Research Fellow (110016-0226)

University of Warwick - School of Life Sciences

Research Fellow Post 110016

Gibbet Hill University of Warwick

Fixed Term Full Time 1.0 FTE 36.5 hours per week

Funding is for 30 months with the possibility of an extension if funding allows. Project is restricted to end by 31/07/2028

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

KEYWORDS: – adenosine, pain, analgesia

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

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to b.g.frenguelli@warwick.ac.uk

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.

CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 16th March 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

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.