PhD Position: Discovery and Profiling of Novel β-Catenin Binders
Explore novel β-catenin binding mechanisms through experimental screening and computational analysis in a Marie Curie-funded project.
Best for:Best for chemistry graduates with experience in peptide/organic synthesis, protein handling, and biochemical assays, seeking a multidisciplinary PhD in biochemistry and computational biology.
Overview
This PhD position at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU) focuses on discovering and characterizing novel β-catenin binders, a key component of Wnt signaling. The project combines experimental screening using peptide microarrays, biochemical assays, and mutational scanning with computational modeling to define binding motifs and specificity determinants. Successful candidates will contribute to identifying new strategies for targeting aberrant Wnt signaling, with a planned secondment to integrate experimental data into predictive models. The position is part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network FlexCAT and offers a competitive salary, mobility allowance, and family allowance where applicable.
What you'll do
- Conduct high-density peptide microarray screening to identify novel β-catenin binders from predicted and computationally designed sequences.
- Validate and characterize hits using competition assays and residue-level mutational scanning to define binding motifs and specificity determinants.
- Determine how β-catenin post-translational modifications (PTMs) affect recognition and binding affinity.
- Collaborate with WP3 and WP4 for further characterization of selected binders and integrate experimental data into predictive models during a 4-month secondment.
- Contribute to the development of new strategies for targeting aberrant Wnt signaling pathways.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency (equivalent to IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 90+)
Instruction: English
- Experience with peptide or organic synthesis
- Protein handling and biochemical interaction assays
- Familiarity with peptide microarray techniques
- Basic knowledge of sequence-activity relationship (SAR) analysis
- Excellent proficiency in English
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Research experience between 1 to 4 years is preferred.
- Open to applicants from any nationality, but must comply with MSCA mobility rules (no prior residency in Germany for more than 12 months in the last 3 years).
- Applicants must not have completed a doctoral degree.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Vienna)
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the JMU PhD Recruitment Portal. Required documents include a motivation statement for the selected DC projects, a detailed CV, publication list (if applicable), BSc/MSc diplomas and academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews, following MSCA’s open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment principles.
- Motivation statement for selected DC projects
- Detailed CV
- Publication list (if applicable)
- BSc/MSc diplomas and academic transcripts
- Contact details for two referees
Contact
FlexCAT Recruitment Committee· Recruitment Contact
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