Research Scientist (Genomics & Mechanisms of Survival of Listeria) Maternity Cover

Background

The Gilmour group at the [Employer hidden] is interested in understanding the microbial traits of Listeria that contribute to its significant risk as a foodborne contaminant and then human pathogen. As an environmental microbe, Listeria may be present directly within raw foods or food ingredients and then survive food safety control efforts. Additionally, Listeria clones may progress to become established within food production or food service environments, also leading to contamination of foods. In any exposure scenario, Listeria's evasion of control treatments and its persistence can be dictated by an array of adaptive processes such as the acquisition of resistance (i.e. to sanitisers) to the formation of microbial communities (i.e. biofilms).

There is an opportunity to understand and then control the risk of Listeria by studying these niche adaptations that lead to our exposure and illness. To do this, we study the genetic variation and gene dynamics of Listeria isolated from foods and food production environments, with comparison to those clones that have resulted in human illness and outbreaks of disease. We study the traits that are essential for Listeria survival and persistence through mutagenesis and culture-based models. We also study microbial populations and metagenomes to get the full view of hazards that are present on foods.

The Role

The core component of the post-holder's studies will include analyses of the genetic content and diversity of Listeria, including comparison of UK clones against international sequences, to identify specific clones or genetic traits that may promote Listeria as a food hazard. Beyond the genome of individual Listeria, the description of microbial populations present on foods and on food contact surfaces is necessary to identify the composition of the microbiome, including if multiple variants of Listeria can be observed within samples.

To promote their scientific development, the project will offer extensive opportunity on Quadram's leading technological platforms for genomics, bioinformatics, and culture-based models. To promote leadership development, the project will also leverage collaborative partnerships from public health, food safety, and industrial sectors.

The Ideal Candidate

Candidates are expected to have a PhD in a relevant subject area (e.g. Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Bioinformatics, or Biochemistry) and have experience with microbial genome data management and analyses, paired with molecular microbiology laboratory skills. Knowledge and skills with culture-based models, such as bacterial biofilms, are also desirable. Candidates should also have proven track-record in publishing their scientific findings, while having a high emotional intelligence for working within scientific teams.

Additional Information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £32,578 to £39,938 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time maternity cover post expected to last for 12 months, this could be shorter or longer depending on when the absent employee returns to work.

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 1004237.

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 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 [Employer hidden] 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 18 April 2022.

The [Employer hidden] Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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