Research Scientist; RNAi Epigenetics

Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Laboratory at the Quadram Institute. This Wellcome Trust–funded project investigates how RNA interference (RNAi) regulates Candida albicans adaptation to host environments and contributes to the commensal to pathogen transition. This position is highly collaborative and contributes to a multidisciplinary effort to uncover how RNAi coordinates chromatin structure, genome stability and transcriptional responses during adaptation.

The post holder will support other lab members, troubleshoot and contribute to collaborative data interpretation, and participate in scientific publications and conference presentations.

The post holder will be based at the Quadram Institute and will work closely with Prof Alessia Buscaino and members of her research group, as well as collaborating with two external partners:
Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University).

• Lead experimental work integrating (epi) genomics and genetics approaches to determine how RNAi shapes genome organization and interacts with other epigenetic processes to facilitate fungal adaptation.
• Conduct chromatin profiling experiments (e.g., ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq) and Hi-C analysis in wild-type and RNAi-defective strains under different host-relevant gut conditions.
• Investigate how RNAi contributes to reversible, non-DNA-encoded regulation of gene expression.
• Generate and analyze RNAi mutants using molecular genetics; collaborate with the team’s bioinformatician to design robust genomics and epigenomics strategies.
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and the dissemination of findings at national and international meetings.

• PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology or related disciplines.
• Strong understanding of RNAi biology coupled with a solid foundation in epigenetics.
• Practical experience with genetic manipulation, including generating mutants and conducting functional assays.

• Salary on appointment within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Full-time post for a contract of 24 months.
• For further information and details of how to apply, please visit the Quadram Institute Jobs site or contact the Human Resources team on or email, quoting reference 1006027.
• This role meets the criteria for a visa application; qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. If you have questions regarding your application or visa options, please contact the Human Resources Team.

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. We offer family, religious and diversity-friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their work.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

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 is 12 February 2026. The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.