Main Purpose of the Job
A new research group led by Dr Lizbeth Sayavedra is being established at the Quadram Institute to investigate how microbial sulfur and nitrogen metabolism influence human health, particularly in the context of protein malnutrition and obesity.
The group will focus on sulphate and sulphite reducing bacteria, a key family of gut bacteria involved in sulfur and nitrogen cycling, and their interactions with the host and the wider gut microbiome. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to building a dynamic team at the interface of microbial physiology, metabolism, and host–microbe interactions.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated microbiologist to bridge in vitro microbiome models and in vivo systems, using functional assays, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to uncover how key members of the Desulfovibrionaceae influence metabolic outcomes.
We’re looking for someone with a PhD in microbiology or a related field, ideally with experience in molecular microbiology, microbial genomics, or microbiome analysis. Experience with bioinformatics or animal models would be a great advantage.
The post holder will work at the intersection of microbiology, molecular biology, and microbiome science to explore how sulfur- and nitrogen-transforming bacteria contribute to metabolic health outcomes. Key responsibilities include:
• Performing anaerobic culturing of gut bacteria, particularly within the Desulfovibrionaceae.
• Conducting gut model experiments to study microbiome–host interactions under different dietary conditions.
• Applying genetic engineering and functional genomics approaches to investigate key metabolic pathways.
• Performing microbiome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses to link microbial activity with metabolic phenotypes.
• Collaborating with internal and external partners within the Food, Microbiome and Health programme, and contributing to publications, presentations, and future grant proposals.
Key Relationships
The post holder will work closely with researchers within the Sayavedra Group and coordinate studies with internal and external collaborators, including the Narbad and Beraza groups, other human microbiome research teams and clinicians at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, such as Dr Emma Webb.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage
Design and conduct in vitro microbiome and bacterial functional assays to investigate sulfur and nitrogen metabolism
30
Integrate multi-omics datasets (metagenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) to identify metabolic pathways linked to health outcomes
20
Translate mechanistic insights from in vitro systems to in vivo models in collaboration with internal and external partners
20
Analyse, interpret, and present research findings; prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant applications
20
Ensure research, data management, and record-keeping comply with best scientific practice, ethics, and institutional policies
5
As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role
5
Education & Qualifications
Requirement
Importance
A PhD in microbiology, molecular microbiology, or a related field.
Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement
Importance
Anaerobic microbiology
Essential
Practical experience on microbial genetics
Essential
Bioinformatics and data integration
Essential
Familiarity with metabolomics or transcriptomics
Essential
Functional genomics and pathway analysis
Essential
Microbiome or metagenomic data analysis
Desirable
Relevant Experience
Requirement
Importance
Proven research experience in microbial physiology, metabolism, or molecular microbiology
Essential
Track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals
Essential
Experience with animal models / tissue culture
Essential
Experience with in vitro colonic models
Desirable
Experience of conducting human studies, including sample collection or human research governance
Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement
Importance
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
Essential
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
Essential
Enthusiasm for contributing to a growing research group
Essential
Experience in supervising and supporting the development of students
Essential
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work alone and as part of a team
Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement
Importance
Attention to detail
Essential
Commitment to supporting a respectful, inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.
Essential
Promotes equality and values diversity
Essential
Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
Essential
Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
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 undertake any necessary training for the role
Essential
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate
Essential