Research Scientist: Horizontal gene transfer in the gut microbiome

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

Job summary

A leading research institute in biological sciences is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to advance the understanding of horizontal gene transfer in the gut microbiome. The role requires a PhD in a relevant field and offers a salary between £37,500 to £45,350 per annum, depending on experience. The position is full-time and will last until March 31, 2028.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold relevant PhD and first degree.
• Essential experience in omics data generation and DNA extraction.
• Strong publication record is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental methods to understand horizontal gene transfer in gut microbiome.
• Guide own research agenda on microbiome.
• Track microbial evolution dynamics in response to diet and antibiotics.

Skills

Experience of ‘omics data generation

DNA extraction

Strong publication track record

Experience with microbiome samples

Long read sequencing

Library preparation

Culturing microbes

Bioinformatics

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in molecular biology or microbiology

First degree in a relevant scientific field

Job description

Organisation/Company Quadram Institute Bioscience Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 30 Nov 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Quince in the Food, Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

The role:

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 be 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.

This represents an opportunity for an individual with a strong track record in microbiome research to guide their own research agenda to better understand HGT in the gut microbiome. The applicant will be supported in fellowship applications.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates will possess a 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.

Additional information:

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.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or [e-mail] quoting reference 1004983. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

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

The closing date for applications will be 30th November 2025

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