Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Stephen Robinson in the Gut Microbes and Health Programme at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB).

Background:

The Robinson lab has recently moved to the Quadram Institute Bioscience.  Historically the Robinson lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of endothelial cell adhesion and migration in regulating angiogenesis. We have established a strong reputation for combining the use of transgenic and knockout mice with cellular and molecular biology to gain mechanistic insight into physiological and pathological angiogenesis.  More recently, we are focussed on understanding how microbial communities and specific microbiota members interact with the host to regulate immune surveillance.  We are also interested in understanding how these microbial communities impact on normal development of organ systems, including the cardio-vascular system.

The role:

The microbiome is increasingly recognized as a modifiable environmental factor that influences extra-intestinal host development and normal physiological function. Here, we will explore the hypothesis that the microbiome directly/indirectly influences both vascular development and function.  We will explore, in mouse models, how microbiota diversity and complexity affect: (1) vascular development in both the retina and hind-brain; (2) vascular repair after injury; and (3) vascular homeostasis during aging.

We will utilise mouse models (including germ-free) and real time, longitudinal imaging (Bruker Xtreme) and confocal microscopy to follow vascular function in vivo. Profiling of immune system changes (which are at the interface between microbiota and host responses) will be via flow cytometry and RNAseq. For comprehensive characterisation and profiling of the microbiota we will employ a variety of NGS methods (DNA and RNA, including 16s, shotgun sequencing and RNAseq) for microbiome profiles at different stages of cardiovascular development and life progression.

The ideal candidate:

Applicants should have a strong background in host response (which may include developmental biology and/or immunology) and potentially microbiology experience and have a keen interest in learning about microbiota-host interactions at various stages of life. A PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. biological science, developmental biology, immunology, microbiology-host response) is essential, as is outstanding personal initiative and communication skills along with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31250.00  to £38,100.00 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This post is for a contract of 15 months.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here, or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk  quoting reference 1003526.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society.  The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects 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 at the forefront of a new era in food and health research. Its mission is to understand how food and the gut microbiota are linked to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience (formerly the Institute of Food Research), the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a new state-of-the-art building. The Quadram Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park, one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute.