Research Scientist (Metagenomics)

Hours per week 37 Project Title: Gut microbial colonization and adaptation to the human host. Months Duration: 24

Job Description

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Prof Hildebrand in the Food, Microbes and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK. The project will investigate how bacterial genomes evolve in closely related family members, focusing on adaptation through genetic mutation and DNA modification using 3rd generation DNA sequencing from hundreds of faecal metagenomes.

Main Purpose of the Job

The ideal candidate will have experience working with metagenomic data, understanding the gut ecosystem, and knowledge of bacterial evolution. Expertise in bioinformatics, cohort management, population genetics, or comparative genomics is highly desirable. The role involves quantifying adaptive processes that microbial strains undergo over short and long time spans, analysing genome plasticity via classical bioinformatics, and tracking DNA modifications across metagenomes.

Key Relationships

The post holder will work closely with group members, line manager Dr Fal k Hildebrand (Group Leader), and key collaborators. Supervision of junior members and representation at trainings are expected. Direct access to PacBio/ONT, Hi C and single cell sequencing facilities and the UK's largest HPC cluster at the NRP is provided.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• 35%: Analyse pro and eukaryotic MAGs from gut metagenomes, their community structure and functional potential.
• 35%: Investigate microbial adaptation in time series metagenomes using population genetics. Develop analytical workflows to integrate DNA mutations and modifications.
• 20%: Cohort related tasks on the established cohort (logistics, recruitment, ethics).
• 5%: Support the group with outreach, student supervision, and grant writing.
• 5%: Other duties as agreed with the line manager, such as contributing to institute committees.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement: PhD in Bioinformatics, Population Genetics, Ecology or Microbiology, or equivalent experience - essential.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Programming skills (C++, Perl, Python or R) - essential.
• Ability to work independently on research projects - essential.
• Initiative, desire to learn, innovate and step outside comfort zone - essential.
• Problem solving and troubleshooting - essential.
• DNA sequencing related bioinformatics - essential.
• Proven track record of relevant research output - essential.
• Lab member supervision experience - essential.
• Grant writing - essential.
• Metagenomics or population genetics experience - desirable.
• Previous cohort supervision or creation - desirable.
• Experience with DNA mutations or modifications (bioinformatics) - desirable.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication - essential.
• Promotes and strives for continuous improvement - essential.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work alone and as part of a team - essential.
• Reliable and conscientious - essential.

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail - essential.
• Promotes equality and values diversity - essential.
• Will embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff - essential.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when required - essential.
• Willingness to undertake necessary training for the role - essential.

The closing date for applications will be 17 May 2026. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 1 June 2026.

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.

The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. ) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.