Research Scientist – Fermented Foods and Nutrition
Applications Close: 06 November 2025
Salary: £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract Length: This is a full-time post for a contract of 25 months
Are you passionate about nutrition science and the potential of fermented foods to transform plant-based diets? Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Maria Traka in the Food & Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.
Background
We’re seeking a talented Research Scientist to join the FlavourFerm Horizon Europe project – an exciting initiative exploring how fermentation can unlock the nutritional potential of plant-based foods. Running from 2024-2028, this collaborative project will assess the healthiness of fermented food products by measuring nutritional quality and identifying their effects on gut microbiota. This role is vital in contributing to ground breaking research that will shape the future of sustainable nutrition.
The role
You’ll conduct comprehensive nutritional analysis of fermented foods, focusing on amino acid composition, vitamin B12 isoforms, and nutrient bioaccessibility. Using advanced techniques including LC-MS/MS and in vitro gastrointestinal models (INFOGEST protocols, batch colon models, and SHIME), you’ll evaluate how fermentation impacts nutritional value and gut health. You’ll work closely with the project team and collaborate with international partners, disseminating your findings through scientific publications and presentations.
The ideal candidate
The successful candidate will have a PhD in Nutrition Sciences or related discipline, with strong knowledge of protein/amino acid composition, B12, and fermented food science. Experience with INFOGEST protocols and static in vitro models of gastrointestinal metabolism is essential. You’ll be an excellent communicator with a proven research track record and the ability to work independently to tight deadlines.
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 25 months.
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and research interests.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004972.
Interviews are to be held on the 14 November and 24 November 2025.
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.
The closing date for applications will be 6 November 2025
The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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