Senior Research Associate in Functional Microbiome Research (RA2310)

UEA; Norwich; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join a dynamic research team focused on the functional role of the microbiome in Salmonella infections. This position involves innovative research utilizing organoid models to explore gut microbiome interactions, contributing to advancements in human and animal health. The role offers a collaborative environment, where you will engage in cutting-edge research, contribute to grant applications, and mentor students. With generous benefits and a commitment to work-life balance, this position is perfect for those passionate about microbiology and research.

Benefits

44 days annual leave

Family and Work-life balance policies

Generous pension scheme

Health and Wellbeing benefits

Campus Facilities

Shopping discounts

Personal Development opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology or related field required.
• Independent research experience and publications are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct studies on microbiome's role in Salmonella infections.
• Analyze data and present research findings.

Skills

Research Experience

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Microbiology

Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics

Education

PhD in Microbiology

PhD in Molecular Biology

PhD in Cell Biology

Tools

qPCR

RNA-seq

Western Blotting

Cell Imaging

Job description

Senior Research Associate in Functional Microbiome Research (RA2310)

Salary from £38,249 per annum with an annual increment up to £45,413

About the Role:

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Norwich Medical School

Senior Research Associate in Functional Microbiome Research
Ref: RA2310

Starting salary from £38,249 per annum, dependent on skills and experience, with an increment up to £45,413 per annum

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join Norwich Medical School to conduct studies on the functional role of the microbiome in Salmonella infections. Salmonellosis is a major foodborne infection in the EU, leading to chronic inflammation and colon cancer. Additionally, Salmonella infections in livestock, especially chickens, are a significant source of transmission and cause economic losses. This project aims to explore the gut microbiome's potential in protecting against Salmonella infections in humans and chickens. We will establish physiologically relevant organoid models allowing co-culture of intestinal epithelia with oxygen-sensitive microbial consortia. These systems will help identify anaerobic bacteria with antagonistic activities against salmonellae and characterize gut commensals mediating protection. Using competitive growth experiments, organoid models, Omics approaches, and bioinformatics, we will elucidate Salmonella-microbiome-host interactions to inform targeted probiotic therapies benefiting human and animal health and reducing antibiotic use.

The project will be conducted in the Schüller Lab at Norwich Medical School, in collaboration with Thilo Fuchs' team at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Jena, Germany.

As a Senior Research Associate, you will hold a PhD in microbiology, cell, or molecular biology or a related field. You should have independent research experience, publications in respected journals, and the ability to work proactively in a high-paced environment. Experience working with bacterial pathogens and/or anaerobic gut commensals, culturing cell lines, primary cells, or organoids, and techniques like qPCR, RNA-seq, Western blotting, and cell imaging is required. You should be capable of analyzing and interpreting data, writing reports, and presenting research findings. Opportunities include contributing to grant applications, supervising researchers, and teaching students.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and effective teamwork are essential.

This full-time, fixed-term position is available from 1 July 2025 for 36 months.

Benefits include:

• 44 days annual leave including Bank Holidays and University days.
• Family and Work-life balance policies such as hybrid working, maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption leave.
• Generous pension scheme with life and incapacity cover.
• Health and Wellbeing: discounted Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, extensive parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health, and 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars, and catering outlets.
• Exclusive shopping discounts, childcare salary sacrifice, Cycle to Work scheme, and public transport discounts.
• Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning, professional advice, and training.

Closing date: 6 June 2025

The university holds an Athena Swan Silver Award recognizing progress toward gender equality.

Further Information

For more details, including the Job Description and Person Specification, see the attached Candidate Brochure.

For an informal discussion, contact Dr. Stephanie Schüller via email at [e-mail]