Job Description
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
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 diseaseSecure significant funding in accordance with the expectations of the discipline and level of the roleBuild and sustain strong collaborations and partnerships with researchers, institutions, industry, and other key stakeholdersLead 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 instituteWrite and publish high quality and significant research papers together with providing expert commentary in a variety of mediaPromote a culture of world class science excellence, collaboration, and scientific integrity across the InstituteDevelop pertinent research strategies for the Institute to deliver high social and economic impactPromote our research and develop business opportunities for the Institute by liaising with and influencing government, industry and other external partnersDisseminate research findings and consolidate the Institute’s international reputation through participation in international conference and exhibitionsAs agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementPhD 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
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementExtensive 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 obesitySubstantial 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 A track record of research into subjects relevant to the key areas of interest and the Food Microbiome and Health strategic interests
Relevant Experience
RequirementExperience in host-microbiome interactions during obesityAn excellent publication record in peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of careerEstablished record of post-doctoral research, including effective management of projectsEvidence of experience of – or potential for – attracting funding, commensurate with stage of careerExperience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performanceAbility to lead and participate in interdisciplinary researchSuccess in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations
Management and Leadership
RequirementExperience of leading, managing and mentoring teams, including promoting excellence and developing and maintaining high levels of performance
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementStrong collaboration skillsAbility to create, build, strengthen and sustain highly effective relationships with key stakeholdersAbility to communicate effectively and appropriately with all people at all levels both inside and outside the institute
Additional Requirements
RequirementAttention to detailPromotes equality and values diversityWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff atEssential the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to workPresents a positive image of self and the Institute, enhancing internationalEssential reputation and promoting public engagementAbility to travel nationally and internationally related to collaborationsEssential and/or seminarsWillingness to work outside standard working hours when requiredAbility to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate