Research Scientist

Background

The Todd Lab, which has recently relocated to the Quadram Institute, will explore diverse sulfur cycling in the human gut. Our projects will apply interdisciplinary research methods to gain fundamental knowledge of the microbes that degrade dietary organosulfur compounds, the pathways and enzymes they utilise, the roles of these pathways, how they are regulated, and their importance to the host microbe, gut microbiome and human health.

The Role

The post holder will conduct gut model incubations with diverse organosulfur compounds to determine process rates and the influence of diet and health using metabolomics (e.g. gas chromatography, NMR, LC-MS). They will isolate model gut microbes that cycle diverse dietary sulfur compounds and elucidate their key enzymes and pathways using functional genomics, gene mutagenesis and protein biochemistry. The post will also utilise culture-independent methods, including stable-isotope probing and multiomics analysis to study the importance of the microbes and key genes driving organosulfur cycling in the human gut microbiome and to infer links to health. The role will be supported by the advanced metabolomics, sequencing and bioinformatics platforms available at the Quadram Institute, providing a rich environment for cutting-edge gut microbiome research.

The Ideal Candidate

• PhD in molecular microbiology
• Knowledge of microbial isolation and molecular genetics (particularly gene mutagenesis and expression in bacteria)
• Track record in identifying and elucidating novel pathways and enzymes involved in organosulfur cycling
• Experience in conducting gut model incubations
• Experience in reviewing and preparing successful grant proposals

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 for a contract of five years.

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 1004974. 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 [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.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications will be 5 November 2025.