Research Scientist – Fermented Foods & Nutrition

Quadram Institute; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK is looking for a Research Scientist specializing in Fermented Foods & Nutrition. The role involves conducting nutritional and biochemical analysis of plant-based foods and requires a PhD in a related field. The position offers a salary range of £37,500–£45,350 for a 25-month contract with a closing date for applications on 6 November 2025.

Qualifications

• Essential knowledge of protein/AA composition and B12.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
• Attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional analysis of fermented foods.
• Assess nutrient bioaccessibility from fermented foods.
• Quantify amino acid composition and B12 isoforms.

Skills

Knowledge of nutrition and health

Knowledge of fermented food science

Knowledge of gastrointestinal digestion

Research experience and track record of scientific publications

Experience with static in vitro models

Experience using INFOGEST protocols

Experience in dynamic models of gastrointestinal metabolism

Education

PhD in Biology, Nutrition, Food Science or related discipline

Job description

Job Title

Research Scientist – Fermented Foods & Nutrition

Key Details

Post Number 1004972 – Closing Date 6 Nov 2025 – Grade SC6 – Salary £37,500-£45,350

• Hours per week 37
• Project Title FlavourFerm ‘Unleashing the flavour potential of plant-based foods via fermentation’
• Expected Start 01 Dec 2025 – Duration 25 months

Main Purpose

Conduct comprehensive nutritional and biochemical analysis of fermented plant-based foods for the FlavourFerm Horizon Europe project, focusing on amino acid composition, vitamin B12 isoforms and nutrient bioaccessibility and their effects on gut microbiota using in vitro gastrointestinal models.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Assess nutrient bioaccessibility (incl amino acids, small peptides, B12 isoforms) from fermented foods using the INFOGEST protocols – 20%
• Quantify the effect of selected fermented foods on short-chain fatty acid production (SCFA) using in vitro batch colon models by LC-MS – 20%
• Undertake experiments using the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) model to quantify small intestinal amino acid absorption and collect DNA for further analysis – 20%
• Undertake comprehensive nutrition analysis of selected fermented foods using established protocols compatible with national food composition tables – 10%
• Quantify amino acid composition and B12 isoforms using in-house LC-MS/MS methods – 10%
• Coordinate scientific publication and other dissemination activities – 10%
• Report project progress to project coordinators and funders – 5%

Person Profile – Education & Qualifications

PhD in Biology, Nutrition, Food Science or related discipline – Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of nutrition and health, protein/AA composition and B12 – Essential
• Knowledge of fermented food science, plant-based fermentation and nutritional benefits – Essential
• Knowledge of gastrointestinal digestion – Essential
• Research experience and track record of scientific publications related to nutrition and health – Essential
• Experience with static in vitro models of gastrointestinal metabolism – Essential
• Experience of using INFOGEST protocols for assessing bioaccessibility of nutrients – Essential
• Experience in working with dynamic models of gastrointestinal metabolismSHIME) – Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Excellent communication skills (written and oral), time‑management, organisational ability, teamwork, independent work, problem‑solving, ability to meet deadlines – Essential

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail – Essential
• Promotes equality and values diversity – Essential
• Commitment to scientific integrity and best practices – Essential
• Willingness to undertake occasional travel – Essential
• Willingness to embrace expected values and behaviours of all staff – Essential
• Ability to present a positive image of self and the Institute – Essential
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information – Essential

Who We Are

Quadram Institute Bioscience – a world‑leading research Institute at the forefront of food and gut microbiome science, working with University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, BBSRC and John Innes Centre.

Application Information

Salary: £37,500–£45,350 per annum
Full‑time, 25‑month contract
Closing date 6 November 2025
Apply via https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk or contact Human Resources (01603 450814, [e-mail]) quoting reference 1004972

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. The Institute values Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence.