Research Scientist (Data Science)

We’re looking for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Hildebrand group at the Quadram Institute. Microbial fermentation of plant-based foods is increasingly used to recreate the taste, texture, and nutritional qualities of meat, while improving environmental sustainability. Optimising the production of plant-based foods and ensuring consumer acceptance remain important challenges, further complicated by new and diverse fermentation approaches. In the FlavourFerm consortium, partners are developing novel fermented plant-based foods. This advertised research position will investigate how these foods influence the human gut microbiome and offer potential benefits to host health. Further, taste and texture of these foods will be predicted from microbial fermentation consortia. Specifically, microbes will be identified that affect fermentation outcomes. Building on previous work from the host group, we will develop machine learning tools to model microbial communities and their impact. In the longer term, this research will support the development of human-centric fermented foods that are safe, appealing, and environmentally sustainable.