Research Fellow (110016-0226)

Location

University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department

School of Life Sciences

Position Type

Fixed Term

Duration

36 month Fixed-term contract until 30th June 2028

Salary

£35,608 to £46,049 per annum

About the Role

Research Fellow Post 110016

Gibbet Hill University of Warwick

Fixed Term 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.frenguelliwarwick.ac.uk

Funder: MRC

Title: UKRI535: G?-selective adenosine A1 receptor agonists as novel analgesics devoid of cardiorespiratory depression

KEYWORDS: - a denosine, 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 G? 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: ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwarwick.ac.uk%2Ffac%2Fsci%2Flifesci%2Fpeople%2Fbfrenguelli%2F&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwarwick.ac.uk%2Ffac%2Fsci%2Flifesci%2Fpeople%2Fbfrenguelli%2F&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/­lifesci/people/­bfrenguelli/

?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwarwick.ac.uk%2Ffac%2Fsci%2Flifesci%2Fpeople%2Fmwall%2F&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwarwick.ac.uk%2Ffac%2Fsci%2Flifesci%2Fpeople%2Fmwall%2F&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/­sci/lifesci/­people/mwall/

?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwarwick.ac.uk%2Ffac%2Fsci%2Flifesci%2Fpeople%2Fxzhang%2F&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwarwick.ac.uk%2Ffac%2Fsci%2Flifesci%2Fpeople%2Fxzhang%2F&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/­sci/lifesci/­people/xzhang/

For details of the BnOCPA paper visit:

?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41467-022-31652-2&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41467-022-31652-2&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.nature.com/articles/­s41467-022-31652-2

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to b.g.frenguelliwarwick.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.

About You

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure.

Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure, unless exceptional experience applies to warrant a higher salary.

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 details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About the Department

School of Life Sciences

For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website at

?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.warwick.ac.uk%2Ffac%2Fsci%2Flifesci&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.warwick.ac.uk%2Ffac%2Fsci%2Flifesci&module=jobs&id=304340" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/­sci/lifesci

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent environment; this ethic has enabled us to gain an Athena SWAN Silver award.

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited by this role, we encourage you to apply, even if your past experience does not match exactly.

We also encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics.

About the University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/ .

* World University Ranking 2024 , Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

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

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline.

Applications should include a CV and a covering letter expressing the reasons for your interest in this post.

Within this information you should demonstrate how you meet the requirements of this role by specific reference to each of the essential, and where applicable, desirable criteria detailed in the person specification.

This information will be used in the shortlisting process and without this evidence we may not be able to shortlist your application.

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential requirements we may not be able to shortlist your application.

In your application, you can also include any career breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave, part-time work, secondments) or any periods where you were unable or restricted to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: 1st July 2025

Please note a pplication forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here .

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer .

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick .

Find out more about our awards and accreditations .

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance .

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description

JD Research Fellow (110016).pdf - 217KB

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.