Research Scientist (Xenobiotics)

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

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to explore xenobiotic–microbiome interactions. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related fields, along with strong expertise in metagenomics and bioinformatics. You will join a collaborative team and have access to advanced facilities. The role offers a salary of £37,500 to £45,350 depending on experience, and is fully funded until March 2028.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field.
• Previous experience in microbiome laboratory experiments is required.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Identify and carry out experiments to meet project objectives.
• Prepare results and reports for publication.
• Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers.

Skills

Experimental microbiology relevant to live microbiome studies

Metagenomics

Metaproteomics

Bioinformatic analysis of data

Proven record in scientific writing

Experience in microbiome laboratory experiments

Oral research presentations

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or relevant fields

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join a collaborative research team exploring xenobiotic–microbiome interactions and developing precision microbiome intervention trials. The ideal candidates will have expertise in metagenomics, metaproteomics and/or metabolomics, microbiology, and bioinformatics.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of researchers and have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to design, develop, and apply innovative omics-based approaches. The primary aim of this position is to investigate xenobiotic–microbiome interactions and understand the variation in responses across different individual microbiomes.

Key Relationships

Internal: The post holder will work closely with other group members, the line manager Daniel Figeys and key collaborators. The applicant will have direct access to established metagenomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics facilities and the equipment at the QIB.

External: Collaborators

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project
• Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media
• Disseminate research findings and establish reputation through participation in national conferences and exhibitions
• Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence
• Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities
• Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures, assisting colleagues with trouble-shooting as necessary
• Run key items of equipment providing services and/or techniques, taking responsibility for purchases, maintenance and repairs
• Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks
• Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, encouraging scientific excellence and provide guidance and training on specialised items of equipment
• Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse experiments as and when necessary, providing preliminary data
• Design and supervise small research projects for students
• Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements
• Assist in the preparation of research proposals and manuscripts, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including through the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence
• Support the profile and reputation of the Institute by participating in relevant engagement activities (eg, school visits or open days)
• Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities
• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

• Requirement PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or relevant fields — Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Requirement Experimental microbiology relevant to live microbiome studies — Essential
• Requirement Metagenomics, metaproteomics, and/or metabolomics — Essential
• Requirement Bioinformatic analysis of data — Essential
• Some coding knowledge for bioinformatics — Desirable
• Requirement Experience in microbiome laboratory experiments — Essential
• Requirement Preparing data / information for grant proposals — Essential
• Requirement Supervision of students and visiting workers — Essential
• Requirement Proven record in scientific writing — Essential
• Demonstrated ability to perform research — Essential
• Experience of oral research presentations — Essential
• Provided technical training — Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Requirement Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team — Essential
• Requirement Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills — Essential
• Requirement Excellent time management and organisational skills — Essential
• Requirement Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group — Essential
• Requirement Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity — Essential
• Requirement Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders — Essential
• Requirement Ability to follow and develop instructions/Standard Operating Procedures — Essential
• Requirement Promotes and strives for continuous improvement — Essential

Additional Requirements

• Requirement Attention to detail — Essential
• Requirement Promotes equality and values diversity — Essential
• Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work — Essential
• Ability to work independently — Essential
• Ability 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
• Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars — 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].

Research Scientist (Xenobiotics)

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist (Xenobiotics) to join the Laboratory of Prof Daniel Figeys in the Microbes and Food Safety programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Quadram Institute is a cutting-edge £75 million facility with strategic research programmes in Food, Microbiome and Health, and Microbes and Food Safety. We bring together a diverse team of researchers, academics, and NHS clinicians to tackle pressing issues in human health, food, and disease. Our innovative approach bridges food science, gut biology, and human health, leveraging the world-class bioscience cluster at Norwich Research Park.

The role:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join a collaborative research team exploring xenobiotic–microbiome interactions and developing precision microbiome intervention trials. The ideal candidates will have expertise in metagenomics, metaproteomics and/or metabolomics, microbiology, and bioinformatics.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of researchers and have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to design, develop, and apply innovative omics-based approaches.

The primary aim of this position is to investigate xenobiotic–microbiome interactions and understand the variation in responses across different individual microbiomes.

The ideal candidate:

Applicants should have a PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or relevant fields. They should have knowledge of experimental microbiology relevant to live microbiome studies and metagenomics, metaproteomics, and/or metabolomics.

Previous experience in microbiome laboratory experiments is required as well as proven record in scientific writing.

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.

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.

The closing date for applications will be 2 October 2025.

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