Research Scientist

Quadram; United Kingdom; In loco; GBP 40.000 - 50.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Quadram Institute Bioscience is seeking a researcher to contribute to translational work on phage-based antimicrobials targeting Salmonella in animal models. The role involves cutting-edge molecular biology and microbiology, with publishing expectations and collaboration across research groups.

You will work under senior supervisors and contribute to data generation for peer-reviewed publications, while mentoring junior staff and integrating findings with industry collaborators where appropriate.

Competenze

• PhD in Microbiology or related discipline required.
• Publication record required.
• Excellent data management and lab records.
• Experience with phage and infection models desirable.

Mansioni

• Conduct molecular biology and microbiology experiments in the lab.
• Produce reports and manuscripts; assist with publication.
• Supervise junior scientists.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners.

Conoscenze

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Publication record

Laboratory record keeping

Data analysis (R)

Formazione

PhD in Microbiology

MSc in microbiology or related

Strumenti

Quantitative PCR

Phage work

R or similar

Descrizione del lavoro

Funding End Date 31 Jan 2029 Hours per week 37 Project Title Translating Functional Genomics into Market-Ready Phage Solutions Expected/Ideal Start Date 01 Feb 2027 Months Duration 24

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

The project will contribute to research and innovation aimed at developing technology to control pathogenic bacteria in the food chain.
We have established a functional genomics approach to identify combinations of bacteriophage, viruses that replicate in bacteria, that together are more effective as antimicrobials. This led to a phage formulation that you will further develop and test efficacy to control Salmonella in pigs. You will use molecular biology and microbiology techniques to engineer improved phage propagation strains of Salmonella and test the phage in a pig infection model. Personal and professional development is an important component of the work and this will be achieved by identifying needs enabling achievement project and career objectives. This is an academic research project generating data relevant to translational science and as such you will be expected to publish your findings in peer reviewed journals.
Weekly and monthly objectives will be agreed with the line manager. Supervision and training in laboratory techniques will be provided by a team of researchers and students in the Kingsley and Addriaenssens groups.

Key Relationships

You will work closely with Prof. Rob Kingsley and Prof Evelien Adriaenssens for strategic planning and objective setting and with researchers and students within their groups for advice and training. You will also interact with collaborators in industry to disseminate research findings.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage Molecular biology and microbiology research in the laboratory 70 Report and manuscript writing 20 Supervision of junior scientists 10 As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance PhD in Microbiology or related discipline Essential MSc or equivalent in microbiology, or a related life sciences discipline Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Expertise in Microbiology Essential Expertise in Molecular Biology Essential Excellent publication record commensurate with level of experience Essential Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory experiments and results Essential Knowledge of bacterial pathogens Desirable Knowledge of enteric pathogens Desirable Expertise in managing collaborations Desirable

Requirement Importance Experience in quantitative PCR Desirable Experience in working with phage Desirable Experience in models of infection Desirable Experienced in data visualisation with R or similar Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Ability to work to deadlines Essential Good communication skills, both written and verbal Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Observe best practices in data management and research integrity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work 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 Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential

Who We Are

Quadram Institute Bioscience

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.

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].

Our aim is to understand how genomic variation of bacterial pathogens effects on how they interact with the environment and with the host. We use this information to improve food safety by developing innovative new methods of pathogen surveillance, diagnostics or intervention that will reduce the risk of foodborne disease or the development and transmission antimicrobial resistance . This knowledge also helps us better understand the microbiome and the complex interplay between it, pathogens and the host, and how it can be manipulated to treat infections.
With a principal interest in the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica, we combine genomic, transcriptomic and other ‘omics data to generate hypotheses that are then tested using classical molecular biology, models of infection, imaging, and high throughput phenotyping platforms in the lab.

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. ( https://quadram.ac.uk/ ).

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.

This is a full‑time post for a contract