Life at Earlham Institute
We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we want you to have the freedom to achieve your very best work here.
Applications are invited for a (Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Wojtowicz in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.
Background
The Wojtowicz Group studies the functional and molecular links between diet, and the host immune response and the hematopoietic system. We have a particular focus on platelets and megakaryocytes biogenesis and function.
We apply flow cytometry, lineage tracing, and genomics to study these subjects. We are also actively developing new isolation methods for high throughput and size unbiased cell capture of megakaryocytes and platelets for functional and molecular analysis.
The Project
Western diets rich in fat and sugar are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome diseases, and increased incidence of viral and bacterial infections. Contrary to this is a recent trend for people to reduce their meat intake as part of a healthier lifestyle. This reduction is associated with extended health span and these types of diets are prevalent in Blue zones; areas with increased frequency of centenarians.
Transitioning from meat- to plant-based diets results in an overall reduction in protein intake. However, the impact of low-protein intake in human health remains largely undefined.
In our preliminary experiments we have found that a low-protein diet (LPD) in mice protects from Salmonella-induced liver damage by modulating the reactivity of NK cells and phagocytic potential of macrophages. Furthermore, we have observed pronounced effects on the megakaryocyte ploidy profile and platelet numbers.
The Role
In this project, the successful candidate will utilise cell lines, primary animal samples, microfluidics platforms and state of the art flow cytometry, to address fundamental questions in platelet biology, heterogeneity and response to activation.
This position will also involve the technical development of microfluidic single cell encapsulation methods and consecutive analysis by flow cytometry.
The candidate will work closely with the Macaulay group on implementation of the microfluidics and will obtain training from the FACS facility manager to use available FACS analyser. They will have access to the analysis software and can obtain support from other group members for the data analysis.
Additional information
- Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC6 level post, and £47,450 to £58,000 per annum for candidates who meet the SC5 level criteria.
- For SC6 appointments, 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.
- This is a full-time maternity cover post expected to last for 9 months, this could be shorter or longer depending on when the absent employee returns to work.
- Interviews will be held on 25 September 2026.
- This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
- 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 20 September 2026.
