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

About the Narbad Group:

The Narbad group at QIB has broad interest in microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and the role of the complex gut microbiome in health and disease. We are using biocontrol strategies including, bacteriocins, phage endolysins, bacteriotherapy and competitive exclusion to combat bacterial infections. We use a combination of techniques, including in vitro colon models, tissue culture, metagenomics, metabolomics, to investigate structure and function of the gut microbiome.

The role:

We are seeking an experienced Microbiologist/Molecular biologist with interest in human studies to investigate the application of faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders as well as other microbiome associate diseases. The teams at Quadram Institute Bioscience and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) are already using FMT to successfully treat patients with recurrent CDI and are planning to further expand the application of this technology.

The post holder will analyse the dynamics of the alteration in the structure and function of the microbiome in FMT treatment using high throughput metagenomics sequencing and metabolomics platforms. They will also lead the work to refine the  protocols to optimise the delivery and efficacy of the procedures.

The post holder will in close collaboration with the clinician Dr Ngozi Elumogo at NNUH also contribute to the preparation of applications for the ethical approval for FMT-related research using the IRAS system. They will be involved in the management of the relevant clinical trials, and contribute to impact activities by giving talks at external industry platforms and relevant scientific meetings and by writing manuscripts.

The candidates will also be expected to supervise students. This project presents an excellent opportunity to develop links with clinicians and gain transferable skills in NHS-related research.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should possess a PhD in Molecular Biology or Microbiology, as well as practical experience in both of these areas. They should have a good understanding of research ethics and an awareness of the key principles of FMT. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,250 to £38,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a full time contract for a period of 3 years.

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 1003521.

Candidates submitting a CV are requested to also provide a covering letter which clearly explains how you meet the criteria for the post. CVs received without a covering letter may not be considered.

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 opening in 2018. 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.