Postdoctoral Research Scientist

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 [Employer hidden] 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

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics or another area related to lipids.
• Relevant research experience in food structure, in vitro digestion methods, analytical techniques, colloid science or lipids in nutrition and health.
• Prior experience in supervision or training of students and other scientists is advantageous.

Additional Information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,250 to £38,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This post is for a contract of three years.

For further information and details of how to apply, please click here or contact the Human Resources team on [contact hidden] or [contact hidden] quoting reference 1003509.

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 [Employer hidden]

The [Employer hidden] is an interdisciplinary research centre at the forefront of a new era of food and health research. Opening in 2018, QI is bringing together researchers and clinicians under one roof in a new state-of-the-art £75m building that will also house one of Europe’s largest endoscopy units and a clinical trial facility.

QI’s research is focused on lifelong health – from birth and throughout the lifecourse, to help ensure healthy ageing for all. It undertakes fundamental and translational food and health research and works with industry to accelerate innovation to benefit patients and consumers.

Based on the Norwich Research Park, The [Employer hidden] is a partnership between [Employer hidden] Bioscience, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH) NHS Foundation Trust, the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The Norwich Research Park is also home to the John Innes Centre and the Earlham Institute, which like QIB are strategically supported by BBSRC. With UEA and the NNUH, this cluster of research excellence makes Norwich one of Europe’s leading centres for bioscience research, providing access to world class research facilities and infrastructure.

The closing date for applications will be 30th August 2018.