PhD Position: Investigating Posttranslational Modifications in β-Catenin Interactions
Explore the role of site-specific posttranslational modifications in β-catenin regulation through protein chemistry and structural biology.
Best for:Best for master’s graduates in chemistry, chemical biology, or related fields with hands-on lab experience in peptide synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, or protein expression.
Overview
This PhD position within the MSCA Doctoral Network FlexCAT at the Technical University of Vienna focuses on unravelling the regulatory mechanisms of β-catenin through posttranslational modifications (PTMs). The project combines protein chemistry, structural biology, and biochemical assays to generate and characterize semi-synthetic β-catenin variants bearing site-specific PTMs. The research aims to elucidate how these modifications influence β-catenin interactions and degradation, offering potential insights for therapeutic interventions. The candidate will collaborate with experts in protein synthesis, structural biology, and expression, including a 3-month secondment at the University of Göttingen. This interdisciplinary project bridges chemistry, biochemistry, and structural biology, with a strong emphasis on innovative experimental techniques.
What you'll do
- Generate semi-synthetic β-catenin intrinsically disordered region (IDR) variants bearing site-specific posttranslational modifications (PTMs).
- Characterize the conformational properties and interaction dynamics of modified β-catenin variants using NMR spectroscopy and biochemical assays.
- Conduct structural and functional analyses of modified β-catenin to determine critical PTMs for regulation and interaction with binding partners.
- Collaborate with structural biology experts to perform X-ray crystallography and binding assays during a 3-month secondment at the University of Göttingen.
- Contribute to the broader research program by providing unique access to site-specifically modified β-catenin variants for structural and binding studies.
- Engage in scientific communication and public outreach to disseminate research findings.
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to integrate protein chemistry, structural biology, and biochemical techniques.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent diploma in chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency (equivalent to C1 level).
Instruction: English
- Ability to conduct laboratory experimental work and data analysis with precision and responsibility.
- Experience in peptide synthesis and characterization (e.g., HPLC, MALDI-TOF).
- Familiarity with NMR spectroscopy of peptides/proteins.
- Proficiency in protein expression and purification techniques.
- Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, studies) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date (MSCA mobility rule).
- Applicants must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Vienna)
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the TU Wien Recruitment Portal. The required documents include a motivation statement for the selected doctoral project, a detailed CV with publication list (if applicable), BSc/MSc diplomas and academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online pre-interviews and final interviews.
- Motivation statement for selected DC projects
- Detailed CV with publication list (if applicable)
- BSc and MSc diplomas and academic transcripts/supplements
- Contact details for two referees
Contact
FlexCAT MSCA Doctoral Network· Recruitment Coordinator
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