Georg August University Göttingen (Germany)
Project Title: Semi-synthesis of site-specifically modified β-catenin protein variants

Objectives: 

1. Generate unique labeled β-catenin variants for binding assays. 

2. Explore the dynamics of β-catenin N- and C-terminal IDRs using. 

3. Understand the effects of PTMs on β-catenin binding interactions.

Project Overview: Although full-length β-catenin has been expressed recombinantly, these constructs lack post-translational modifications (PTM). In this project, synthetic peptides corresponding to the N- or C-terminal IDRs of β-catenin will be furnished with site-specific modifications, including PTMs, bioorthogonal handles and small fluorescent probes. Using selective bioconjugation strategiesi these will be ligated to β-catenin fragments expressed recombinantly. The resulting site-specifically modified β-catenin variants will then be used by collaborators for screening of binders, proteomics pull-down assays and/or condensate formation assays. The ability to site-specifically install small-molecule FRET labels will also allow us to study the in vitro dynamics of the flexible N- and C-terminal IDRs by precisely placing the labels at different distances to measure compaction and cis-interactions. Contribution to the overall research program: Provides unique access to site-specifically modified full-length β-catenin variants and new insights into dynamics of the IDR region that complement structural biology studies.

Skills and research profile: Protein expression and prurification, bioconjugation and protein characterization

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: TU Wien; Supervisor: Dr. Anne Conibear; Length: 2+2 months

Purpose: Synthesis of modified peptides

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.