"Group Leader - Microbiome Modelling and Host–Microbe Interactions"

About the opportunity

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.

Your research vision

You will build an independent research program focused on developing innovative microbiome models, assays, or analytical approaches that advance our 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 include 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

Who should apply

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.

Successful candidates will have an excellent publication record and evidence of establishing and supporting a productive research group supported by national research council (e.g., UKRI or equivalent) grants at a level commensurate for their career stage. Candidates should also have a clear vision for collaborative research.

More information about the role can be found in the Group Leader Recruitment Pack (PDF).

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.

Please complete your application via the ‘Apply’ button above.

The successful applicant will be offered an indefinite contract, or for applicants with less experience, a Career Track Group Leader position (5-year contract) with tenure subject to review. Positions come with a significant support package with an equivalent value up to £500,000, including a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, start-up package, budget for consumables and other research expenses, and access to core services including next generation sequencing and bioinformatics, advanced bioimaging, and Human Studies.

Interviews will be held on 16th March 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 15th February 2026.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.