MSCA-Doctoral Network PhD Position: Peptidic β-Catenin Ligands for Restoring Aberrant Cell Differentiation
Explore innovative peptidic ligands to restore aberrant cell differentiation via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in a multidisciplinary PhD project.
Best for:Best for chemistry graduates or biologists with a master’s degree, keen on drug discovery, peptide chemistry, and cell biology, seeking a funded PhD in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research project.
Overview
This MSCA-funded PhD position at the University of Luxembourg focuses on developing peptidic β-catenin ligands to correct aberrant cell differentiation, a key factor in developmental disorders and cancer. Under the supervision of Prof. Daniel Abankwa, the project combines chemical biology, cell biology, and drug discovery to investigate how these ligands modulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in C2C12 myoblast cells. The work involves designing and testing peptide-based therapies, developing BRET-biosensors for intracellular protein-protein interaction analysis, and contributing to a broader drug discovery pipeline. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in chemistry or a related field and excellent English proficiency. The position is part of a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network, offering a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
What you'll do
- Develop and test peptidic β-catenin ligands to restore aberrant cell differentiation in C2C12 myoblast cells.
- Design and validate BRET-biosensors to measure intracellular protein-protein interactions within the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
- Conduct experiments to assess the impact of peptidic ligands on cell signaling, localization, and differentiation processes.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize peptide ligands and integrate findings into broader drug discovery pipelines.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to the overall research program by providing feedback on designed peptide ligands.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency (no specific test score mentioned)
Instruction: English
- Proven research experience in chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology (1-4 years).
- Strong laboratory skills, including peptide synthesis, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques.
- Experience with biochemical assays and protein interaction studies.
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency.
- Open to EU and non-EU candidates under MSCA eligibility rules (e.g., mobility rule: not having resided in Luxembourg for more than 12 months in the last 3 years).
- Applicants must not have completed a PhD degree.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Vienna)
Applicants must submit their application through the official PhD recruitment portal of the University of Luxembourg. The application should include a CV, a cover letter, a research statement, and academic transcripts. Three reference letters may also be required. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the provided external link.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Research statement or project proposal
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Proof of English proficiency (if not a native speaker)
- Three reference letters (preferably academic)
Contact
Daniel Abankwa· Supervisor
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