Salary: £37,500 to £43,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
We’re looking for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the laboratory of Professor Falk Hildebran at the Quadram Institute.
The human microbiome is shared among family members in all life stages (doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.05.008). To investigate potential mechanisms and the impact on bacterial evolution, we created the PEARL-AGE cohort in Norwich, collecting samples from multi-generational families longitudinally, as well as biodata.
The role
The project will investigate how bacterial genomes evolve in closely related family members. Specifically, adaptation to individuals through genetic mutation and DNA modification will be investigated, relying on 3rd generation DNA sequencing from hundreds of faecal metagenomes.
The project will investigate the following questions: Which gut microbes are most prone to colonise family members, and what are likely genetic determinants? How can some bacteria persist for decades in the same host? Are there unique genetic adaptations to each host or each host family?
The ideal applicant holds a PhD (or equivalent) in biology, bioinformatics, computer science or a related discipline, with a background and/or interest in at least one of the following subjects:
- Microbiomes & biodiversity
- Ecology & evolution
Experience in conducting scientific experiments independently, writing papers, scientific presentations is required. Skills in statistics, programming, working with human cohorts, comparative genome analysis, determining genetic adaptation, analysing DNA modifications (methylation), grant writing are beneficial. Specialised skills will be taught and developed through mentorship and collaborations.
Additional information
Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £43,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 24 months.
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
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 located on the Norwich Research Park, one of Europe’s largest single-site concentrations of research in food, genomics, and health. The Park hosts four BBSRC institutes (including Quadram), around 17,000 students, 3,000 researchers and clinicians, and more than 115 companies. Its researchers are internationally recognized, with 10 scientists ranked among the top 1% of the world’s most highly cited, including Prof Hildebrand (2024 & 2025).
The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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