Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The Todd Lab, which has recently relocated to the Quadram Institute, will explore diverse sulfur cycling in the human gut. Our projects will apply interdisciplinary research methods to gain fundamental knowledge of the microbes that degrade dietary organosulfur compounds, the pathways and enzymes they utilise, the roles of these pathways, how they are regulated, and their importance to the host microbe, gut microbiome and human health.
The post holder will conduct gut model incubations with diverse organosulfur compounds to determine process rates and the influence of diet and health using metabolomics ( gas chromatography, NMR, LC-MS). They will isolate model gut microbes that cycle diverse dietary sulfur compounds and elucidate their key enzymes and pathways using functional genomics, gene mutagenesis and protein biochemistry. The post will also utilise culture-independent methods, including stable-isotope probing and multiomics analysis to study the importance of the microbes and key genes driving organosulfur cycling in the human gut microbiome and to infer links to health. The role will be supported by the advanced metabolomics, sequencing and bioinformatics platforms available at the Quadram Institute, providing a rich environment for cutting-edge gut microbiome research.
Key Relationships
The post holder will work closely with other researchers within the Todd Group and coordinate research with internal and external collaborators.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Experimental work- model colon experiments, microbial isolation, genetics, mutagenesis, enzyme characterisation, metabolomics, multiomicsData analysisCollaborating with project partners, co-writing grant applications and preparing reports for fundersEnsure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirementsAs agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementPhD in molecular microbiology
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementMicrobial isolationMolecular genetics (particularly gene mutagenesis and expression in bacteria)Protein biochemistry (particularly enzyme assays and characterisation)Metabolomics analysis by NMR, GC and/or LC-MSGene probe designStable-isotope probingDeep understanding of organosulfur cycling pathways and enzymesBioinformatics analysis
Relevant Experience
RequirementExperience in reviewing and preparing successful grant proposalsExperience in conducting gut model incubationsRelevant track record in identifying and elucidating novel pathways and enzymes involved in organosulfur cyclingExperience working with industrial partnersExperience in lab and budget managementExperience in supervising PhD students and coordinating research
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementExcellent communication skills, both written and oralAbility to follow instructions / Standard Operating ProceduresExcellent time management and organisational skills with proven ability to meet deadlinesDemonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skillsEmbrace working as part of a diverse and multi-disciplinary teamGood interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Promotes and strives for continuous improvement
Additional Requirements
RequirementAttention to detailPromotes equality and values diversityWillingness to work outside standard working hours when requiredWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staffat the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to workAble to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promotingboth the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute