Research Scientist (B12 Assay)

Vacancies

Salary: £36,720 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Contract Length: Full time, 18 months

Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Prof Martin Warren in the Food Innovation and Health Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a growing global health concern, affecting millions and leading to serious medical conditions, including anemia, neurological disorders, and impaired cognitive function. Despite its significant impact on quality of life, reliable and accessible diagnostic tools remain limited. This project aims to develop highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic tests for vitamin B12 deficiency, addressing a critical gap in early detection and intervention. By leveraging liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-affinity binding proteins, we seek to create robust, accurate, and efficient systems for measuring blood cobalamin levels.

The role:

This position involves optimizing and validating LC-MS methodologies for the precise quantification of vitamin B12 in blood serum, alongside the detection of key biomarkers linked to B12 deficiency. A key focus of the project will be refining extraction and purification techniques by leveraging high-affinity B12-binding proteins, with the aim of enhancing sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of improved diagnostic workflows, ensuring robust and reproducible methods for clinical and research applications.

The ideal candidate:

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Scientist with expertise in biochemistry, analytical techniques, and binding assays, along with experience in protein purification. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in scientific research, demonstrated through high-quality publications, and experience in delivering oral presentations at scientific meetings. In addition to technical expertise, you should possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,720 to £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 18 months.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here, or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 quoting reference 1004849. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects all employees to share and display these values.

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.