Main Purpose of the Job
We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join a collaborative team studying xenobiotics-gut microbiome interactions as well as developing precision microbiome intervention trials. The ideal candidates will have expertise in laboratory-based microbiome studies, metaproteomics, and bioinformatics. Expertise in metagenomics, and metabolomics would be a benefit.
You will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of researchers and have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to design, develop, and apply innovative approaches for microbiome research.
The main foci of this position are to advance function based study of the interactions of prebiotics, drugs and other xenobiotics with the gut microbiome and the utilisation of microbiome assays in precision prebiotic microbiome intervention trials aimed at promoting healthy aging.
The post-holder will support the Group Leader with day-to-day running of the lab, including line management of staff, overseeing budgets, and leading the scientific direction.
Key Relationships
Internal: The post holder will work closely with other group members, the line manager Daniel Figeys and key collaborators. The applicant will also work closely with the Human Studies Team at the Quadram Institute. The applicant will have direct access to established metagenomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics facilities and the equipment at the QIB.
External: Collaborators
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project
Line management of staff
Responsibility for overseeing and managing budgets
Responsibility for leading scientific direction
Prepare documentation for ethic approval
Prepare draft grant applications
Prepare high quality results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media
Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements
Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence
Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities
Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures, assisting colleagues with trouble-shooting as necessary
Run key items of equipment providing services and/or techniques, taking responsibility for purchases, maintenance and repairs
Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks
Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, encouraging scientific excellence and provide guidance and training on specialised items of equipment
Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse experiments as and when necessary, providing preliminary data
Design and supervise small research projects for students
Assist in the preparation of research proposals and manuscripts, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate
Disseminate research findings and establish reputation through participation in national conferences and exhibitions. Support the profile and reputation of the Institute by participating in relevant engagement activities (eg, school visits or open days)
Lead and manage high profile and innovative projects such as the advancement of precision prebiotic microbiome intervention trial aimed at promoting health ageing.
As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work on institute committees
Education & Qualifications
Requirement
Importance
PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or relevant fields
Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement
Importance
Experimental microbiology relevant to live microbiome studies
Essential
Bioinformatic analysis of data
Essential
Microbiome intervention trials
Essential
Metagenomics, metaproteomics, and/or metabolomics
Desirable
Relevant Experience
Requirement
Importance
Preparing data / information and draft of grant proposals
Essential
Demonstrated ability to perform research
Essential
Significant experience in microbiome and metaproteomics laboratory experiments
Essential
Experience of oral research presentations
Essential
Experience with preparing documents for ethic approval
Essential
Proven record in scientific writing
Essential
Supervision of students, postdocs and visiting workers
Essential
Provided technical training
Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement
Importance
Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team
Essential
Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills
Essential
Excellent time management and organisational skills
Essential
Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group
Essential
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity
Essential
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
Essential
Ability to follow and develop instructions/Standard Operating Procedures
Essential
Promotes and strives for continuous improvement
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 at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
Essential
Ability to work independently
Essential
Attention to detail
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
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate
Essential
Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
Essential
Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars
Essential