Research Fellow (110016-0225)

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Bruno Frenguelli at b.g.frenguelli@warwick.ac.uk.

Funder: MRC

Title: UKRI535: Gα-selective Adenosine A1 Receptor Agonists as Novel Analgesics Devoid of Cardiorespiratory Depression

Funding: 36 months restricted to start by 01 July 2025

Project Dates: 01 July 2025 to 30 June 2028

We have discovered a novel painkilling mechanism activated by an unusual agonist of the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R). This agonist, BnOCPA, seems only to activate one of the six Gi/o Gα subunits that adenosine receptors can couple to – the Gob subunit. Since this subunit is found at low levels in the heart, BnOCPA does not affect blood pressure or heart rate, but still acts as a potent analgesic in a preclinical model of neuropathic pain.

In this project, funded by the MRC, we will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of BnOCPA and a related derivative, and test BnOCPA in neuropathic and inflammatory pain models.

About the research group

The project involves three labs at the University of Warwick (Frenguelli, Wall and Zhang). Each group brings specific expertise to the project and different aspects will be overseen as required.

The three groups are part of the Neuroscience Research Cluster in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University. We are a diverse group of neuroscientists who study a variety of physiological and pathological process occurring in the nervous system. Through in silico, molecular, cellular and whole animal approaches, we investigate fundamental properties of synaptic transmission and plasticity, the influence of pathogenic proteins, and the impact and mechanisms of stress, pain and epilepsy.

The labs are located in the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building (IBRB), a new £54m state-of-the-art research facility that combines cutting edge research infrastructure with award-winning architecture.

For more information about our lab visit: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/people/bfrenguelli/

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/people/mwall/

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/people/xzhang/

For details of the BnOCPA paper visit: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-31652-2     

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to present research finding at internal, local, national and international conferences.

About you

The successful applicant will have a PhD or equivalent in neuroscience or a related discipline, and with expertise in experimental studies of physiology, particularly, but not exclusively in electrophysiology (ideally patch-clamping) and/or the behavioural assessment of pain and analgesia.

We also welcome applications from people with a good experimental track record keen to learn new techniques.

Applicants should be proficient in experimental research and have a published track record to evidence this.

For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.

If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure. 

CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 11.55pm

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the Apply button.

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