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

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.

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.

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…