Upper-Gut Digestion Model Specialist (part-time, 12 months)
Applications Close: 09 November 2025
Salary: £37,500 to £40,600 pro-rata, per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract Length: 12 months, part time
Applications are invited for a Digestion Model Specialist to join the Science Operations Team at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.
The role:
The Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) is seeking a highly organised and scientifically proficient Upper-Gut Digestion Model Specialist to deliver and support the use of laboratory models of the upper-gastrointestinal tract.
QIB’s laboratories host a suite of static and dynamic digestion models, as well as equipment for structural and biochemical analyses. In vitro digestion protocols such as INFOGEST and the Dynamic Gastric Model are regularly used to support strategically funded research programmes, as well as academic and commercial research projects into gastrointestinal behaviour of functional and novel foods.
This role is central to enabling high-quality, reproducible research, and delivering both internal and external projects. The post-holder will conduct in vitro digestion experiments and ensure the maintenance of the upper-gut digestion models. They will contribute to the design and optimisation of experimental protocols, and work closely with QIB Colon Model Facility team, QIB scientists, technical staff, and external partners to deliver impactful outcomes. They will be guided by leading scientific experts in digestion modelling and related fields to ensure that work is conducted to the highest quality standard.
The role will also support fee-for-service work through QIBExtra, helping to promote, scope, deliver, and manage digestion-related projects for external clients as part of the DigestQX platform.
The ideal candidate:
Candidates must have an MSc or PhD in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, or a related life science discipline with previous practical experience using upper-gut digestion models. The candidate should be able to work independently to deliver projects accurately and efficiently. Good communication and record-keeping skills is also required.
Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £40,600 pro-rata, per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a part-time post of 15 hours per week for a contract of 12 months.
Further information and details of how to apply can be found here or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004979. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence are at the heart of all we do, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
About the Quadram Institute:
The Quadram Institute is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute.
The closing date for applications will be Sunday 9th November 2025.
The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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