Research Scientist (Metaproteomics)

Applications Close: 29 April 2026

Salary: £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Contract Length: 24 months

We are looking for a Research Scientist (Metaproteomics) to join the Laboratory of Dr Kai Cheng in the Food, Microbiome and Health programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience, based in Norwich, UK.

Since joining the Quadram Institute in 2025 as a Group Leader, Dr Cheng has been leading the AI & Metaproteomics for Human Gut Health group. The group’s mission is to advance microbiome research by developing computational methods, large-scale data resources, and AI-assisted frameworks for understanding microbial function. Ultimately, the research aims to enable predictive and data-driven insights into microbiome systems and their role in human health.

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist with a strong interest in metaproteomics and microbiome research.

This position focuses on the development and application of computational and analytical methods for metaproteomics, including peptide and protein identification, taxonomic and functional profiling, and integration with other omics data. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team, applying computational approaches to large-scale microbiome datasets and contributing to research aimed at understanding microbial community function in health and disease.

This is primarily a computational (dry-lab) role, focused on analysing and interpreting metaproteomics data and developing analytical workflows. The position involves close collaboration with experimental researchers and requires a solid understanding of proteomics workflows, but does not involve routine laboratory work.

The role will also involve the use and development of AI-assisted approaches for scientific research, including data-driven modelling and the integration of modern AI tools into computational workflows.

You will have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and collaborate with leading researchers in microbiome science and proteomics. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while developing expertise in a rapidly growing field.

The ideal candidate

Candidates should hold a PhD in Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.

They should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in proteomics/metaproteomics and microbiome research
• in analysing proteomics or metaproteomics data
• Ability to interpret computational results in a meaningful biological context
• Proficiency in programming/scripting (e.g. Python, Linux)
• Strong computational skills are important, this role places particular emphasis on domain knowledge and scientific understanding in metaproteomics
• Applicants without direct experience in metaproteomics should clearly demonstrate their motivation and readiness to develop expertise in this field
• Experience in multi-omics integration, machine learning, or microbiome data analysis will be considered advantageous

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 post for a contract of 24 months.

For further information and details of how to apply can be found on the HR website or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006094.

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 29 April 2026.

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

Apply