Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Prof Martin Warren in the Food Innovation and Health Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a growing global health concern, affecting millions and leading to serious medical conditions, including anemia, neurological disorders, and impaired cognitive function. Despite its significant impact on quality of life, reliable and accessible diagnostic tools remain limited. This project aims to develop highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic tests for vitamin B12 deficiency, addressing a critical gap in early detection and intervention. As part of a broader global initiative, our goal is to identify individuals with insufficient or deficient B12 levels and facilitate appropriate supplementation or dietary interventions. By leveraging liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-affinity binding proteins, we seek to create robust, accurate, and efficient systems for measuring blood cobalamin levels. These advances will support improved clinical decision-making and public health strategies, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes worldwide.

The role:

This position involves optimizing and validating LC-MS methodologies for the precise quantification of vitamin B12 in blood serum, alongside the detection of key biomarkers linked to B12 deficiency. A key focus of the project will be refining extraction and purification techniques by leveraging high-affinity B12-binding proteins, with the aim of enhancing sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of improved diagnostic workflows, ensuring robust and reproducible methods for clinical and research applications. This work will play a vital role in advancing our understanding of B12 metabolism and deficiency detection, with the potential for significant global health impact.

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Scientist with expertise in biochemistry, analytical techniques, and binding assays, along with experience in protein purification. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in scientific research, demonstrated through high-quality publications, and experience in delivering oral presentations at scientific meetings. In addition to technical expertise, you should possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as this role will involve working closely with internal and external stakeholders. If you are a detail-oriented scientist with a passion for developing innovative diagnostic tools, we encourage you to apply.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,720 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 18 months.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here, or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004849. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

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 15 March 2025.

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