Main Purpose of the Job

The (Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist will join the Wojtowicz lab who investigate the effect of diet on the function of the immune and hematopoietic system.

They will study how diet and infection modulate the activity of single immune cells including platelets. The project builds on our recent work where we have observed significant changes in the hematopoietic and immune system function upon acute inflammation in animals undergoing dietary intervention.

In this project, the successful candidate will utilise cell lines, primary animal samples, microfluidics platforms and state of the art flow cytometry, to address fundamental questions in platelet biology, heterogeneity and response to activation.

This position will also involve the technical development of microfluidic single cell encapsulation methods and consecutive analysis by flow cytometry.

The candidate will work closely with the Macaulay group on implementation of the microfluidics and will obtain training from the FACS facility manager to use available FACS analyzer. They will have access to the analysis software and can obtain support from other group members for the data analysis.

This position is available at an SC6 level but candidates with sufficient experience in the highlighted areas could be appointed as a Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist at level SC5.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager, group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.
External: Industry partners and collaborators across the Norwich Research Park, Nationally and Internationally

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Establishing microfluidics protocol for cell/platelet encapsulation

50

FACS analysis of encapsulated cells/platelets

15

Implementation of platelet isolation and activation assays

15

Data analysis and interpretation of generated data

10

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post

10

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]

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in cell or molecular biology or equivalent

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to troubleshoot protocols

Essential

Ability to critically review literature

Essential

Knowledge of flow cytometry or microfluidics

Essential

Familiarity with the analysis software for flow data

Desirable

A strong track record of independent or semi-independent research in molecular biology [essential for SC5 role]

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience in writing reports and communicating results to a wider community

Essential

Experience of planning experiments and discussing results

Essential

Ability to support the lab operation and development through stock taking, ordering, writing and updating SOPs

Essential

Experience in animal work

Desirable

Experience in flow cytometry

Desirable

Leading projects and collaborations [essential for SC5 role]

Desirable

Preparing data / information for grant proposals [essential for SC5 role]

Desirable

Management and Leadership

Requirement

Importance

Experience overseeing day-to-day management of the lab [essential for SC5 role]

Desirable

Previous experience of supervising students [essential for SC5 role]

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Clear presentation of ideas-oral and written

Essential

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Essential

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

Essential

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

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Ability to support the lab operation and development through stock taking, ordering, writing and updating SOPs, mentoring other group members [essential for SC5 role]

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

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

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

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

Essential

Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars

Desirable

Earlham Institute

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute harnesses the power of data-driven biology to accelerate solutions for health, biodiversity, and food security. Based at Norwich Research Park, the Earlham Institute is one of eight institutes strategically funded by BBSRC.

Our science combines world-class technology, interdisciplinary expertise, and training and development across genomics, engineering biology and data science, to decode the scale and complexity of living systems.

We believe we can achieve more if we work together. That's why we collaborate with the global science community and industry partners, while also inspiring the next generation of scientists and technical specialists.

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

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
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.

We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that treats every individual with dignity and respect. By taking an active approach to fostering inclusivity, diversity, equality and accessibility, we empower our community to achieve more.

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 Wojtowicz lab studies the functional and molecular links between diet, and the host immune response and the hematopoietic system. We have a particular focus on platelets and megakaryocytes biogenesis and function. We apply flow cytometry, lineage tracing, and genomics to study these subjects. We are also actively developing new isolation methods for high throughput and size unbiased cell capture of megakaryocytes and platelets for functional and molecular analysis.

The laboratory benefits from a unique access to single cell genomics platforms, long and short read sequencing platforms, high end flow cytometers, synthetic biology facilities (Biofoundry), and close collaboration with bioinformatic groups at the Institute. The Wojtowicz group benefits from active collaborations across the Norwich Research Park. These include the Macaulay group (alternative splicing using short and long read sequencing data), Rushworth group (access to human samples, imaging and metabolomic analysis, and mitochondria biology), Beraza group (host response to infection, gut-liver function and microbiome analysis), and Haerty group (computational analysis of short and long read single cell multiomics data). The group has active national (West group, University of Southampton- development of bespoke microfluidics devices) and international collaborations (Lechman group, University of Toronto & University of Pittsburgh- robust CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing of primary human stem cells). The group also profits from well-established links with industry partners (Pacific Biosciences and Oxford Nanopore) as a part of the Cellular Genomics Institute Strategic Program funded by the BBSRC. The Earlham Institute has a proven track record of rapid implementation of new genomic and single cell technologies.
 

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(Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a (Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Wojtowicz in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Wojtowicz lab studies the functional and molecular links between diet, and the host immune response and the hematopoietic system. We have a particular focus on platelets and megakaryocytes biogenesis and function. We apply flow cytometry, lineage tracing, and genomics to study these subjects. We are also actively developing new isolation methods for high throughput and size unbiased cell capture of megakaryocytes and platelets for functional and molecular analysis.

The Project:

Western diets rich in fat and sugar are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome diseases, and increased incidence of viral and bacterial infections. Contrary to this is a recent trend for people to reduce their meat intake as part of a healthier lifestyle. This reduction is associated with extended health span and these types of diets are prevalent in Blue zones; areas with increased frequency of centenarians. Transitioning from meat- to plant-based diets results in an overall reduction in protein intake. However, the impact of low protein intake in human health remains largely undefined. In our preliminary experiments we have found that a low protein diet (LPD) in mice protects from Salmonella-induced liver damage by modulating the reactivity of NK cells and phagocytic potential of macrophages. Furthermore, we have observed pronounced effects on the megakaryocyte ploidy profile and platelet numbers.

The Role:

In this project, the successful candidate will utilise cell lines, primary animal samples, microfluidics platforms and state of the art flow cytometry, to address fundamental questions in platelet biology, heterogeneity and response to activation.

This position will also involve the technical development of microfluidic single cell encapsulation methods and consecutive analysis by flow cytometry.

The candidate will work closely with the Macaulay group on implementation of the microfluidics and will obtain training from the FACS facility manager to use available FACS analyzer. They will have access to the analysis software and can obtain support from other group members for the data analysis. 

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC6 level post, and £47,450 to £58,000 per annum for candidates who meet the SC5 level criteria.

For SC6 appointments, 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.

This is a full-time maternity cover post expected to last for 9 months, this could be shorter or longer depending on when the absent employee returns to work.

Interviews will be held on 25 September 2026.

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 20 September 2026.