Applications are invited for a Senior Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Stephen Robinson in the Gut Microbes and Health Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

The Robinson Group

Traditionally, the Robinson group focuses on understanding the molecular basis of endothelial cell adhesion and migration in regulating angiogenesis. We have established a strong reputation for combining the use of transgenic and knockout mice with cellular and molecular biology to gain mechanistic insight into physiological and pathological angiogenesis.

More recently, the Robinson group is focussed on understanding how microbial communities and specific microbiota members interact with the host to regulate normal development of organ systems, including the cardio-vascular system.

The Role

The successful candidate will join a project exploring the hypothesis that the microbiome directly/indirectly influences both vascular development and function.  The Robinson Group will explore, in mouse models, how microbiota diversity and complexity affect: (1) vascular development in both the retina and hind-brain; (2) vascular repair after injury; and (3) vascular homeostasis during ageing.

The Group will utilise mouse models (including germ-free) and real time, longitudinal imaging, and confocal microscopy to follow vascular function in vivo. Profiling of immune system changes (which are at the interface between microbiota and host responses) will be via flow cytometry and RNAseq. For comprehensive characterisation and profiling of the microbiota we will employ a variety of NGS methods (DNA and RNA, including shotgun sequencing and RNAseq) for microbiome profiles at different stages of cardiovascular development and life progression.

The Senior Research Scientist will plan and perform experiments to meet the aims of the project. They will also assist in managing group members as well as the group’s budget.

The ideal candidate

Candidates should possess a PhD in Biological Sciences or a similar subject. They should have strong knowledge of vascular systems and an extensive background in microbiology. Experience of supervising junior lab members is essential, as are excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Additional information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,990 to £48,775 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a fulltime post on a permanent basis.

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 1003838.

Click here to find out more about working at Quadram Institute Bioscience.

Interviews are expected to be held on 17^th January 2020.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide Tier 2 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.