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

Term: Semester
Type: Research
Major discipline: Biology, Biomedicine / Biotechnology
Related discipline: Chemistry / Biochemistry, Pre-Medicine / Health Science
Available: Fall, Spring
Location: Copenhagen
Credits: 6

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.

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.

Please note: This course will require a lot of reading in the beginning of the semester in order to understand the fundamentals of the research.

Selected relevant publications:

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 on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

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.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: 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, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic

Project details

Prerequisites

Additional application required

Faculty

Christian Code

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?