Research Assistant: Development of Novel Aptamers for Therapeutic and/or Diagnostic Purposes

Introduction to the topic

Dianox develops novel oligonucleotides called chemical antibodies or aptamers that can bind to proteins, small molecules, or cells with high affinity. We have developed a proprietary database and machine learning platform to create new aptamers that can bind to different targets.

You should expect to spend a lot of time reading in the beginning of the session in order to understand the fundamentals of the research.

Project details

The research project will encompass binding of aptamers to surface proteins related to cancer.

The Research Assistant will test these aptamers using fluorescence and other techniques on proteins or cancer cells lines. Over the course of the term, the Research Assistant will do weekly one-pagers and finalize the project by writing up a research paper.

Research Assistantship Hours

You will spend 180 hours directly engaged in research, together with 20 hours in co-curricular activities, during your RAship.

Field Studies: Culture & Language

As a co-curricular complement to your summer research, you will meet every Wednesday, together with faculty from the DIS European Humanities program, for a 6-week introduction to culture and language in Copenhagen.

Jahromi BR, Zamorin, V, Code C, Netti E, Laaskso A, Tulamo R, Niemelä M (2022). E-149 Contrast labeled immunoliposomes for detecting rupture prone aneurysms. Brain and Spine (2). http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/neurintsurg-2022-SNIS.260
da Silva AG, Goulart L, Loffler P, Code C, Neves Al (2022). Development of a Molecular Aptamer Beacon Applied to Magnetic-Assisted RNA Extraction for Detection of Dengue and Zika Viruses Using Clinical Samples. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (22). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232213866

Prerequisites

One year of biology and one year of biochemistry at university level.

Additional application required

You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.

All application materials must be submitted by 23:59 Central European Time on March 15.

Complete your application through Student Registration.

Faculty

Christian Code

Faculty

Scientist with 10+ years of experience in developing new biotechnology products. Developed three marketed liposomal cancer drugs. Worked with a number of biophysical tools from fluorescence to mass spectrometry. His research has namely been with lipids (lipid protein, lipid-lipid, lipid oligonucleotide, drug) interactions. Currently, he is researching aptamers as novel therapeutics.PhD. (Biophysics, Aalto University, 2013). MSc. (Biochemistry, University of Helsinki 2010). BSc. (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, 2003). : Chief Technology Officer, Dianox APS, 2018-present. With DIS since 2023.

More information about your Research Assistantship

Learn more about the Labs, Research, and Practicums Summer Session.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters and various points of the research process, so not all Research Assistants on the same project will conduct the same research.

: This varies from project to project, but work generally takes place outside of DIS in labs in located throughout Copenhagen or Stockholm.

: Summer Research Assistantships are designed for highly motivated students who have a strong background within the field of interest and some basic research experience, as you will spend much of your summer session

engaging in hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic

Project details

View selected relevant publications

Prerequisites

Additional application required

Faculty

Christian Code

More information about your Research Assistantship

Will I publish a research paper?

What part of the research process will I assist with?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for a Research Assistantship?