Apply now for our Board Chair
Chair of the Quadram Institute Bioscience Board of Trustees
The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of the new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health. Situated in Norwich Research Park, the Institute combines excellent patient care and clinical research from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital alongside the Quadram Institute’s scientific expertise in food, nutrition, and health.
The Quadram Institute was established in 2017 and has blossomed into an internationally recognised research centre at the forefront of food and health research. Led by its Director and CEO, Professor Daniel Figeys, Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) is strategically supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) of UK Research and Innovation. Through partnership with the BBSRC, the University of East Anglia (UEA), and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), the Institute delivers world-leading expertise in food science, microbiology, bioinformatics, and clinical research.
The QIB Board of Trustees is now seeking to appoint a new Chair to succeed Dr Celia Caulcott, who will step down from the Board in 2027 having played a pivotal role in the development, growth, and success of the Quadram Institute since 2020. This is an exciting opportunity as Chair to have a significant impact on the Institute as it enters a phase of significant growth and increased global impact.
What we're looking for
We are seeking an established scientific leader, with proven experience and capabilities to serve as Chair of the QIB Board of Trustees. The Chair will play an important leadership role, working closely with the Institute Director and the Board of Trustees to ensure the effective delivery of QIB’s mission and ambition, whilst ensuring its financial sustainability.
The Chair will foster constructive relationships with and between the Trustees, the Institute Director, and the wider Executive Board, ensuring a culture of collaboration and constructive challenge.
As a key ambassador for the Institute, the Chair will represent and champion QIB nationally and internationally and will build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders from the UK Government, UKRI and other organisations as appropriate.
Prior experience as Chair of an organisation of similar scale and complexity is essential. Alongside scientific leadership experience and an understanding of the UK research funding environment, candidates will be expected to bring an understanding and experience of commercial research.
Candidates will also be expected to bring demonstrable experience of engaging effectively with and influencing a diversity of senior stakeholders.
Experience of following the Charity Governance Code (or equivalent) is essential, as well as an understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The successful candidate will be passionate about the mission of QIB and will have the capacity to make a commitment of 15-20 days per annum to prepare for and attend quarterly Board meetings.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon GMT on Monday 11th May 2026.
To express an interest or for more information please contact Dr Graham Little at McLean Partnership, via email at QIB@McLeanPartnership.com.
The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
A Candidate Pack with a full Job Specification can be downloaded here:
Contact information
Dr Graham Little, Partner
Email: grahamlittle@mcleanpartnership.com
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 197 898
