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 [email protected].

📌 Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA/Aptamer Chemist (Vancouver)
🏢 UBC The University of British Columbia
📍 Vancouver