Main Purpose of the Job
The Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) is seeking a highly organised and scientifically proficient Upper-Gut Digestion Model Specialist to deliver and support the use of laboratory models of the upper-gastrointestinal tract. QIB’s laboratories host a suite of static and dynamic digestion models, as well as equipment for structural and biochemical analyses. In vitro digestion protocols such as INFOGEST and the Dynamic Gastric Model are regularly used to support strategically funded research programmes, as well as academic and commercial research projects into gastrointestinal behaviour of functional and novel foods.
This role is central to enabling high-quality, reproducible research, and delivering both internal and external projects. The post-holder will conduct in vitro digestion experiments and ensure the maintenance of the upper-gut digestion models. They will contribute to the design and optimisation of experimental protocols, and work closely with QIB Colon Model Facility team, QIB scientists, technical staff, and external partners to deliver impactful outcomes. They will be guided by leading scientific experts in digestion modelling and related fields to ensure that work is conducted to the highest quality standard.
The role will also support fee-for-service work through QIBExtra, helping to promote, scope, deliver, and manage digestion-related projects for external clients as part of the DigestQX platform.
Key Relationships
The post-holder will join the Science Operations Team and will be line managed by Dr Antonietta Hayhoe, with Dr Cathrina Edwards as a Co-signatory.
They will also work closely with Dr Natalia Perez-Moral, who will be the leading authority on the design, conduct and reporting of upper-gut digestion models at QIB, and will provide initial training and ongoing scientific oversight.
They will also work closely with QIBs Colon Model Facility, particularly with regard to planning and delivery of projects requiring integration between upper-gastrointestinal and colon models.
They will work closely with other QIB scientists to scope out projects and co-ordinate work, for example liaising with other core facilities or scientist, for example to arrange or undertake sample analyses that is ancillary to digestion model use.
They will scope out and deliver projects for QIBExtra, which is under the management of Dr Alan Brailsford.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage
Conduct laboratory work involving upper-gut in vitro digestion models (e.g. INFOGEST, DGM) according to project requirements, ensuring protocols are executed accurately and efficiently.
30
Support and deliver fee-for-service projects through QIBExtra, including client liaison, proposal input, experimental design, and timely delivery of project milestones. When required, ensure work is conducted to regulatory or quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001), and maintain detailed documentation.
15
Act as the primary point of contact for in vitro digestion platform enquiries from QIB or QIBExtra, scoping new projects and assessing resource and time requirements. Coordinate activities with the QIB Colon Model Facility team to design and execute experiments using both upper-gut digestion and colon models.
15
Draft protocols and SOPs for upper-gut digestion experiments and/or operation of digestion models. Ensure high standards of quality control, health and safety, and compliance with institutional and legal guidelines.
10
Analyse and interpret experimental data; lead or contribute to the preparation of technical reports, client summaries, grant proposals, and scientific publications.
10
Manage lab scheduling and ensure optimal use of the platform by QIB researchers and external clients. Train new users when required.
10
Collaborate with QIBExtra to develop a robust operational and business framework for the DigestQX platform, including costing models and project decision-trees.
5
Promote awareness of the digestion platform and its capabilities within academic and commercial networks.
5
As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post
Education & Qualifications
Requirement
Importance
MSc or PhD in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, or a related life science discipline
Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement
Importance
In-depth knowledge of human digestive physiology and nutritional biochemistry
Essential
Proficiency in biochemical methods (enzyme activities, macronutrient quantification, micronutrient analysis), and analytical techniques such as microscopy, particle sizing, SDS-PAGE, HPLC, LC-MS, ELISA, or microbiome sequencing
Essential
Experience in physico-chemical characterisation of food matrices
Desirable
Experience using in vitro digestion models for applications such as studying nutrient bioaccessibility, pharmaceutical release, digestion of proteins, survival of pro-biotics in the human upper-gastrointestinal tract
Desirable
Familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001, EFSA, UK FSA) and health claim substantiation processes
Desirable
Relevant Experience
Requirement
Importance
Practical experience using in vitro upper-gut digestion models and their application to study bioaccessibility and/or digestibility
Essential
Experience in writing SOPs, risk assessments, and scientific reports
Essential
Proven ability to deliver research projects in a timely manner and to a high scientific quality
Essential
Strong project management, communication, and documentation skills
Essential
Experience managing a research facility or laboratory operations
Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement
Importance
Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively
Essential
Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset
Essential
Ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Essential
Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team
Essential
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
Essential
Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills
Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement
Importance
Attention to detail
Essential
Promotes equality and values diversity
Essential
Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
Essential
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate
Essential
Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute
Essential
Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
Essential