The research group of Dr Matthew Gilmour at the Quadram Institute is looking for applications for a Project Scientist with molecular or clinical microbiology experience to join us in Norwich, UK where we will conduct a translational research project to pilot the use of metagenomics as a clinical diagnostic.

The Gilmour group studies microbial populations through the analysis of metagenomes to get the full view of foodborne hazards and the microbes that progress to cause human illness and outbreaks. We seek to use microbiology and genomic approaches to provide actionable data to our partners, ranging from food producers, government departments, and clinicians.  For example, there is an opportunity to use the latest generation of long-read genomic sequencing technologies as a diagnostic to precisely and rapidly identify aetiologic agents of infectious disease.

With our project partners at Barts Health NHS Trust in London, a research and proof-of-concept study has been launched to test metagenomics as a diagnostic tool on patients with endocarditis. Clinical specimens are collected and transported to Quadram Institute for testing by the post-holder using an optimised protocol that includes specimen processing, depletion of host nucleic acids, amplification of bacterial DNA, library preparation and long-read sequencing, bioinformatical analysis, and reporting of findings into a clinical database.

To promote their scientific development, the project will offer extensive opportunity to utilise Quadram Institute’s leading technological platforms for genomics and bioinformatics. To promote leadership development, the project will also leverage collaborative partnerships from the health sector.

The ideal candidate

Candidates are expected to have a BSc in a relevant subject area (e.g. Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, or Clinical Microbiology), paired with molecular or clinical microbiology laboratory skills.

Knowledge and skills on clinical laboratory reporting practices and willingness to complete certified training in good clinical practices pertaining to the handling of human samples are essential. Candidates should also have experience in liaising with health professionals, while having a high emotional intelligence for working within scientific teams.  Experience with microbial genome data management and analyses is desirable.

Additional information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £27,750 to £34,500 pro-rata, per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a part-time post offered at 20 hours for a contract of 12 months.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the HR website, or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004693.

Interviews will be held in July 2024.

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 27 June 2024.

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