Postdoctoral Research Fellow - DNA/Aptamer Chemist

About the role

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.

Key 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.

Required profile

• PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience (published work) in oligonucleotide/DNA chemistry, solid‑phase synthesis, nucleic acid modification, aptamer development or SELEX, and protein‑ligand binding assays.
• Experience with bioanalytic techniques such as SPR, BLI, MST, ITC, HPLC and LC‑MS.
• Ability to perform structure‑function analysis of nucleic acids and study nucleic acid‑protein interactions.

Required skills

• Oligonucleotide/DNA chemistry
• Solid‑phase oligonucleotide synthesis
• Nucleic acid modification and conjugation
• Aptamer development / SELEX
• Protein‑ligand binding assays
• Bioanalytic techniques (SPR, BLI, MST, ITC, HPLC, LC‑MS)
• Structure‑function analysis of nucleic acids
• Nucleic acid‑protein interaction studies