JMU Würzburg

Project Title: Discovery and profiling of novel β-catenin binders

Objectives: 

1. Screen predicted endogenous and computationally designed β-catenin binders in microarray format. 

2. Validate and map hits by competition assays and systematic mutational scanning. 

3. Define sequence requirements for β-catenin binding and determine how β-catenin PTMs affect recognition.

Project Overview: β-Catenin is a central interaction hub in Wnt signaling, but additional endogenous binders and the sequence determinants governing their recognition likely remain undiscovered. This project will systematically screen putative and predicted β-catenin-binding sequences using high-density microarrays. Initial screening will include the central armadillo-repeat domain of β-catenin as well as modified β-catenin variants provided by WP3 and computationally designed binders from WP5. Validated hits will be characterized by competition assays and residue-level mutational scanning to define binding motifs, specificity determinants, and PTM-dependent effects. Selected binders will be forwarded to WP3 and WP4 for further characterization, while experimentally derived sequence–activity relationships will provide feedback for improving prediction and binder design in WP5. The project aims to identify novel β-catenin interactions and binding principles that may enable new strategies for targeting aberrant Wnt signaling. Contribution to the overall research program: Provides experimental screening and sequence–activity mapping of predicted β-catenin binders and guides selection of candidates for synthesis and downstream characterization.

Skills and research profile: Experience with peptide or organic synthesis, protein handling, and biochemical or biophysical interaction assays. Experience with peptide microarrays and SAR analysis advantageous.

Salary: The position is funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA-DN project FlexCAT (Grant Agreement No. 101311592) 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: 1. Host: HZM; Supervisor: Dr. Iva Pritisanac; Length: 4 months.
Purpose: Bioinformatic profiling of β-catenin binders and integration of experimental sequence–activity data into predictive models.
Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s): JMU Würzburg (Maric)

How to apply:
Applications are exclusively accepted through the Recruitment Portal (https://phd-recruiting.medunigraz.at/). The required information is specified in the recruitment portal and comprises:
• Motivation statement for selected DC projects
• Detailed CV; publication list if applicable
• BSc/MSc diplomas and academic transcripts/supplements
• Contact details for two referees

Applications will be assessed for eligibility and scientific/academic quality. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. The final selection will follow the open, transparent and merit-based recruitment principles of MSCA.

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

Data protection statement
The personal data you provide as part of your application will be processed for the purposes necessary to administer the recruitment and selection process for the Doctoral Candidate position(s) for which you apply within the FlexCAT Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN). Access to your application will be restricted to individuals directly involved in the recruitment and selection process, including the recruiting beneficiary, members of the selection committee, and, where necessary, authorised representatives of the FlexCAT consortium. Personal data will be processed in accordance with the applicable data-protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), and the privacy policies of the recruiting beneficiary. Statistics for project reporting will be provided in anonymised or appropriately aggregated form.