Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA/Aptamer Chemist

Job summary

Design, synthesize, modify, purify, and characterize DNA aptamers and functionalized oligonucleotides, including systematic studies to improve aptamer affinity, selectivity, and stability. Quantify aptamer-protein interactions, conjugate aptamers to imaging or therapeutic payloads, and collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers on translational prostate cancer research.

Job details

Academic Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining Job Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA/Aptamer Chemist Department Research | Perrin Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science (David Perrin) Posting End Date October 23, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date October 31, 2027 The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000/annually. University of British Columbia, Perrin Laboratory (https://perrin.chem.ubc.ca/) We are seeking a highly motivated DNA/Aptamer Chemist to join a multidisciplinary research team developing nucleic acid-based targeting agents to treat prostate cancer. The successful candidate will focus on the design, synthesis, modification and biophysical characterization of DNA aptamers. This position would be particularly well suited to a chemist or chemical biologist interested in applying nucleic acid chemistry to translational cancer research. Responsibilities Design and synthesis of DNA aptamers and modified oligonucleotides. Solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and quality control. Chemical modification and functionalization of DNA, including incorporation of linkers, fluorophores, chelators and other functional groups. Purification and analytical characterization using HPLC, LC-MS and related approaches. Systematic structure-function studies using nucleotide substitutions, truncations and chemical modifications. Development of aptamers with improved affinity, selectivity and stability. Quantitative characterization of aptamer-protein interactions using biochemical and biophysical approaches. Conjugation of aptamers to imaging or therapeutic payloads. Collaboration with protein biochemists, molecular biologists, structural biologists and imaging scientists. Qualifications Candidates should have a PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry or a closely related field. Candidates must have demonstrated experience i.e. published work in several of the following areas: Oligonucleotide/DNA chemistry Solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis Nucleic acid modification and conjugation Aptamer development or SELEX Protein-ligand binding assays Bioanalytic skill including techniques such as SPR, BLI, MST, ITC, HPLC and LC-MS Structure-function analysis of nucleic acids Nucleic acid-protein interactions Work Location: The primary work location is the UBC Vancouver Campus Application Process: Seeking full-time PDF for 12 months with the possibility of extension. Deadline to Apply: Applications will be reviewed so long as the job posting is live. Experience with radiochemistry, chelator chemistry, structural biology or therapeutic oligonucleotide development would be an asset but is not required. We are looking for someone with strong experimental skills who can independently design and troubleshoot experiments, develop new chemical and biochemical approaches, and work effectively within a collaborative multidisciplinary research environment. We kindly request that you not send follow-up emails inquiring as to the status of your application. Applicants who do not have demonstrated skills in the above skill set, we may not take further action on your application. Successful candidates will be retained for an interview by zoom/teams. Please submit the following documents in your application: A CV Cover Letter Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada. Equity and Diversity Statement UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration. If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-ordisability/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.

What you’ll do

Design, synthesize, modify, purify, and characterize DNA aptamers and functionalized oligonucleotides, including systematic studies to improve aptamer affinity, selectivity, and stability. Quantify aptamer-protein interactions, conjugate aptamers to imaging or therapeutic payloads, and collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers on translational prostate cancer research.

Requirements

A PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field is required, along with published experience in several relevant areas such as oligonucleotide chemistry, aptamer development, binding assays, or nucleic acid-protein interactions. Candidates should have strong experimental skills and be able to independently design and troubleshoot experiments while working effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Listed skills

• collaborative · Preferred
• Analytical · Preferred
• Recruitment · Preferred
• assessment · Preferred
• analysis · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Health · Preferred
• responsibility · Preferred
• Process · Preferred
• Development · Preferred
• Time · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• DNA Aptamer Design
• Solid-Phase Oligonucleotide Synthesis
• Oligonucleotide Purification
• DNA Chemical Modification
• Oligonucleotide Conjugation
• HPLC
• LC-MS
• Aptamer Development
• SELEX
• Protein-Ligand Binding Assays
• SPR
• BLI
• MST
• ITC
• Nucleic Acid Structure-Function Analysis
• Nucleic Acid-Protein Interaction Analysis

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Education
• Healthcare

More jobs from The University of British Columbia