Main Purpose of the Job

The Research Scientist will develop mathematical and statistical models of microbial communities. These will comprise predictive mechanistic models that are designed to enable the integration of multiple sources of data, including abundances, metabolites and expression levels.

The position will be based within Dr Quince’s group at the Earlham Institute. The development of these models may incorporate aspects of dynamical systems e.g. ODEs and SDEs in addition to metabolic modelling. To fit them to data will require numerical optimisation methods such as linear programming, or methods from Bayesian statistics and machine learning including variational inference and MCMC. These new tools will be used to help interpret coupled metagenome-metabolome samples from both clinical samples and controlled reactor experiments that aim to understand the role of therapeutic diets in the treatment of Crohn’s disease.

This position is available at an SC6 level but candidates with sufficient experience in mathematical modelling, a demonstrated ability to organise and lead analysis of complex data sets, and potentially supervise graduate students, could be appointed to a Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist at level SC5.

Key Relationships

Dr Quince (PI) and Rob James and Seb Raguideau (co-workers).

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Develop mathematical models of microbial communities

Develop fitting methodologies for microbial community models

Develop new tools for statistical analysis of integrated 'omics data sets

Manage complex 'omics data set integration and analysis

Collaborate with colleagues within and outside the Institute to apply these methods to metagenome studies

Disseminate research findings through attendance at international conferences

Regularly publish results as manuscripts in leading scientific journals or through other relevant media

Organise generation of new integrated 'omics data sets

Depending on experience and qualifications, the successful candidate could participate in supervision of students, leading projects and collaborations and leading on the preparation of data/information for grant proposals [essential for SC5 role]

As agreed with line manager, any other duties relevant to and commensurate with the nature of the role

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

First degree in any area of science

Essential

PhD in mathematics, physics, bioinformatics or statistics or related subject area with strong element of statistical modelling

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Knowledge of software programming in at least one language e.g. R, Python, C/C++

Essential

Basic understanding of statistics

Essential

Knowledge of mathematical modelling e.g. ODEs

Essential

Bioinformatics of metagenomics or metabolomics

Desirable

Bayesian statistics and probabilistic modelling

Desirable

Biological understanding of microbial communities

Desirable

Understanding of metabolism

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of oral research presentations

Essential

Proven record in scientific writing

Desirable

Experience developing software for genomics or metagenomics

Desirable

Leading projects and collaborations (Essential for SC5)

Desirable

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Desirable

Preparing data / information for grant proposals (Essential for SC5)

Desirable

Management and Leadership

Requirement

Importance

Ability to manage junior team members such as graduate students

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Earlham Institute

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics.

We are building a future where the biology of any organism can be understood by analysing its genome. Our mission is to decode the scale and complexity of living systems so we can understand, benefit from, and protect life on Earth.

The Earlham Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park and is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC).

Our Science
Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make predictions about biology.

We are home to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure. We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe. Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

Our Culture
The Earlham Institute champions 'team science'. Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us.

We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.

For more information about working at the Earlham Institute, please click here.

Further Information:

Our Vision and Mission

Our Strategy

Our Culture

Life at Earlham Institute

Department

Research Faculty

Group Details

The Quince group at EI focusses on experimental methods and bioinformatics for high resolution microbiomics.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist (Mathematical modelling of the microbiome)

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to develop mathematical models of microbial communities within Dr Quince's High-Resolution Microbiomics group at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK. 

Background:

The High-Resolution Microbiomics group uniquely focusses on both theoretical and experimental methods for microbial community analysis. Combining statistical bioinformatics with technological developments in sequencing and ‘omics data generation to resolve both the microbes present in a community and their functional roles and interactions.  This will provide a wealth of data for the development of a new generation of microbial community models capable of integrating multiple data types at different scales.

The role:

The individual will develop mathematical models of microbial communities. These will comprise predictive mechanistic models that are designed to enable the integration of multiple sources of data, including abundances, metabolites and expression levels. 

The development of these models may incorporate aspects of dynamical systems e.g. ODEs and SDEs in addition to metabolic modelling. To fit them to data will require numerical optimisation methods such as linear programming, or methods from Bayesian statistics and machine learning including variational inference and MCMC. 

These new tools will be used to help interpret coupled metagenome-metabolome samples from both clinical samples and controlled reactor experiments that aim to understand the role of therapeutic diets in the treatment of Crohn’s disease.

The ideal candidate:

It desirable for the successful candidate to have PhD in mathematics, physics, bioinformatics or statistics, or a related subject area with strong element of mathematical modelling. They will also have a First-class degree in any area of science.  Exceptional candidates without a PhD will be considered but, in that case, a Masters degree in a quantitative subject would be essential.

Knowledge of software programming in at least one language (e.g. R, Python, C/C++) and a basic understanding of calculus and statistics are essential requirements for this role. Command line bioinformatics is desirable. 

A proven record in scientific writing with experience of oral research presentations are also essential. 

Knowledge of Bayesian statistics, bioinformatics of metagenomics or metabolomics and a biological understanding of microbial communities and metabolism would be advantageous.

This position is available at an SC6 level but candidates with sufficient experience in mathematical modelling, a demonstrated ability to organise and lead analysis of complex data sets, and potentially supervise graduate students, could be appointed to a Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist at level SC5.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £35,300 to £43,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC6 level role, and £43,550 - £54,900 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC5 level criteria. This is a full-time post for a contract of three years.

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 30 June 2024.