Research Scientist (B12 Assay)

Background

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a growing global health concern, affecting millions and leading to serious medical conditions, including anemia, neurological disorders, and impaired cognitive function. Despite its significant impact on quality of life, reliable and accessible diagnostic tools remain limited. This project aims to develop highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic tests for vitamin B12 deficiency, addressing a critical gap in early detection and intervention. As part of a broader global initiative, our goal is to identify individuals with insufficient or deficient B12 levels and facilitate appropriate supplementation or dietary interventions. By leveraging liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-affinity binding proteins, we seek to create robust, accurate, and efficient systems for measuring blood cobalamin levels. These advances will support improved clinical decision-making and public health strategies, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes worldwide.

The Role

This position involves optimizing and validating LC-MS methodologies for the precise quantification of vitamin B12 in blood serum, alongside the detection of key biomarkers linked to B12 deficiency. A key focus of the project will be refining extraction and purification techniques by leveraging high-affinity B12-binding proteins, with the aim of enhancing sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of improved diagnostic workflows, ensuring robust and reproducible methods for clinical and research applications. This work will play a vital role in advancing our understanding of B12 metabolism and deficiency detection, with the potential for significant global health impact.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Scientist with expertise in biochemistry, analytical techniques, and binding assays, along with experience in protein purification. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in scientific research, demonstrated through high-quality publications, and experience in delivering oral presentations at scientific meetings. In addition to technical expertise, you should possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as this role will involve working closely with internal and external stakeholders. If you are a detail-oriented scientist with a passion for developing innovative diagnostic tools, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,720 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 18 months.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found at https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk/Details.asp?vacancyID=20060, or contact the Human Resources team on [contact hidden] or [contact hidden] quoting reference 1004849. 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.

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