MSCA Doctoral Network PhD position: Semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin protein variants

Organisation/Company Georg August University Göttingen Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 31 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Vienna) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

Yes

Georg August University Göttingen (Germany)
Project

Title:

Semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin protein variants

Objectives:

1. Generate unique labeled β-catenin variants for binding assays.

2. Explore the dynamics of β-catenin N- and C-terminal IDRs using.

3. Understand the effects of PTMs on β-catenin binding interactions.

Project Overview:
Although full-length β-catenin has been expressed recombinantly, these constructs lack post-translational modifications (PTM). In this project, synthetic peptides corresponding to the N- or C-terminal IDRs of β-catenin will be furnished with site-specific modifications, including PTMs, bioorthogonal handles and small fluorescent probes. Using selective bioconjugation strategiesi these will be ligated to β-catenin fragments expressed recombinantly. The resulting site-specifically modified β-catenin variants will then be used by collaborators for screening of binders, proteomics pull-down assays and/or condensate formation assays.

The ability to site-specifically install small-molecule FRET labels will also allow us to study the in vitro dynamics of the flexible N- and C-terminal IDRs by precisely placing the labels at different distances to measure compaction and cis-interactions. Contribution to the overall research program:
Provides unique access to site-specifically modified full-length β-catenin variants and new insights into dynamics of the IDR region that complement structural biology studies.

Skills and research profile:
Protein expression and prurification, bioconjugation and protein characterization

Salary:
The position is funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA-DN project FlexCAT (Grant Agreement No. ) for three years. The selected candidate will be offered a competitive salary comprising a Living Allowance (adjusted by the country correction coefficient), a Mobility Allowance, and, if applicable, a Family Allowance. All allowances are subject to applicable social security contributions and taxation.

Planned secondment:
Host: TU Wien;
Supervisor:
Dr. Anne Conibear;
Length: 2+2 months

Purpose:

Synthesis of modified peptides

Key dates:

• Applications open: 15 September 2026
• Applications close: 31 October 2026
• Online pre-interviews: early November 2026
• Final interviews: late November/early December 2026
• Decisions and offers: mid-December 2026
• Start:
  January 2027 – March 2027

Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply. To be eligible for recruitment as an MSCA Doctoral Candidate, applicants must fulfil the following criteria at the date of recruitment:

• Education – you do not hold a doctoral degree and hold (or will shortly complete) a science Master’s degree (see individual project requirements), with excellent results, qualifying you for admission to the doctoral program of the respective host institution. The successful candidate must fulfil the admission requirements of the respective doctoral programme and will be enrolled in a doctoral programme during the project.
• Mobility - you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in recruiting beneficiary’s country for more than 12 months during the 36 months before your recruitment. Compulsory national service,…