Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA/Aptamer Chemist
ubc · UBC Vancouver Campus - Vancouver, BC, Canada · On-site
Pay: CAD 55,000 – 65,000 a year
Posted Sep 24, 2026
Sign up free: we match you to jobs like this, tailor your application and fill the form. 2 free applications every day.
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 (https://perrin.chem.ubc.ca/)
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.
Deadline to Apply: 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…