Group Leader – Microbiome Modelling and Host–Microbe Interactions

Overview

Group Leader – Microbiome Modelling and Host–Microbe Interactions. Post Number 1006029. Closing Date 15 Feb 2026. Starting Salary:
Competitive salary. Hours per week: 37. Months Duration:
Indefinite. Interview Date: 16 Mar 2026.

The Quadram Institute invites applications for an ambitious and collaborative Group Leader or Career Track Group Leader to pioneer the development of next-generation microbiome assays and model systems. This strategic appointment joining our Food, Microbiome and Health research theme will establish new capabilities for interrogating host–microbiome interactions and advance understanding of how diet shapes human health through the gut microbiome and beyond.

Your Research Vision

You will build an independent research program focused on developing innovative microbiome models, assays, or analytical approaches that advance mechanistic understanding of diet–microbiome–host interactions. Areas of particular interest include:

• Minimal, synthetic, or engineered microbiome models
• Cutting-edge in vitro and ex vivo microbiome assays, including high-throughput, functional, and mechanistic assays
• Tools to study host–microbe metabolic interactions and microbial community dynamics, including organ-on-chip and organoid models
• Diet–microbiome–health relationships and microbiome-driven mechanisms, including models of human digestion
• Development of enhanced, standardised, or scalable microbiome assay platforms

We seek candidates who can bridge technological innovation with biological insight, whether through novel in vitro systems, advanced molecular techniques, computational methods, or integrated multi-omics approaches. Your research should align with our strategic priorities in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and translational health research.

In addition to delivering on Institute core research objectives, the successful applicant is expected to develop a broad research grant portfolio that includes collaborative projects with other scientists in the institute and beyond, and with stakeholders in industry and government.

We welcome applications from diverse disciplinary backgrounds including microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, nutrition science, immunology, gastroenterology, analytical chemistry, and bioengineering. What matters most is your vision for advancing microbiome science through innovative methodological approaches and your enthusiasm for collaborative, translational research.

Completed applications should include:

• A description of (i) current research activities and (ii) short and longer-term research aims and potential strategic goals (each 2–3 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Covering letter outlining your motivation to apply for the Group Leader position

Join us in transforming our understanding of how food structure, composition, and the microbiome intersect to influence human health.

Internal:
All employees working at the Quadram Institute, including QIB, UEA and NHS colleagues. NBI Partnership.

External: UKRI, BBSRC, Norwich Research Park, other scientific institutions and educational bodies, industry, governmental organisations, general public.

• Percentage:
  Secure significant funding in accordance with the expectations of the discipline and level of the role.
• Lead and manage research teams, supervising Post-Doctoral Research Assistants, supporting effective career development and maintaining high levels of performance representative of a world class institute.
• Write and publish high quality and significant research papers and provide expert commentary in a variety of media.
• Promote a culture of world class science excellence, collaboration, and scientific integrity across the Institute.
• Develop pertinent research strategies for the Institute to deliver high social and economic impact.
• Promote our research and develop business opportunities by liaising with and influencing government, industry and external partners.
• Disseminate research findings and consolidate the Institute’s international reputation through participation in international conferences and…