Senior Research Scientist

Quadram Institute; Norwich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Quadram Institute Bioscience in Norwich invites applications for a Senior Research Scientist to lead research on food composition data in nutrition and coordinate analysis capabilities for dietary assessment research.

The role encompasses collaboration with FN-NBRI, development of data analysis tools, and leading grant proposals. A PhD in Nutrition or related field is highly desirable, with strong data handling and stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in nutrition, dietetics, or food science required.
• PhD in nutrition/dietetics or related field preferred.
• Experience with nutrition research and dietary data handling required.

Responsibilities

• Lead on food composition data acquisition, curation, and reporting.
• Develop analysis capabilities from dietary assessment tool outputs.
• Lead and support FN-NBRI grant proposals and training activities.
• Coordinate food data standardisation and contribute to EU/national projects.
• Engage with stakeholders and disseminate research through publications and talks.

Skills

Food composition data

Data analysis

Dietary assessment tools

Nutrition knowledge

Grant writing

Education

BSc Nutrition/Dietetics

PhD Nutrition/Dietetics

Tools

FoodCASE

R

Python

Job description

Hours per week 37 Project Title Senior Resarch Scientist - Food data and tools in nutrition research Months Duration 18 Interview Date 20 Oct 2026

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

We are looking for a Senior Research Scientist to lead research activities around food composition data in nutrition, and coordinate analysis capabilities in dietary assessment research relevant for QIB and the wider research community. The post holder will be responsible for activities including: (1) working with the FN-NBRI team and external stakeholders on new food composition data acquisition and reporting, ensuring the highest quality is maintained, (2) developing data analysis capabilities from dietary assessment tool outputs for the wider research community, (3) leading and supporting on FN-NBRI research grant proposals, (4) coordinating food data standardisation activities, and (5) developing training activities related to FN-NBRI core resources and capabilities.

Key Relationships

Within QIB, the post holder will work closely with the Head of the Food and Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (FN-NBRI), the rest of the FN-NBRI team, QIB group leaders in Food, Microbes and Health ISP, Communications and Business Office and QIB Extra. Externally, the post holder will work with various external collaborators including the OHID team at DHSC, external nutritionists and consultants, Eurofins, industry and industry bodies, other food compilers from Europe and beyond, and a wide range of users from academia, industry and NGOs across the food and nutrition field.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage Undertaking and overseeing new food composition data acquisition and curation, including sampling design studies, collating and evaluating data, and preparing data (individual foods and recipes) for publication. 40 Supporting internal (QIB) and external scientists in using dietary assessment tools available both within FN-NBRI and wider (e.g. digital tools, online FFQs, 24h recalls), developing data analysis capabilities from dietary assessment tool outputs (e.g. generating diet quality scores, food groupings, etc), and making these available to the wider community. 20 Leading on nutrition data research activities for grant submission either by supporting grants or leading grants in FN-NBRI areas (e.g. around nutritional quality of plant-based diets, diet and sustainability etc), utilising FN-NBRI data resources. 10 Active dissemination and stakeholder activities related to food composition data, nutrition and health via social media, talks, scientific publications and popular articles. 5 Contributing towards Nutritional Information Solutions, including calculating and checking nutritional labels for SMEs. 5 Overseeing CoFID data prompt updateswithin the food composition database manager (FoodCASE) and ensuring they aremade available to the wider research community through FN-NBRI tools (e.g. the FN-NBRI searchable tool). 5 Trainingothers on eg new plant bioactives data acquisition and input into the eBASIS database. 5 Contributing to discussions of food data standardisation and FoodCASE with other European data compilers through EuroFIR working groups and lead on topics of FN-NBRI interest (e.g. industry data acquisition, protein, etc). 5 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate to the post. 5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance A BSc degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science or related discipline Essential A PhD degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science or related discipline Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Knowledge of handling food composition data and recipe calculation procedures Essential Working knowledge of data analysis using R or Python Essential Knowledge and experience of using different dietary assessment tools (FFQs, Dietary logs, 24h recalls) Essential Knowledge of nutrition and health, in particular nutrients and their contribution to healthy diets Essential Knowledge of dietary quality scores and generating them Desirable Knowledge of food composition data management tools Desirable

Requirement Importance Experience of generating and/or using food composition data (e.g. nutrient intake assessments, nutrition surveys, research studies) Essential Experience in contributing to applications and securing grant funding Essential Research experience and track record of scientific publications related to nutrition and dietetics Essential Experience in working with multiple stakeholders (e.g. academia, government, industry) Essential Laboratory experience related to food analysis and quality assurance Desirable

Management and Leadership

Requirement Importance Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential Ability to lead a team to achieve timely project delivery and motivate them towards a common goal Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to work independently to tight deadlines Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Able to present a positive image of self, the group, and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours (experimental and computer work) when required Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Attention to detail Essential UK driving licence (reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates with a disability) Desirable

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].

The Food and Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (FN-NBRI), is the leading national provider of new and continuously updated data, knowledge and tools relating to food composition, intake and food systems for use by different end-users including academia, industry, healthcare, government, consumers. FN-NBRI enables delivery of nutritional policy and high-quality science in support of current and emerging national needs in nutrition (food composition and intake), health (e.g., obesity, healthy ageing) and sustainability (environment, food security). We are working closely with QIB and external scientists to support higher-resolution nutrition data, new dietary tools, and integration of food & microbiome data to underpin high-quality research in plant-based diets, personalised nutrition & health, and public health.

Senior Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a highly motivated Research Scientist to join the Food and Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (F&N- NBRI) at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) to lead research activities around food composition data in nutrition, and coordinate analysis capabilities in dietary assessment research relevant for QIB and the wider research community.

Background:

The Food and Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (FN-NBRI) is the leading national provider of new and continuously updated data, knowledge and tools relating to food composition, intake and food systems for use by different end-users including academia, industry, healthcare, government, consumers. We compile and publish data on the composition of foods eaten in the UK (McCance and Widdowson’s ‘The Composition of Foods’), which is used to provide the nutritional information for food labelling across the UK and the National Diet and Nutrition Survey for the Department of Health and Social Care. FN-NBRI enables delivery of nutritional policy and high-quality science in support of current and emerging national needs in nutrition (food composition and intake), health (e.g., obesity, healthy ageing) and sustainability (environment, food security). We work closely with QIB and external scientists to support higher-resolution nutrition data, new dietary tools, and integration of food & microbiome data to underpin high-quality research in plant-based diets, personalised nutrition & health, and public health.

The role:

The post holder will be responsible for activities including:

• Working with the FN-NBRI team and external stakeholders on new food composition data acquisition and reporting, ensuring the highest quality is maintained
• Developing data analysis capabilities from dietary assessment tool outputs for the wider research community
• Leading and supporting on FN-NBRI research grant proposals
• Coordinating food data standardisation activities
• Developing training activities related to FN-NBRI core resources and capabilities

The ideal candidate:

This post will be well-suited to a PhD graduate in nutrition and a strong interest in food composition, food data harmonisation and dietary assessment. You will lead nutrition research that generates data, utilises FN-NBRI resources and be able to develop ideas into grant proposals ensuring FN-NBRI addresses and responds to the current and emerging needs of our users. You will have prior experience in undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative nutrition research, in particular diet and health, and instruments for dietary assessment. Finally, you will have strong interpersonal skills to facilitate interactions on a day-to-day basis with the team and external collaborators (researchers, government, academia, industry,