Applications are invited for a Research Assistant (Research Experience Placement) to join the Laboratory of Nathalie Juge in the Gut Microbes and Health Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Juge Group:

The main activity of the Juge group is centred on defining how gut bacteria adapt to the mucus lining of the intestine. We are studying how bacteria interact with mucins, which are the main proteins in mucus, and their associated sugar-based molecules called glycans. Unravelling the molecular basis of gut bacteria-mucus interaction will help us understand how to maintain a healthy relationship with our gut microbiota.

Background:

We have identified that strains of C. difficile carry genes encoding putative M60-like metalloproteases. Characterised enzymes of this family have been shown to hydrolyse glycoproteins, and in particular mucins, and play important roles in successful bacterial colonisation. The substrate specificity of these enzymes varies depending on the glycoprotein backbone and the nature of the decorating glycans. Here, we will clone, heterologously express and determine the substrate specificity of the putative M60-like metalloproteases from different C. difficile strains, using a panel of mucins of various origin and glycosylation profile as substrates.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the interaction of Clostridioides difficile with the intestinal mucus layer.

The role:

Under the supervision of Dr Andrew Bell and Dr Dimitris Latousakis, the successful candidate will carry out research to support the work of the Juge group. They will:

• Undertake the molecular heterologous expression and biochemical characterisation of putative enzymes involved in CDI in order to assess their function and specificity
• Study the molecular mechanisms that underpin the interaction of Clostridioides difficile with the intestinal mucus layer
• Undertake mucin glycosylation analyses using a range of analytical approaches

They will be given training in molecular biology and biochemical techniques to support their work. The student will join a large, multidisciplinary and dynamic team with opportunities to learn from other projects and expand their knowledge outside the remit of their project.

The student will be encouraged to attend QIB seminars and internal presentations in addition to present their work at regular Lab meetings.

There will also be opportunities to be trained in statistical analysis and/or relevant skills as well as join other members of the group in outreach activities.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will:

• be in the middle years of an undergraduate degree in science, mathematics, engineering or veterinary studies
• be expected to obtain a first or upper second class UK honours
• have a keen interest in interest in microbiology, biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biology or another related field

Additional information:

This is a full time 10 week placement with a salary based on £9.50 per hour.

This role is supported by the UKRI-BBSRC Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership.

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 1004071

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

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 dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute.

The closing date for applications will be 1st July 2021

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