MSCA PhD Position: Molecular and Phenotypic Effects of β-Catenin Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer
Explore novel β-catenin inhibitors to disrupt Wnt signaling in colorectal cancer through molecular and phenotypic analysis.
Best for:Best for chemistry PhD candidates with expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, and a passion for translational cancer research.
Overview
This MSCA-funded PhD position at the University Medical Center Amsterdam focuses on investigating how β-catenin inhibitors influence Wnt signaling and transcriptional changes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Under the supervision of Dr. Nicolas Leveille, the project aims to validate the efficacy of novel inhibitors, assess their phenotypic and transcriptional impacts on CRC cell lines, and uncover β-catenin/RNA interactome alterations. The work integrates molecular biology, cell biology, and bioinformatics to develop potential therapeutic approaches for CRC and other cancers. The position is part of a broader training program targeting disordered protein interactions for therapeutic development. Applicants should have a strong background in chemistry or a related field and excellent English proficiency.
What you'll do
- Validate the function of novel β-catenin inhibitors using reporter systems (e.g., TOP-Flash, TOP-GFP) to monitor Wnt signaling changes.
- Assess phenotypic impacts of inhibitors on CRC cell lines, including clonogenicity, proliferation, and global transcriptional changes via GRO-seq.
- Investigate how β-catenin inhibitors influence β-catenin/RNA interactions and their role in nuclear condensate formation.
- Collaborate with other work packages to test β-catenin binders developed in parallel projects and refine inhibitor design.
- Contribute to the broader research program by providing functional readouts on Wnt-signaling inhibition.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency (equivalent to C1 level or higher)
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in molecular biology techniques (e.g., CRISPR, qPCR, Western blotting).
- Experience with cell culture and CRC cell line manipulation.
- Familiarity with reporter assays (e.g., TOP-Flash, TOP-GFP) and transcriptional profiling methods.
- Knowledge of bioinformatics tools for analyzing high-throughput sequencing data (e.g., GRO-seq).
- Strong laboratory skills in protein biochemistry and inhibitor screening.
- Open to EU and non-EU applicants (MSCA eligibility rules apply).
- No prior experience cap, but alignment with MSCA’s mobility rules (e.g., not having resided in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the last 3 years).
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Vienna)
Applicants must submit their application through the official MSCA Doctoral Network portal at the University Medical Center Amsterdam. Required documents include a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Additional project-specific requirements may apply, such as a research proposal or proof of English proficiency.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc + MSc)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if not from an English-speaking institution)
Contact
Nicolas Leveille· Principal Investigator/Supervisor
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