Research Scientist (novel 'omics methods for the study of the human microbiome)

The role

This is an indefinite post-doctoral position at [Employer hidden] that will focus on the long-term development of novel experimental methods for the study of the human microbiome. The position will be associated with Prof Quince's High-resolution Microbiomics group, jointly at [Employer hidden] and the Earlham Institute. The research programme will be developed by the applicant in conjunction with Prof Quince but the aim will be to drive forward the next generation of methods in microbiome research. These will include improved strategies for characterising microbial communities in situ to the strain level, for instance, long-read metagenomics, single cell sequencing, or novel Hi-C library preparations. In addition to methods that determine the function of community members, for example utilising metabolomics and metaproteomics.

The methods development will include a large component of validation by bench experiments, both on simple constructed communities and faecal samples from patients. These will be performed either in model colon systems or using gnotobiotic mice. These microbial communities will be subjected to perturbations such as reduction in resources or antibiotics and changes in composition and function tracked. The validated methods will then be applied to clinically relevant human microbiome data sets to gain a mechanistic understanding in areas such as ordinary foods treatment for Crohn's disease and faecal microbiome transplants. The post is associated with a flexible consumables and sequencing budget for the first three years.

This represents a unique opportunity for an individual with a very strong track record in molecular microbiology to secure a long-term research position. The applicant will be supported in fellowship applications and opportunities exist for staff meeting the criteria to enter the Institute's career-track scheme to Group Leader.

The ideal candidate

Candidates will possess a PhD in a relevant area of molecular biology, plus a first degree in a relevant scientific field. Experience of 'omics data generation and DNA extraction is essential; as is a strong publication track record. Experience of working with microbiome samples and/or culturing microbes is desirable.

Additional information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £32,255 to £39,345 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a fulltime post offered on a permanent basis.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here, or contact the Human Resources team on [contact hidden] or [contact hidden] quoting reference 1003978.

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.