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

About the Opportunity

The Quadram Institute invites applications for an ambitious and collaborative Group Leader (Prof. or Assoc. Prof equivalent) or Career Track Group Leader (Assistant Prof. equivalent) to develop an independent research program pioneering the development of next-generation microbiome assays and model systems to explore the impact of food and food components on the human gut microbiome.

Your Research Vision

You will build an independent research program focused on developing innovative in vitro microbiome models, assays, or analytical approaches that advance our mechanistic understanding of diet-microbiome-host interactions.

You will bridge technological innovation with biological insight, whether through novel in vitro systems, advanced molecular techniques, computational methods, or integrated multi-omics approaches. Your research should align with our strategic priorities in novel foods and nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and translational health research.

In addition to delivering on Institute core research objectives, the successful applicant is expected to develop a broad research grant portfolio.

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.

You will have an excellent publication record and evidence of establishing and supporting a productive research group supported by national research council grants. Candidates should also have a clear vision for collaborative research. You will be expected to develop a broad research grant portfolio.

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.

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. We offer an exciting, innovative and supportive research environment, competitive salaries (depending on qualifications and experience) and a great place to live – a relocation package is available.

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 30 June 2026.