus a first degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Experience of 'omics data generation and DNA extraction is essential, as is a strong publication track record.
• Experience of working with microbiome samples, long‑read sequencing, library preparation and/or culturing microbes is desirable.
• Bioinformatics and statistical analysis experience is desirable but not essential.

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.

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 available until 31 March 2028.