Main Purpose of the Job
We are looking for an exceptional scientist with a research focus on nutrition- and microbiome-based interventions for the prevention and management of obesity.
Driven by our vision to deliver healthier lives through multidisciplinary expertise and specialised core infrastructure, we are seeking an innovative group leader with a collaborative approach to advance transformative research on the interactions between foods, the gut microbiome, and the host, and their impact on preventing obesity and metabolic disease.
In partnership with colleagues and stakeholders, the post holder will drive innovative research initiatives and programmes to tackle these critical questions.
Key Relationships
Internal: All employees working at the Quadram Institute, including QIB, UEA and NHS colleagues. NBI Partnership.
External: UKRI, BBSRC, Norwich Research Park, other scientific institutions and educational bodies, industry, governmental organisations, general public.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage
Lead and manage high-profile and innovative projects aimed at advancing our understanding of diet-microbiome-host interactions and developing strategies to improve host health and resilience to obesity and metabolic disease
100
Secure significant funding in accordance with the expectations of the discipline and level of the role
Build and sustain strong collaborations and partnerships with researchers, institutions, industry, and other key stakeholders
Lead and manage research teams, taking responsibility for the delivery of the research. This will include supervising Post-Doctoral Research Assistants, supporting effective career development and maintaining high levels of performance representative of a world class institute
Write and publish high quality and significant research papers together with providing expert commentary in a variety of media
Promote a culture of world class science excellence, collaboration, and scientific integrity across the Institute
Develop pertinent research strategies for the Institute to deliver high social and economic impact
Promote our research and develop business opportunities for the Institute by liaising with and influencing government, industry and other external partners
Disseminate research findings and consolidate the Institute’s international reputation through participation in international conference and exhibitions
As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role
Education & Qualifications
Requirement
Importance
PhD in a relevant discipline such as obesity research, host pathophysiology (including the gut and associated metabolic organs), or microbial/molecular biology of the gut microbiota
Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement
Importance
Extensive knowledge of areas related to obesity, gut microbiome, and host-microbiome, metabolic and immune responses, and the development of nutrition- and microbiome-based interventions to tackle obesity
Essential
Substantial knowledge of and skills in a relevant area, such as mechanistic or proof-of-concept human studies, modelling obesity in preclinical models, microbiome profiling, dependent on the key area of interest
Essential
A track record of research into subjects relevant to the key areas of interest and the Food Microbiome and Health strategic interests
Essential
Relevant Experience
Requirement
Importance
Experience in host-microbiome interactions during obesity
Essential
An excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career
Essential
Established record of post-doctoral research, including effective management of projects
Essential
Evidence of experience of – or potential for – attracting funding, commensurate with stage of career
Essential
Experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance
Desirable
Ability to lead and participate in interdisciplinary research
Desirable
Success in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations
Desirable
Management and Leadership
Requirement
Importance
Experience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance
Essential
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement
Importance
Strong collaboration skills
Essential
Ability to create, build, strengthen and sustain highly effective relationships with key stakeholders
Essential
Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with all people at all levels both inside and outside the institute
Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement
Importance
Attention to detail
Essential
Promotes equality and values diversity
Essential
Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff atEssential the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
Essential
Presents a positive image of self and the Institute, enhancing internationalEssential reputation and promoting public engagement
Essential
Ability to travel nationally and internationally related to collaborationsEssential and/or seminars
Essential
Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
Essential
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate
Essential