Research Assistant in Pain Research

Vacancy Reference Number: 110024-0225 - RA

Closing Date: 12 Mar 2025

Salary: £30,505 to £33,882 per annum

Address: School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry

Duration: 36 Months

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.

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 processes 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.

The successful applicant will have an undergraduate degree, PhD, or equivalent in neuroscience or a related discipline. Candidates should ideally have a background in pain physiology or a related biomedical track record, and be capable of independently conducting experimental research studies.