Hours per week 37 Project Title Novel computational methods for microbiome analysis Months Duration 36
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
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 mechanistic mathematical models of the soil microbiome. We are, as part of a larger program of research, generating data both from natural soils and synthetic communities (SynComs) that these methods will be applied to. The principle 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 models of the soil and rhizosphere microbiomes. The position is for three years initially but may be extended based on funding and performance. It will be based within Dr Quince’s group at the Earlham Institute (https://www.earlham.ac.uk/quince-group). In the group we focus on high-resolution tools for microbiome analysis combining both computational and molecular techniques. This position is available at an SC6 level but candidates with sufficient experience in metagenomics bioinformatics, a demonstrated ability to organise and lead analysis of complex data sets, and potentially supervise graduate students, could be appointed at a Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist Level SC5.
Key Relationships
Dr Quince (PI) and Dr Christopher Turkington co-workers.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Develop statistical methods for the analysis of metagenomes. Develop bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of microbiome data. Analyse large-scale soil microbiome data sets. Explore methods for mathematical modelling of soil microbiomes. 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 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.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance First degree in any area of science Essential PhD in bioinformatics or statistics or related subject area with strong element of statistical modelling Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance Knowledge of software programming in at least one language e.g. R, Python, C/C++ Essential. Good understanding of statistics Essential. Command line bioinformatics Essential. Bioinformatics of metagenomics or genomics Desirable. Bayesian statistics and probabilistic modelling Desirable. Understanding of soil metabolism Desirable. Biological understanding of microbial communities Desirable. Methods for modelling microbial communities Desirable.
Requirement Importance Proven record in scientific writing Essential. Experience of oral research presentations Essential. Experience developing software for genomics or metagenomics Desirable. Leading projects and collaborations (Essential for SC5) 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 (Essential for SC5) 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. Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential. Promotes and strives for continuous improvement 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. Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars 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. Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential.
Who We Are
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.
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.
The Quince group at EI focusses on experimental methods and bioinformatics for high resolution microbiomics.
(Senior)Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Salary and Contract
- 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.
- This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
- As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications will be 13th November 2026.
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