Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA​/Aptamer Chemist

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 ()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.

Final date to receive applications:
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 CVCover Letter Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

Equity and Diversity StatementUBC 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…