Research Scientist (Bioinformatics)

Placed On: 13th January 2026 | Closes: 8th February 2026 | Job Ref: 1005021

We are seeking an enthusiastic Bioinformatics Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Lab at the Quadram Institute.

This Wellcome Trust–funded project explores the interplay between Candida albicans and gut bacterial adaptation, with a particular focus on RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms.

Background:

The successful candidate will lead the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets generated throughout the project, including Illumina short‑read sequencing, MinION long‑read assemblies, RNA‑seq, ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq and Hi‑C. They will develop and maintain analytical scripts and pipelines, assemble and annotate fungal and bacterial genomes, and integrate results within their biological context. Strong coding skills and proven experience in genome assembly and annotation are essential.

The role is highly collaborative, involving close interaction with two key external partners: Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University). The postholder will contribute to a multidisciplinary effort to understand host–microbe interactions at the genomic level and will support other members of the Buscaino Lab by assisting with the analysis of their datasets. They will also contribute to scientific publications, prepare conference presentations, and present findings at national and international meetings.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate should have a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics or related discipline. They will have knowledge of programming languages (Python and R) and proven experience in genome assembly and annotation. They will also have an understanding of biology and microbial system.

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 contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1005021.

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. (https://quadram.ac.uk/).

The closing date for applications will be 8th February 2026.