Metagenomics Research Scientist
Posted 3 days 7 hours ago by Quadram Institute
Permanent
Full Time
Research Jobs
Not Specified, United Kingdom
Job Description
Funding End Date 31 Mar 2028 Hours per week 37 Project Title Diet impact on the gastrointestinal microbiome Months Duration 24
Job Description Main Purpose of the Job Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Hildebrand at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.
In this BBSRC-funded position, the impact of plant-based diets on the gut microbiome will be explored in metagenomes, including tracing bacterial strains, reconstructing their genomes and metabolic food-webs in the gastrointestinal ecosystem. This will be used to understand the impact a changing environment (food sources, immune system, invading pathogens) have on ecosystem stability. Questions we will be asking are, for example:
-How can food-derived pathogens be effectively prevented from colonizing the gastrointestinal tract?
-Does switching to a plant-based diet lead to a destabilised gut ecosystem (or reverse)?
-How can the gut microbiome supplement essential micronutrients to the human body?
To answer these questions, the postholder will be primarily working with metagenomic data from diet interventions, using machine learning to predict genomes, functions and ecosystem states (similar to previous work, see doi: 10.1038/s5-5, 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.024, 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.006, 10 14396). The work will build on bioinformatic tools available in the group (, ), that will be further refined/ newly developed to enable cutting-edge bioinformatic approaches in the project.
Long-term, this research will contribute to developing pre-/pro-biotic strategies to reduce autoinflammatory disease and enable healthy aging in a wide population.
In addition, the postholder will be involved in organizing group tasks, such as helping in supervising junior researchers, submitting grants, developing new research programmes and organizing outreach events.
Key Relationships The postholder will work closely with other group members and the line manager Dr Falk Hildebrand. Further, close interactions with other QIB groups are expected, as the project will be embedded in core research activities across multiple groups at the Quadram Institute and key partners, such as Earlham and John Innes Institutes, as well as Imperial College.
The applicant is expected to help in the supervision of junior group members and to represent the group at trainings. The applicant will have direct access to established 2nd and 3rd generation sequencing facilities, one of UK's largest HPC clusters, and cutting-edge microbial laboratories, mice, microscopy and FACS facilities as well as in vitro gut microbiome simulators.
Main Activities & Responsibilities Percentage Investigate diet impact on gut microbiomes via numerical ecology, population genetics and machine learning 50 Predict gene functions and functional interactions in microbiomes 15 Develop new methods (bioinformatic or wetlab) to investigate novel angles in microbiomes 15 Support group with tasks such as outreach, supervision, writing grants 15 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees 5
Person Profile Education & Qualifications Requirement Importance PhD in Bioinformatics, Food science, Microbiology, or equivalent experience Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement Importance Programming skills (e.g. C++, Perl, python or R) Essential Understanding of microbiomes, preferably gastrointestinal microbiomes Essential Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems Essential Ability to work independently on research projects Desirable Initiative and a desire to learn, to innovate, and to move out of their comfort zone Desirable
Requirement Importance Familiarity with meta omics, high-resolution data or binning Essential Bioinformatics or molecular biology experience Essential Proven track-record of research output at the appropriate level Essential Experience grant writing or supervising lab members Essential
Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement Importance Excellent communication skills, both written and oral Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work alone and as part of a team Desirable Reliable and conscientious Desirable
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 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 work outside standard working hours when required Essential Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role Essential
Who We Are Quadram Institute Bioscience The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.
We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation.
The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on (0) or .
The Hildebrand group uses meta omics to research the diversity, community interactions, and evolution of microbes in communities. Currently the group has projects in both human associated and environmental (soil, lakes) microbiomes, for which custom bioinformatic solutions are developed in-house to enable a wholistic microbiome exploration. We advocate strain-resolved metagenomics and develop the numerical solutions to work with MAGs intra-specific phylogenies. For representative publications relevant to the post please see (doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.024 , 10.1101/2024.09.09. , 10.1016/j.chom.2021.05.008) and for group information.
The Quadram Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park, which is one of the largest single-site concentrations of research in food, genomics, and health in Europe. The Park hosts 4 BBSRC Institutes (including Earlham), 17,000 students, 3,000 full-time researchers and clinicians, and over 115 companies. The outstanding reputation of our researchers is internationally recognised, with 10 of the Park's scientists in the top 1% of the "most highly cited" in the world, including Dr Falk Hildebrand.
Metagenomics Research Scientist
Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Hildebrand at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.
Background:
In this BBSRC-funded position, the impact of plant-based diets on the gut microbiome will be explored in metagenomes, including tracing bacterial strains, reconstructing their genomes and metabolic food-webs in the gastrointestinal ecosystem. This will be used to understand the impact a changing environment (food sources, immune system, invading pathogens) have on ecosystem stability. Questions we will be asking are, for example:
• How can food-derived pathogens be effectively prevented from colonizing the gastrointestinal tract?
• Does switching to a plant-based diet lead to a destabilised gut ecosystem (or reverse)?
• How can the gut microbiome supplement essential micronutrients to the human body?
To answer these questions, the postholder will be primarily working with metagenomic data from diet interventions, using machine learning to predict genomes, functions and ecosystem states (similar to previous work, see doi: 10.1038/s5-5, 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.024, 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.006, 10 14396).
The work will build on bioinformatic tools available in the group ( , ), that will be further refined/ newly developed to enable cutting-edge bioinformatic approaches in the project.
Long-term, this research will contribute to developing pre-/pro-biotic strategies to reduce autoinflammatory disease and enable healthy aging in a wide population. In addition, the postholder will be involved in organizing group tasks, such as helping in supervising junior researchers, submitting grants, developing new research programmes and organizing outreach events.
The environment:
The Hildebrand group ( ) uses metagenomics to research the diversity, community interactions, and evolution of microbes in communities using custom software solutions.
The Quadram Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park, which is one of the largest single-site concentrations of research in food, genomics, and health in Europe. The Park hosts 4 BBSRC Institutes (including Earlham), 17,000 students, 3,000 full-time researchers and clinicians, and over 115 companies. The outstanding reputation of our researchers is internationally recognised, with 10 of the Park's scientists in the top 1% of the "most highly cited" in the world, including Dr Falk Hildebrand.
The applicant will have direct access to established PacBio/ONT . click apply for full job details
Job Description Main Purpose of the Job Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Hildebrand at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.
In this BBSRC-funded position, the impact of plant-based diets on the gut microbiome will be explored in metagenomes, including tracing bacterial strains, reconstructing their genomes and metabolic food-webs in the gastrointestinal ecosystem. This will be used to understand the impact a changing environment (food sources, immune system, invading pathogens) have on ecosystem stability. Questions we will be asking are, for example:
-How can food-derived pathogens be effectively prevented from colonizing the gastrointestinal tract?
-Does switching to a plant-based diet lead to a destabilised gut ecosystem (or reverse)?
-How can the gut microbiome supplement essential micronutrients to the human body?
To answer these questions, the postholder will be primarily working with metagenomic data from diet interventions, using machine learning to predict genomes, functions and ecosystem states (similar to previous work, see doi: 10.1038/s5-5, 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.024, 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.006, 10 14396). The work will build on bioinformatic tools available in the group (, ), that will be further refined/ newly developed to enable cutting-edge bioinformatic approaches in the project.
Long-term, this research will contribute to developing pre-/pro-biotic strategies to reduce autoinflammatory disease and enable healthy aging in a wide population.
In addition, the postholder will be involved in organizing group tasks, such as helping in supervising junior researchers, submitting grants, developing new research programmes and organizing outreach events.
Key Relationships The postholder will work closely with other group members and the line manager Dr Falk Hildebrand. Further, close interactions with other QIB groups are expected, as the project will be embedded in core research activities across multiple groups at the Quadram Institute and key partners, such as Earlham and John Innes Institutes, as well as Imperial College.
The applicant is expected to help in the supervision of junior group members and to represent the group at trainings. The applicant will have direct access to established 2nd and 3rd generation sequencing facilities, one of UK's largest HPC clusters, and cutting-edge microbial laboratories, mice, microscopy and FACS facilities as well as in vitro gut microbiome simulators.
Main Activities & Responsibilities Percentage Investigate diet impact on gut microbiomes via numerical ecology, population genetics and machine learning 50 Predict gene functions and functional interactions in microbiomes 15 Develop new methods (bioinformatic or wetlab) to investigate novel angles in microbiomes 15 Support group with tasks such as outreach, supervision, writing grants 15 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees 5
Person Profile Education & Qualifications Requirement Importance PhD in Bioinformatics, Food science, Microbiology, or equivalent experience Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement Importance Programming skills (e.g. C++, Perl, python or R) Essential Understanding of microbiomes, preferably gastrointestinal microbiomes Essential Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems Essential Ability to work independently on research projects Desirable Initiative and a desire to learn, to innovate, and to move out of their comfort zone Desirable
Requirement Importance Familiarity with meta omics, high-resolution data or binning Essential Bioinformatics or molecular biology experience Essential Proven track-record of research output at the appropriate level Essential Experience grant writing or supervising lab members Essential
Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement Importance Excellent communication skills, both written and oral Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work alone and as part of a team Desirable Reliable and conscientious Desirable
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 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 work outside standard working hours when required Essential Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role Essential
Who We Are Quadram Institute Bioscience The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.
We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation.
The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on (0) or .
The Hildebrand group uses meta omics to research the diversity, community interactions, and evolution of microbes in communities. Currently the group has projects in both human associated and environmental (soil, lakes) microbiomes, for which custom bioinformatic solutions are developed in-house to enable a wholistic microbiome exploration. We advocate strain-resolved metagenomics and develop the numerical solutions to work with MAGs intra-specific phylogenies. For representative publications relevant to the post please see (doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.024 , 10.1101/2024.09.09. , 10.1016/j.chom.2021.05.008) and for group information.
The Quadram Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park, which is one of the largest single-site concentrations of research in food, genomics, and health in Europe. The Park hosts 4 BBSRC Institutes (including Earlham), 17,000 students, 3,000 full-time researchers and clinicians, and over 115 companies. The outstanding reputation of our researchers is internationally recognised, with 10 of the Park's scientists in the top 1% of the "most highly cited" in the world, including Dr Falk Hildebrand.
Metagenomics Research Scientist
Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Hildebrand at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich, UK.
Background:
In this BBSRC-funded position, the impact of plant-based diets on the gut microbiome will be explored in metagenomes, including tracing bacterial strains, reconstructing their genomes and metabolic food-webs in the gastrointestinal ecosystem. This will be used to understand the impact a changing environment (food sources, immune system, invading pathogens) have on ecosystem stability. Questions we will be asking are, for example:
• How can food-derived pathogens be effectively prevented from colonizing the gastrointestinal tract?
• Does switching to a plant-based diet lead to a destabilised gut ecosystem (or reverse)?
• How can the gut microbiome supplement essential micronutrients to the human body?
To answer these questions, the postholder will be primarily working with metagenomic data from diet interventions, using machine learning to predict genomes, functions and ecosystem states (similar to previous work, see doi: 10.1038/s5-5, 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.024, 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.006, 10 14396).
The work will build on bioinformatic tools available in the group ( , ), that will be further refined/ newly developed to enable cutting-edge bioinformatic approaches in the project.
Long-term, this research will contribute to developing pre-/pro-biotic strategies to reduce autoinflammatory disease and enable healthy aging in a wide population. In addition, the postholder will be involved in organizing group tasks, such as helping in supervising junior researchers, submitting grants, developing new research programmes and organizing outreach events.
The environment:
The Hildebrand group ( ) uses metagenomics to research the diversity, community interactions, and evolution of microbes in communities using custom software solutions.
The Quadram Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park, which is one of the largest single-site concentrations of research in food, genomics, and health in Europe. The Park hosts 4 BBSRC Institutes (including Earlham), 17,000 students, 3,000 full-time researchers and clinicians, and over 115 companies. The outstanding reputation of our researchers is internationally recognised, with 10 of the Park's scientists in the top 1% of the "most highly cited" in the world, including Dr Falk Hildebrand.
The applicant will have direct access to established PacBio/ONT . click apply for full job details