Research Scientist

We're looking for a Research Scientist to undertake research projects which advance our understanding of the microbiome-gut-brain axis and its role in ageing. This role will be based in the group of Dr Aimee Parker in the Food, Microbiome and Health Programme at Quadram Institute. Communication between microbes, the gut, and the brain contributes to health across the life course. We have shown in a preclinical model that modifying the gut microbiota by faecal microbiota transfer (FMT) can protect against some of the inflammatory hallmarks of brain ageing in mice. The role

The successful candidate will establish gut-brain/gut-CNS microfluidic chip systems to enable the study of the role of microbial products in regulating gut-immune-CNS communication in human-relevant systems, paving the way to development of microbial therapeutics for clinical trials

The post holder will also contribute to the wider research within the Food Microbiome and Health Programme. This multidisciplinary programme aims to generate mechanistic insights into how food and microbiome changes affect host responses within and beyond the gastrointestinal tract, and to develop microbiome interventions designed to improve and maintain long-term health.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Conduct cutting-edge research at the interface of host-microbiome interactions in ageing.
• Build a wide range of complementary skills and expertise.
• Present and publish research findings, strengthening communication and presentation skills.
• Supervise students and develop mentoring, leadership and project management skills.
• Expand professional networks through interdisciplinary collaboration at national and international levels.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated scientist with an awarded, or soon to be awarded, PhD in Biology/Molecular Cell biology/Immunology/Neurobiology or a related discipline with evidenced experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Mammalian cell culture, ideally including experience with neuronal culture, iPSCs or multicellular systems, Microfluidic systems, organoids, organ-on-chip, Immunostaining/microscopy, Microbial culture, Molecular/Cell biology (e.g. RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, sequencing), Immunoassays, ELISA, and flow cytometry.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly. They will have strong organisation and problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

It is essential that the post holder has a proactive approach to developing new skills and advancing interdisciplinary research.

Additional information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post until a funding end date of April 2028.

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 equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence are at the heart of all we do, and we expect 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.

£37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience