Background

The global incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency is alarmingly high and increasing, causing substantial health problems and reduced quality of life for millions. The aim of this project is the development of a sensitive and rapid vitamin B12 deficiency diagnostic test. This is a key component of a broader global challenge goal of identifying people who are either deficient/insufficient for vitamin B12 and providing them with either B12 supplements or B12-enriched food. Through the use of antibody technology and by working with a leading pioneering diagnostics company, Mologic, we aim to produce a system that can reliably and accurately report on blood levels of cobalamin.

The Role

The work will involve genetic engineering of selective binding proteins for vitamin B12, and their detailed characterisation. The most suitable binding protein will be developed for the construction of a lateral flow double-antibody sandwich immunoassay.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a Research Scientist with experience in biochemistry or immunology, binding assays, synthetic biology and immunoassays. You will have a proven record in scientific writing and experience of oral research presentations. You will also have the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders as well as good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team.

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 full-time post for a contract of 30 months.

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 1003942.

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 [Employer hidden], 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 4 November 2020.

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