Metagenomics Research Scientist

Economicsnetwork; Norwich; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading research institute as a Research Scientist to explore the effects of plant-based diets on the gut microbiome. This position involves analyzing metagenomic data and employing advanced machine learning to uncover critical insights about gut health. The role supports the ongoing mission to innovate in microbiome research and improve dietary impacts on health.

Qualifications

• Background in microbiomes, evolution & biodiversity.
• Experience in independent scientific experimentation.
• Ability to communicate research through writing papers and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze metagenomic data from diet interventions.
• Use machine learning to predict genomes and ecosystem states.
• Conduct experiments related to plant-based diets and gut microbiome.

Skills

Microbiomes

Nutrition

Molecular biology

Metagenomics

Basic statistics

Programming (R, Python, Perl, C++)

Education

PhD in biology, bioinformatics, computer science or related discipline

Job description

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Hildebrand at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK

Background:

In this BBSRC-funded position, the impact of plant-based diets on the gut microbiome will be explored in metagenomes, including tracing bacterial strains, reconstructing their genomes and metabolic food-webs in the gastrointestinal ecosystem. This will be used to understand the impact a changing environment have on ecosystem stability. Questions we will be asking are, for example:

• How can food-derived pathogens be effectively prevented from colonizing the gastrointestinal tract?
• Does switching to a plant-based diet lead to a destabilised gut ecosystem (or reverse)?
• How can the gut microbiome supplement essential micronutrients to the human body?

To answer these questions, the postholder will be primarily working with metagenomic data from diet interventions, using machine learning to predict genomes, functions and ecosystem states (similar to previous work, see doi: 10.1038/s41531-025-00885-5, 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.024, 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.006, 10.1111/1751-7915.14396).

The ideal candidate:

The applicant needs to hold a PhD (or equivalent) in biology, bioinformatics, computer science or a related discipline with a background and/or interest in at least one of the following subjects:

• Microbiomes, evolution & biodiversity
• Nutrition & patient cohorts
• Molecular biology & Metagenomics

The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in gut microbiology and nutrition, experience in conducting scientific experiments independently, writing papers, presenting work and grant writing. Basic statistics and programming skills (either R, python, Perl, C++, or equivalent) is expected. Specialized skills will be taught and developed through mentorship and collaborations.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,720 to £42,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post contracted until the funding end date of 31^st March 2028.

For full role details and further information please visit our website or contact the Human Resources team quoting reference 1004914. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Interviews will be held approximately 20^th July 2025

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.

The closing date for applications will be 11^th July 2025

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

£36,720 to £42,000 - please see advert