Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the laboratory of Dr Quince in the High-Resolution Microbiomics group at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK. Background: We are seeking to recruit an individual with a high-level of quantitative skills to develop novel computational and mathematical methods to study the soil microbiome. Soil is one of the most diverse microbial communities known. As a result, it is still relatively understudied and the processes that…
generate that diversity are poorly understood. At the Earlham Institute we are pioneering methods that use long read metagenomics to fully resolve the genomic diversity of the soil microbiome. These genomes will then form a basis for integration of other forms of ‘omics data, principally metatranscriptomics, and the development of predictive models of the soil microbiome.
The role:
The principal role of the position will be to develop these computational methods. These will include bioinformatics pipelines to integrate long and short read metagenomes with metatranscriptomes. But also potentially novel statistical approaches to resolve strain diversity. These would be based around existing methods utilising probabilistic graphical models to integrate multiple sources of data. We envisage that these data could then be used in mechanistic community or machine learning models of the soil and rhizosphere microbiomes.
Examples of recent relevant research from the group can be found on our website.
The ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate will have PhD in bioinformatics, mathematics or statistics, or a related subject area with a strong element of statistical modelling. They will also have a first degree in any area of science or mathematics.
Knowledge of command line bioinformatics, software programming in at least one language (e.g. R, Python, C/C++) and a basic understanding of statistics are essential requirements for this role.
A proven record in scientific writing with experience of oral research presentations are also essential.
This position is available at an SC6 level but candidates with sufficient experience could be appointed to a Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist at level SC5.
Additional information:
This is a full-time post for a contract of 3 years with a possibility of extension subject to the renewal of grant funding.
Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to £42,150 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC6 level role.
A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate at appointment; those awaiting confirmation of their PhD award will be appointed at £39,000 until evidence is provided.
Salary on appointment will be within the range £47,450 - £52,560 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC5 level criteria.
For further information and details of how to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006203.
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.
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 13th November 2026.