Applications are invited for a Research Scientist position to undertake collaborative research funded by The NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections. This role will be based in Prof Arjan Narbad's group in the Microbes and Food Safety Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.
Gastrointestinal illness remains a significant health issue in the UK, with approximately 17 million community cases of IID and 1 million GP consultations annually. Current diagnostic methods often fail to identify the causative agent. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing offer new opportunities to analyze the microbiome in an untargeted manner, aiding in the exploration of GI diseases.
The main purpose of this role is to evaluate metagenomic profiles of microbiomes from patients with diarrhea for pathogen detection, biomarker identification, and to study microbiome alterations during infection. We seek a microbiologist or molecular biologist to join a team investigating the gut microbiome's relationship with gastrointestinal infections.
Key Relationships
The post holder will conduct experimental research under the supervision of Professor Arjan Narbad and collaborate closely with clinicians Dr Alwin Ochieng at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and Drs Clare Jenkins and Marie Chattaway at UKHSA in Colindale.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
1. Metagenomics profiling of gut bacteria
2. Metabolomics profiling using proton NMR and HPLC
3. Bioinformatics analysis and integration of 'Omics' data
4. Utilization of in vitro colon models to study pathogen-microbiome interactions
5. Writing and preparing research results for publication
6. Training and supervising PhD students
7. Contributing to ethical approval processes for studies
8. Performing any other duties as agreed with the line manager
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
* PhD in Microbial Ecology, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
* Knowledge of molecular profiling of microbial communities
* Experience with next-generation sequencing
Relevant Experience
* Experience in metagenomics data analysis
* Experience with anaerobic microbiology
* Ability to handle pathogens safely
* Experience with in vitro colon models
* Experience conducting human studies
* Experience with metabolomics
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team
* Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
* Ability to liaise with HPRU consortium members
Additional Requirements
* Ability to work independently with attention to detail
* Promotes equality and values diversity
* Willingness to work outside standard hours when required
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