We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research Scientist to join the Food Innovation and Health Programme at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) in Norwich, to investigate the role of food structure on the digestion of lipids.

Background:

Research in the Food Innovation and Health (FIH) Programme is focussed on the links between the chemical and physical properties of complex foods and our metabolic health. We consider the main classes of food compounds that function as both structural components and nutrients – lipids, protein and carbohydrates, as well as bioactive compounds which are often responsible for the varied colour, flavour and fragrances of our fruit and vegetables.

Our research projects are multidisciplinary, and range from plant sciences, through food manufacturing and processing, to human dietary and clinical studies. The Food Structure team at QIB has a distinguished history in studying the biochemistry and biophysics of food structure and the impact on nutrition and health.

The role:

The successful candidate will investigate the physicochemical mechanisms controlling lipid digestion and the bioavailability of lipids and lipid soluble nutrients from complex food matrices. This will be achieved using a range of in vitro digestion models to simulate the conditions in the human gastrointestinal tract, supported by a range of colloidal and physico-chemical techniques such as tensiometry, light scattering, rheology, microscopy and other analytical techniques. The role will also involve writing of manuscripts, reports and the training and practical supervision of students and other staff as appropriate

The ideal candidate:

Candidates will require a PhD in biochemistry, biophysics or another area related to food, digestion and health. Some relevant research experience in food structure, in vitro digestion methods, analytical techniques, colloid science or lipids in nutrition and health are required. It would also be advantageous for applicants to have had prior experience in the supervision or training of students and other scientists.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £32,578 to £39,938 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 12 months.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004234.

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 29^th March 2022

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