Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA/Aptamer Chemist

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia in Vancouver invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow — DNA/Aptamer Chemist to join the Perrin Lab on a 12-month full-time appointment with potential extension. The role focuses on design, synthesis and biophysical characterization of DNA aptamers for translational cancer research.

Candidates should hold a PhD in chemistry or related field and have experience in oligonucleotide chemistry, aptamer development and biophysical assays; radiochemistry

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry or closely related field.
• Experience in oligonucleotide/DNA chemistry and aptamer development.
• Biophysical and analytical skills including HPLC/LC-MS.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid modifications and conjugation.
• Experience with protein-ligand binding assays and structure-function analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesis of DNA aptamers and modified oligonucleotides.
• Solid‑phase oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and QC.
• Chemical modification and functionalization of DNA (linkers, fluorophores, chelators).
• Purification and analytical characterization using HPLC, LC‑MS.
• Structure‑function studies via substitutions, truncations, modifications.
• Develop aptamers with improved affinity, selectivity and stability.
• Quantitative characterization of aptamer‑protein interactions.
• Conjugation of aptamers to imaging/therapeutic payloads.
• Collaborate with biochemists, molecular biologists & imaging scientists.

Skills

DNA aptamer chemistry

Oligonucleotide/DNA chemistry

Nucleic acid modification and conjugat

Aptamer development or SELEX

Protein-ligand binding assays

Bioanalytic skill (SPR, BLI, MST, ITC,

Nucleic acid-protein interactions

Structure-function analysis of nucleic

Education

PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry or a closely related field

Tools

SPR

BLI

MST

ITC

HPLC

LC-MS

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow — DNA/Aptamer Chemist

Academic Job Category: Faculty Non Bargaining

Posting End Date: October 23, 2026

Job End Date: October 31, 2027

Pay: $55,000 - $65,000/annually

Employer: University of British Columbia, Perrin Laboratory (https://perrin.chem.ubc.ca/)

Department: Research | Perrin Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science (David Perrin)

Work Location: The primary work location is the UBC Vancouver Campus

Contract: Full-time PDF for 12 months with possibility of extension

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

• PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience (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
• Experience with radiochemistry, chelator chemistry, structural biology or therapeutic oligonucleotide development is an asset, but is not required.

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 [e-mail].