Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA/Aptamer Chemist

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA/Aptamer Chemist

Job Category: Faculty Non Bargaining Job Family Group: Academic Department: Research | Perrin Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science (David Perrin) Job End Date: October 31, 2027 Posting End Date: November 20, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000/annually.

University of British Columbia, Perrin Laboratory

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

• Applications for 12 months with possibility of extension. 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.

• 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 or contact the Center.