Senior Research Associate in Molecular Pharmacology

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK educational institution in Bristol is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate nitazenes and their interactions with the mu opioid receptor. The role involves a combination of lab-based and in silico experiments aimed at understanding the pharmacology of synthetic opioids. Candidates should have a strong background in biochemistry, experience in in vitro techniques, and be eager to contribute to innovative research. This full-time position offers a salary of £43,482 - £50,253 per annum.

Qualifications

• Highly motivated and creative researcher.
• Significant experience in in vitro techniques.
• Basic experience with in silico molecular modelling.

Responsibilities

• Explore and characterise nitazenes' interaction with the mu opioid receptor.
• Use cell signalling assays for quantitative assessment.
• Develop ligand binding assays for nitazene binding kinetics.
• Conduct in silico molecular docking and dynamics simulations.
• Generate and analyse receptor mutants to explore receptor actions.
• Contribute to laboratory meetings and train junior researchers.

Skills

Experimental background in biochemistry

In vitro cellular techniques

Knowledge of GPCR pharmacology

In silico molecular modelling

Enthusiasm for publishing findings

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Cell culture

BRET assays

Ligand binding

Plasmid manipulation techniques

Job description

The role

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral researcher with a background in biochemistry, molecular pharmacology or a related field to join our Medical Research Council-funded project "Why are Nitazenes so dangerous and how can we ameliorate their harm?"

Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that are increasingly finding their way into the illegal drugs market in the UK. Like fentanyl, these compounds are extremely potent and pose a high risk as they can lead to overdose death due to respiratory depression. The basis for their very high potency remains unclear, and efforts to understand this will inform harm reduction strategies. The challenge is compounded by there being many different nitazene compounds, and it remains unclear whether individual nitazenes interact with opioid receptors differently or display varying levels of risk.

The focus of your research will be the actions of nitazenes at the mu opioid receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor. You will combine in vitro cell signalling assays and in silico molecular modelling to understand the interaction of nitazenes with opioid receptors at the molecular level.

What will you be doing?

• Exploring and characterising the molecular interaction of nitazenes with the mu opioid receptor.
• Using cell signalling assays to quantitatively assess nitazene-induced activation of G protein subtypes or recruitment of arrestin proteins to the mu opioid receptor.
• Developing and using ligand binding assays to determine the nature and kinetics of nitazene binding to mu opioid receptors.
• Exploring the interaction of nitazenes with the mu opioid receptor and surrounding lipid membrane using in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.
• On the basis of these in silico studies, generating and analysing receptor mutants in vitro to explore the role of defined receptor residues in the actions of different nitazenes.
• Contributing significantly to laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, mentorship of junior researchers, and training as appropriate.

You should apply if

• A motivated researcher with an experimental background in the field of biochemistry, molecular pharmacology, or a related area, and have knowledge of the field of GPCR pharmacology.
• Significant experience in a range of in vitro cellular techniques including cell culture, BRET assays, ligand binding, and plasmid manipulation techniques.
• Basic experience with in silico molecular modelling approaches and are eager to develop advanced expertise through further training.
• Eager to contribute your own ideas to the experimental work to be undertaken and are enthusiastic about communicating and publishing your findings.

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Eamonn Kelly, Professor of Molecular Pharmacology, [e-mail] or Dr Robin Corey, Lecturer, [e-mail]

Contract type: Open Ended with Fixed Funding until 31/08/2028

Work pattern: Full-time

Grade: J

Salary: £43,482 - £50,253 per annum

School/Unit: Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 9th November 2025

Interviews will take place on Monday 24th November 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.