Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in partnership with the Quadram Institute
Norwich Medical School
Jonathan Knowles' Research Fellow: Brain-Gut Axis
Ref: RA2365
Salary on appointment will be £48,822 per annum with an annual increment up to £56,535 per annum.
Are you ready to transform our understanding of the brain-gut axis and its impact on human health?
The University of East Anglia (UEA), in partnership with the Quadram Institute, invites applications for a visionary Research Fellow to lead pioneering research at this exciting interface.
You will join a world-class research environment, working alongside experts in neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, and clinical medicine. Your research will focus on the mechanisms and health implications of brain-gut communication, with the opportunity to drive cross-disciplinary collaborations and real-world impact.
Key duties include:
- Leading innovative research at the brain-gut interface
- Building collaborations across UEA, the Quadram Institute, and Norwich Research Park
- Supervising and mentoring research staff and students
- Actively seeking external funding and building a strong fellowship application profile
- Publishing internationally recognised research
You will have:
- A PhD in biomedical science or a closely related discipline relevant to the brain-gut axis
- Relevant postdoctoral research experience
- A strong publication record
- A strong proposal for research on the brain-gut axis (candidates will be asked to submit a 1-page summary with their application)
- Experience in securing or contributing to research funding
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A clear trajectory for future external fellowship applications
Whilst appointment within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is most likely, for a suitable candidate there is the potential for appointment within the Faculty of Science, either as a cross-appointment or as the primary appointment.
This full-time role is available from 1 January 2026 on a fixed term basis for 3 years.
UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.
Benefits include:
- 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days.
- Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
Closing date: 19 November 2025
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.