Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a three-year position, with a possibility of extension, as a (Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the laboratory of Dr Christopher Quince in the High-Resolution Microbiomics group at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

Background

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. 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 predictive 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 role

The principal 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 or machine learning models of the soil and rhizosphere microbiomes.

The ideal candidate

• The ideal candidate will have PhD in bioinformatics, mathematics or statistics, or a related subject area with a strong element of statistical modelling. They will also have a first degree in any area of science or mathematics.
• Knowledge of command line bioinformatics, software programming in at least one language (e.g. R, Python, C/C++) and a basic understanding of statistics are essential requirements for this role.
• A proven record in scientific writing with experience of oral research presentations are also essential.
• Knowledge of Bayesian statistics and probabilistic modelling, machine learning, bioinformatics of metagenomics or metabolomics, a biological understanding of/or mathematical modelling of microbial communities would be advantageous.
• 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 to a Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist at level SC5.

Additional information

• 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.
• 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 is a full-time post for a contract of 3 years. There is a possibility of extension of the position beyond this point subject to the renewal of grant funding.
• 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 13th November 2026.

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