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?
You will be:
1. Exploring and characterising the molecular interaction of nitazenes with the mu opioid receptor.
2. Using cell signalling assays to quantitatively assess nitazene-induced activation of G protein subtypes or recruitment of arrestin proteins to the mu opioid receptor.
3. Developing and using ligand binding assays to determine the nature and kinetics of nitazene binding to mu opioid receptors.
4. Exploring the interaction of nitazenes with the mu opioid receptor and surrounding lipid membrane using in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.
5. 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.
6. Contributing significantly to laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, mentorship of junior researchers, and training as appropriate.
You should apply if
You are or have:
7. 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.
8. Significant experience in a range of in vitro cellular techniques including cell culture, BRET assays, ligand binding, and plasmid manipulation techniques.
9. Basic experience with in silico molecular modelling approaches and are eager to develop advanced expertise through further training.
10. Eager to contribute your own ideas to the experimental work to be undertaken and are enthusiastic about communicating and publishing your findings.