Georg August University Göttingen (Germany)

Project Title: Structure-based design of novel peptide-derived β-catenin inhibitors

Objectives: 

1. Identify of hot spots in peptide binders. 

2. Constrain the bioactive conformation to obtain high-affinity binders. 

3. Identify peptidomimetics with the ability to inhibit Wnt signaling in cell-based assays.

Project Overview: Using different peptide sequences as starting points truncation studies will be performed initially to identify the core binding region using fluorescence polarization assays as readout. Peptides will be obtained using solid-phase synthesis. The interaction of the most interesting candidates with β-catenin will be further characterized (e.g. via ITC), and structural elucidation of peptide/β-catenin complexes will be carried out by protein X-ray crystallography. Expression of the required β-catenin constructs is established. Core-peptide sequences will serve as the starting point for peptidomimetic design, employing intramolecular crosslinks to stabilize their bioactive confirmation. The resulting modified peptides, will be tested in cell-based reporter gene assays to assess their inhibitory effect on the Wnt signaling pathway. Best performing candidates will be further analyzed regarding their binding profile. Contribution to the overall research program: Provision of a set of specific and affinity-matured peptide binders to β-catenin.

Skills and research profile: Experience with peptide or organic synthesis and the handling of proteins in biochemical assays.

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: Host: University of Sussex; Supervisor: Dr Rhys Morgan; Length: 3 months.

Purpose: Testing cellular safety and toxicity.

Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s): Georg August University Göttingen (Prof. Grossmann)

How to apply:
Applications are exclusively accepted through the Recruitment Portal (https://phdrecruiting.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.