Job Description
Job Summary
Location: University of Warwick
Contract: 36 months, full-time
Funding: MRC (Medical Research Council)
Start Date: No later than 1 July 2025
Project Duration: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028
Closing Date: Wednesday 12 March 2025, 11:55 PM
Project Overview
This MRC-funded project focuses on a novel pain-relief mechanism activated by BnOCPA, an unusual adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) agonist. Unlike conventional A1R agonists, BnOCPA selectively activates the Gob subunit of the Gi/o Gα family, which is minimally expressed in the heart. This unique selectivity enables potent analgesic effects without causing cardiorespiratory depression.
The project will:
- Investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of BnOCPA and its derivatives.
- Test BnOCPA in neuropathic and inflammatory pain models.
Research Environment
The successful candidate will work across three leading neuroscience labs at the University of Warwick (Frenguelli, Wall, and Zhang groups), housed in the state-of-the-art Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building (IBRB). These labs specialize in synaptic transmission, pain physiology, stress, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders.
For more details:
- Frenguelli Lab: warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/people/bfrenguelli
- Wall Lab: warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/people/mwall
- Zhang Lab: warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/people/xzhang
Relevant publication: Nature Communications (2022)
About You
You should have:
- A PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience or a related field.
- Experience in pain physiology, molecular neuroscience, or a relevant biomedical field.
- Strong ability to conduct independent experimental research.
- A passion for working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
Professional Development & Opportunities
- Present findings at national and international conferences.
- Engage with Warwick’s Neuroscience Research Cluster.
- Work in a dynamic, world-class research facility with opportunities for networking and skill development.
Informal Enquiries
For more information, contact Professor Bruno Frenguelli at b.g.frenguelli@warwick.ac.uk.
To Apply: Visit the University of Warwick’s job portal and click “Apply”.