Publisher
source

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

MSCA Doctoral Network PhD position: Computational design of novel β-catenin binders The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biochemistry

Funding

Available

Deadline

Oct 31, 2026

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Country

Israel

University

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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Keywords

Biochemistry
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Deep Learning
Biology
Structural Biology
Molecular Modeling
Protein-protein Interaction
Post-translational Modification

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About this position

MSCA Doctoral Network PhD opportunity at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in the project Computational design of novel β-catenin binders.

This PhD position is part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network FlexCAT (Grant Agreement No. 101311592). The project focuses on the computational design of state-specific binders for β-catenin, with the goal of precisely tuning β-catenin-mediated regulation. The research combines structural modeling, machine learning-guided protein design, peptide docking, and binder optimization for structured armadillo repeats and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in β-catenin.

The project aims to develop high-affinity, specific binders that can be used to probe and modulate β-catenin function in disease-relevant contexts. Approaches mentioned include cutting-edge ML-based design methods such as Bindcraft, Bindcraft2, BoltzGen, Frame2Seq, RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, and PatchMAN, alongside experimental validation through ITC, arrays, and structural characterization performed with network partners.

The position is hosted by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Jerusalem, Israel, with doctoral enrolment at HUJ (Schueler-Furman). A planned secondment is listed at JMU with Dr. Hans Maric for two months, focusing on screens using non-canonical amino acids to broaden peptidic binder diversity.

Funding is provided for three years through the MSCA-DN project and includes a competitive salary with a Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance, and, if applicable, a Family Allowance, subject to taxation and social security contributions.

Eligibility highlights: applicants of any nationality may apply; candidates must hold or soon complete a science Master’s degree, must not already hold a PhD, must meet MSCA mobility rules, and should have excellent English (minimum B2). The ideal profile includes a background in structural modelling and design using deep learning tools, plus a strong interest in integrating computation and experiment.

Application window: applications open on 15 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews, with decisions expected in mid-December 2026 and the start date between January and March 2027.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants of any nationality are welcome. Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree and must hold or soon complete a science Master’s degree with excellent results, meeting admission requirements for the host doctoral programme. For MSCA eligibility, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the recruiting beneficiary’s country for more than 12 months during the 36 months before recruitment. Excellent spoken and written English (minimum B2 level) is required, along with strong motivation for multidisciplinary international doctoral research, hands-on experimental work, mandatory secondments, publication, conference presentation, and project dissemination. The specific project seeks a candidate with a background in structural modelling and design using deep learning tools, a strong interest in combining computation with experiment, and a collaborative spirit.

How to apply

Apply exclusively through the recruitment portal at https://phdrecruiting.medunigraz.at/. Submit the motivation statement for the selected DC project, detailed CV and publication list if applicable, BSc/MSc diplomas and academic transcripts/supplements, and contact details for two referees. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.

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