Research Scientist
Applications Close: 28 December 2025
Salary: £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract Length: Full time, 42 months with the possibility for extension
We’re looking for a Research Scientist to join a new research group led by Dr Lizbeth Sayavedra. This new group will be established at the Quadram Institute to investigate how microbial sulfur and nitrogen metabolism influence human health, particularly in the context of protein malnutrition and obesity
Background
The group will focus on sulphate and sulphite reducing bacteria, a key family of gut bacteria involved in sulfur and nitrogen cycling, and their interactions with the host and the wider gut microbiome. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to building a dynamic team at the interface of microbial physiology, metabolism, and host–microbe interactions.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated microbiologist to bridge in vitro microbiome models and in vivo systems, using functional assays, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to uncover how key members of the Desulfovibrionaceae influence metabolic outcomes.
The role
The Research Scientist will investigate how microbial sulfur and nitrogen metabolism influences host health in the context of protein malnutrition and obesity. The role will focus on translating findings from in vitro microbiome systems into in vivo models using functional assays, molecular genetics and multi-omics approaches. The post holder will develop expertise in microbial metabolism, bacterial genetics, bioinformatics and interdisciplinary host–microbe research.
The post holder will work at the intersection of microbiology, molecular biology, and microbiome science to explore how sulfur- and nitrogen-transforming bacteria contribute to metabolic health outcomes.
The ideal candidate
Candidates should hold a PhD in microbiology, molecular microbiology or a related discipline, with experience in molecular genetics, microbial genomics or microbiome analysis. Experience with bioinformatics or animal models would be advantageous. Strong communication and organisational skills, alongside the ability to work independently and within a collaborative team, are essential.
Additional information
Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time for a contract of 42 months with the possibility for extension.
For further information and details on how to apply, visit the HR website or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1005002.
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.
Interviews will be held in late January 2026.
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.
The closing date for applications will be 28 December 2025
The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.