Research Scientist

Quadram; Norwich; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Quadram Institute Bioscience in Norwich invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to an innovative programme developing bacteriophage-based approaches to control Salmonella infections in pigs. The role focuses on molecular biology, microbiology and phage biology under renowned supervisors.

You will lead experiments to engineer phage-propagation strains, evaluate efficacy in a pig infection model and translate findings into peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology or a related life sciences discipline.
• Experience in Salmonella genetics or bacteriophage research is advantageous.
• Strong enthusiasm for translational scientific research.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental work to develop and evaluate bacteriophage production against Salmonella in pigs.
• Apply molecular biology and microbiology techniques to study bacterial and phage biology.
• Assess phage efficacy in a pig infection model and interpret results.
• Communicate findings through publications and collaborative reports.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Phage biology

Salmonella genetics

Education

PhD in Microbiology

Job description

Salary: £39,000 to £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity to join the research groups of Professor Rob Kingsley and Professor Evelien Adriaenssens at Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to an innovative research programme developing novel bacteriophage-based approaches to control Salmonella infections in pigs.

The Research Opportunity:

Antimicrobial resistance represents a major global challenge and bacteriophages (phages) offer considerable potential as alternative antimicrobials.

Our research has established a functional genomics approach to enhance antimicrobial activity. You will play a key role in advancing this technology, applying molecular biology and microbiology approaches to engineer improved Salmonella phage-propagation strains and evaluate phage efficacy in a pig infection model. The research will combine bacterial genetics, phage biology, microbiology and host-pathogen interactions to generate findings with significant potential for translation into practical applications.

This is an opportunity to contribute to impactful, translational research within a collaborative academic environment, with the expectation that findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

The role and responsibilities:

As a Postdoctoral Research Scientist, you will lead experimental work to develop, characterise and evaluate improved approaches for bacteriophage production and the control of Salmonella infection.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Applying molecular biology and microbiology techniques to investigate bacterial and phage biology.
• Evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of bacteriophage preparations in a pig infection model.
• Assessing Salmonella infection and efficacy of phage intervention.
• Analysing, interpreting and communicating experimental findings.

You will work closely with the supervisory team and wider project partners, contributing to the development of a promising technology with potential applications in animal health and antimicrobial stewardship.

Professional development and career opportunities:

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop your scientific expertise within a leading academic research environment, working at the interface of fundamental microbiology and translational research.

You will gain expertise in Salmonella and bacteriophage biology, bacterial genetic engineering and host-pathogen interactions. You will also develop transferable skills in scientific communication, collaborative research, project delivery and the translation of research innovations towards commercial application.

We place considerable importance on personal and professional development aligned with your individual research interests, career aspirations and project objectives.

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative scientist with a PhD in microbiology or a related life sciences discipline, together with an interest in bacterial genetics, bacteriophage biology and host-pathogen interactions.

Experience in Salmonella genetics, bacteriophage research or host-pathogen interactions would be advantageous but is not essential. Training and support will be provided in relevant techniques and areas of the research programme.

Above all, we are seeking an enthusiastic scientist with a genuine passion for research and innovation.

Additional information:

This is a full-time post for a contract of 24 months.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate at appointment; those awaiting confirmation of their PhD award will be appointed at £39,000 until evidence is provided.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application.

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 an 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. 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 4 December 2026.

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

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